Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra hits FCC, S-Pen support confirmed

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

TL;DR

• The Galaxy S21 Ultra has landed in the FCC database.
• Samsung’s filing also confirms S-Pen support in the new phone.

Samsung confirmed earlier this month that it would be bringing the Galaxy Note’s “most well-loved features” to other Galaxy phones, while several websites and leakers outright claimed that the Galaxy S21 Ultra would offer S-Pen support.

Now, the apparent Galaxy S21 Ultra (model number SMG998B) has swung by the FCC, and we’ve discovered that the filing indeed confirms S-Pen support. In fact, the listing reveals that the new smartphone will support Hover functionality too. This lets users hold the S-Pen above the screen (without touching the display) for various functions, such as previewing content or displaying a pointer. Check out the screenshot below.

“The EUT [device being tested – ed] can also used with a stylus device (S-Pen). The EUT operates with the S-Pen in two different inductive coupling modes of S-Pen motion detection (Hover and Click)…” reads an excerpt of one of the testing reports.

Don’t expect the S-Pen to come with the Galaxy S21 Ultra though, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s bundled with the phone as part of some promotions. You might need a special case to hold the stylus too, as the phone isn’t expected to have the requisite slot. 

Otherwise, the FCC filing also confirms several other expected wireless features, such as UWB functionality, NFC, wireless power transfer (i.e. reverse wireless charging), wireless charging, and Wi-Fi 6E.

What do you think of Samsung’s S-Pen? Take our poll below to give us your thoughts! 

What do you think of the Samsung S-Pen?

630 votes

I don't buy phones without it

32%

Great to have, but not essential

57%

I don't care for it

11%

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