Launch report · Samsung
Galaxy Note: The 2011 phone that created the phablet category and introduced the S Pen.
SpecEagle Editorial·Oct 2011·$700·Score 52/100
The original Galaxy Note was ridiculed for its "absurd" 5.3-inch screen — then it created an entire category. With the debut of the S Pen and a gorgeous HD Super AMOLED, it proved big phones had a market and launched the longest-running stylus line in smartphones.
Key specs at launch
Display
5.3" HD SAMOLED
Chipset
Exynos 4210
Memory
1 GB · 16 GB
Main cam
8 MP
Battery
2,500 mAh
Weight
178 g
What stands out
- Created the phablet category with a 5.3" screen.
- Introduced the S Pen stylus and silo.
- HD Super AMOLED was class-leading.
- Removable battery + microSD.
What to watch
- Mocked at launch for its size.
- TouchWiz over Gingerbread.
- One-handed use was impossible.
- Mono speaker.