Amazon fall prime day 2022 amazon prime day october amazon prime day commercial what is amazon prime day mean amazon prime login member amazon prime day deals amazon prime gaming

Amazon Prime Day 2022: Remaining Deals on Laptops, TVs and More

Amazon Prime Day 2022: Remaining Deals on Laptops, TVs and More

We handpick the products and services we write about. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

With Prime Day behind us, the deals have started to dry up. However, they're not quite gone yet. There are still a lot of discounts available to take advantage of right now. If you're looking to save some money, here's your cue. Amazon and many other retailers who were running their own anti-Prime Day deals are still offering plenty of big discounts on TVs, headphones, fitness gear, home goods and more. To help you take full advantage of these deals before they're gone, we've rounded up some of the best bargains still available below. 

There have also been some rumors swirling that Amazon will have another Prime sales event in the fall, but you don't have to wait that long to find big savings with tons of great deals still available. 

Update, 12:02 p.m. E.T.: Notable deals that we've found today that are new or beating Prime Day prices include:

We handpick the products and services we write about. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our reviews ethics statement .

Best remaining Prime Day deals on Amazon devices

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: $30

If you're wanting to add some smarts to your existing TV, you can do exactly that while saving 40% on Amazon's 4K-capable streaming stick today. Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K is a great pick if you're new to smart TV functionality with its easy-to-use OS and included Alexa-enabled voice remote. 

Best remaining Prime Day deals on TV and streaming

• Roku Express: $18 (save $12)
• Roku Express 4K Plus: $25 (save $15)
• Chromecast with Google TV: $40 (save $10)
• Nebula projectors : Up to $500 off
• LG Cinebeam 4K projector: $1,260 (save $540)
• Hisense 50-inch R6 Series 4K Roku TV: $280 (save $170)
• Hisense 55-inch R6G 4K smart TV: $310  (save $290)
• Sony 55-inch Bravia XR OLED A80K Series 4K Smart TV: $1,698 (save $302)
• Sony 65-inch Bravia XR OLED A80K Series 4K Smart TV: $1,998 (save $302)
• Sony 77-inch Bravia XR OLED A80K Series 4K Smart TV: $3,298 (save $202)
• Samsung 55-inch QLED 4K Smart TV: $748 (save $50)
• Samsung 60-inch QLED 4K Smart TV: $798 (save $100)
• Samsung 65-inch QLED 4K Smart TV: $898 (save $100)
• Samsung 75-inch QLED 4K Smart TV: $1,298 (save $100)
• Samsung 85-inch QLED 4K Smart TV: $1,998 (save $300)
• Samsung 43-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: $1,098 (save $100)
• Samsung 50-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: $1,498 (save $100)
• Samsung 55-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: $1,598 (save $300)
• Samsung 65-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: $2,298 (save $300)
• Samsung 75-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: $2,798 (save $700)
• Samsung 85-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: $3,998 (save $100)
• LG 48-inch OLED C1 Series 4K Smart TV: $797  (save $703)
• LG 65-inch OLED C1 Series 4K Smart TV: $1,600  (save $900)
• LG 83-inch OLED C1 Series 4K Smart TV: $3,997  (save $2,003)
• LG 48-inch OLED Evo C2 Series 4K Smart TV: $1,497  (save $103)
• LG 55-inch OLED Evo C2 Series 4K Smart TV: $1,697  (save $103)
• LG 65-inch OLED Evo C2 Series 4K Smart TV: $2,297  (save $203)
• Furrion 55-inch Aurora full shade outdoor TV: $1,500 (save $400)
• Furrion 65-inch Aurora partial sun outdoor TV: $2,300 (save $1,000)
• Samsung QLED smart TVs with Alexa: Up to $1,500 off
• TCL 50-inch 4-Series 4K Smart TV: $300  (save $200)
• TCL 65-inch 6-series 4K smart TV: $1,000  (save $500)

Best remaining Prime Day deals on tech and smart home

Google Pixel 6 Pro: $699

The Google Pixel 6 Pro's unique design, great software additions, superb camera quality and solid all-round performance have already earned the phone an excellent rating in our full review. With performance that's every bit as good as its design, it's the best phone Google has ever made. The main camera is on par with the best iPhones. And at $699 for the base 128GB model in this sale, it trounces its premium phone rivals in price.

