Galaxy S22 Ultra: Why Samsung is Killing Off the Note Line Up

 

2021 has been a rather eventful year: There is a global chip shortage, PS5's are still increasingly rare to come by, and Oh Yeah, there was no Galaxy Note Device released. It is important to note (no pun intended) that rumors of Samsung doing away with the Note lineup became apparent when the S21 ultra got S-pen support, a feature that is exclusive to the note devices. Now, the latest Z-fold three also comes with S-pen support but it is sold as a separate accessory. Since it is apparent that Samsung is providing S-Pen support to all its devices, the Note series is losing its sole defining feature.

While Samsung has been offering S-pens support with its 2021 flagships, they have all remained as separate optional accessories. Leaks of the Samsung Galaxy S22 show that it comes with an S-pen slot which implies that it will be included as part of the overall package. The form factor is also blocky with sharp edges, a design language commonly associated with the Note. If the leaks are anything to go by, Samsung might have done away with the note series completely.

Okay, so what might be the driving factor behind the decision? Conventionally, there has been little difference between the Note and the S devices besides the S-pen. Individuals who owned the S20 ultra wouldn't upgrade to the Note because the differences between the handsets were strikingly little. The S-pen is only the real distinguishing factor and (according to my opinion) not worth the price. I believe Samsung is starting a new leaf where it will release S devices at the beginning of the year, and fold devices during the end-year time frame when note devices were being released. The Note 20 series might mark the end of the Note.