Samsung·Flagship · Released Oct 2011

Galaxy Note

The 2011 original — the phone that invented the phablet and the S Pen.

18/ 100 SpecEagle score
From
$749
Color · Carbon Blue
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
Quick answer

The Galaxy Note is a flagship Samsung smartphone released Oct 2011, with a launch price of $749. It pairs the Exynos 4210 with a 5.3" HD AMOLED display, a 8 MP · f/2.65 main camera and a 2,500 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 18/100 — The phone that created the phablet. Standout strengths: invented the phablet category and the s pen. and huge 5.3-inch display — unheard of in 2011. Main trade-off: considered comically large at launch.

AI Snapshot

The phone that created the phablet.

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.

Read the full review
Subscores · 0–100
Display42
Camera28
Performance12
Battery42
Build38
Value26
  • Invented the phablet category and the S Pen.
  • Huge 5.3-inch display — unheard of in 2011.
  • Removable battery and microSD.
  • Hugely influential design.

Full specifications

Type
Super AMOLED
Size
5.3 inches
Resolution
1,280 × 800 px (285 ppi)
Protection
Gorilla Glass
Main
8 MP, f/2.65
Selfie
2 MP
Video
1080p @ 30 fps

Benchmarks

vs 2025 flagship class average
AnTuTu v10
Δ class avg -99.5%
This
9,500
Class avg
2,100,000
Geekbench 6 Single
Δ class avg -98.3%
This
48
Class avg
2,900
Geekbench 6 Multi
Δ class avg -98.8%
This
100
Class avg
8,400
3DMark Solar Bay
Δ class avg -99.5%
This
0.3 fps
Class avg
64.0 fps

How the Galaxy Note compares

Galaxy NoteXperia SGalaxy S II
SpecEagle score181816
ChipsetExynos 4210Snapdragon S3Exynos 4210
Display5.3" HD AMOLED4.3" HD LCD4.3" WVGA AMOLED
Main camera8 MP · f/2.6512 MP · f/2.48 MP · f/2.65
Battery2,500 mAh1,750 mAh1,650 mAh
Launch price$749$560$529

Frequently asked questions

When was the Galaxy Note released?

The Galaxy Note was released in Oct 2011.

How much does the Galaxy Note cost?

The Galaxy Note launched at $749 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).

What is the Galaxy Note screen size and type?

The Galaxy Note has a 5.3" HD AMOLED display.

What chipset does the Galaxy Note use?

The Galaxy Note is powered by the Exynos 4210 chipset.

How much RAM and storage does the Galaxy Note have?

The Galaxy Note ships with 1 GB · 16 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.

What is the Galaxy Note battery capacity?

The Galaxy Note has a 2,500 mAh battery.

How fast does the Galaxy Note charge?

The Galaxy Note supports ~10 W wired charging.

Does the Galaxy Note have wireless charging?

The Galaxy Note does not support wireless charging.

What is the Galaxy Note main camera?

The Galaxy Note has a 8 MP · f/2.65 main camera.

How much does the Galaxy Note weigh?

The Galaxy Note weighs 178 g.

What colours does the Galaxy Note come in?

The Galaxy Note is available in 2 colours: Carbon Blue, Ceramic White.

Is the Galaxy Note worth buying?

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. SpecEagle gives the Galaxy Note an editorial score of 18/100.

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