Best remaining Prime Day deals on headphones and speakers

AirPods Pro: $170

While they've been out a while and the AirPods Pro 2 should be coming sometime in 2022, the Apple AirPods Pro remain a great pair of true wireless earphones. That's largely due to their winning design and fit, good sound, effective noise canceling and spatial audio, which is a virtual-sound mode for watching movies and TV shows. They're also excellent for making voice calls and have a top-notch transparency mode. Also worth noting: They're IPX4 splashproof, so they're suitable for sporting activities, though for a more secure fit you may want to invest in third-party foam ear tips, which are grippier than the tips Apple includes.

Their lowest price to date was $159 (in late 2021), but $170 is the lowest we've seen them for in 2022. 

Best remaining Prime Day deals on home and garden

Best remaining Prime Day deals on health and fitness

Fitbit Versa 2: $114

The Fitbit Versa 2 is a fitness tracker that works with both Android and iOS to monitor calories burned, steps taken and is touchscreen compatible. Plus, it's water resistant up to 164 feet and has a long battery life with up to 144 hours of use. This fitness watch is just $114, $36 off from its original price.

Best remaining Prime Day deals on beauty and fashion

July 15, 2022, 9:02 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a Cosori air fryer, Philips Hue smart lighting and digital food scales.

July 15, 2022, 8:15 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a Garmin smartwatch, TCL mesh Wi-Fi systems and a Hyperice massager. 

July 15, 2022, 5:30 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on Amazon Echo devices, a Roborock robot vacuum and a Sony digital camera.

July 15, 2022, 5:06 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on Belkin earbuds, Swoon drinks and a Dreametech robot vacuum.

July 15, 2022, 3:25 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on Greenworks outdoor power tools, an LG OLED TV and an Asus mesh Wi-Fi system. 

July 15, 2022, 2:42 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a Garmin smartwatch, On/Go COVID tests, Norton software and a Gryphon router.

July 14, 2022, 6:34 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes deals on shampoo, conditioner and lotion.

July 14, 2022, 5:46 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on every day household items like paper towels, toilet paper and more.

July 14, 2022, 5:26 PM PDT

Content update

By Mat Paget

The latest include includes new deals on microSD cards, a USB extension cord and a floral shower curtain.

July 14, 2022, 4:54 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

This update includes new deals on a batwing night shirt, a water filter straw and an insulated water bottle.

July 14, 2022, 3:26 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

This latest update includes new deals on a number of popular books.

July 14, 2022, 1:58 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

This latest update adds new deals on an electric toothbrush, Skullcandy earbuds and a four-pack of Purell sanitizer.

July 14, 2022, 1:31 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on an outdoor smart plug, a five-port Ethernet switch and a Samsung smart tag.

July 14, 2022, 1:07 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a pack of GE Cync smart flood lights, a Dash Precision meat thermometer and a four-pack of Amysen smart plugs. 

July 14, 2022, 12:53 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a Bissell steam mop, a Nourison floral rug runner and a Yamaha turntable.

July 14, 2022, 12:29 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a Blurams security monitor, a SanDisk portable SSD and a mechanical gaming keyboard. 

July 14, 2022, 11:58 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on Norton antivirus software, a Tile Slim Bluetooth tracker and the second-gen Echo Show 5. 

July 14, 2022, 11:14 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a pair of JBL over-ear headphones, Hisense 4K TV and a Hamilton Beach food processor.

July 14, 2022, 10:40 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a Dreamtech cordless vacuum, GE Cync ceiling fan smart switch and a Moft compact laptop stand. 

July 14, 2022, 9:23 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a Google Nest smart thermostat, Yeedi robot vacuum and a Belkin wireless charging pad. 

July 14, 2022, 9:00 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a pair of Yamaha noise-canceling headphones, a PowerXL air fryer and a Samsung solid-state drive for the PlayStation 5. 

July 14, 2022, 8:36 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a GE Cync smart light strip, Belkin wireless earbuds and a Mr. Coffee iced coffee maker. 

July 14, 2022, 8:09 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on an Acer Chromebook, Echo Show bundle and Unagi electric scooter. 

July 14, 2022, 7:44 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on an August smart lock, Amazfit fitness tracker and a Philips electric trimmer.

July 14, 2022, 7:15 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on Case-Mate iPhone and Android cases, the Roku Streambar, and SimpliSafe home security systems. 

