It’s the top of the Note as we all know it

Samsung’s first 2022 Galaxy Unpacked occasion hasn’t began but, however we’ve already obtained a powerful notion that the occasion spells the top of the Note collection. We know this as a result of Samsung has achieved all the things besides shout from the rooftops that the following S-series Ultra will take up the Note and its built-in stylus. You may even go forward and preorder it if you’d like as a result of, actually, what’s a cellphone launch nowadays? In any case, Samsung is making the suitable name for its enterprise and its model, even when it stings somewhat for the Note devoted.

The way forward for the Note appeared doubtful final yr when rumors of its demise circulated, and Samsung stated that the S21 collection would supply S pen assist. Early in 2021, a Samsung exec expressed doubts about transport a brand new Note mannequin, and certainly, the yr got here and went with out a correct new Note. Then, early in 2022, leaks and hints from Samsung all however confirmed that the Note’s future lay throughout the S-series.

This makes loads of sense from a enterprise standpoint. Samsung struggled to ship S-series phones last year amidst the continuing provide chain and chip scarcity fiascos. In flip, S21 sales were lackluster. Consolidating the Note and S-series, quite than making an attempt to take care of them individually, definitely helps whenever you’re in the midst of a part scarcity. That’s fewer units to arrange Android OS updates and safety patches for, too, which issues whenever you assist telephones for so long as Samsung does.

It is sensible from an identification standpoint, too. Samsung’s “a phone at every price point” technique works for the A-series, however too many flagships dangers diluting their premium standing. The excessive finish of Samsung’s mass-market lineup is getting crowded certainly, with the Z Flip 3 promoting for $999. The firm’s foldables aren’t simply getting extra inexpensive — they’ve additionally seen some main refinements which are poised to maneuver the units into the mainstream. There’s solely a lot room in Samsung’s galaxy for high-end units, and it might be time for the Note to bow out and make room for Samsung’s newest improvements.

So that is doubtless the top of the Note as we all know it, nevertheless it’s not goodbye. Samsung has made it clear that Note options like S pen assist shall be sticking round, and leaks point out that the S22 Ultra will look extraordinarily Note-like, full with an S pen silo. Depending on the way you view it, the Note is getting a promotion to the highest spot within the S collection or being relegated to “feature” standing to appease followers.

Photo by Dieter Bohn / The Verge

Either manner, it’s clear that Samsung will not be afraid to supply one thing somewhat bit completely different nowadays. This is the corporate that caught with foldables, iterating till it put out one thing that common individuals would wish to purchase. Now, it appears to be like to be bringing the stylus entrance and heart to its mainstream, top-of-the-line flagship. That’s not one thing you’ll discover in one other flagship lineup, Android or in any other case.

Maybe 2022 is the yr that Samsung decides as soon as and for all to lean into the issues that set it aside from the competitors, quite than specializing in going toe-to-toe with Apple’s each product and repair. Dieter puzzled about this previous to final yr’s S21 Unpacked, and my optimistic view is that Samsung is certainly embracing its personal identification somewhat extra. Maybe Samsung is evolving the S-series into one thing that comes with extra of its distinctive improvements quite than spinning them into various fashions. An progressive Samsung is a enjoyable Samsung, and we’re right here for that.