Database Users

Interesting stance on the Spen from Samsung

Well like some others here I have a faulty S-Pen. It starts interacting with the screen about 1-2cm away which is VERY frustrating. After seeing some threads here I got in touch with Samsung Customer Support and this is what I got.
I sent
I've had an issue with my s-pen over the last few weeks. The pen will ''''click'''' or ''''draw '''' something on the screen when its about 1-2cm away from the screen.
This makes annotation and drawing very difficult as it keeps pressing when I do not mean to.
Is this a firmware issue or hardware issue? From what I''''ve read online it looks to me to be hardware related.
Many thanks,
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This is what I got in return.
Dear Ben
Thank you for contacting Samsung.
I'm afraid that the s-pen is designed to work in this manner. It is an option that most customers tend to prefer so that the screen does not actually have to be touched/scratched by the pen. I'm sorry if this is an inconvenience to you.
If you require any further assistance, please contact Samsung again and we will be more than happy to help.
Kind regards
Ciaran
Online Support Team
SAMSUNG Customer Support Centre
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I know thats total BS. Who would want a stylus that unpredictably touches the screen without touching it?
Your thoughts?

khsbenny said:
total BS
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+1

Well, that's not how I would want the S-Pen to work and for me that's not how it does work so I'd suggest you get back to them and explain that what you have is a definite problem.
For me the S-Pen does pretty much exactly what you (or any other sane person) would want - it takes a gentle but quite deliberate contact with the screen to make anything happen.

This is the same problem I have it really is frustrating :-!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

The pen should be detected when slightly above the surface of the screen, that's how my Wacom tablet works as well, but it should never "click" without actually touching the surface so there's definately something wrong.
You could try to calibrate your sensors and do a factory reset. If neither solve the problem then I would press Samsung to send a replacement pen.

bioweb said:
The pen should be detected when slightly above the surface of the screen, that's how my Wacom tablet works as well, but it should never "click" without actually touching the surface so there's definately something wrong.
You could try to calibrate your sensors and do a factory reset. If neither solve the problem then I would press Samsung to send a replacement pen.
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I've resetted, tried different roms and the only way I can get it to work normally is by moving the end of the pen. Its only a temporary solution though and only lasts a few minutes.

It's deffinately a hardware fault within the pen, its a tiny rubber o-ring between the magnet and the coil which breaks up over time allowing them to stay in contact when they shouldnt be, I replaced mine with cotton and it works like a charm now.
Samsung are talking out their arse's!

This is definately not normal behaviour as it defeats the whole purpose of the pen being pressure sensitive and it's just a load of bull that's what people prefer as it screws up any accuracy. I'm not aware of any setting that would invoke this behaviour so I'd say it's definately a hardware related issue.

Samsung Service Idiots said:
I'm afraid that the s-pen is designed to work in this manner.
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My thoughts? Sorry for nerding, but the answer is: LOL! If this is how it´s designed to work, millions of users (including me) are using a defect device.
The only way to reproduce this pen-behaviour is to lie down on your bed and to use the Note with the screen pointing to the ground (technical reasons).

That confirms that the s-pen is scratching the screen!

I've just sent them the exact same message as copied from your post, lets see what reply they give me

RudiRulez said:
I've just sent them the exact same message as copied from your post, lets see what reply they give me
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That will be interesting actually, I wonder if they'll offer you a new pen.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA

Samsung technical support are crap. I rang them because my 7.7 went into a boot loop every time I powered off and had to let the battery go flat to escape from the loop. The solution they suggested was to never power off and when I argued that I should be able to power down they hung up on me. I returned the 7.7 to Amazon for a re-fund within the 30 days and got a replacement from Hong Kong with 3g for £60 less.

I'm glad samsung is not in automobile or aviation industry - people would die because of such a low quality control.

I think they might send you a free air compressor, when you tell them that the pressure sensivity doesn't work at 2cm above the screen without

Boy124 said:
I'm glad samsung is not in automobile or aviation industry - people would die because of such a low quality control.
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from what I read before, Samsung originated as a company selling trade exports of fish, vegetables and fruits to China.

