Samsung has essentially confirmed that its Galaxy Note series of devices is retired and will be officially taken over with the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
After spending several months denying the end of the Galaxy Note series, Samsung has inconspicuously come clean on its blog, discussing the history of the Galaxy Note and how it changed the smartphone industry. It has also hinted at plans for its future devices.
“Some balked at the 5.3-inch display — considered enormous then — but Note created a legacy where a large display is now the standard. The S Pen also surprised everyone. It empowered people to bridge creativity with productivity,” Samsung President & Head of MX Business, Dr. TM Roh said in a statement.
Rumors and leaks suggest that the Galaxy S22 Ultra will take the place of the Galaxy Note not only in display size but also in terms of a built-in S-Pen.
Roh also acknowledged the lack of a Galaxy Note launch in 2021. Instead, the brand released new foldables, and the Galaxy Z Fold 3, in particular, got S-Pen support.
The blog includes several hints that Galaxy S22 Ultra will take on several characteristics of the Galaxy Note series.
With the Galaxy Unpacked event now confirmed for February 9, and the promotional video of a smaller slate-style device and a larger phablet style device fusing into one, there is little else hiding Samsung’s new strategy.
There are also several puns throughout the blog, referencing, Note, S series, and Ultra.
“At Unpacked in February 2022, we’ll introduce you to the most noteworthy S series device we’ve ever created. The next generation of Galaxy S is here, bringing together the greatest experiences of our Samsung Galaxy into one ultimate device,” Roh said.
Samsung first introduced the Ultra branding with the Galaxy S20 Ultra in 2020. The Galaxy S21 Ultra was the first Samsung device outside of the Galaxy Note line to have S-Pen support; however, its stylus is a sold-separately accessory. If rumors are accurate, the Galaxy S22 Ultra will be the first device outside of the Galaxy Note line to have built-in S-Pen support.
