Will 'Galaxy S' and 'Galaxy Note' Be Unified into One?

'Galaxy S22 Ultra' Rendering Image

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Amid ongoing speculation about the discontinuation of the ‘Galaxy Note,’ there are observations that Samsung Electronics may continue the Note series by integrating the ‘Galaxy S’ series and the Note series into one.

On the 25th (local time), IT specialist media GSM Arena and others reported, citing Vietnamese renowned IT tipster 'Chun,' that the names of the ‘Galaxy S22 Plus(+)’ and ‘Galaxy S22 Ultra’ could be changed to ‘Galaxy S22 Pro’ and ‘Galaxy Note22 Ultra,’ respectively. The explanation is that Samsung plans to adjust its flagship smartphone lineup by embedding the S Pen into the Ultra model, which is the top-tier model of the existing S series, thereby converting it into a Note.

Recently leaked rendering images of the S22 Ultra model support this possibility. The rendering images of the S22 Ultra, released by famous IT tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer, include a built-in slot for the S Pen, a symbol of the Note series. Earlier this year, Samsung Electronics added S Pen support for the first time to a non-Note model with the release of the ‘Galaxy S21 Ultra,’ and last month, the ‘Galaxy Z Fold3’ was also made compatible with the S Pen. However, since neither model features a built-in S Pen, there were some criticisms regarding user inconvenience.

'Galaxy S22 Ultra' Rendering Image

Within the industry, the discontinuation of the Note series remains a continuous topic of interest as Samsung Electronics did not release a new Galaxy Note model this year. Since its launch, the Galaxy Note has been a cash cow product for Samsung Electronics, with cumulative sales of around 10 million units per series, but the release of new products was halted this year due to global semiconductor chip shortages and the strengthening of the foldable lineup.

However, Samsung Electronics has repeatedly denied the discontinuation rumors. At the shareholders' meeting in March, Samsung Electronics’ IM Division Head (President) Koh Dong-jin stated, "Releasing two flagship models with S Pen support in one year can be quite burdensome," but he dismissed the discontinuation rumors by adding, "The business division is preparing to release a Note category product next year." Last month, Samsung Electronics’ Wireless Business Division Head (President) Roh Tae-moon also mentioned the Galaxy Note in a contribution published on Samsung Newsroom ahead of the second half Unpacked event. He said, "Although the Note series is not introduced this time, the Note experience continues to expand across various Galaxy devices, preparing for a bright future."

There are also opinions that beyond simply integrating the Galaxy S and Note series, some product name changes may occur to ensure branding consistency across Samsung Electronics’ currently diverse mobile product lineup. Currently, Samsung Electronics uses ‘Plus’ and ‘Ultra’ for smartphones, ‘Classic’ and ‘Sports’ for smartwatches, and ‘Plus’ and ‘Pro’ for wireless earphones.

However, the possibility of expanding the Galaxy S series, which currently consists of three models, to four by adding the Note is considered very low, given the semiconductor supply situation. The industry as a whole is facing issues such as semiconductor shortages and parts supply problems, and Samsung Electronics is also experiencing delays in the unveiling and release of the mid-premium smartphone ‘Galaxy S21 Fan Edition (FE),’ which was originally scheduled for mass production in the first half of the year and release in August, due to semiconductor supply shortages.