Learn about the different Samsung S Pens

Galaxy S23 Ultra with the S Pen

Spread the news! The S Pen is now compatible with more devices than ever before. You’ll be able to draw and write directly on the screen, whether you have a Galaxy Z Fold6Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Fold4, Note series phones, Tab S7Tab S8, Tab S9S21 Ultra, S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, or Book3! Even if your compatible model did not come with an S Pen, you can find one that's right for you. The optional S Pen comes in three unique models: the S Pen Fold Edition, S Pen Pro, and the S Pen Creator Edition. But which one should you buy? It depends on what device you have and what features you’re looking for.

Compare the S Pen models

Divided on which S Pen to get? The biggest difference is compatibility: the S Pen Fold Edition only works with the Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5, and Z Fold6, while the S Pen Pro works with pretty much any S Pen-compatible device. The S Pen Creator edition will not work with the Z Fold series. There are other things to take into consideration, though. We’ve broken down the most important specs for both pens, so deciding will be easier.

Note: If you are using an S Pen Pro or Creator Edition with a device that has an attached S Pen, you may need to remove the S Pen from the device, or open Settings, then search for and enable Allow multiple S Pens.

S Pen Fold Edition

A picture of the S Pen Fold Edition
  • Compatibility: Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5, and Z Fold6.

  • Number of buttons: Includes one S Pen button.

  • Case: Comes with a special S Pen case.

  • Bluetooth: Does not support Bluetooth.

  • Air Command: Supports the Air command menu.

  • S Pen Tip: Comes with auto-retractable Pro Tip. Retracts with 500gf or greater.

  • Charging: This S Pen does not need to be charged.

  • Latency: Improved latency at 2.8ms.

S Pen Pro Edition

A picture of the S Pen Pro
  • Compatibility: Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5, Z Fold6, Tab S6, Tab S7, Tab S8, Tab S9, Note10, Note20, S21 Ultra, S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, and the Galaxy Book.

  • Number of buttons: Includes two buttons: one S Pen button and one Pair button.

  • Case: Does not come with a case.

  • Bluetooth: Supports full Bluetooth functionality.

  • Air Command: Supports the Air command menu.

  • S Pen Tip: Comes with auto-retractable Pro Tip. Retracts with 500gf or greater.

  • Charging: Charges via USB-C cable.

  • Latency: Improved latency at 2.8ms.

S Pen Creator Edition

S Pen Creator Edition
  • Compatibility: Tab S6, Tab S7, Tab S8, Tab S9, Note10, Note20, S21 Ultra, S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, and the Galaxy Book.

  • Number of buttons: Includes one S Pen button.

  • Bluetooth: Does not support Bluetooth functionality.

  • Air Command: Supports the Air command menu.

  • S Pen Tip: Comes with two replaceable tips. Choose between a hard or soft tip.

  • Charging: Does not require charging.

  • Latency: Improved latency at 2.8ms.

You can visit Samsung.com to find the newest S Pen Creator Edition, the S Pen Fold Edition, or the S Pen Pro compatible with your Galaxy device.

S Pen Features

Using an S Pen on a Galaxy Z Fold's large display is amazing by itself, but the S Pen also comes with useful features. For example, you can use the Quick Create feature for easy notetaking. Just hold down the Pen button and tap twice on the screen to open a new note. This will be extra handy in Flex mode where you’ll have more room to write and can view multiple apps at once.

On the other hand, the S Pen Pro comes with a full range of your favorite Bluetooth features! You can enjoy remote features like Air actions or media gestures to make using your phone easier and more fun. The Pro also comes with Easy device switching and Easy Finding. This allows you to conveniently switch between compatible devices that use S Pens. Plus, it comes with even more fun and useful features that you can take advantage of.

A Fold S Pen next to a Galaxy Z Fold3

Below is a list of additional features and settings you can use on both the S Pen Fold Edition and the S Pen Pro!

  • Taking screenshots: Pushing the right buttons to take a screenshot can be tricky if you only have one hand free. Luckily, the S Pen allows you to take a screenshot one-handed using the Screen write feature.

  • S Pen settings: There is so much more you can do with the S Pen if you know the correct settings to adjust. Check out our complete guide to S Pen settings to learn more about the settings you may be missing.

  • Handwriting features: You can also enable the S Pen to Text feature. This option allows you to write directly on the screen, and your handwriting will be converted to text! There are other handy handwriting features as well.

  • Drawing: Your S Pen is ready to be your paintbrush and pencil, and anything in between. With 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity the tiniest touch to the boldest stroke can come together to create a masterpiece, or touch up photos. The S Pen is compatible with professional apps like Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and the highly accessible PenUp. The enhanced size and tilt performance on the S Pen Creator Edition makes it the ideal artist's tool.

Connect your S Pen to your phone

Once you’ve chosen your S Pen and have your new phone, all you have to do is pair the S Pen and start writing or multitasking!

To pair your S Pen Fold Edition simply begin using it on the screen. The Fold Edition does not need to be charged.

To use the S Pen Creator Edition, you will need to remove the S Pen that came with your device, or open Settings, then search for and enable Allow multiple S Pens. Once you're ready, there's no need to charge the Creator Edition, you can start using it right away.

To pair your S Pen Pro, first make sure you've charged it with a USB-C cable. Check that the mode switch is set to the correct device (such as a Galaxy Z Fold). Now, hold the Pairing button for 3 seconds until your phone recognizes the S Pen. From there, you can write on the screen or use the remote features like Air actions.

Fold S Pen drawing on Galaxy Z Fold3

If an incompatible S Pen is detected, a pop-up message will appear. Check again to see if the S Pen is toggled to the correct device.

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