Samsung Galaxy Note Discontinued? Status Explained

The Galaxy Note lineup is not officially dead, but Samsung has not released a new Note model since the Galaxy Note 20 series in 2020, and the company has repeatedly stated that the Note’s signature features—the S Pen and large-screen productivity—are now integrated into the Galaxy S Ultra and Z Fold lines. In short, Samsung has effectively folded the Note into its flagship S and Fold families, so while the dedicated Note series is on indefinite hiatus, its defining capabilities continue in other devices.

Background: The Rise of the Note

Samsung introduced the Galaxy Note in 2011 as a bold experiment: a phone with a 5.3-inch screen and a stylus, a size that seemed absurd at the time. The Note created the “phablet� category and became a staple for users who wanted a large display, precise input, and multitasking features like split-screen apps. Over the years, the lineup grew in screen size, added curved edges, and refined the S Pen with Bluetooth features, air gestures, and improved latency.

The Note series was also known for pushing hardware boundaries—it often debuted the latest processors, camera sensors, and display technology. For many professionals and power users, the Note was the default choice for a phone that could double as a mini-tablet and a digital notebook.

The Shift: Why Samsung Stopped Making New Notes

The last dedicated Note release was the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra in August 2020. That same year, Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 2, which offered a foldable screen and included S Pen support (on the later Z Fold 3). In 2021, Samsung announced that it would not release a new Note that year, citing supply chain issues and the need to focus on foldables. The company also began positioning the Galaxy S Ultra models—starting with the S21 Ultra—as the spiritual successors to the Note, with built-in S Pen support and similar productivity features.

Since then, Samsung has not officially announced the end of the Note line, but its product roadmap strongly suggests that the Note name is being phased out. The Galaxy S Ultra series now includes the S Pen, large displays, and DeX support, while the Z Fold series offers even larger screens and multitasking capabilities. Samsung’s messaging has been clear: the Note’s DNA lives on in these devices, even if the branding does not.

How the Note Lives On: S Pen and Ultra Models

If you want the Note experience today, you have two main options:

• Galaxy S Ultra series (e.g., S21 Ultra, S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra): these phones come with a built-in S Pen slot, a large 6.8-inch display, and productivity software like Samsung Notes and DeX. They are essentially the Note in all but name.
• Galaxy Z Fold series (e.g., Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 5): these foldables offer a tablet-sized inner screen and support the S Pen (on some models, the S Pen is sold separately). They are aimed at users who want maximum screen real estate and multitasking.

Both lines include features that were once exclusive to the Note, such as the S Pen’s air actions, screen-off memo, and the ability to annotate PDFs. If you specifically want a Note-branded device, you can still buy older models like the Note 20 Ultra, but you will miss out on newer processors, cameras, and software updates.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the Note line was canceled because it was unsuccessful. In reality, the Note was a commercial success, but Samsung chose to consolidate its flagship lineup to reduce complexity and focus on foldables. Another misconception is that the S Pen is only for artists or note-takers—in fact, it is useful for precise photo editing, remote camera shutter control, and navigating the UI with gestures.

Some users also wonder whether the Note’s software features are fully available on the S Ultra and Z Fold. Generally, yes—Samsung Notes, screen-off memo, and air actions are present. However, there are minor differences: for example, the Z Fold series does not have a built-in S Pen slot on all models, and the S Pen for the Z Fold uses a different technology (Wacom’s EMR) that requires a special tip.

How to Choose: Note vs. S Ultra vs. Z Fold

If you are deciding between a used Note and a current device, consider your priorities:

• Budget: Older Note models are cheaper, but you sacrifice performance and software support. Samsung typically provides four years of OS updates for flagships, so a Note 20 will not receive Android 16 or later.
• Form factor: The S Ultra is a traditional slab phone, while the Z Fold folds into a tablet. If you want the largest screen possible, the Z Fold is the obvious choice.
• S Pen experience: The S Ultra’s S Pen is built-in, so you never lose it. The Z Fold requires a separate S Pen case or holder, which is less convenient.
• Software updates: The S Ultra and Z Fold will receive updates for longer than any Note model, so they are better for long-term use.

Alternatives to the Note

If you are not tied to Samsung, other phones offer stylus support and large screens. The LG Stylo series (though LG exited the phone market in 2021) and the Motorola Moto G Stylus are budget options. For a premium experience, the Apple iPhone with an Apple Pencil is not supported—Apple does not offer a stylus for the iPhone, so the Note’s closest competitor in the iOS world is the iPad, which is a tablet, not a phone. Android users who want a stylus without Samsung’s ecosystem might consider the OnePlus Pad or other tablets, but for a phone, Samsung remains the primary choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy Note officially discontinued?

Samsung has not made a formal announcement that the Note lineup is dead, but it has not released a new Note since 2020. The company has repeatedly said that the Note’s features are now part of the Galaxy S Ultra and Z Fold lines, which effectively means the dedicated Note series is on hold indefinitely.

Will there be a Galaxy Note 21 or Note 22?

As of 2024, there is no evidence that Samsung plans to release a new Note-branded phone. The company’s focus is on foldables and the S Ultra series, which already incorporate the Note’s signature features. It is highly unlikely that a new Note will be announced.

Can I use the S Pen on any Samsung phone?

No. The S Pen requires a digitizer layer in the screen, which is only present in the Note series, S Ultra models, Z Fold series (with some caveats), and the Galaxy Tab S series. Older Galaxy S models without the “Ultra� branding do not support the S Pen.

Is the S Pen worth it?

If you take notes, draw, or frequently annotate documents, the S Pen is a significant productivity boost. It also offers unique features like air gestures and remote camera control. However, if you rarely use a stylus, you may not notice the difference.

Should I buy a used Note 20 Ultra in 2024?

It depends on your budget and needs. The Note 20 Ultra still has a great camera and display, but it will not receive Android 15 or later, and its processor is older. If you want long-term software support, a newer S Ultra or Z Fold is a better investment.

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