Multiple reports state that Samsung is killing the Note lineup to make way for folding smartphones at the upper end of its Galaxy product family.

Reuters cites multiple sources in stating that Samsung currently has no plans to release any Note-branded smartphones in 2021, confirming rumors that Samsung will discontinue its premium Galaxy Note lineup next year, roll the S-Pen, a crucial differentiator, into the Galaxy S21 lineup, and then replace the Note with an updated family of foldables that will also be S-Pen compatible.

But Reuters also notes that the move might have something to do with changes to the smartphone market during the pandemic: Demand for high-end smartphones experienced a steep decline this year.

The publication quotes a Counterpoint analyst who claims that Note sales could fall as much as 20 percent this year to 8 million units, while Galaxy S sales will also fall by 20 percent, to 30 million units.

If this all comes to pass, the Note lineup will have concluded after a decade-long run that began with the first Note in 2011.

Tagged with Samsung, Samsung Note