Two new S Pens coming to Galaxy S21 Ultra — what you need to know

Ii new Southward Pens coming to Galaxy S21 Ultra — what you need to know

(Paradigm credit: Samsung)

Samsung officially unveiled the Galaxy S21, and with it announced that the Milky way S21 Ultra would feature South Pen support for the first time. Interestingly, two S Pen models are set to launch, with a pro model coming subsequently this yr.

Traditionally, only the Galaxy Notation line featured Southward Pen functionality. Merely with rumors that 2021 might be the Milky way Note'southward last, Samsung is now shifting Southward Pen functionality to its Ultra line of devices.

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What's the S Pen Pro?

The South Pen Pro is a souped-upwardly version of the standard South Pen. Information technology's larger overall, providing a better grip and tactility. It has Bluetooth functionality, which will allow users to tap into Air Actions to swipe or snap photos remotely, command music, or click through a PowerPoint presentation.

The S Pen Pro will work with Samsung's "latest S Pen supported Milky way devices," Samsung said during its Milky way Unpacked event. This probably means information technology works with newer Note models, only non ones from prior years.

The standard S Pen is seeing modest improvements over concluding year's model likewise. It'due south slightly larger, giving better grip.

Is the S Pen included with the Milky way S21 Ultra?

Unlike the Note line, the S Pen will exist sold separately from the S21 Ultra. Users will demand to spring for an accompanying example if they need somewhere to stash the Southward Pen, as there'due south no fashion to holster information technology with the Galaxy S21 Ultra similar at that place is on the Notation lineup.These are all added expenses.

At that place are two case models — both including the standard S Pen — and each will run for $69.99. The S Pen itself will cost $xl.

Pricing for the S Pen pro was not unveiled. Existing S Pens from the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Tab volition piece of work with the S21 Ultra.

But it's not just Samsung creating pens for its devices. The visitor announced that uni, Staedtler, Wacom, and LAMY are all making Galaxy-compatible pens.

Is the Southward Pen worth buying?

Fans of the Milky way Note serial swear by the South Pen. Not only does it allow users to write or take notes, it offers mouse-like precision on a bear on screen device. Imagine editing a photo or video on your phone. Doing so with pinpoint accuracy allows editing minute details much easier.

Merely it's definitely a special apply-case particular, i not necessary for all users. For those in which writing or drawing on their handset is admittedly critical, then yes, the S Pen is likely an important buy. Simply for those that like to use their phones for more standard functions, like web browsing, music, video and games, it'southward likely non as necessary.

Considering the S21 Ultra starts at $ane,199 for the 128GB model with 12GB of RAM, adding an extra $70 case/Due south Pen expense isn't too out of the ordinary. It remains to be seen if the S Pen Pro will be worth the toll when it launches afterward this twelvemonth.

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Imad Khan is news editor at Tom's Guide, helping direct the day's breaking coverage. Prior to working at the site, Imad was a total-time freelancer, with bylines at the New York Times, the Washington Mail service and ESPN. Outside of work, you tin can notice him sitting blankly in front of a Word certificate trying desperately to write the first pages of a new volume.