July 14, 2022, 6:50 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a TCL 4K TV, Eufy robot vacuum and a Belkin power bank. 

July 14, 2022, 6:16 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on an exercise bike, Samsung laptop, and an Adidas windbreaker.

July 14, 2022, 5:51 AM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes a full overhaul of our previous deal selection to remove deals that expired when Prime Day ended. We've also updated prices on deals that are still available, as well as added new deals on Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro, UltraLoq smart locks and Samsung QLED TVs.

July 13, 2022, 8:52 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a rice cooker, stainless steel travel mug and air purifiers.

July 13, 2022, 8:19 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a weight bench, a 4K projector and gaming monitors.

July 13, 2022, 7:44 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes a beverage chiller, adjustable dumbbells and a treadmill.

July 13, 2022, 7:00 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on an electric scooter, home bonfire and a high-end Bluetooth speaker.

July 13, 2022, 6:31 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on Tile item finders, a digital photo frame and a smart air quality meter.

July 13, 2022, 6:10 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a string trimmer and leaf blower combo, a Keurig coffee maker and complete TV series collections.

July 13, 2022, 5:42 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on Apple AirTag loops, Microsoft 365 and a Ring video doorbell + Echo Show 5 bundle.

July 13, 2022, 5:08 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

Most recent update includes new deals on a stand mixer, cordless vacuum and bone conduction headphones.

July 13, 2022, 4:41 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

Most recent update includes new deals on water flossers, phone tripods and Dutch ovens.

July 13, 2022, 4:09 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

Most recent update includes new deals on adjustable dumbbells, electric toothbrushes and antivirus software.

July 13, 2022, 3:37 PM PDT

Content update

By Mat Paget

Most recent update includes deals on Roomba robot vacuums and maps as well as Ninja ice cream makers and blenders.

July 13, 2022, 3:08 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

Most recent update includes Razer Iskur gaming chair, Middle-earth 6-movie 4K collection and more.

July 13, 2022, 2:33 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

Most recent update includes new deals for Meta Quest 2, Ring smart doorbell devices and Apple AirPods Max.

July 13, 2022, 1:05 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

Most recent update includes new deals for Keurig K-Slim, Trident 6-piece towel set and Beats Studio Buds.

July 13, 2022, 12:42 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

Most recent update includes new deals for iPad Air (4th-Gen), Shark Pet Plus vacuum and discounts on complete film collections.

July 13, 2022, 12:17 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

Most recent update includes new deals for Fitbit Charge 5, Echo Frames (2nd-Gen), and BlueAir HEPA air purifier.

July 13, 2022, 12:01 PM PDT

Content update

By CNET staff

Most recent update includes new deals for MacBook Air, Fire TV Cube and Syrinx weighted blanket. 

---

Source

https://spookyl.blogr.my.id/

.

Samsung's New Z Flip 4, Z Fold 4 Are Partially Made From Recycled Fishing Nets

Samsung's New Z Flip 4, Z Fold 4 Are Partially Made From Recycled Fishing Nets

What's happening

Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 are the first folding phones from the company to be made partially with recycled fishing nets.

Why it matters

Samsung's efforts are part of a broader effort by several tech companies to build products more sustainably.

What's next

Samsung, Microsoft and Apple are likely to continue investments into sustainability, with various pledges to become either carbon-neutral or to increase use of recycled materials.

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 will include components made from repurposed fishing nets, marking a first for Samsung's foldables. It builds on Samsung's previous efforts, following its decision to incorporate such materials into its Galaxy S22 lineup earlier this year.

The announcement came during Samsung's Unpacked event on Wednesday, when it revealed the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 as well as the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. All of the new devices include some components made from repurposed materials. More than 90% of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are made from recycled parts. 

Samsung's efforts are part of a broader movement by consumer tech companies to offset the mounting pile of global electronic waste their devices inevitably contribute to by giving back to the environment. Only 20% of e-waste is dealt with appropriately, according to the World Economic Forum, while much of the rest ends up in landfills. Sourcing more materials from sustainable channels may not fix the world's electronic waste problem. But it does give tech companies the opportunity to contribute to solving other environmental issues in the process of building their own new gadgets.

More from Samsung Unpacked

Samsung's new foldables include components made from repurposed fishing nets.

