8 essential S Pen tips for Galaxy Note 20

Even if you’ve been using an S Pen for years, you’ll want to know where Samsung has added new features and functionality.

- RYAN WHITWAM

Some of us just never got over our love of pens and pencils, and Samsung’s latest Note 20 phones (go.pcworld.com/nt20) are here to scratch that itch. They cost a pretty penny ($1,300 for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra), but now you can do even more useful things with the S Pen stylus, assuming you can sort out the myriad features Samsung bundles with the phones. Here are eight awesome features of Samsung’s new S Pen to get you started.

1. AIR ACTIONS

Air Actions, one of Samsung’s signature S Pen features, is back on the Note 20 with even more functionality. You can use the S Pen button to launch the camera (long-press) and snap photos (short-press). It also supports more apps, including Samsung AR Doodle, Samsung Gallery, Snapchat, and Spotify. The gestures vary by app, so make sure to check the details under Settings > Advanced Features > S Pen > Air Actions.

The S Pen can also control media when you’ve got something playing in the background. Simply press the button and draw a line going up in the air to increase the volume. Go down to lower the volume, right to skip a track, and left to go back.

2. UNLOCK WITH S PEN