The Galaxy Z Fold series, post-Fold 3, is uniquely positioned regarding the S Pen. These foldable phones treat the S Pen unlike the Note and Galaxy S Ultra lineups. And because of their unique design approach for the S Pen, Samsung's foldable phones can raise some interesting questions pertaining to compatibility and futureproofing.
As many of you know, Galaxy Z Fold devices work only with a specially designed S Pen called the S Pen Fold Edition. You can't pick up any S Pen from an old Galaxy S Ultra or Note phone and start using it on the foldable screen. It won't work because it operates at a different frequency, and trying it could even damage the foldable panel.
Can Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Fold 4 users repurpose the S Pen for the Fold 5?
Samsung hasn't embedded the S Pen Fold Edition inside the frame of its foldable phones. No Fold has a dedicated S Pen holster. And Fold Edition S Pens are always purchased as optional accessories.
This design approach led to an unusual scenario for Galaxy Z Fold users planning to upgrade to a new model. If you think about it, Galaxy Note and S Ultra users who want to trade-in will always exchange the old S Pen for a new one alongside their phones. The S Pen is part of the device rather than an optional accessory.
So, naturally, when Note and S Ultra users trade-in their phones, they exchange the S Pen, too. But that's not at all how it works for Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Fold 4 users who have purchased an optional S Pen. They don't have to let go of the accessory when trading in the Galaxy Z Fold 3 or Fold 4 for the newer Galaxy Z Fold 5, for Samsung to consider the old trade-in phones complete in the box.
So, then, what can Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Fold 4 users do with their leftover S Pens when they upgrade to the Galaxy Z Fold 5? Can they still use the old S Pen with the new phone?
Why the caseless S Pen Fold Edition has always been the better long-term choice
In short, yes. Technically speaking, the S Pen that works with your Galaxy Z Fold 3 or Fold 4 is compatible with the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
However, if you bought an S Pen phone case for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 or Fold 4, you won't be able to wrap it around the Galaxy Z Fold 5. S Pen cases are incompatible across different Fold devices.
On the other hand, if you bought the S Pen Fold Edition without a case for your Galaxy Z Fold 3 or Fold 4, you're set! You don't have to buy a new S Pen or change the way you use the S Pen Fold Edition once you upgrade to the Fold 5.
That's because the S Pen Fold Edition comes with its own pen case — a protective tube-shaped case that doesn't attach to the foldable phone in any way but can be carried safely in a bag or pocket without risking damaging the S Pen.
For this reason, the caseless S Pen Fold Edition has always been the superior long-term accessory for Galaxy Z Fold-series users who want to use the S Pen.
Unfortunately, you can't buy the S Pen's protective tube-shaped case without the S Pen. So, if you previously bought an S Pen Case for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 or Fold 4, you'll have to put the phone case aside and carry the S Pen without any protection. These things are fragile, so you'll have to be extra careful not to break them.
