The announcement of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has brought a wave of optimism for Samsung fans, with numerous issues being addressed in this new iteration of their foldable flagship. From a revamped design to a more durable hinge and a stronger camera setup, Samsung is clearly listening to its users. However, despite these improvements, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has one notable change that may raise some eyebrows – the absence of the S Pen.
This decision, although surprising to some, is actually a smart move for Samsung’s foldable future.
The Z Fold 7’s design is sleeker, sporting premium materials all around, and the hinge seems stronger, which should reduce the fold’s visible crease – a major flaw in previous models. The camera has been upgraded too, seemingly bringing it up to the level of the Z Fold 7’s high-end status. But, as with every new release, there are some drawbacks, such as the underwhelming 4,400 mAh battery, which doesn’t seem adequate for a $2,000 device.
Despite these improvements, the most controversial decision comes with the removal of S Pen support. For those who were hoping to write or sketch on the device with the stylus, this change is a letdown. But, looking at it from another angle, it’s actually a step in the right direction. Samsung’s decision to omit the hardware digitizer needed for the S Pen is likely driven by several factors, including design constraints and the cost of adding extra components. The new ultra-thin glass display may also be a culprit, as it could have interfered with the stylus functionality.
Interestingly, the removal of the S Pen may not be as tragic as it sounds. Recent history has shown that many users of the Galaxy Z Fold devices didn’t heavily utilize the S Pen. The Fold 3, which introduced support for the S Pen, did so with no built-in silo to house the stylus, leading to awkward and uncomfortable usage. Adding a bulky case to store the pen only exacerbated the situation. The experience of using the S Pen on the foldable’s display was compromised by the crease in the screen, making it less than ideal for most users. It’s no surprise that many have stopped using it after the initial novelty wore off.
This shift also allows Samsung to focus on other aspects of the Z Fold 7, such as improving its battery life and maintaining a thinner profile. While it may disappoint some die-hard S Pen fans, the decision to remove it is a practical one. Samsung can still support the stylus with their other flagship models, like the Galaxy S Ultra, where the S Pen can be offered without taking up valuable internal space or compromising other features.
Ultimately, the loss of the S Pen could be a strategic move that signals a future where Samsung’s foldables focus on improving core functionality, like performance, battery life, and display quality, rather than catering to niche features that are not widely used. If anything, this could help Samsung build a better Z Fold without the baggage of unnecessary features that don’t add much to the overall experience.
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