Wonder if trying a third party penabled pen would make a difference.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

i found the solution. just wrap some metal foil above the button and the behaviour is gone. use some cellotape. saw on youtube. it is not mechanical.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA

Will give that a try tomorrow thanks ;-)
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

msnxda said:
i found the solution. just wrap some metal foil above the button and the behaviour is gone. use some cellotape. saw on youtube. it is not mechanical.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
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Err which button are you talking about?

Screen protector enhances my inking!

I just put a screen protector film on my NEW GNote (I swapped my 16GB for a 32GB) .
I was briefly annoyed / concerned because it changes the feel of inking. The tip of the stylus seems to"stick"slightly to the screen now.
But having spent a little time writing with it, I think it actually improves my penmanship. The stylus seems to grab the screen like the way a ball-point pen grabs the paper.
I think I like it .
Anyone else notice this?
JC

jchammerpants said:
I just put a screen protector film on my NEW GNote (I swapped my 16GB for a 32GB) .
I was briefly annoyed / concerned because it changes the feel of inking. The tip of the stylus seems to"stick"slightly to the screen now.
But having spent a little time writing with it, I think it actually improves my penmanship. The stylus seems to grab the screen like the way a ball-point pen grabs the paper.
I think I like it .
Anyone else notice this?
JC
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This is because the default tip on your s-pen is actually rubber. Replace it with a white plastic tip and it will no longer drag.

mitchellvii said:
This is because the default tip on your s-pen is actually rubber. Replace it with a white plastic tip and it will no longer drag.
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Is there an easier way to change them out?
I love the rubber for inking and browsing, but playing fruit ninja or games and the plastic nib from my Note 5.3 stylus was a much better experience.
Probally just get the pen holder and keep a plastic nib stylus in it. and throw it in the bag. I usually only have my tablet when i have my schoolbag, but now that they just told me the WiFi network will be up in the buiilding within a few weeks, I may bring it everyday.
What stluses is everyone else using? Whats most comfortable for different uses? I know most wacom styli work with it(love the eraser ones)

mitchellvii said:
This is because the default tip on your s-pen is actually rubber. Replace it with a white plastic tip and it will no longer drag.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for that insight. I've swapped tips and am seeing what I like better. It definitely glides as opposed to drags, but now I have that tap-tap sound when typing.
JC

jchammerpants said:
Thanks for that insight. I've swapped tips and am seeing what I like better. It definitely glides as opposed to drags, but now I have that tap-tap sound when typing.
JC
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Use Swype, problem with tap-tap will disappear!

Or use handwriting instead of typing.

HasC said:
Use Swype, problem with tap-tap will disappear!
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Magnesus said:
Or use handwriting instead of typing.
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Yes, lets just stop using the S-pen altogether. Oh wait..

I'm curious as to whether the s-pen will work underwater. Can someone try it and post some screengrabs please.
1. Does the pen write smoothly when the screen is wet?
2. Are bubbles a problem?
3. Was there any noticeable electrical arcing or smoke?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 2

mitchellvii said:
I'm curious as to whether the s-pen will work underwater. Can someone try it and post some screengrabs please.
1. Does the pen write smoothly when the screen is wet?
2. Are bubbles a problem?
3. Was there any noticeable electrical arcing or smoke?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 2
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Feeling bored and evil?
Also, I never did get around to researching the diff s-pen tips. thanks for saving me the time

Barsky said:
Feeling bored and evil?
Also, I never did get around to researching the diff s-pen tips. thanks for saving me the time
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Yes, in that order

S-pen only working on pressure

I lost my stock s-pen and bought an original replacement.
It's treating my device like a resistive screen not capacitive.
Meaning my screen will only register input from the pen if I push down hard on the screen.
Gliding it across the screen does nothing. I need to literally push down to get it to do anything.
What's going on?

