Samsung recently unveiled its latest foldable devices, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, which feature notable upgrades. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 claims the title of Samsung’s thinnest and lightest book-style foldable to date. While this achievement is impressive, it comes at the cost of the S Pen integration, much to the dismay of fans of the stylus.
The decision to exclude the S Pen this year is a trade-off aimed at achieving a slimmer design. MinSeok Kang, Head of Smartphone Product Planning at Samsung, emphasized that the removal was necessary for weight reduction, but he assured that the S Pen’s journey isn’t over. The company is exploring innovative and thinner technologies for the S Pen and plans to rethink its integration when the demand and technology align.
Compounding the frustrations of S Pen enthusiasts, earlier this year, users of the Galaxy S25 Ultra expressed disappointment as the device’s included S Pen lost Bluetooth support, limiting its functionality. Although it’s unclear how many users regularly utilize the S Pen, Samsung’s decision to drop it from the Fold 7 suggests they may not view it as a priority for this segment. Despite the S Pen’s absence, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 brings significant upgrades, particularly in the camera department.
It features a 200 MP main sensor that boasts 2X lossless crop zoom, marking a serious boost in photographic capabilities. Additionally, adjustments to the outer screen’s ratio improve usability when the device is closed, and the crease in the display is less pronounced, contributing to a more modern design. However, the 4,400mAh battery remains unchanged, potentially posing a limitation for heavy users.
Overall, while the Fold 7 shows promise with substantial improvements, the lack of S Pen functionality raises questions about its value as a tablet replacement. Many consumers may now reconsider investing in a flagship foldable when a combined purchase of a flagship phone and tablet could provide better functionality for a similar price.