

When you think of the Samsung Galaxy Note series, you probably think of two things – massive screens, and a stylus. Oh, and maybe that time they kept spontaneously detonating in people's pockets.
In the eight years since the Galaxy Note made its debut, expansive screens have become the norm. However, the S Pen stylus remains unique – despite a steady stream of rumours Apple will add Apple Pencil support in a future iPhone model.
However, this trademark Galaxy Note feature is hindering the teams at Samsung who want to evolve the handset, according to an insider.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9 review
- Samsung Galaxy S10 review
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10 price, specs, 5G: all the leaks and rumours
Sources inside Samsung claim the new forthcoming Galaxy Note 10, which will be announced at a Galaxy Unpacked on August 7, would have an extra 800mAh capacity in the battery for greater longevity, as well as more "aggressive" cameras and narrower bezels around the AMOLED display were it not for the S Pen.
Keeping the stylus around in the Note 10 forced those in the R&D department to dramatically scale back their ambitions, the insider claims. The new report comes courtesy of prolific tipster Ice Universe, who has accurately leaked a number of unannounced Samsung products in the past.
I learned through Samsung engineers that SPen's presence has made Galaxy Note cut 800mAh batteries, unable to use aggressive cameras, and can't use a narrower Bezel design.July 8, 2019
It's unclear exactly what the insiders mean by more "aggressive" cameras.
However, with rivals like Oppo and Huawei pushing the boundaries of what is possible with optical and AI-enhanced hybrid zoom solutions – the Oppo Reno has a 10x zoom, while the P30 Pro can manage up to 50x, the 2x optical zoom achieved by Samsung's last flagship smartphone is looking remarkably twee in comparison.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Earlier rumours suggested Samsung prototyped a display with an extreme curvature, although the Seoul-based company eventually dismissed this new design. While some suggested Samsung would ditch all physical buttons from the handset entirely.
That said, without the S Pen, it becomes nigh impossible to distinguish between the Galaxy Note and the Galaxy S series. After all, the Galaxy S10 5G sports a bigger screen and better cameras than the current flagship Galaxy Note, leaving only the S Pen and the productivity-focused features that it enables as the main differentiator.
Some have suggested Samsung will dismantle the Note series soon, leaving only one flagship smartphone range with multiple models – like the S10e and S10 5G variants that were added to the line-up this year.
Given that Samsung revived the Note brand after the disastrous battery problems that plagued the Galaxy Note 7, it seems unlikely that it'll give up on it anytime soon.
The Galaxy Note 10 is widely-tipped to come with a vastly-improved S Pen, which could include a camera built into the stylus. The Note 10 will be unveiled on-stage in New York on August 7. T3 will have all of the news as soon as it breaks.
As a former Staff Writer for T3, Aaron writes about almost anything shiny and techie. When he’s not barking orders at Alexa-powered microwaves or gawping at 5G speed tests, Aaron covers everything from smartphones, tablets and laptops, to speakers, TVs and smart home gadgets. Prior to joining T3, Aaron worked at the Daily Express and and MailOnline.
-
Samsung's next-gen foldables tipped for a premium hinge upgrade – bar one
The drive to make Samsung's foldables thinner could see a premium uplift
-
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 could see a major design change after all
We have everything crossed this rumour is true
-
Google exec confirms Samsung XR headset launch date – and it's soon
Forget Android 16 – this is the news we all wanted
-
Watch the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge launch right here, even though it's not great news for UK
Samsung will finally unveil its thinnest phone yet during a dedicated livestream – here's how to watch it live
-
Samsung's tri-fold Galaxy phone tipped to come with a hidden battery surprise
Source reveals how Samsung might be able to create a superthin device with decent battery life
-
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 said to be thinnest foldable yet – could be the breakthrough the market needs
Samsung’s next folding phone could take the form factor in a new direction
-
Samsung's 2025 TVs finally come to the UK – and get the seal of approval from a British institution
Samsung is now BAFTA's official screen partner, as it opens UK pre-orders for its new Neo QLED and OLED models
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 reportedly gets One UI 8 update already, with video showing several new features
You might still be waiting for One UI 7, but someone already has One UI 8