..you mean this is not normal behaviour?
I need a new S-Pen, my Life is a Lie.

no. supposed to act like a capacitive.

CorruptedSanity said:
I lost my stock s-pen and bought an original replacement.
It's treating my device like a resistive screen not capacitive.
Meaning my screen will only register input from the pen if I push down hard on the screen.
Gliding it across the screen does nothing. I need to literally push down to get it to do anything.
What's going on?
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did you buy a real spen? just making sure it is original
have you tried the usual workarounds like recalibrating the spen (setting orientation of spen from left handed then back to right handed, and touching the four corners of the screen)?
normally loss of screen sensitivity is a hardware issue of the digitizer/lcd panel and not of the spen.
hope you resolve the issue

the spen isn't a capacitive stylus.. it works on separate electromagnetic hardware detection. even mine needs slight pressure to work and i think it's normal behavior.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app

Hmm because the stock one required much less pressure.
Thanks anyways.

what are you saying.... s pen IS resistive, not capacitive

Jamal Ahmed said:
what are you saying.... s pen IS resistive, not capacitive
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So it only works on pressure not touch?
So my fingers create a capacitive relation with the screen but the stylus creates a resistive?

My opinion is the s pen is inductive (magnetic field), not capacitive (electric field). Definitely not resistive because I can hover above the screen and see the s pen cursor move.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app

Jamal Ahmed said:
what are you saying.... s pen IS resistive, not capacitive
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PaulF8080 said:
My opinion is the s pen is inductive (magnetic field), not capacitive (electric field). Definitely not resistive because I can hover above the screen and see the s pen cursor move.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
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So what are you saying? Is a mere touch (capacitive) enough or pressure necessary (resistive)?

CorruptedSanity said:
So what are you saying? Is a mere touch (capacitive) enough or pressure necessary (resistive)?
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neither. it works due to the specific pen hardware. It's Inductive. The note has the ability to handle capacitive and inductive inputs (but not resistive)
Is this an official s pen replacement? people have used non-spen wacom styluses on the note with no ill effects. might just be a dodgy replacement.

LemonPowerForce said:
neither. it works due to the specific pen hardware. It's Inductive. The note has the ability to handle capacitive and inductive inputs (but not resistive)
Is this an official s pen replacement? people have used non-spen wacom styluses on the note with no ill effects. might just be a dodgy replacement.
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Well it's behaving like its resistive. I need a good amount of pressure.
It's an original Samsung stylus.

CorruptedSanity said:
So what are you saying? Is a mere touch (capacitive) enough or pressure necessary (resistive)?
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I'm not "saying" a fact. I am giving an "opinion" or guess. I'm trying to figure out how the phone knows where the pen is without touching and how the pen gets power. A pickup coil in the pen like those non touch inductive chargers seems to explain everything.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app

There is actually a thread here on XDA discussing the S-Pen's technology over here with this specific post you might be interested in, about how to adjust the S-Pen's sensitivity.
I just had a glimpse on the thread, there for sure are even more good tips.

Sydenth said:
There is actually a thread here on XDA discussing the S-Pen's technology over here with this specific post you might be interested in, about how to adjust the S-Pen's sensitivity.
I just had a glimpse on the thread, there for sure are even more good tips.
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You are number one.
I didnt have the guts to do it but thanks.

S-pen stray lines

A picture is worth a thousands words
I have circled in green the correct lines, in red the stray ones.
Why does it behave this way? It is no even co sistent, that is it does not happen always on the same spot

I get that too, don't know why.

