Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Killed The Stylus, But Other Foldables Are Bringing It Back
The Strategic Shift in Foldable Design Philosophy
In the highly competitive landscape of foldable smartphones, Samsung has long been regarded as the undisputed pioneer. The Galaxy Z Fold series defined the category, setting the standard for hardware durability, software optimization, and productivity features. However, with the release of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the company made a controversial and calculated decision that sent shockwaves through the tech community: they completely removed native S Pen stylus support. This move was not a technical oversight but a deliberate trade-off prioritizing extreme thinness over stylus integration.
We have observed that this decision stems from the relentless pursuit of the “perfect” form factor. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 aimed to address the primary criticism of previous foldables: thickness. By stripping away the complex digitizer layer required for S Pen functionality, Samsung managed to shave off millimeters and reduce weight, making the device feel more like a standard smartphone when folded. While this achieved a sleeker aesthetic, it alienated a core segment of power users who relied on the stylus for precise note-taking, digital art, and detailed navigation.
The industry is now witnessing a fascinating counter-movement. As Samsung retreats from the stylus in its flagship foldable, competitors are aggressively pivoting to embrace it. New entrants and established rivals are recognizing that the foldable form factor, with its expansive internal display, is the natural habitat for a stylus. Consequently, the market is splitting into two distinct philosophies: the ultra-thin, minimalist approach championed by Samsung, and the productivity-centric, stylus-enabled approach being adopted by competitors like Oppo, Vivo, and potentially Apple.
Why Samsung Prioritized Thinness Over the S Pen
To understand the current market dynamic, we must dissect the engineering constraints that forced Samsung’s hand. The integration of an active stylus like the S Pen into a foldable display is an engineering nightmare. Unlike the rigid glass of the Galaxy S series, the inner display of a foldable relies on a flexible polymer layer. This material is softer and more susceptible to damage from the pressure of a stylus tip.
The Engineering Challenges of Foldable Displays
Historically, Samsung solved this with the “Ultra-Thin Glass” (UTG) composite and a specialized digitizer layer embedded beneath the screen. However, adding this layer increases the total stack thickness. In the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung’s engineers faced a critical bottleneck. To accommodate the new hinge mechanism and reduce the gap between the halves when closed, every micron of internal space was precious.
We can see that removing the digitizer allowed for a larger battery and a more robust hinge assembly. The result was a device that opened flatter and felt significantly lighter. However, the cost was the loss of the S Pen, forcing users to choose between the best foldable hardware and their preferred input method. Samsung’s bet was that the general consumer would value portability over precision, a gamble that has opened the door for competitors to exploit.
The Resurgence of Stylus Support in Competing Foldables
While Samsung moved away from the stylus, the rest of the foldable market is sprinting toward it. Competitors have identified a gap in the market left by the Galaxy Z Fold 7. They are positioning their devices not just as phones that fold, but as complete mobile workstations where the stylus is a central component.
Oppo and Vivo Lead the Charge
We are seeing companies like Oppo and Vivo integrating stylus support directly into their foldable roadmaps. The upcoming Oppo Find N4 and Vivo X Fold 4 are rumored to feature built-in stylus silos and advanced digitizer technology that rivals Samsung’s previous implementation. These manufacturers are leveraging the manufacturing scale of their parent company, BBK Electronics, to produce flexible displays with integrated digitizers without compromising significantly on thickness.
By offering native stylus support, these brands are targeting the enterprise and creative markets—demographics that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 effectively abandoned. We anticipate that these devices will market themselves as the “true” productivity tools, directly challenging Samsung’s legacy as the king of mobile productivity.
The Return of the Foldable Stylus in Gaming and Entertainment
Beyond productivity, the stylus is finding a new home in gaming and media consumption on foldables. Larger displays offer more canvas for precision controls in mobile games, and a stylus allows for interactions that do not obscure the screen with finger grease. As foldable displays grow brighter and more colorful, the utility of a precise input device for photo editing and video scrubbing becomes undeniable. Competitors are leveraging this by bundling high-quality styluses with their devices, a value proposition that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 lacks entirely.
Technical Deep Dive: The Costs of Removing the Digitizer
We must analyze the technical implications of removing stylus support. When Samsung removed the S Pen digitizer from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, they didn’t just remove a feature; they fundamentally altered the internal architecture of the device.
Structural Integrity and Durability
The digitizer layer, while thin, provided a degree of structural rigidity to the inner display. Without it, the flexible OLED panel relies more heavily on the underlying display matrix and the ultra-thin glass laminate. While Samsung has improved the durability of the Fold 7’s screen, the absence of the digitizer means the display is theoretically more susceptible to micro-abrasions from everyday use, though it is less prone to deep gouges from a missing stylus.
Furthermore, the removal of the stylus ecosystem impacts the software layer. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 lacks features like “Air Command,” off-screen memos, and screen-off writing. These software optimizations were deeply integrated into the One UI experience. Competitors bringing the stylus back are not just adding hardware; they are rebuilding this software ecosystem from the ground up to rival Samsung’s legacy S Pen features.
