Update, June 24 (2:30 p.m. ET): Alleged press images corroborate S Pen support
What you need to know
- An FCC listing has confirmed that the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 will have S Pen support.
- In addition to being the first Samsung foldable with S Pen support, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will include UWB support too.
- It is rumored to be unveiled at an Unpacked event next month.
Back in October last year, a report claimed that Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 will include S Pen support. Since then, several other reports have corroborated the claim. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 has now been spotted on the FCC website, and a test report for model number SM-F926U confirms the S Pen can be used with the upcoming flagship foldable (via MySmartPrice).
The equipment description states:
This device features a digitizer function that operates with the S-PEN via inductive coupling.
Like the Galaxy Z Fold 2, the phone will also offer UWB support. Some of the other features confirmed by the FCC documents include mmWave 5G support, 9W wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and MST for Samsung Pay.
Samsung announced earlier this year that it would bring the Galaxy Note's "most loved features" to other Galaxy phones. Currently, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the only non-Note device to feature S Pen support.
Rumors suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will arrive with a 7.5-inch AMOLED inner screen, a 6.2-inch cover display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 processor, and an official IP rating for dust and water resistance. Despite the upgrades, the phone could be launched at a significantly lower price than its predecessor. A recent report claimed the Galaxy Z Fold 3 could be priced around $1,600 in the U.S.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is expected to be announced at a Galaxy Unpacked event sometime next month. Along with the Galaxy Z Fold 2 successor, Samsung is rumored to introduce the Galaxy Z Flip 3 at the same event. Until recently, it was believed that the Galaxy S21 FE might also be unveiled alongside the flagship foldables. Samsung is said to have halted production of the value flagship due to a component shortage and is now tipped to launch sometime towards the end of the year to challenge the best Android phones in the value flagship segment.
Update, June 24 (2:30 p.m. ET) ― Alleged press images emerge of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3
New photos have just been posted by leaker Evan Blass, which appear to be official-looking press images.
The first shows the alleged Galaxy Z Fold 3 with an S Pen that has the words "Fold Edition" etched on the side. This seems to corroborate the FCC filing for S Pen support.
The second image shows the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 together. The smaller foldable appears similar to previous leaks of the device, with a much larger outer display and a two-tone color scheme.
From the looks of it, things are starting to come together for the successors to the best folding phones. We may not have to wait much longer for an official launch with a rumored unveiling in August.