Me too
Verstuurd vanaf mijn GT-I9300 met Tapatalk

I think it is happening because the pen is not communicating with the screen properly. Meaning that when you lift the pin up instead of pulling it straight up you're pulling it slightly at an angle and the pen is still close enough to communicate with the screen.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using XDA Premium HD app

Temetka said:
I think it is happening because the pen is not communicating with the screen properly. Meaning that when you lift the pin up instead of pulling it straight up you're pulling it slightly at an angle and the pen is still close enough to communicate with the screen.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using XDA Premium HD app
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Exactly, im thinking that too. Or atleast it looks like that when writing. It's annoying but you can live with it - i dont care show much about it when writing, but when drawing it is awful.

enigma_x said:
Exactly, im thinking that too. Or atleast it looks like that when writing. It's annoying but you can live with it - i dont care show much about it when writing, but when drawing it is awful.
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Might be the damaged SPen nib.My one was kinda wearing out so it justs does crazy stuff.Try replacing it to see if it works

Its not damaged, don't waste your money on a new one. It's Samsung's fault as they didn't fixed all the bugs in the firmware when they developed the product. I have lots of friends that use Note in school and everyone has this problem. That includes n8010 n8000 n8013.. The solution is either try using LectureNotes and apply some of the built in filters or try to teach yourself how to write in a way that there are no nibs. Also, be aware that some parts of the screen are more affected than other parts.

I think i might have insight here..
I recently looked into dev settings on my nexus 4 and set 'show pointer" out of curiosity. It is very interesting how the systems tells you not only the coordinates of the pointer, but the change in x- and y-coordinates, aka the speed of your finger as you glide. It also extrapolates where your finger would end up based on that speed, much like a momentum simulation.
I think whats happening here is that as you lift, you might flick the tip just a millimeter or so but at a high speed and the system extrapolates the line quite unnaturally. I might be wrong here tho, its just a theory.
Edit: looking back at the photo, notice that the lines happen as you lift the pen and not as you set it down..
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Happens to me too. I don't think that everyone here doesn't know how to lift a pen when they stop writing.
That doesn't make sense. It's a Samsung issue that I hope they fix in the next update.

thegios said:
A picture is worth a thousands words
I have circled in green the correct lines, in red the stray ones.
Why does it behave this way? It is no even co sistent, that is it does not happen always on the same spot
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Does your case have a magnet on it? Sometimes magnets mess with Note 10.1 S-Pen.

Hahahalalala said:
Does your case have a magnet on it? Sometimes magnets mess with Note 10.1 S-Pen.
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I have the original samsung case that yes, have small magnets on the edge and in the middle

thegios said:
I have the original samsung case that yes, have small magnets on the edge and in the middle
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The original samsung case shouldn't give any problems,. but try taking it out for a while and see how that goes.
If not, call Samsung Support.

So far, I'm not able to replicate the stray line issues here, but my case (some generic flip cover with an elastic band to hold it shut) does not have magnets because I was concerned about the effect on the s-pen behavior so it could be that.
However, in terms of a fix you could try adjusting the sensitivity of your s-pen itself.
CAUTION!! you may damage it by doing so, I'm not responsible etc etc, do at your own risk !! ---
The click button along the side of the s-pen (with the ridges in it) is remove-able and underneath it is a screw you can adjust (in very small increments please) to adjust the sensitivity of the pen. The screw NEAREST the pen tip (there are two screws next to each other) is what you would adjust --- going CLOCKWISE to DECREASE sensitivity, and COUNTER-CLOCKWISE to INCREASE sensitivity.
I adjusted it to be slightly less sensitive as my pen was registering on the screen sometimes without touching it --- it appears that the tail-ended portions of your E's may also be a result of over-sensitivity.
YMMV of course

S-PEN feels loose

I'vehad the Note 4 for a few days and the S-Pen feels quite loose to me. It can even move around a 1mm when in its silo.
I compared it to my friends Note 3 and it felt very tight. It also feels much more tight when inserted with no movement.
Anyone with the same problem?
I'm just concerned that it will get only worse.

My note 4 have no problem with spen
Try factory reset
Sent from my SM-N910L using XDA Free mobile app

I had that problem this morning. I took my case off and reinsert the pen and now it's nice and sturdy again. Maybe the pen wasn't inserted all the way?

