Prior To A February Event, Samsung Teases A Galaxy S/Note Merger

Prior to a February event, Samsung teases a Galaxy S/Note merger 

For the first time in a decade, Samsung announced last summer that it would not be releasing a new Galaxy Note smartphone. After admitting to a shift in focus to foldables as a form factor that was finally ready for a truly mainstream push, the future of the beloved phablet remained an open question.

Apart from that, the Galaxy S series, which is Samsung's primary flagship device, has been gradually blurring the distinction between it and the Note. The company's president wrote at the time that, rather than introducing a new Galaxy Note this time, the company would instead "continue to expand the reach of beloved Note features across more Samsung Galaxy devices."

This has resulted in a relatively consistent increase in the screen sizes of the S series over the years, culminating in the addition of S-Pen functionality to the S21 Ultra in January of this year. Since its launch in August, the company's proprietary stylus has been integrated into the Galaxy Fold line, fueling speculation that the Note is being phased out quietly.

Having just returned from CES and preparing for MWC, we've entered Unpacked territory – the time of year when Samsung announces the latest additions to its S series of smartphones. Roh has returned with yet another cryptically worded post commemorating the Note's existence, this time highlighting how its 5.3-inch display caused a minor commotion in 2011 when it was first released. Big screens used to be associated with much larger and thicker devices, which is something to keep in mind for those who didn't attend the IFA unveiling.

What Others are Saying

Several commenters strongly advocate for a proper merger of the two company headquarters buildings in order to make room for the company's foldable devices.

A Samsung executive writes in a blog post that "with each new generation of Samsung Galaxy devices, we've introduced features that fundamentally redefine the mobile category." "And we're on the verge of rewriting the rules of the game once more in the manufacturing industry. In February 2022, we'll unveil the most remarkable S series [emphasis added by TC] device we've ever created at Unpacked, which will take place in New York City. The next generation of Galaxy S is here, bringing together all of our Galaxy's best experiences into a single, all-in-one device that is unbeatable."

In this context, the term "notable" can refer to a variety of different things. The most obvious possibility is that an S22 Ultra will evolve into an S22 Note. However, there are other possibilities. Is this a hint that there will be a dedicated stylus slot? Is it possible that we will see more S Pen integration across the board? For the simple reason that the carefully worded post makes use of the singular "notable device," I'd say no. The lead-up to the event has left some significant questions unanswered, questions that may or may not be addressed quickly, given the frequency with which leaks surrounding these devices have occurred. Further enhancements to the line are planned, including improved night/low-light photography as well as a more environmentally friendly design, which has become a priority for the company in recent years.

For the second time, Samsung is betting that consumer excitement and brand loyalty will be enough to persuade users to purchase the new Galaxy smartphone and an unnamed Galaxy tablet before they have even laid eyes on them. Reservations for the new Galaxy smartphone as well as an unnamed Galaxy tablet will be available starting tomorrow.