Samsung has yet to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but a new user survey suggests the return of S Pen support could become one of the device's biggest selling points.

The findings indicate that many loyal Galaxy users would be willing to pay more for an Ultra model if it is the only version to support Samsung's signature stylus.

Most users would pay extra for S Pen

The survey, conducted among 1,476 respondents, examined whether the lack of S Pen support on the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 would influence purchasing decisions.

According to the results, 75.27% of participants said they would be willing to spend more on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra if it were the only model compatible with the S Pen.

By comparison:

14.5% said stylus support would not affect their buying decision.
7.52% felt the larger display of the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 would already meet their needs without an S Pen.
2.71% said they were waiting for Apple's rumoured foldable iPhone instead.

The results suggest that S Pen remains a major differentiator for Samsung, particularly among users who rely on their smartphones for note-taking, document editing, sketching and productivity.

Rumours point to S Pen support, not an included stylus

Recent leaks have suggested Samsung may restore S Pen compatibility on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra after the feature was reportedly dropped from the previous generation.

However, current rumours refer only to display compatibility with the S Pen.

That does not necessarily mean Samsung will include the stylus in the box or integrate a built-in storage slot inside the handset.

Those are separate hardware decisions, and there has been no credible confirmation that the Ultra model will ship with either an included stylus or an internal S Pen compartment.

A premium strategy

If the rumours prove accurate, S Pen support could become one of the key features distinguishing the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra from the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Leaks have also suggested the Ultra model may feature a larger battery, faster charging and an upgraded display, reinforcing Samsung's strategy of reserving its most advanced features for the premium version.

Such an approach mirrors a broader trend in the smartphone industry, where manufacturers increasingly use exclusive flagship features to encourage customers to upgrade to higher-priced models.

Apple's foldable unlikely to sway Samsung loyalists

The survey also suggests S Pen is unlikely to influence consumers already waiting for Apple's long-rumoured foldable iPhone.

Apple has never confirmed plans to support a stylus on a foldable smartphone, and reports remain speculative.

The differing responses highlight the contrasting philosophies of the two ecosystems.

Samsung has consistently positioned the S Pen as a productivity tool, while Apple has historically adopted a more minimalist approach to smartphone design.

Official confirmation still pending

For users deciding between the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, the possible return of S Pen support could become a decisive factor - particularly for owners who missed the feature after its reported removal from the previous Fold generation.

Samsung has previously released S Pen-compatible devices without incorporating a built-in stylus slot, so compatibility alone should not be interpreted as confirmation of integrated storage.

For now, however, all information remains based on leaks and industry speculation.

Reports surrounding S Pen support for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra have changed several times in recent months, with some suggesting the feature will return and others claiming Samsung abandoned the plan.

A definitive answer is expected only when Samsung officially unveils the device at its Galaxy Unpacked event, reportedly scheduled for July 22.

Hai Phong