With Samsung adding S Pen functionality to the Galaxy S21 Ultra, note takers, doodlers and artists can now ply their trade on the phone’s QHD+ screen. To do all of that, though, you’ll need the best S Pen or a solid stylus alternative. The S21 Ultra doesn’t come with a stylus, but it does work with a wide variety of third party digital pens and almost all of the entire Samsung S Pen back catalogue. So if you have an old Note phone, or a Samsung tablet, that S Pen will work.
Samsung’s trademark low-latency is a major reason to buy directly from the company, but you can get similar performance—and a better ergonomic design—from some big name third-party brands too. Here are the best stylus pens for Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Give Your S Pen A Home
Official Samsung Galaxy 21 Ultra S Pen
The official Samsung S Pen now works with the Galaxy S21 Ultra, as do older S Pens from previous Note and Galaxy Tab devices. It doesn’t support Bluetooth functionality like Air Gestures, but users can take notes, annotate and use it to navigate around the device. No pairing is needed to connect it to the S21 Ultra, rather the device recognizes the stylus as soon as it hovers over the phone.
The trademark light, sleek and low latency operation speed (9ms) comes with Samsung’s official stylus, but you will have to buy a case to house it with the phone. It’s worth mentioning that Samsung is also planning to release an S Pen Pro at some point, which will come with the additional Bluetooth functionality alongside a bigger price tag. If you don’t want the case, you can grab the S Pen on its own for $40.
Best Budget S Pen Alternative
Staedtler 180 Noris Digital
Staedtler’s instantly recognizable design has moved over into digital stylus form. The bumblebee-styled pen comes with a 0.7mm precision nib that applies 4096 levels of pressure for excellent accuracy.
It uses EMR technology, so it needs neither charging nor pairing, which means it works instantly on the Galaxy S21 Ultra. However, the lack of Bluetooth connectivity means there aren’t additional features like programmable buttons that can switch the pen thickness, or color. But with familiar ergonomics and palm rejection technology—so users can rest their hands on the screen without giving the phone confusing input commands—the Noris Digital is well priced at $27.
Best Premium S Pen Alternative
Adonit Dash 3
Adonit is a specialist in digital pens. The company’s iOS offering is far better than that of its Android line-up. It is yet to produce anything close to its hyper high-end Adonit Note+ iPad stylus for Android. But the Dash 3 is an affordable and accomplished pen in its own right.
The 1.9mm tip is designed to remove drag, it has a 14 hour battery life and it can be turned on and off by clicking the eraser-replacement button at the top. As is the case with many other third party Android styluses, it doesn’t come with Bluetooth connectivity so programmable buttons aren’t an option. But the aluminum body and 8.5mm radius gives the pen an appropriate amount of thickness without being hefty.
Most Stylish S Pen Alternative
Wacom Bamboo Tip
Wacom is the biggest name in the stylus world. The Bamboo Tip comes with, as you might have guessed, a 1.9mm bamboo nib, which is interchangeable. It also has a 20-hour battery life and a reasonable 16g of weight with a 10mm diameter.
It’s on the larger and heavier side in comparison to other pens on this list, which is a matter of taste for users who do and don’t prefer that extra heft when sketching. It doesn’t require a connection and doesn’t come with extra Bluetooth functionality, but it’s also a well-made and well-executed device from one of the best stylus makers out there.
Best Stylus That Works With Everything
Meko Universal Stylus
The Meko second generation stylus has a fine 1.5mm tip and an interesting ergonomic design. It has an aluminum finish with a thick grip near the bottom of the pen for a better fit and longer pen usage.
It has shorter battery life than the Adonit pen at 9 hours, but it’s also quite a bit cheaper at $18. There’s no Bluetooth connectivity and no additional functionality like programmable buttons or pressure sensitivity, but it also doesn’t need a connection to work and it provides decent accuracy. This is a simple, no-nonsense solution for S21 Ultra users who need a basic pen and don’t have much to spend.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
