Samsung·Flagship · Released Oct 2011

Galaxy Note

The 2011 phone that created the phablet category and introduced the S Pen.

52/ 100 SpecEagle score
From
$700
Color · Black
Display
5.3" HD SAMOLED
Chipset
Exynos 4210
Memory
1 GB · 16 GB
Main cam
8 MP
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 $700. It pairs the Exynos 4210 with a 5.3" HD SAMOLED display, a 8 MP main camera and a 2,500 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 52/100 — The phone that invented the phablet. Standout strengths: created the phablet category with a 5.3" screen. and introduced the s pen stylus and silo. Main trade-off: mocked at launch for its size.

AI Snapshot

The phone that invented the phablet.

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.

Read the full review
Subscores · 0–100
Display74
Camera56
Performance56
Battery64
Build62
Value58
  • 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.

Full specifications

Type
HD Super AMOLED
Size
5.3 inches
Resolution
1,280 × 800 px (WXGA)
Main
8 MP, f/2.6, LED flash
Video
1080p
Front
2 MP

Benchmarks

vs 2025 flagship class average
Era reference
Δ class avg -100.0%
This
1
Class avg
1,620,000

How the Galaxy Note compares

Galaxy NoteMi 5Galaxy Note 5
SpecEagle score525252
ChipsetExynos 4210Snapdragon 820Exynos 7420
Display5.3" HD SAMOLED5.15" FHD LCD5.7" QHD AMOLED
Main camera8 MP16 MP · f/2.016 MP · f/1.9
Battery2,500 mAh3,000 mAh3,000 mAh
Launch price$700$310$700

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 $700 (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 SAMOLED 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.

What is the Galaxy Note main camera?

The Galaxy Note has a 8 MP main camera.

Does the Galaxy Note have a headphone jack?

The Galaxy Note has a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

How long will the Galaxy Note get software updates?

The Galaxy Note update policy: To Android 4.1.

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: Black, White.

Is the Galaxy Note worth buying?

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. SpecEagle gives the Galaxy Note an editorial score of 52/100.

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