Learn about the different Samsung S Pens

Spread the news! The S Pen is now compatible with more devices than ever before. You’ll be able to draw and write directly on the screen, whether you have a Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Fold4, Z Fold3, Note series phones, Tab S7, Tab S8, Tab S9, Tab S10, S21 Ultra, S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, or Book3! Even if your compatible model did not come with an S Pen, you can find one that's right for you. The optional S Pen comes in three unique models: the S Pen Fold Edition, S Pen Pro, and the S Pen Creator Edition. But which one should you buy? It depends on what device you have and what features you’re looking for.
Three Samsung S Pens displayed side by side: two in black and one in white with a gray tip, showing the different styles and designs.
Three Samsung S Pens displayed side by side: two in black and one in white with a gray tip, showing the different styles and designs.

Learn about the different Samsung S Pens

Compare the S Pen models

Note
  • If you are using an S Pen Pro or Creator Edition with a device that has an attached S Pen, you may need to remove the S Pen from the device, or open Settings, then search for and enable Allow multiple S Pens.
  • S Pens are not supported on the front screen of your Galaxy foldable device.

Divided on which S Pen to get? The biggest difference is compatibility: the S Pen Fold Edition only works with the Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold 5, and Z Fold6 while the S Pen Pro works with pretty much any S Pen-compatible device. The S Pen Creator edition will not work with the Z Fold series. There are other things to take into consideration, though. We’ve broken down the most important specs for both pens, so deciding will be easier.

S Pen Specs:

S Pen Pro Edition

S Pen Fold Edition

S Pen Creator Edition

Compatibility

Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5, Tab S6, Tab S7, Tab S8, Tab S9, Tab S10, Note10, Note20, S21 Ultra, S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, and the Galaxy Book

Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Fold5, Z Fold4, Z Fold3

Tab S6, Tab S7, Tab S8, Tab S9, Tab S10, Note10, Note20, S21 Ultra, S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, and the Galaxy Book

Number of buttons

S Pen button

Pair button

S Pen button

S Pen button

S Pen case

No

Yes

No

Write

Yes

Yes

Yes

Bluetooth

Yes

No

No

Air Command

Yes

Yes

Yes

Air Action

Yes*

No

No

S Pen Tip

Auto-retractable Pro Tip

Retracts with 500gf or greater

Auto-retractable Pro Tip

Retracts with 500gf or greater

Hard or soft tip

Charging

Yes

No

No

Latency

Improved latency at 2.8ms

Improved latency at 2.8ms

Improved latency at 2.8ms

Note: *Air actions not supported on PC

S Pen features

Note
  • Galaxy AI features by Samsung will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices.
  • Features require a Samsung account and internet connection.
  • Editing with Generative Edit results in a resized photo up to 12MP.

Using an S Pen on a Galaxy Z Fold's large display is amazing by itself, but the S Pen also comes with useful features. For example, you can use the Quick Create feature for easy note taking. Just hold down the Pen button and tap twice on the screen to open a new note. This will be extra handy in Flex mode where you’ll have more room to write and can view multiple apps at once.

A Fold S Pen next to a Galaxy Z Fold3

On the other hand, the S Pen Pro comes with a full range of your favorite Bluetooth features! You can enjoy remote features like Air actions or media gestures to make using your phone easier and more fun. Please see the next two sections for more information about Air actions and media gestures.

The Pro also comes with Easy device switching and Easy Finding. This allows you to conveniently switch between compatible devices that use S Pens. Plus, it comes with even more fun and useful features that you can take advantage of.

Below is a list of additional features and settings you can use on both the S Pen Fold Edition and the S Pen Pro!

