What happens when you use the S Pen Fold Edition on the S21 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra?
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There was no Galaxy Note at this year's summer Samsung Unpacked event, but we got the stylus-compatible Galaxy Z Fold 3. Unfortunately for Note users, only the new S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Pro work with the Fold 3. That's because the device has a comparatively fragile screen and can only withstand retractable tips. But what about the other way around?
The short answer is no. Samsung has already said the same. The S Pen Fold Edition has a built-in spring and soft tip to ensure not too much pressure is exerted on the screen. Android Police's writer and noted leaker Max Weinbach tried using the stylus on the S21 Ultra to find out how a conventional phone responds to the S Pen Fold Edition.
The stylus was recognized by the device but only as an eraser. This means you can't use it for writing on the S21 Ultra. On the Note 20 Ultra, the stylus doesn't work at all unless you ensure the tip is fully retracted.
According to the report, this is basically because the Fold 3 and non-foldable phones read styluses differently. The Fold Edition and other S Pens also operate at different frequencies.
If you want a stylus that will work on both types of Samsung smartphones, your best bet is the S Pen Pro that includes a toggle for changing the frequency. This one also offers more functionality than Z Fold 3's digital pen.
Does the S Pen Fold Edition work on phones other than the Galaxy Z Fold 3?
The short answer is no. Samsung has already said the same. The S Pen Fold Edition has a built-in spring and soft tip to ensure not too much pressure is exerted on the screen. Android Police's writer and noted leaker Max Weinbach tried using the stylus on the S21 Ultra to find out how a conventional phone responds to the S Pen Fold Edition.
The stylus was recognized by the device but only as an eraser. This means you can't use it for writing on the S21 Ultra. On the Note 20 Ultra, the stylus doesn't work at all unless you ensure the tip is fully retracted.
SPen Fold pen doesn't work on S21 Ultra, kinda. pic.twitter.com/2nif8r91ZL
— Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) August 16, 2021
According to the report, this is basically because the Fold 3 and non-foldable phones read styluses differently. The Fold Edition and other S Pens also operate at different frequencies.
If you want a stylus that will work on both types of Samsung smartphones, your best bet is the S Pen Pro that includes a toggle for changing the frequency. This one also offers more functionality than Z Fold 3's digital pen.
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