Samsung

For Samsung, that issue is "ghost nets," or fishing nets that are no longer in use and have been abandoned in the ocean. The World Wildlife Fund describes them as a "major contributor to the ocean plastics crisis," saying that 268 tons of nets, ropes and other materials were found in the Baltic Sea in a single 2015 mission. 

As for specifics, the side key bracket on the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4, as well as the Fold 4's display connector cap, are made from discarded fishing nets. But there are several other parts inside each phone that are made from other post-consumer materials. For the Z Flip 4, such components include the upper antenna bracket, upper and lower brackets of the speaker module, display connector cap, receiver deco and inner part of the side key. The upper case of the Z Fold 4's top speaker, the inner part of its side key as well as its long and short connector to connector brackets are made from post-consumer materials, according to Samsung.

One of the major challenges with creating components from recycled fishing nets is ensuring these parts are durable enough to work properly in a variety of conditions. Phone parts must be designed to survive various extreme weather conditions in all areas of the world where Samsung devices are used, says Pranveer Singh Rathore, materials R&D manager for Samsung. That's particularly true of foldable phones like the Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4.

"They are a unique design, and with that comes a fresh set of challenges," says Rathore, in reference to Samsung's foldable phones. "The internal parts are different. The sizes are different. The way they are supposed to perform is different."

Certain components in new Samsung products like the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 are made from recycled materials.

Samsung

Samsung is far from being the only company investing in more sustainable ways to build new products. Microsoft pledged to become carbon-neutral, zero-waste and water-positive by 2030, and it launched a computer mouse made with 20% recycled ocean plastic last year. Apple is making the latest iPhone SE with low-carbon aluminum and wants to eventually only use recycled and renewable materials in its products and packaging. 

But the industry is likely far from creating a phone completely from recycled materials, says Rathore. 

"I personally think that it should be possible in the future," he said. "But when, I don't know."

Read more: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: What to Know About the Floating Islands of Trash

---

Source

Tags:

• Samsung S New Z Flip 4 Z Fold 5
• Samsung S New Z Flip 4 Z Fold Pen
• Samsung S New Z Flip 4 Zoles
• Samsung S New Folding Phone
• Samsung Smart Switch
• Samsung Store
• Samsung Smart Watch

Top smart home gadgets top smart home gadgets newest smart home gadgets which smart home system is best smart home devices which smartphone should i buy which smartphone has the best camera 2022

Which smart home gadget should you buy first?

Which smart home gadget should you buy first?

Smart home tech is nothing new -- hobbyists have been geeking out over home automation for decades now -- but in recent years, it's marched closer to the mainstream than ever before. In recent years, high-profile connected home gadgets like the Amazon Echo, the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Ring Video Doorbell have all become breakout hits by offering attractive designs and tangible benefits, many of them at prices that aren't unreasonably high.

The result? A mainstream smart home market with an awful lot of momentum. In 2018, a GfK study found that over half of US households now include at least one smart home gadget. Over a third of them include two or more.

Of course, that leaves about half of us who still haven't bought in. Many might be put off at the thought of connecting everything under their roof and sharing data picked up by sensors, security cameras and microphones with Silicon Valley -- but with a wide variety of smart devices available in your local hardware store, others simply might not know where to start. To that end, here's a look at how to answer a not-so-simple question: Which smart home product should you buy first?

Disclosure: CNET may get a share of revenue from purchases made through the links on this page.  

Plan for a purpose-driven smart home

Ask yourself: What do you want from your smart home? As a guy who listens to pitches for the latest smart home technology day in and day out, I can assure you that you've got lots of options. Do you want to keep an eye on things with a do-it-yourself security system and camera feeds you can check from your phone? Do you want simple conveniences like voice controls for your lights and thermostats? Do you want artificial intelligence and cloud-connected appliances to help freshen things up in the kitchen?

To figure out what you want, think about the things you do at home on a daily basis and look for improvements that you'd find meaningful. Do you tend to wander from room to room before bed turning off lights that the kids left on? Smart bulbs that you can turn off with a single voice command or tap on your phone might make sense. Do you shop online a lot, and worry about thieves stealing packages off your porch while you're at work? A video doorbell with a feed you can view remotely might be a good fit.

For my money, I think smart lighting is a sensible starting point for almost everyone. After all, we use the lights in our home more than just about anything else -- adding in things like motion-activated lights for the exterior of your home or automatic wake-up fades that sync with your morning alarms make a lot of sense, because you'll enjoy them day in and day out. For more on why it's a great time to try smart lights, click here.