I double checked and it's all the way in. If I'm the only one I guess I got a defective one ...

honhan0904 said:
My note 4 have no problem with spen
Try factory reset
Sent from my SM-N910L using XDA Free mobile app
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Why would a factory reset do any help? lol. The pen is loose whilst in the phone!

Oh sorry i think it not responsive when touch on the phone
Sent from my SM-N910L using XDA Free mobile app

samxxx99 said:
I double checked and it's all the way in. If I'm the only one I guess I got a defective one ...
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Try putting the pen in with the button facing down. Seems if it's facing up, it does jiggle a little.

It actually feels more firm with button facing down. But it doesn't solve the problem completely in my case

lol, same story here. just wanted to create a tread...
i have 3 note4's at the moment (due to display problems): 2 of them have loose spen, at one device it sits tight like on my note3!
a solution is to put one or two layers of transparent tape around the silver end of the s-pen, although i do not prefer this method
as it looks not good...

I decided to return my device on Thursday since it was actually bothering me, but funny thing is Samsung is still claiming it is not a defect and studying my case. They even went as far as show me another unit with the same problem.
I really hope upcoming batches will have it ironed out.

Does anyone know a solution in fixing the loose s-pen? The one with tape doesn't work out well, and is not really aesthetic...

Have you tried comparong inserting the S-Pen with the button facing up and facing down? I had the same problem on my 10.1 2014 and it was much tighter when the button was facing down in the case. I know it's not a solution, but it might help.
iR¡[email protected]!* from i9505 via Tapatalk 4

Do about 20 jumping jax with phone in hand. If the spen slips out of place its a defect.
You could then argue it has s heath and should allow you to run with device.

Mine is snug, my Note 3 was a bit loose but it never fell out or anything. I guess if it's inside the silo and doesn't slip out with normal usage it's not a defect.

i added now one layer (one wrung around) of clear tape (which i do not like aesthetically!!), and now the spen sits tight.
button up or down didn't change anything for me...
now, with the pen tight, the device feels a lot more "solid", so for me the loose pen is a defect...
maybe adding a point of glue would also do the trick, i will experiment a little with that...

TML1504 said:
i added now one layer (one wrung around) of clear tape (which i do not like aesthetically!!), and now the spen sits tight.
button up or down didn't change anything for me...
now, with the pen tight, the device feels a lot more "solid", so for me the loose pen is a defect...
maybe adding a point of glue would also do the trick, i will experiment a little with that...
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Click to collapse
Please don't use glue in your brand new device. Get it exchanged!

Can someone define 'loose s pen'? I put mine in pressed in all the way. If I wiggle my finger on it, it slight jiggles, but not to the point where it falls off. I have never noticed this on any note before. I wouldn't say its a defect, but more of an annoyance.

MattMJB0188 said:
Can someone define 'loose s pen'? I put mine in pressed in all the way. If I wiggle my finger on it, it slight jiggles, but not to the point where it falls off. I have never noticed this on any note before. I wouldn't say its a defect, but more of an annoyance.
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Sounds exactly like mine, I can wiggle it a bit, but it still feels like sits there and won't fall out anyway..

gabrymr said:
Sounds exactly like mine, I can wiggle it a bit, but it still feels like sits there and won't fall out anyway..
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If you put it in the other way its snug. Or at least mine is.

S Pen included with my Note 4
Hi i have 2 seperate questions about the S Pen. 1st. Has anyone removed the button on the pen to try to adjust the potentiometers for sending the pen thinner or thicker? I saw a pic of a note 4 S Pen with the button removed on this forum somewhere 2 days ago & it showed the pen having 2 round very small adjustable screw like things & they where explaining which way to turn the front one to adjust it, but I removed my button just to look at it & in my S Pen there is no adjustment mechanisms at all & there's only one round thing total so I'm just curious to see whether it's the same for all note 4 buyers or not?
2nd. I thought I heard something about Samsung developing & very soon making available for sale a newer updated S Pen for the note 4 & note edge to include Rotation & Tilt which was originally supposed to be included with both phones on release days of each. Does anyone know any info at all about this?