Launch report · Samsung
Galaxy Note: The 2011 original — the phone that invented the phablet and the S Pen.
SpecEagle Editorial·Oct 2011·$749·Score 18/100
The original Galaxy Note was mocked for its size at launch, then defined an entire category and the S Pen. One of the most influential phones of its decade.
Key specs at launch
Display
5.3" HD AMOLED
Chipset
Exynos 4210
Memory
1 GB · 16 GB
Main cam
8 MP · f/2.65
Battery
2,500 mAh
Weight
178 g
What stands out
- Invented the phablet category and the S Pen.
- Huge 5.3-inch display — unheard of in 2011.
- Removable battery and microSD.
- Hugely influential design.
What to watch
- Considered comically large at launch.
- Dual-core chip; 1 GB RAM; plastic build.
- Software ended at Android 4.1.
- Discontinued — a vintage device.