Value versatility

If nothing specific jumps out at you and you just have a general curiosity about what the smart home might have to offer, then look for flexible, multifunctional devices that you can use in lots of different ways. A small smart speaker like the Amazon Echo Dot or Google Home Mini is a great way to see what artificially intelligent in-home helpers like Alexa and Google Assistant are capable of, and neither one will cost you more than $50. The WeMo Mini smart switch from Belkin is even cheaper, and it'll let you automate anything you plug into it -- lamps, desk fans, crock pots, space heaters, you name it.

The WeMo Mini Smart Switch from Belkin is a versatile little gadget that automates anything you plug into it. Available for just $30, it's a good, low-risk step into the smart home.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

As always, when in doubt, start small. Once you find a product that you like, you can start to build around it by adding in other, compatible gadgets capable of making it even smarter and contributing some unique appeal of their own. Our smart home compatibility tracker can be a really helpful tool to that end.

Ponder your platform options

If you're buying a new computer, you'll need to decide which operating system you'd like to use -- Mac, Windows, Chromebook, etc. Smart home tech is similar in that a majority of the most popular gadgets are designed to work within a wider ecosystem of devices -- the most common being voice control platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and the Siri controls that come with Apple HomeKit. Control hubs from names like Wink and Samsung SmartThings offer dedicated platforms capable of helping different devices get along, too. You could also keep things working together by sticking to gadgets that work with IFTTT, a free, online automation platform.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each of those options can go a long way toward helping you build out a smart home setup that makes sense for you, particularly if you're planning on using multiple types of gadgets. The smart home is just better when things work together.

That said, most devices offer their own dedicated apps and controls, and can be used independent of any broader platforms right out of the box. That means that you don't necessarily need to make any commitments right away. On top of that, a growing number of products support multiple platforms. Starting with smart devices like those can help you keep your options open if you're undecided for now.

I'll add that each platform has its own security certification process designed to keep insecure, vulnerable hardware out of the mix -- that means that a product that works with multiple platforms has essentially gotten multiple passing grades from names like Apple, Amazon, Google and Samsung, all of which have a lot at stake when it comes to keeping their respective platforms secure. 

Here are a few quick suggestions that fit the bill:

Available with two bulbs or four, Philips Hue's white-light smart bulb starter kit is relatively affordable, and it's easy to use and build upon -- plus, it works with just about everything you could imagine.

Ry Crist/CNET

Smart lights

Along with automating whatever you plug into the side of it, the iDevices Switch will monitor your energy use and double as a multicolor nightlight, and it works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Smart plugs

Available for $100 and packed with helpful features, the Honeywell Lyric T5 is one of our favorite smart thermostat value picks, and it works with a wide variety of platforms.

Chris Monroe/CNET

Smart thermostats

The Kwikset Obsidian is a keyless smart lock that supports a number of platforms, including Amazon Key for in-home package delivery.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Smart locks

I'd also add that if you have any interest in voice controls, then starting off with either an Amazon Echo Dot or a Google Home Mini is one of the smart home's biggest no-brainers. Even if you ignore the smart home integrations that let Alexa or the Google Assistant control things like lights and thermostats, each device is arguably worth the $50 asking price for the voice-activated music, podcasts, news headlines and cooking timers alone.

Do your homework

The best way to pick the right gadgets for your home is to understand what all of the different options have to offer and narrow things down accordingly. With such a huge variety of alternatives battling it out in a complex arena of competing platforms and standards, doing so can get confusing in a hurry.

But hey, that's where we come in! Our product reviews, best-of lists, buying guides, how-to content, explainer posts and featured dispatches from the CNET Smart Home are all aimed at helping you understand what a more connected living space has to offer (and where it falls short). If you're looking for ideas as to how you might put a smarter home to work, we'll help you brainstorm. If you're stuck trying decide between two seemingly identical gadgets, we can help with that, too. If you want to dive deeper into privacy and security concerns before buying in, we've got you covered.

Bottom line: There's never been a better time to try your hand at home automation. Explore your options, and you'll find plenty of ways to start your smart home off right.