  • Taking screenshots: Pushing the right buttons to take a screenshot can be tricky if you only have one hand free. Luckily, the S Pen allows you to take a screenshot one-handed using the Screen write feature.
  • S Pen settings: There is so much more you can do with the S Pen if you know the correct settings to adjust. Check out our complete guide to S Pen settings to learn more about the settings you may be missing.
  • Handwriting features: You can also enable the S Pen to Text feature. This option allows you to write directly on the screen, and your handwriting will be converted to text! There are other useful handwriting features as well.
  • Drawing: Your S Pen is ready to be your paintbrush and pencil, and anything in between. With 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, the tiniest touch to the boldest stroke can come together to create a masterpiece or touch up photos. The S Pen is compatible with professional apps like Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and the highly accessible PenUp. The enhanced size and tilt performance on the S Pen Creator Edition makes it the ideal artist's tool.
  • Circle to Search: You can search for objects and items from apps that support screen capture when you touch and hold Home on the Navigation bar with the S Pen. Then, circle the item of interest and Galaxy AI will provide related search results.
  • AI Drawing: AI Drawing brings your drawings and doodles to life! You can create AI sketches when using Air command, Samsung Notes, the Gallery app, and the new AI Select feature in the Edge panel. Plus, AI Drawing can be used with the S Pen for extra precise sketching.
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Use Air actions

You can enjoy remote features like Air actions as well.

  1. To begin, navigate to and open Settings, and then tap Advanced features.
  2. Next, tap S Pen, and then tap Air actions. Tap the switch at the top to enable Air actions.
    A smartphone screen showing the 'Air actions' settings with the toggle switched on.
  3. Tap Press and hold Pen button; from here, you can choose an app to open when you hold down the S Pen button.
  4. When you’re done, you can test it out by holding down the Pen button on the side of the S Pen – the new app you chose should automatically launch on the phone.
  5. Every compatible app comes with a few possible S Pen gestures that perform different actions. The gestures include flicking the S Pen:
    • Up, down, left, or right
    • In a clockwise or counterclockwise circle
  6. To perform a gesture in a compatible app, flick your S Pen in the appropriate direction while holding down the Pen button on the side of the S Pen.
  7. To see all of its default gestures, open Settings, then tap Advanced features, and then tap S Pen. Tap Air actions, and then tap your desired app under App actions.
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Use Media gestures

Media gestures make using your phone easier and more fun! Media gestures are a little different from App actions. They can be used to control songs or videos in an array of media apps, like YouTube or Spotify. And unlike App actions, the commands are the same for every compatible media app.

  1. From Settings, tap Advanced features, and then tap S Pen.
  2. Tap Air actions, and then swipe to the Media section at the bottom of the page. Here you can see gestures you can use with all compatible media apps.
  3. To customize what each gesture or button press does, tap your desired command (such as Volume up), and select a new command.
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Connect your S Pen to your phone

Fold S Pen drawing on Galaxy Z Fold3

Once you’ve chosen your S Pen and have your new phone, all you have to do is pair the S Pen and start writing or multitasking!

To pair your S Pen Fold Edition, simply begin using it on the screen. The Fold Edition does not need to be charged.

To use the S Pen Creator Edition, you will need to remove the S Pen that came with your device, or open Settings, and then search for and enable Allow multiple S Pens. Once you're ready, there's no need to charge the Creator Edition, because you can start using it right away.

To pair your S Pen Pro, first make sure you've charged it with a USB-C cable. Check that the mode switch is set to the correct device (such as a Galaxy Z Fold). Now, hold the Pairing button for 3 seconds until your phone recognizes the S Pen. From there, you can write on the screen or use remote features like Air actions.

If an incompatible S Pen is detected, a pop-up message will appear. Check again to see if the S Pen is toggled to the correct device.

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Charge the S Pen Pro

Note
The S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Creator Edition do not require charging.
To charge the S Pen Pro, plug the USB-Type C charger into an outlet, and then connect the other end of the USB-C cable to the USB-C port on the S Pen.
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Replace the S Pen or S Pen tips

The S Pen Pro, S Pen Fold Edition, and S Pen Creator Edition come with additional tips and a tweezer removal tool inside in the box.

  1. To remove the S Pen tip, use the tweezers to gently pull the tip out. It should slide out with little effort. Take care to only pull the tip itself and not the end of the S Pen.
  2. Carefully insert a new tip with your fingers. The tip should slide in easily. Ensure that you don’t break the tip by applying too much pressure. You will not hear or feel a click when the tip is installed.

If you need to replace the S Pen or do not have additional tips, you can find them on our website.

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