Galaxy Flex Note patent demonstrates original idea for S Pen slot

The Galaxy Z Fold 3's use of S Pen and Wacom technology has been widely welcomed, but attitudes towards the stylus have received quite the opposite. Sold separately and with no place for it on the device, the S Pen was seen by some as an optional addition rather than a selling feature. The balance between a slim device and a handy stylus has always been a tricky issue, but another Samsung patent plays up the idea of a foldable device with room for the S Pen in a new way.

Unlike the "inward-folding" devices the company uses, this concept features an "external" screen, like the first Huawei Mate X and earlier prototype foldable devices from Xiaomi. One of the most important differences is that only one small part of the screen folds back and covers nearly half of the device's back panel.

However, this screen element doesn't just fold up. It also hides a compartment for a rather flat stylus, more like the Surface Slim Pen from the Surface Pro X. Presumably, this stylus also attaches to the back of the device even when unfolded using magnets, balancing the thicker part of the phone on the opposite side, where the device's hardware and battery are likely located. Unfortunately, this balance won't work when using the S Pen, which is how most would probably try to use it when drawing on a flat surface like a desk.

The patent doesn't show visible cameras on the back of the device, but it does suggest at least two cameras below the display on the flip side of the screen. This would allow the same high-performance cameras to be used for both regular photos and selfies and video chats, reducing the number of sensors required. However, given the performance of the Galaxy Z Fold 3's sub-screen sensor (UPS), this technical solution could be controversial and even frustrating.

Source: slashgear, letsgodigital

Illustrations: letsgodigital