Samsung Patent Galaxy Note S-Pen With Camera

Samsung Electronics is reportedly developing a stylus with a built-in camera, according to a new patent granted this week, but filed in early 2017.

First spotted by Patently Mobile, the patent outlines a stylus – similar to its Note series’ S Pen – which can wirelessly send images to a phone/tablet via Bluetooth.

The built-in camera will provide users a slew of benefits including increased flexibility to take photos. e.g. holding the stylus up higher for group selfies, and using the smartphone as a viewfinder.

Despite space constraints, the patent outlines a stylus camera with an “optical zooming function.”

The news comes as Samsung seeks to combat weak smartphone sales, with a lack of industry innovation credited for low replacement demand.

The company is set to launch its first foldable phone in February/March, with its new Galaxy S10 series unveiling later this month.