With the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Samsung moved closer to perfection with its foldable phone and an attractive price reduction.

However, one of its best upgrades, support for Samsung's excellent S Pen stylus, was marred by the fact that there is no space to dock it.

Clearly, neither is an ideal solution. Sadly, however, Samsung does not appear to be solving this problem with the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the rumored successor to the Fold 3.

According to Korean tech site Naver (highlighted by reliable leaker FrontTron), Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4 prototype does not have a built-in S Pen slot. In other words, the 2022 fold will likely offer a stylus as an optional extra rather than being considered an integral part of the experience. The design is said to be finalized in March, but it doesn't look good at this point.

Combine this with rumors that Samsung plans to double down on the relatively weak under-screen selfie camera, and it doesn't sound like the company has taken the few criticisms of reviewers of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to heart when developing a follow-up model.

Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra also introduced S Pen support, but with the same drawbacks. In 2022, however, Samsung is said to be fixing this with the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

While other Galaxy S22 devices are said to be smaller, Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra will keep its large 6.8-inch footprint, with a stylish curved design and space for a dockable S Pen, and MIA in name only It is set to become the Galaxy Note 21.

If this happens, it will not only please those who have been pleading with Samsung to bring back the Note, but also provide a better drawing and note-taking experience than the Galaxy Z Fold 4. [It's a shame, because the 7.6-inch tablet, when unfolded, would make an ideal canvas for sketching. However, if indeed the S Pen is not bundled, it is a feature most people are likely to overlook.