The story behind Samsung is quite interesting. The company was formed way back in 1939 as a trading store, which is around 6 decades before smartphones started catching. During the late 1960s, the brand moved on to create it’s electronics division, dubbed “Samsung Electronics”. This was the beginning of one of the largest electronics companies in the world. During the 1970s, the electronics division began exporting home electronic products all over the world.
The Beginning of the Note
Image Credits: Android Central
Fast forward to 30 years later and cue the Samsung Galaxy series of smartphones. In 2009, the Galaxy series was released and, in the initial moments, customers and consumers were subject to a few cold feet. However, as it is often said, it is the product that defines the brand and, in this case, the product defined the brand very well. The smartphones, soon after their release, could frequently be spotted on top of the annual list of most selling smartphones, which spoke volumes about the Galaxy devices.
Riding on this wave of success, Samsung sought out to cover the tablet computer market with the launch of the Galaxy Tab, which is still going after multiple years.
The Birth of the Note
Image Credits: PhoneArena
The most pivotal point for the Galaxy brand name, however, was the launch of a product that was mocked to the point that it was being compared to the brick. The device being mentioned here is the original Galaxy Note. Announced way back in 2011, in the time of tiny phones and mini smartphones, lo and behold, a massive, brick-like smartphone that was exorbitantly priced (for the time).
It seems this sudden reaction was just a fear of change, since, nine years down the line, the Note is one of the most popular devices out there and, even has a cult-like following. Without fast-forwarding to the future, let us continue our trip down memory lane.
Going back to the Note 1, the device sold well, but, not as good as the S series of devices. It took some time for the Note to catch up, but, once it did, the journey was just upwards. People realised that size does matter and, using a smartphone on a bigger display just gives easier access and ability to use a device in a better manner.
The road for the Note was quite stable, but then struck the Note 7. This was the low-point for the Note series, with the battery on the Note 7 being faulty, resulting in the device becoming hotter than necessary and, at times resulting in a tiny, minor blast. On a serious note, the device did tarnish the image of the Note to some extent and, to add to the brand’s miseries, the ban of the device at all Airports led to a lot of bad press.
However, you know what is good about being at the bottom? The only way up is the top. And, that is exactly what the brand did. Samsung went into the Note 8 and 9 with an err of caution and, seeing as to how the issues were resolved, went ahead with the Note 10, which marked a major shift in the design for the Note, alongside separate capabilities that made it a device of great value.
Well, it seems we have caught up to our present and we see the Note 20 Ultra being the tippy-top of the Samsung ladder of smartphones. The device marks a major turning point in both the design and the pricing aspect. The device includes a far more premium design, an amazing set of cameras, a great chipset (in some markets) and a massive yet beautifully calibrated display.
But, hold up, why are we discussing all this? Is there a need to talk about this? Well, to be frank, a trip down Samsung lane was not really necessary, however, have you thought about why I thought of penning this blast from the past of sorts? The reason for this is the fact that there is a storm heading towards Samsung’s Galaxy.
I, of course, am referring to the news of the Note series being retired in favour of the Fold with support for the S-pen. You might feel that I am a bit sad about this, but, in reality, I am in favour of this decision. Why do you ask? Let us discuss.
Why The Note Does Not Make Sense
Image Credits: PC World
If tech did not progress as fast as it did in the last 5 years, I would have been strictly against the decision of retiring the Note series. But, it is not 2015 and, in 2020, on an average basis, each phone is at least 6-6.5-inches, with some devices breaching the barrier between a phone and a tablet’s size.
The reason I say so is the fact that, 5 years ago, phones were approximately 4-5-inches, which were tiny and, owing to the inclusion of thick bezels, the experience of media consumption was far from perfect.
Fast forward to 2020, almost all devices have moved on to features notches, if not punch-holes and, owing to the advancements in tech, as stated earlier, the average screen size has also increased by a huge margin.
The Note was created with this aspect in mind that a user must never feel cramped and get ample of screen real estate to get his/her work done. This is not the case anymore and, considering how there is a minor difference of 0.2 to 0.4-inches between an S series device and a Note, the existence of the Note lineup is not warranted.
Wait, Shloke, the Note is not just about the physical size, rather, it is also about the S-pen, which is a feature that we love. Bear in mind that, not a whole lot of people use a stylus and, if they do, it is not that often.
Having said that, it is wrong to make assumptions, so, why not discuss why the Fold is the best possible replacement for the Note.
Why the Fold has the Capacity to become the Note.
Image Credits: Pickr
What makes a Note? Large physical dimensions, sturdy design, a massive display and the capacity to take Notes (looks like Xiaomi did not receive the memo while making the Note series of devices).
Jokes aside, these aspects are what make a Note, a Note. Why do I say the Fold is a good replacement? Well, I have my reasons.
First off, why does one need a larger screen? For content consumption and getting work done. This is a key part of one’s life and, for doing so, a Foldable might make a bit more sense.
Hauling a Note is tough, while, if one uses a foldable, they can fold the larger display into a smaller form factor to travel or move around with a phone easier than a large slab of glass.
A larger screen also gives users more screen real estate to expand their application and get more work done, but, with a foldable, if you think about it, you have a potentially larger display which is easier to use.
For a taller, regular phone, people with small hands might face a hassle in reaching the top part, while, in the case of the foldable, the usual case is the width is far greater than the length, meaning it is a bit easier to use.
Taking a note is easier on a larger piece of paper. A thin tall piece of paper might not contain a lot of information, but, in the case of a diary or notebook, it is easier to take notes and jot down more data. The difference between a folding phone and a regular tall device is quite similar to this analogy.
Not to ramble on and on, this concludes my thoughts in regards to the Note being retired and why I feel the Fold is a capable replacement for the Note.
Being a fan of the Note series and having grown up using a Note 2 owned by my folks, I have a bit of a connection with the Note in my heart and, the only thing I can conclude with is, “Take Note, the Galaxy is going to get a whole lot emptier”
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