Why Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 Doesn’t Come With an S Pen

With its massive 7.6-inch internal screen, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and its predecessors seem like an ideal device for sketching and note taking. 

That’s why Samsung’s recent versions of the Galaxy Z Fold support S Pen input, but you have to purchase the stylus separately. And there’s no slot for storing the accessory inside the phone as there is with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, despite speculation that circulated earlier this year.

Patrick Chomet, Samsung’s executive vice president and head of customer experience, shared some insight as to why that’s the case when speaking with CNET ahead of the company’s Unpacked event on July 10. Although Chomet says there have been a lot of debates about it internally, Samsung didn’t want to compromise on battery life, performance or design by having the S Pen take up space inside the device. 

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Feedback indicated that people care more about having a sleeker and more durable Z Fold with better cameras, which is why Samsung focused on that direction, according to Chomet. The Galaxy Z Fold 6, for example, is lighter than its predecessor and has a larger external screen.

“We could put it in, but it’s not the main feedback from people, and therefore getting it thinner and lighter is more important,” he said.

Samsung doesn’t include an S Pen in the box with the Z Fold simply because most Galaxy Z Fold owners don’t use it. And those who do want the S Pen are willing to buy it, along with Samsung’s phone case that includes a groove for storing it.

“Many people use the S Pen,” he said. “But far from the majority of users.”

Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 6, alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and a slew of wearables, during its event. As Chomet mentions, a major area of focus with the new phone was reducing the compromises that come with foldables compared to standard bar-shaped phones, such as their thickness, durability and camera quality. The company also included some new software features, such as the ability to create stylized portraits and generate images based on sketches.

But at $1,900, the Z Fold 6 is $100 more expensive than the previous Z Fold 5, which could still make it a tough sell. Chomet describes foldable phones as an advanced premium product compared to its more mainstream Galaxy S phones, noting that the category still has a lot of room to evolve.  

“We are not yet at the inflection point,” he said in reference to foldable phones. “We are still in the growth curve.”