Samsung hints at lower-priced foldables and S Pen for more phones

Samsung has already hinted at its phone plans for 2021, but now it’s being more explicit — and supporting some longstanding rumors in the process. Mobile division President TM Roh has outlined some of Samsung’s phone plans for 2021, including lower-cost folding phones and S Pen support beyond the Galaxy Note.

The company will be “expanding” its folding phone range to make it “more accessible,” the Samsung executive said. While he wasn’t more specific, rumors have the company releasing as many as four foldables in 2021, including two Galaxy Z Fold 3 variants and two Z Flip 2 editions. This is expected to include more affordable options, although you might not see the devices until the second half of next year.

Related: Galaxy Z Fold 2 review

Roh also indicated that some of the “most well-loved features” of the Galaxy Note would come to other devices in the lineup. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Samsung might kill the Galaxy Note line, but it does back rumors that at least one Galaxy S21 model might have S Pen support. It wouldn’t include a slot for the pen (you might need a case for that), but you’d have one less reason to wait for a possible Note 21 if you just want a stylus.

The division President also hinted at “super-intelligent, pro-grade” camera features coming in 2021 as well as expanded ultra-wideband support for car connectivity and similar features.

You won’t have to wait long to hear more about the Galaxy S21, S Pen or other new Samsung hardware. Roh said the tech giant would share more “in January,” hinting not-so-subtly at the rumored January 14 Galaxy S21 launch event. Don’t be shocked if Samsung’s phone selection looks very different within the next several weeks.