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Patrick Holland/CNET
Samsung’s flagship foldable phone, the , is the best foldable from the company that opens into a tablet-size device. Now, as the end of 2021 approaches, why not look ahead and attempt to piece together what might be in store for our foldable smartphone future? Here’s our roundup of the most credible Galaxy Fold 4 rumors.
Design: Galaxy Z Fold 4 isn’t getting an S Pen slot
There’s no doubt in our minds that the Galaxy Fold lineup represents a remarkable showcase of technology and innovation. But there’s just one thing: Samsung’s top-of-the-line foldable isn’t inherently practical like, say, the or even the Galaxy Note series. For example, there was no slot for the S Pen in the Galaxy Fold 3, and based on rumors, there won’t be a holder for the S Pen either in its successor. For those who use it, you’ll still have to find a way to safely bring along your Samsung stylus.
We’re crossing our fingers that the leakers got this one terribly wrong. We’d love to see a holder in the Galaxy Fold 4 or, even better, perhaps see a way to magnetically attach the S Pen to the Fold 3’s hinge the same way you can attach an Apple Pencil to an iPad Pro.
The Galaxy Note series was the first Samsung lineup to get an S Pen.
Angela Lang/CNET
Design: Galaxy Fold 4 might rock a double-sided fingerprint reader
Samsung introduced a fingerprint sensor to its foldable phone via the Galaxy Fold 3, where it’s located on the right side of the handset. Accessible whether the device is folded shut or opened up, it also doubles as a power button.
However, that fingerprint reader may be on the move, according to Dutch publication , and may be placed under the screen instead. The Dutch publication referred to a patent Samsung filed in March this year to back up the claim, saying the company plans to process the fingerprint reader in such a way that it can be used as a double-sided fingerprint sensor that can be used on the cover screen (when the handset is folded shut), as well as when it’s unfurled to a tablet-size device. On the cover screen, it can apparently be used from the center bottom of the display, and when unfolded it’ll be on the center bottom of the left screen, the report says.