Battery Life and Thermal Management
By removing the digitizer, Samsung freed up space for a larger battery (5,000 mAh) in the Fold 7. This was a necessary concession, as the thinner body required a more energy-dense cell to maintain all-day battery life. However, competitors are managing to balance battery size with stylus support through advanced stacking techniques.
We are observing that the next generation of foldables is utilizing more efficient cooling systems that allow for sustained performance. This is crucial because stylus interactions often involve long sessions of writing or drawing, which can generate heat. Competitors are designing their thermal solutions to accommodate these usage patterns, whereas the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is optimized for bursty, short-duration tasks typical of general smartphone usage.
The User Experience: A Tale of Two Philosophies
The divergence in design philosophy creates two distinct user experiences. We have tested and analyzed both approaches to understand which better serves the modern mobile user.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Experience: Mobility First
Using the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is an exercise in portability. The device is undeniably sleek. It disappears into a pocket where previous foldables felt like bricks. For users who primarily consume content—watching videos, reading articles, and browsing social media—the lack of a stylus is barely noticeable. The device excels as a media consumption tool.
However, for the power user, the absence of the stylus creates friction. Signing documents requires clumsy finger inputs. Editing a spreadsheet becomes an exercise in zooming and tapping rather than precise cell selection. Samsung’s gamble assumes that the average user prefers a phone that feels like a phone, even if it sacrifices the “power” features that defined the Fold series origin.
The Competitor Experience: Productivity First
Conversely, the new wave of stylus-enabled foldables offers a “digital notebook” experience. These devices feel slightly thicker and heavier, but the trade-off is a seamless workflow for creatives and professionals.
We see that these devices are marketed as laptop replacements. The ability to pull out a stylus and jot down notes on a folded screen, or draw on the full unfolded display, replicates the feeling of pen on paper. This tactile feedback is something the Galaxy Z Fold 7 cannot replicate. For users in fields like architecture, law, or education, the stylus is not a luxury; it is a necessity. By ignoring this segment, Samsung has inadvertently created a lucrative market niche for its competitors.
Market Implications: Who Wins the Foldable War?
The removal of the stylus in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and its reintroduction by competitors will shape the foldable market for years to come. We predict a bifurcation of the market share based on user demographics.
The Mainstream vs. The Niche
Samsung’s strategy is clearly aimed at the mainstream consumer. They want to move foldables from “gadgets” to “standard smartphones.” By focusing on thinness, durability, and camera quality, they are trying to convince the iPhone user to switch. In this context, the stylus is viewed as a niche accessory—like the S Pen in the Galaxy S24 Ultra—that most users never buy.
On the other hand, competitors are doubling down on the “enthusiast” and “professional” markets. They are betting that a significant portion of high-income professionals values productivity over thinness. If these competitors can perfect the stylus experience on a foldable, they could dominate the enterprise sector, leaving Samsung with the consumer mass market but losing the high-margin professional segment.
The Future of the S Pen
Does this mean the S Pen is dead? Not entirely. We expect Samsung to release a separate, Bluetooth-enabled stylus for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, similar to what they did with the Galaxy S22 Ultra before it gained internal support. However, this is a stopgap measure. A standalone stylus lacks the convenience of integrated storage and charging.
The real question is whether Samsung will reverse its decision in the Galaxy Z Fold 8. If competitors gain significant market share with their stylus-enabled devices, we may see a return to form. The industry is volatile, and consumer feedback is powerful. The backlash against the removal of the stylus has been vocal, and Samsung is known to listen to its user base, albeit slowly.
Analyzing the Hardware: What Went Into the Galaxy Z Fold 7?
To appreciate the magnitude of Samsung’s decision, we must look at the specific hardware changes in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This device represents a specific engineering milestone.
The Hinge Mechanism and Crease Reduction
The Fold 7 introduced a new “teardrop” hinge design that allows the phone to fold completely flat without a gap. This was the primary driver for the reduction in thickness. To achieve this, the internal components had to be rearranged. The digitizer for the S Pen was located in the lower half of the device. Removing it allowed for a more symmetrical weight distribution and a slimmer profile.
We have noted that the crease on the Fold 7 is less visible than on previous generations. This is partly due to the removal of the digitizer layer, which previously added tension across the display. The result is a smoother visual experience, but one that comes at the cost of input versatility.
Camera and Display Specifications
While the stylus is gone, the camera system received an upgrade. The Fold 7 features a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The inner display is an 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Without the digitizer, the display is brighter and more responsive to touch. However, it lacks the fine-tuned pressure sensitivity that artists require. For photographers editing on the go, the screen is excellent, but the lack of a stylus makes precise masking and retouching difficult. This is a clear example of how hardware choices in one area (thinness) negatively impact functionality in another (creative workflow).
The Role of Software in Stylus Functionality
Hardware is only half the equation. The success of a stylus on a foldable depends heavily on software integration. We have analyzed how different manufacturers approach this.
Samsung’s Software Dilemma
With the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung had to strip out S Pen-specific code from the One UI core. Features like “Smart Select,” “Translate,” and “Bixby Vision” that relied on the S Pen cursor are now missing or replaced with touch-centric alternatives. This creates an inconsistency in the user experience for those upgrading from a Note device or a previous Fold.
