The Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series were both flagship smartphone lines, but they served distinct user needs and design philosophies. The Galaxy Note series was discontinued in 2021, with its final models being the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra, while the Galaxy S series continues as Samsung’s primary flagship lineup ^[1][9]. The most defining difference was the Note series' built-in S Pen stylus, which enabled productivity-focused features like note-taking, multitasking, and creative tools—capabilities that were later integrated into the Galaxy S Ultra models after the Note's discontinuation ^[2][9]. Beyond the stylus, the two series diverged in design, screen size, and target audiences: the Note series prioritized larger displays, angular designs, and business-oriented functionality, while the S series emphasized compactness, camera innovation, and broader consumer appeal ^[2][5].

Key differences at a glance:

• S Pen integration: Exclusive to the Note series until adopted by the S Ultra models post-2021 ^[9][10]
• Design and ergonomics: Note series featured larger, boxier frames for productivity; S series offered rounded, more compact designs ^[2][5]
• Camera focus: S series consistently led in camera technology, while Note series prioritized multitasking and battery life ^[2][8]
• Discontinuation: Note series ended in 2021, with its features merging into the S Ultra lineup ^[1][9]

Core Differences Between Galaxy S and Note Series

Productivity and Design: The S Pen and Form Factor

The Galaxy Note series was originally designed as a "phablet"—a hybrid between a smartphone and tablet—with its hallmark S Pen stylus setting it apart from all other smartphones, including the Galaxy S line. The S Pen, first introduced with the Galaxy Note in 2011, enabled precision tasks like handwritten notes, PDF annotations, and artistic drawing, with pressure sensitivity and low latency that mimicked writing on paper ^[9]. This functionality made the Note series particularly popular among professionals, students, and creatives who required a device for both communication and productivity. The Note 20 Ultra, for example, included advanced S Pen features like Air Actions, which allowed users to control the phone with gestures without touching the screen ^[8].

The physical design of the Note series reinforced its productivity focus. Models typically featured:

• Larger, angular displays: The Note 20 Ultra had a 6.9-inch screen with sharper edges, compared to the Galaxy S20’s 6.2-inch or S20 Ultra’s 6.9-inch but more rounded design ^[2][5]
• Boxier frames: The Note’s squared-off edges improved grip for stylus use but made one-handed operation more challenging than the S series’ curved, ergonomic builds ^[5]
• Dedicated S Pen slots: A silo for the stylus was built into the device, ensuring it was always accessible—unlike the S Ultra models, where the pen must be stored separately or in a case ^[9]

In contrast, the Galaxy S series prioritized a sleeker, more consumer-friendly design. The S23, for instance, featured a 6.1-inch display with rounded corners and a lighter weight (168g vs. the Note 20 Ultra’s 208g), making it easier to handle for everyday tasks like social media, photography, and gaming ^[3][8]. The S series’ design evolution also reflected Samsung’s focus on premium materials, such as Gorilla Glass Victus and aluminum frames, which enhanced durability without sacrificing aesthetics ^[5].

Camera and Performance: Where the S Series Led

While both series shared flagship-level hardware—including top-tier processors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Exynos 2200—the Galaxy S series consistently pushed boundaries in camera technology, often debuting Samsung’s most advanced imaging systems before they trickled down to other models ^[2][8]. The S22 Ultra, for example, introduced a 108MP primary sensor with improved nightography (low-light photography) and 8K video recording, features that were absent in the final Note models ^[8]. The S series’ camera advantages included:

• Higher megapixel counts: The S23 Ultra’s 200MP sensor outperformed the Note 20 Ultra’s 108MP sensor in resolution and detail capture ^[8]
• Advanced zoom capabilities: The S22 Ultra offered 100x "Space Zoom," a significant upgrade over the Note 20 Ultra’s 50x zoom ^[8]
• AI-enhanced features: Scene optimization, single-take mode, and expert RAW processing were refined in the S series, catering to photography enthusiasts ^[3]

Performance-wise, the two series were closely matched, with both typically featuring the same chipsets, RAM options (up to 12GB or 16GB in Ultra models), and storage configurations ^[5]. However, the Note series often included slight optimizations for multitasking, such as:

• DeX support: The Note series was among the first to fully integrate Samsung DeX, allowing users to connect to a monitor for a desktop-like experience ^[9]
• Larger batteries: The Note 20 Ultra packed a 4,500mAh battery, compared to the S20 Ultra’s 5,000mAh, but real-world usage favored the Note for productivity due to power-efficient software tweaks ^[2]
• MicroSD expansion: The Note 20 Ultra retained a microSD slot (up to 1TB), a feature omitted in later S Ultra models like the S22 Ultra ^[10]

The discontinuation of the Note series in 2021 marked a shift in Samsung’s strategy, with the S Ultra models (e.g., S21 Ultra, S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra) absorbing the Note’s productivity features—including S Pen support—while maintaining the S series’ camera and design strengths ^[1][9]. This merger has left some former Note users divided: 50% of respondents in a 2024 poll felt the S Ultra had successfully replaced the Note, while others missed dedicated Note features like the microSD slot and the built-in S Pen silo ^[10].