Samsung has been constantly improving its Galaxy Z Fold series over the past few years by taking a lead in the field of foldable smartphones. Now that all eyes are set on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, new reports suggest that the South Korean tech giant is working on new materials and design innovations to make the phone more portable, durable and functional.
According to Korean news outlet The Elec, Samsung is currently considering using carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or else titanium for the Galaxy Z Fold 8. This new material selection could be an important step to bring back S Pen support – a feature that was left out in the Galaxy Z Fold 7, to make the phone thinner and lighter.
Galaxy Z Fold 7 ditched S Pen, but got thinness
When Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 7 this year, many users – especially S Pen fans – were disappointed. Because the Fold7 did not have S Pen support. Samsung’s main focus behind this decision was to create an ultra-thin design. The thickness of the Fold7 came down to 4.2mm (unfolded) and 8.9mm (folded), which is quite slim.
To achieve this thin design, Samsung removed the digitizer layer from the display – the same component that is needed for the S Pen’s electromagnetic resonance (EMR) technology. This reduced the phone’s weight and thickness, but lost the productivity features that Fold series users have come to love.
Chinese tech experts said in his review of the Fold 7 that the titanium frame made the phone feel quite light and slim. Titanium is a strong and corrosion-resistant metal that is 40% lighter than stainless steel. But its processing is expensive and complex, especially for intricate designs like foldable phones.
From CFRP to Titanium: A material evolution
From the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to the Fold 6, Samsung used CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), particularly for the digitizer support needed for the S Pen. CFRP is a balanced material – lightweight and rigid – and works well with the electromagnetic induction layer.
But in the Fold 7, Samsung ditched CFRP and adopted titanium. This change improved the durability and look of the phone, but due to lack of internal space, the digitizer layer had to be removed – and this led to the removal of the S Pen support.
Now according to reports, Samsung may be planning to bring back CFRP in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 so that the S Pen can be integrated again. Or Samsung is developing some new S Pen technology along with titanium that works even without a digitizer.
Is Active S Pen coming?
Many users fear that the S Pen is permanently disappearing from the Fold series. But there are some positive indications too. Samsung is reportedly working on an Active S Pen – a stylus that will have its own battery and sensors, just like Apple’s 2nd-gen Apple Pencil.
The Active S Pen connects to the phone via Bluetooth and offers a host of advanced features – such as remote photo clicking, presentation control, and more. It doesn’t require a built-in digitizer.
But it does have its downsides – active styluses are generally a bit thicker, require charging, and their writing experience isn’t as natural as the passive S Pen.
Still, this could be a good solution for future foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 – a slim design with stylus functionality is possible.
Samsung’s Challenge: Thin Design vs Full Functionality
The evolution of Samsung’s Fold series shows that they have to make some tough choices in design decisions. The structure of foldable phones is complex – battery, camera, hinge, screen – all have to be compromised.
With the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Samsung is probably trying to strike a balance between slim design and functionality. The S Pen could come back with CFRP materials or through a new stylus innovation.
Samsung’s material innovation clearly shows that it prioritises user experience. The Titanium Fold7 was a bold step. Now in the Fold8, Samsung could use a combination of CFRP and titanium, or bring more innovation in software and stylus hardware.
What does it mean for Indian users?
India is a major region of Samsung’s premium smartphone market. Foldable phones are fast gaining popularity here. Indian professionals, students, and content creators are fans of the S Pen – it’s the perfect tool for note-making, sketching, and multi-tasking.
The lack of the S Pen in the Fold7 was missed by many. But portability was definitely improved.
Now if Samsung brings back the S Pen in the Galaxy Z Fold 8, without sacrificing the thin design of the phone, it could further expand the adoption of foldables in the Indian premium segment.
Industry Impact and the way forward
Samsung is not alone in the foldable phone race. Brands like OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi are also bringing new innovations. But Samsung’s technology maturity and market lead are still strong.
If the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 introduces an Active S Pen or new digitizer tech, it could change the standards of the entire industry. And if new S Pen-supported apps are created for developers, Samsung’s ecosystem will become even stronger.
Conclusion: Return of S Pen in Fold8?
Until the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is officially unveiled, speculation and excitement will continue. So far, leaks and reports show that Samsung is working in full force to create a perfect balance of portability, performance and productivity.
Be it CFRP materials, or an advanced Active S Pen, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 could be the first foldable phone of a new era – where thin design and full stylus support go hand in hand.
Indian users, and fans across the world, are eagerly waiting for Samsung’s next Unpacked event – which is expected to take place in early 2026. Only then will we know: Will the S Pen return? Will Samsung take the foldable experience to a new level?
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