The S Pen is an advanced stylus designed by Samsung to provide more precision, sensitivity, and features when used with compatible Galaxy devices. Many Samsung phones and tablets support the use of the S Pen, providing users with an enhanced mobile experience for writing, drawing, precision selection, and more.
Samsung first introduced the S Pen in 2011 with the original Galaxy Note. Since then, most high-end Samsung Galaxy Note and Galaxy Tab devices include built-in support for the S Pen. However, Samsung has also brought support for the S Pen to some of its non-Note phones and tablets.
S Pen-Compatible Samsung Galaxy Phones
Currently, the following Samsung phones are compatible with the Samsung S Pen stylus:
| Phone Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Has an S Pen slot for storing the S Pen. Works with the newer, low-latency S Pen with Bluetooth connectivity. |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Edition Devices | Includes an S Pen case or slot. Compatible with new low-latency S Pen. |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Works with S Pen and S Pen Pro via cases or accessories (S Pen not included by default). |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra | Includes an S Pen slot for storage, new low-latency S Pen. |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Series | Older Note series devices with S Pen slots. |
In the past, older high-end Galaxy Note and Galaxy S devices were also compatible with the S Pen, including the Note 9, S10+, S10 5G, and others. However, Samsung limits S Pen compatibility to newer devices with the latest S Pen technology and software support.
Samsung Galaxy Tabs Compatible with S Pen
In addition to Samsung’s smartphones, many of their premium large-screen tablets also work with the S Pen stylus. The following Samsung tablets currently support the S Pen:
| Tablet Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S8 Series | Newest flagship tablets with recent S Pen support. |
| Galaxy Tab S7 Series | Previous flagship model supporting S Pen capabilities. |
| Galaxy Tab Active Series | Rugged tablets for commercial use, S Pen included. |
| Galaxy Tab A8 | Budget tablet line now supporting the S Pen. |
Older high-end Samsung tablets including the Tab S6, Tab S5e, Tab S4, Tab S3, and others also once had S Pen support. But Samsung limits which tablets can use the latest S Pens to its newest flagship models.
Using the S Pen on Compatible Devices
On compatible Samsung phones and tablets that have built-in S Pen support, like the Galaxy Tab S8 or Galaxy S22 Ultra, the S Pen will easily dock and charge when inserted. The tips of these S Pens are also specially designed for use on Samsung’s touch displays for precision and accuracy.
For other S Pen compatible devices like the Galaxy S21 Ultra or Z Fold 4 which don’t have a slot, you need to purchase an S Pen separately or get a case with S Pen support. You also need to manually pair the S Pen via Bluetooth to enable all features. Without Bluetooth pairing, basic touch and writing capabilities still work.
Once paired and connected, the S Pen will enable additional remote control features through its side button, like camera shutter or presentation controls.
Differences Between S Pens
Not all S Pens are created equal. Over the generations, Samsung has iterated on S Pen technology to reduce latency, improve pressure sensitivity, add remote connectivity, and optimize note-taking and drawing performance.
Here is a quick comparison of the different types of S Pens and their compatibility:
| S Pen Model | Features | Compatible Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Original S Pen | No Bluetooth, older technology | Galaxy Note 9, older devices |
| S Pen | Improved latency from 40ms down to 9ms | Galaxy Note 10, S21 Ultra with S Pen Pro case |
| S Pen Pro | Larger size, Bluetooth remote functions | Galaxy S21 Ultra, Z Fold3 with cases |
| New S Pen | Bluetooth remote, ~2ms latency | Galaxy S22 Ultra, Tab S8, Z Fold4 |
As you can see, only Samsung’s very latest flagship phones and tablets support the newest S Pen model with the fastest writing latency and Bluetooth connectivity. Trying to use an older S Pen on a Galaxy S22 Ultra or Tab S8 may not enable all functions or could cause issues.
Unique S Pen Benefits
The Samsung S Pen transforms the user experience on compatible Galaxy devices in several key ways:
- Precise & pressure-sensitive writing and drawing
- Hover pointer for mouse-like selection
- Minimized touchscreen latency while writing
- Personalized Air Actions via Bluetooth remote
- Dedicated apps like Samsung Notes optimized for the S Pen
For creative types and business users, having these configurable S Pen air gestures, customizable shortcuts, low 2ms touch latency, and pressure sensitivity for shading can be a major benefit over finger-based touch input.
Artists can sketch and draw with more accuracy. Handwritten notes or annotated documents can look cleaner and more professional. Remote presentation control and camera shutters make new use cases possible.
Conclusion
While traditionally only available on Galaxy Note devices, the S Pen experience has expanded to Samsung’s foldable phones and premium tablets. With new S Pen models gaining Bluetooth remotes and ultra-low latency, Samsung continues finding ways to unlock the power of precise stylus-based input.
To experience all the latest S Pen benefits like air gestures, optimized latency, and seamless integration, currently only Samsung’s latest S22 Ultra, Z Fold Edition phones, and the Galaxy Tab S8 series have full support. The S Pen transforms how users can create content and express themselves on these enabled Galaxy devices.
As Samsung releases additional S Pen supporting flagships tablets and future foldables, the S Pen will become accessible and compatible with more mobile devices. But only the newest Galaxy models have the very latest S Pen technology specialized for Samsung’s touchscreens.
