New SPen for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
I just bought the S Pen for the new Galaxy Tab S11, and it feels a bit more comfortable to hold than the S Pens from previous models. However, in my opinion, it has two negative aspects.
The first is that the side button is difficult to locate by touch, which makes its use quite challenging.
The second, which is more important to me, is that the initial activation force is higher than in previous S Pen models. I have compared it with the S Pen from the Tab S8 and the Tab S9+ FE, and with those, the device writes under the weight of the pen itself (about 8 grams). In contrast, with the new S Pen, which also weighs 8 grams, the pen does not write under its own weight. I am not a fan of digital pens with an IAF close to zero; I like needing a minimal amount of pressure to start drawing; but I think in this aspect, the new S Pen has lost a bit.
In any case, if anyone else has had access to this new model, I would appreciate confirmation of my observations, just in case my unit is defective.
Thank you very much.
I had to quickly share some anecdotes that I feel might elicit annoyance unfortunately:
I caved and bought a Movinkpad Pro 14 to try out after having some OCD despair over seeing some hairline scratches were incurred on my Tab S11 Ultra. I think this screen might be slightly more durable than the S10, or it just took longer because I love the new S-pen and have no problem using it exclusively. Maybe I tore up my S10's screen with all the third party UD pens I tried - who knows.
I can't believe how overrated I ended up feeling the Movinkpad is. Feels like there's nothing I agree with Brad Colbow on about this. It has the best chance of making sense for someone if they're in an Android ecosystem outside of Samsung (particularly Google, Sony, or Nokie I guess, because I think I'd be inclined to even try the OnePlus Pad over this if I was with OnePlus).
The most mindblowing thing to me is there is no Wacom Center in this. That is such a common sense thing to me that I didn't even think to look it up to try to avoid wasting time and resources to pick this up. You cannot disable the side buttons!!!! I tried to go into CSP to see if I could do it at a software level in Shortcut Settings - apparently you can't. So if you are not a sidebutton fanatic, you have THREE promininent side buttons on the side you have to consciously avoid. Ludicrous!!!
But here's the other thing that you won't want to believe me on and I scarcely even believe myself:
I did not notice any appreciable difference in the IAF or pressure sensitivity compared to the latest S-pen on the TS11U. HOWEVER -- When I went to use the S-pen on the Movinkpad Pro, I swear it was like the pen's performance was somehow reduced, and then I did notice an IAF and pressure curve that patently inferior to the Pro Pen 3. It's possible these pens - even the UD based S-pen - are better when used on their native hardware displays.
I am upset about whatever glass or oleophobic coatings Samsung is using on their latest Tabs, but at the same time, I low-key think the TS11 series in particular might be the underrated underdog. Everywhere I go, seems people think it's squarely 3rd place behind iPad and Movinkpad, or they just prefer the older S-pens (which I absolutely don't -- I think this is a far superior drawing utensil and I especially appreciate the durability improvements). I think the only thing Samsung needs to do now to reach virtual perfection with me is offer a nanotexture screen option like Apple, and FFS start selling official packs of nibs.
My two cents. Let me know if anyone corroborates this.