Samsung is reportedly revamping its stylus technology for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7, potentially moving to an active electrostatic (AES) system similar to the Apple Pencil. This shift, according to a report from ET News, aims to slim down the foldable device while maintaining stylus functionality.
The key change lies in the removal of the digitizer, a pressure-sensitive layer traditionally integrated within the display to register stylus input. This removal reportedly shaves off 0.6 millimeters from the phone’s thickness, pushing the Z Fold 7’s profile below 10 millimeters. The report suggests the Z Fold 7’s design is inspired by the slimmer Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, which boasts a larger inner display. Samsung is reportedly targeting an even larger 8-inch inner foldable screen for the Z Fold 7.
So, how will stylus input work without a digitizer? The AES system utilizes specialized sensors within the display to create an electrostatic grid. This grid interacts with the stylus, which contains its own transmitting unit. Wacom explains that one sensor grid and the pen act as a transmitter, generating an electrical field, while other grids act as receivers. The pen’s position is determined by the differences in charge detected on each receiving grid.
This technology promises millisecond input latency without compromising accuracy or features like pressure sensitivity. However, it typically results in a heavier stylus, similar to the Apple Pencil. This isn’t necessarily a drawback, as the Apple Pencil has proven effective for both note-taking and detailed sketching, gaining popularity among iPad users, especially in the creative community.
A key consideration with AES styluses is the need for regular charging. It remains unclear how Samsung will implement this. Apple’s styluses utilize magnetic or wired USB-C charging. Samsung currently offers a “Fold Edition” stylus for its Z Fold series, which is thicker and rounder than the styluses for the Galaxy S series and the discontinued Galaxy Note series.
It will be intriguing to see the design and pricing of Samsung’s new foldable-compatible stylus. Given the technological changes, a price increase is a possibility.
