Erencan YılmazSamsung is reportedly planning to reintroduce full S Pen support in its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 by making significant changes to the back cover material. According to industry insiders and reports from The Elec, the company is evaluating two main materials for the Galaxy Z Fold8’s rear panel: titanium and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).
These materials offer a perfect balance between lightweight durability and compatibility with stylus technology. The Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Fold4 previously used CFRP to accommodate the S Pen, while some special titanium editions discontinued stylus support in favor of a more premium metal finish. Samsung’s renewed focus on bringing the S Pen back shows a clear intent to satisfy fans who value productivity features.
The original Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Fold2 models featured stainless steel backs but did not support the S Pen. This changed with the Galaxy Z Fold3, where Samsung switched to CFRP to enable passive S Pen input via electromagnetic resonance (EMR) technology embedded beneath the screen.
The material change allowed the stylus to function without sacrificing structural integrity. However, subsequent models such as the Galaxy Z Fold7 and special titanium editions removed S Pen compatibility, opting for a more solid metal feel at the expense of stylus use. This shift sparked mixed reactions among users, with some praising the premium build and others missing the flexibility and creativity that the S Pen offers.
Two Stylus Technologies Under Consideration for Galaxy Z Fold8
Samsung is developing a thinner digitizer panel that would keep the traditional battery-free S Pen operational. This refinement relies on improved EMR technology, allowing the Fold8 to maintain a slim profile while providing precise pen input. If successful, this approach preserves the Fold’s usability without increasing device thickness or weight.
An alternative is the active S Pen equipped with a tiny built-in battery. This model would communicate directly with the device, eliminating the need for digitizer hardware in the screen. The active pen could work seamlessly with various back cover materials, including titanium and possibly glass, expanding Samsung’s design options.
Glass as a Possible Back Cover Material
Samsung is also reportedly testing reinforced glass for the Fold8’s back cover. Glass would enhance the phone’s premium aesthetics and improve scratch resistance compared to plastics or metals. However, glass is heavier and may pose challenges for stylus sensitivity and device durability. Samsung will need to carefully balance these factors before finalizing the Galaxy Z Fold8’s design.
Bringing the S Pen back to the Galaxy Z Fold line could significantly boost the device’s appeal, especially among professionals and creatives who rely on stylus input for multitasking, drawing, and note-taking. Samsung’s dual approach to stylus technology demonstrates its commitment to innovation and user feedback. As the Galaxy Z Fold8 launch nears, expectations are high that Samsung will successfully combine premium materials with advanced stylus capabilities.
Source: TheElec
