Ryan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Qi2 instances and equipment, particularly these with sturdy magnets, can intervene with the S Pen’s performance on Samsung units.
- The interference is brought on by the magnetic subject of the Qi2 equipment disrupting the S Pen’s electromagnetic resonance.
- Customers might expertise points like diminished sensitivity or lifeless zones when utilizing the S Pen with sure Qi2 equipment.
There was loads of pleasure round Qi2 when it was introduced. The success of Apple’s MagSafe has proven the potential for magnetic telephone equipment, and the truth that Qi2 is appropriate with MagSafe and vice versa solely makes the deal sweeter. Sadly, we’ve solely seen a single Android telephone undertake Qi2 to this point. Case producers reacted higher although, releasing Qi2-enabled instances for all kinds of Android flagships. Nevertheless, should you use considered one of Samsung’s S Pen-equipped Extremely fashions, you would possibly need to suppose twice earlier than boarding the Qi2 case wagon.
For a very long time now, we’ve recognized that magnetic equipment could cause points for the S Pen. Samsung has acknowledged this because the launch of the Galaxy Notice 8, and it made the information cycle when the S24 Extremely launched.
Nevertheless, Qi2 instances are rising in popularity, and lots of customers might not know the problems they will trigger. We’ve seen studies over the previous couple of months from individuals experiencing issues with their S Pens, like Reddit person ddelin86’s publish this week. Most instances for earlier Galaxy Extremely flagships lacked magnets, however that’s modified with the S24 Extremely this 12 months, and such instances will solely turn into extra standard as we enter 2025, so it’s value reminding individuals of what to look out for.
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
The S Pen has turn into a staple of the Samsung expertise. One of many issues that makes it so particular is that it doesn’t require energy to perform, apart from the Bluetooth options newer fashions have added. The fundamentals of writing, drawing, and hovering over the display screen all occur passively, due to, you guessed it, magnetism. Telephones and tablets that assist the stylus emit an electromagnetic subject that reacts to the coil within the S Pen. Your system detects that response and makes use of that info to know the place the S Pen is and what it’s doing.
Including a robust magnet to the again of your telephone interferes with this electromagnetic subject, leading to points with the S Pen, like having to press extra firmly on the display screen or having a lifeless zone the place it doesn’t work.
Fortunately, this doesn’t imply you possibly can’t use Qi2/MagSafe equipment. As famous by Dbrand on Reddit, it’s uncommon for the case itself to trigger any points as a result of the producer ought to have examined its product with the telephone. Issues come up when you add equipment to the case. In my testing, easy equipment like card holders don’t trigger any points with the S Pen, however a battery pack with stronger magnets does.
How this impacts you will depend on how you utilize MagSafe equipment. A magnetic automotive mount will in all probability trigger points with the S Pen, however you’re unlikely to make use of it whereas driving. Likewise, in case your battery is low and also you want a Qi2 battery pack to maintain your telephone going, you possibly can in all probability forego any S Pen use till your battery has some cost.
Don’t let this subject cease you from utilizing magnetic equipment together with your telephone; simply maintain this in thoughts in order that you realize what’s inflicting the problem should you encounter it.
This does elevate questions on how Samsung will combine Qi2 into its smartphone lineup. To get rid of any probability of this taking place, it might doubtless must fully overhaul how the S Pen features, which might be a major endeavor.
Do you utilize Qi2/MagSafe equipment together with your Samsung system? If that’s the case, have you ever encountered any points with the S Pen? Tell us within the feedback.