Note loyalists always knew that the S Ultra was no Note, but it took Samsung more than five years to fully acknowledge that. The company has begrudgingly admitted that the Note formula cannot be replicated.
Galaxy Note didn’t suffer from impostor syndrome
The Galaxy Note’s success was rooted in its clear identity as a productivity powerhouse. It wasn’t courting everyone willing to spend top dollar on a phone. Instead, the device only targeted those who valued serious tasks and multitasking above anything else.The Galaxy S Ultra, on the other hand, is a general-purpose flagship that’s lacking in character. Niching down is important, though, which is perhaps why the Galaxy S26 Ultra is carving out an identity of its own. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely support the S Pen, it may switch to different tech to make space for Qi2 magnets. The phone’s successor may ditch the digital pen altogether.
Galaxy S26 Ultra shouldn’t try to be everything for everyone
That may begin to change with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which will recommit to casual users who need a luxury phone.
Where does that leave power users?
That’s a tough one. The Galaxy Z Fold is another series that was positioned as a Note successor, but it’s more of an entertainment device now. It can be used for enhancing productivity, but not in the same way as the Note.
Perhaps phones aren’t really the best choice for customers who don’t use their smartphones as consumption devices. Biggest of all, perhaps it’s not the Fold and S Ultra’s job to ensure that group doesn’t feel left out.
Free of the Note’s legacy, I am excited to see what the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and even the Fold 8, will become. The Note will be remembered fondly, but Samsung is doing the right thing by allowing the S26 Ultra to forge its own path.
“Iconic Phones” is coming this Fall!
Good news everyone! Over the past year we’ve been working on an exciting passion project of ours and we’re thrilled to announce it will be ready to release in just a few short months.
