Samsung has released the S Pen Creator Edition tablet stylus in the US, offering creative professionals a more premium option compared to the standard S Pen that comes with the Galaxy Tab S9 devices. Priced at $99.99, the S Pen Creator Edition is designed specifically for writing, sketching, and digital painting. It comes with additional features such as tilt-sensitivity and a thicker shape for an improved grip.
The S Pen Creator Edition is compatible with various Samsung devices, including the Galaxy S21 Ultra and higher, Galaxy Note10 and higher, Galaxy Tab S Series, and PCs that already support the existing S Pen. However, it cannot be used with any Galaxy Z series of folding devices. One of the notable advantages of this stylus is that it is battery-free and doesn’t require charging. Additionally, the flat side of the pen can magnetically attach to compatible Galaxy Tab devices, making it easy to store, similar to the Apple Pencil.
Samsung claims that the S Pen Creator Edition is its most advanced S Pen yet. However, it is important to note that the Air Commands feature, which allows users to access various functions by pressing the stylus button while hovering over the screen, is not supported. The stylus is only available in white and features a single button on the side. This button can be used to interact with tools in creative applications, such as switching between pen and eraser functions. The S Pen Creator Edition also carries an IPX4 rating, meaning it can withstand light splashes, although it provides less protection compared to the cheaper S Pen with its submersible IP68 rating.
In terms of appearance and functionality, the S Pen Creator Edition is Samsung’s real rival to the Apple Pencil. Apple’s stylus has gained a loyal following among iPad creatives who value its convenience compared to traditional drawing tablet setups. The iPad’s popularity is largely due to its well-supported catalog of iOS-exclusive apps that cater to creative professionals. However, the Apple Pencil itself, particularly the second generation model priced at $129, has its own benefits, such as gesture controls for swapping between tools in drawing apps.
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To compete with Apple in the creative market, Samsung needs to improve its creative software offerings across the Galaxy Tab series. While the S Pen Creator Edition is a step in the right direction, Samsung still has a long way to go to match Apple’s established reputation. Nevertheless, the S Pen Creator Edition is more equipped to handle creative tasks than the recent $79 USB-C Apple Pencil, which lacks features like pressure sensitivity entirely.
Overall, the release of the S Pen Creator Edition demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to providing a premium stylus option for creative professionals. As Samsung continues to refine its software offerings and expand compatibility across its devices, it may become a stronger contender in the creative market, providing users with an alternative to the Apple Pencil.
