Best answer: No. Samsung isn't including an S Pen in the box with the Galaxy Z Fold 3. Instead, you'll need to purchase either the S Pen Pro or S Pen Fold Edition separately.
Galaxy Z Fold 3 and S Pen — A match made in heaven?
Despite bringing S Pen support to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, Samsung is not including one in the box. This may come as a bit of a surprise, especially when you consider that the company is introducing the S Pen Fold Edition. The Fold Edition works only with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and includes support for Air Commands.
Meanwhile, the S Pen Pro is the larger option of the two and includes a slew of additional features. This includes using an S Pen-compatible device, ranging from the Z Fold 3, Galaxy S21 Ultra, and the Galaxy Tab S7. Thanks to the built-in Bluetooth, the S Pen Pro adds Air Actions functionality, meaning that you can use the S Pen Pro like a remote. Perform different gestures with the stylus hovering above the screen to swipe between photos or use it as a remote shutter to snap a photo.
No matter how you slice it, bringing S Pen compatibility to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 was always the next logical step. After that, it was up to Samsung to improve the display to the point where you could use a stylus without causing any potential damage to the screen. It's just a bit of a shame that Samsung doesn't include one like it does with the Galaxy Tab S7 lineup.
Get a case for both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and S Pen
One of the biggest complaints about last year's Galaxy Z Fold 2 was there weren't enough case options at launch. However, Samsung is remedying that with some of the best Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases. In fact, there's an all-new Galaxy Z Fold 3 Folio case that includes a slot for the S Pen Fold Edition. It'll instantly become one of the most popular choices as you'll get the case and the S Pen, similar to what Samsung offered alongside the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Since the Galaxy Z Fold 3 doesn't include an S Pen in the box, why not take care of two birds at once? First, get a great case to keep your Fold 3 protected while you're out and about that also provides a convenient holster for your S Pen. The only downside is that if you end up grabbing the S Pen Pro, you'll have to figure out another way to house the stylus when it's not in use.
Barebones functionality, designed for the Fold
The S Pen Fold Edition was primarily designed for those who don't want all of the extra features included with the S Pen Pro. You'll miss out on Air Actions, and this S Pen will only work with the Fold. But if that's all you need, then it's a great companion to your new Z Fold 3.
Much more robust and better compatibility
As Samsung continues to add S Pen support to more and more devices, the company decided to make a cross-compatible S Pen with all of the features. You'll get Air Command, Air Actions, an LED indicator, device switching, and more. Plus, the S Pen Pro works with any device that already supports the S Pen.
