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Samsung’s next high-end smartphone, almost certainly to be called the Galaxy S21 Ultra, will feature support for the S Pen stylus. That corroborates a number of rumors and recent comments from Samsung that it would bring the “most loved features” of the Galaxy Note to other Galaxy phones. At this point, S Pen compatibility is practically the Note exclusive feature: taking it to other devices may suggest the end of the Note line entirely.
The mention of compatibility with the new S Pen comes in a Samsung FCC filing for a portable phone device with the model number SMG-998B. While we can’t be sure this is the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the S20 Ultra’s model number was SMG-988B.
Blurring the lines – It was long rumored that Samsung would phase out the Note as originally its exceptionally large screen justified stylus support. For a time it was the only phone on the market with the kind of space needed to take notes. Now that the rest of the Galaxy line has equally large (or even larger) screens, it makes sense to offer pen support on more devices.
The only question is where the S Pen will be saved or charged. Current Note devices have a built-in slot that houses and stimulates the S Pen when not in use.
Will the Galaxy S21 Ultra feature a slot to store the S Pen when not in use that can be plugged in if users don’t want it? We wouldn’t bet on that. Because we don’t expect Samsung to include the S Pen with the S21 Ultra when it can sell it as an optional accessory instead.
Ideal for folding – Samsung has focused much of its energy on the fledgling foldable smartphone sector these days. That form factor is arguably the perfect successor to the Note, as the Galaxy Z Fold 2 opens up to reveal a 7.6-inch screen – much more room for note-taking than the Note 20’s 6.7-inch screen.
The company has also said that it plans to introduce more affordable folding machines next year. Adding S Pen support to those would make them even more attractive and could provide an option for those consumers looking for Apple Pencil-like functionality on a phone, something Apple doesn’t offer yet.
Beyond more phones that have larger screens, it is not surprising that the Note is in its last days. The S Pen is for a specialized group of people who enjoy handwriting or drawing on their phones. And the rest of the Galaxy line offers plenty of screen space and performance. Simplifying the lineup could be a profitable move after a disappointing 2020 for the Galaxy Note.
