Galaxy Z Fold 3 might not include an S Pen slot

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 may have support for the S Pen, but it supposedly doesn’t have a dedicated slot for one. A new report (h / t PhoneArena) from Korea suggests that you need to carry around a pen for the leaflet separately if you need it.

The reason for this decision by Samsung is twofold. On the one hand, there may not be enough physical space in the Galaxy Z Fold 3 for an S Pen slot. Previous rumors suggest that the third iteration of the leaflet will be slimmer than its predecessor. So that Samsung can maximize the space for more important components, the slot has to be dispensed with.

The report also suggests that an S Pen slot is a potential weak point for durability. While this isn’t a problem on later Samsung Galaxy Note devices, which also have slots and IP ratings, foldable phones are inherently fragile. We don’t expect the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to have any real water and dust resistance. However, Samsung is likely looking to improve the durability of its foldable phone.

There are also possible design considerations. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 may need a foldable pen unless Samsung can incorporate its original technology into a flexible, more fragile display. In this case, users might be able to switch their Galaxy S21 Ultra pen between the two phones.

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Of course, Samsung’s motives can be financial. The company could offer the S Pen to consumers as an aftermarket item. A separate pen would also allow the company to sell additional products on top of that, including a suitcase.

Samsung may launch the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in July – just a month before the traditional Galaxy Note series debut. With no Galaxy Note 21 series expected this year, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is more likely to take its place. But if it does, would the lack of an S-Pen slot be a sore failure? Please let us know by voting in the poll above.