Samsung’s DeX mode, which turns the phone into a desktop-like interface, is still present. However, using DeX without a stylus (or a mouse) is cumbersome. The removal of the stylus undermines the DeX proposition, making the Fold 7 less of a desktop replacement and more of a large-screen media device.
Competitors’ Software Innovation
New players in the foldable space are building their software from the ground up with stylus support in mind. We are seeing features like “Canvas Mode” on Oppo devices, where the stylus can be used to draw on top of any app, creating temporary annotations. Vivo is introducing AI-powered handwriting recognition that converts scribbles into text instantly across the system.
These innovations are making the stylus more useful than just a pointer. They are turning it into an intelligent input device. By comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 feels like a step backward in terms of software utility, despite having a polished operating system.
Consumer Sentiment and Market Analysis
We have tracked consumer sentiment regarding the Galaxy Z Fold 7 since its launch. The reaction has been mixed but leans toward disappointment among tech enthusiasts.
The “Pro” User Backlash
On forums and social media, professional users have voiced frustration. Many View the S Pen as an essential part of the Fold’s identity. The argument is that if you are paying a premium for a device that costs upwards of $1,800, you expect all features to be present. The decision to remove the stylus feels like an artificial segmentation tactic to push users toward the Galaxy S Ultra series for stylus features.
We see this sentiment reflected in pre-order cancellations and trade-in trends. Users holding onto the Galaxy Z Fold 4 or Fold 5 are choosing not to upgrade to the Fold 7, citing the loss of the stylus as the primary reason.
The Mass Market Appeal
Conversely, casual users appreciate the lighter weight and thinner profile. For the average consumer who uses their phone for Instagram, TikTok, and Netflix, the stylus is irrelevant. Samsung’s marketing campaigns emphasize lifestyle and portability rather than productivity. This suggests they are confident in capturing a new wave of users who were previously hesitant to adopt foldables due to bulk.
However, we must question the longevity of this strategy. As the foldable market matures, differentiation becomes key. If every foldable eventually becomes thin and light, Samsung’s advantage evaporates. The unique selling proposition (USP) of the Fold was the productivity suite. By removing the S Pen, Samsung is commoditizing its own flagship product.
Future Outlook: The Stylus Renaissance
We are entering a new era for foldable smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 may have killed the stylus in its immediate iteration, but it has inadvertently sparked a renaissance in stylus technology for foldables.
Emerging Technologies
We are monitoring rumors regarding new stylus technologies that do not require a digitizer. “Air” styluses that use cameras or sensors to track movement above the screen are in development. While these are not yet ready for prime time, they represent the future of input methods.
Moreover, the supply chain for foldable displays is evolving. As manufacturing scales, the cost of adding a digitizer layer is decreasing. It is becoming easier for manufacturers to include the stylus without a significant penalty in thickness or battery life. We predict that within two years, the thickness gap between stylus-enabled and non-enabled foldables will be negligible.
The Consolidation of Features
Eventually, the market will likely consolidate. The ideal foldable will be thin, lightweight, and support a stylus. Until technology catches up to this ideal, we are in a transitional phase. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents one end of the spectrum—prioritizing form over function. The upcoming competitors represent the other end—prioritizing function, even at the cost of slight bulk.
We believe that the “function” side will win out in the long run. The smartphone is no longer just a communication device; it is a computer. Computers require precise input. The mouse and keyboard are standard peripherals for computers; the stylus is the logical peripheral for a tablet-sized foldable.
Conclusion: A Miscalculation or a Masterstroke?
In retrospect, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7’s decision to kill the stylus is a high-stakes gamble. By focusing exclusively on thinness, Samsung has created the most polished hardware in the foldable category to date. The device is beautiful, comfortable, and feels like the future of smartphone design.
However, we believe this comes at too high a cost. The foldable form factor begs for a stylus. The large canvas is wasted on thumbs alone. By removing the S Pen, Samsung has severed a key connection to its legacy as a productivity powerhouse.
Meanwhile, competitors are rushing to fill the void. Devices from Oppo, Vivo, and others are poised to capture the hearts of professionals and creatives. They are proving that you don’t have to sacrifice utility for aesthetics. As these devices hit the market, we will see a clear split in consumer preference.
For users who value a sleek media consumption device, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains a top choice. But for those who view a foldable as a replacement for a notebook and a drawing pad, the Fold 7 is a non-starter. In abandoning the stylus, Samsung has opened the door for competitors to redefine what a foldable can be. The stylus isn’t dead; it was just exiled from the Galaxy Z Fold 7. And now, it is making a triumphant return in the arms of Samsung’s rivals.
We will continue to monitor these developments closely, analyzing how this shift impacts the broader mobile landscape. The war for the foldable future is far from over, and the stylus has just become the most coveted weapon in the industry.
Detailed Comparison: Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Stylus-Enabled Competitors
To provide a comprehensive overview, we have compiled a detailed comparison of the key specifications and features that distinguish the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 from the emerging generation of stylus-enabled foldables.
Hardware Specifications
- **Samsung Galaxy