---

Source

Galaxy note s22 ultra samsung s22 ultra note release date samsung galaxy s22 ultra note samsung s22 ultra kickstand case samsung s22 ultra kickstand using the samsung s22 ultra samsung s20 ultra cena samsung s22 ultra samsung smart switch

Samsung's S22 Ultra kicks the Galaxy Note to the curb

Samsung's S22 Ultra kicks the Galaxy Note to the curb

Samsung hasn't officially said the Galaxy Note is gone for good, but it doesn't have to. Just take one look at the Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung's new premium phone, and you can see it's the spitting image of the Note. 

The Galaxy S Ultra line has been inching towards Galaxy Note status for years. It was particularly clear in 2021 when it added S Pen compatibility. But the newest model, which Samsung announced at Unpacked on Wednesday, seems like the final push in that direction. 

And it's about time.

Both phones serve the same purpose in Samsung's lineup by catering to customers willing to pay top dollar for a bigger screen and more camera features. Simply put, there's no room for the Galaxy Note to stand out now that the Ultra exists.

The Galaxy Note helped popularize larger phones back when the industry was fixated on making gadgets as small as possible. But that's no longer the case, and the S Pen alone clearly isn't enough to keep the Galaxy Note relevant.

There's no place for the Galaxy Note anymore

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (left) alongside the S20 Ultra (right)

Lexy Savvides/CNET

Don't get me wrong, I was a longtime Galaxy Note fan. The device's nearly tablet-sized screen and the old-fashioned feeling of jotting down notes by hand intrigued me. 

But the Galaxy Note's heyday came at a time when phones were still growing -- literally. Smartphone sales outsold feature phones for the first time in 2013, according to Gartner, roughly two years after the original Galaxy Note's 2011 debut. The smartphone market was relatively young back then, so features like a larger screen and a stylus were considered novel at the time. 

Most phones that were popular in the Galaxy Note line's early days, like the Samsung Galaxy S3, Apple iPhone 5 and Motorola Droid Razr Maxx, had screens that were smaller than 5 inches. The 5.3-inch Galaxy Note seemed gigantic by comparison, but also distinctive. 

Yet in 2022, the characteristics that once made the Note feel fresh no longer seem innovative. Just about every phone has a giant screen that's about 6 inches or larger, including devices from Apple, Google, Motorola or OnePlus. In other words, big phones are now the norm rather than the exception. Even budget phones, like Samsung's $250 Galaxy A13, often include 6-inch screens or bigger now.

Read more: Galaxy S22 vs. S21 FE: How Samsung's phones compare

The Galaxy Note undoubtedly played a big role in that shift. But that's exactly the point; the shift already happened, and the Galaxy Note no longer feels as special as it once did. Evidence of this can be seen in the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Samsung's most recent high-end Note that debuted in 2020. 

Other than the S Pen, there was little that distinguished the Note 20 Ultra from the Galaxy S20 Ultra, which launched in the same year. Both phones had spacious 6.9-inch screens and multilens cameras. The differences were nuanced and came to certain hardware details.

The S20 Ultra, for example, had a sharper 48-megapixel telephoto lens compared to the Note 20 Ultra's 12-megapixel telephoto lens. It also had additional memory options and a bigger battery, but was $100 more expensive than the Note 20 Ultra at launch. 

Read more: The Galaxy S22 Ultra fails to excite this pro photographer. And that's a problem

Samsung's attempt to maintain two different premium phone brands created confusion for people who just wanted to buy Samsung's top-of-the-line phone. In 2019, it was the Note 10 Plus. In 2020, it was either the S20 Ultra or the Note 20 Ultra. Eliminating the Note brand from Samsung's lineup simplifies that structure. It also means people who prefer giant phones no longer have to decide between a stylus or a better camera, as they did in 2020. 

Samsung's foldables are now filling that role

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 has nearly all the refinements you could ask for but still feel like it's missing a purpose.

Patrick Holland/CNET

The Galaxy Note started out as a niche device for people who wanted more screen space and power than the average phone allowed for. Its large size and high price meant it wasn't for everyone. But it still served as an early indication of where the industry was going.

In the best-case scenario for Samsung, the same could be said for the company's foldable phones. Like the Galaxy Note, Samsung's foldables are more expensive than the standard phone. And the appeal of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is in the extra screen space it offers, just like the Galaxy Note. Samsung seems to be hoping that the Z Fold 3 and flip phone-style Z Flip 3 will set the pace for where smartphones are headed, just as the Note once did. 

Who knows whether today's foldables will lay the foundation for future phones. But the Note certainly did, and its influence has shaped Samsung's most important launch of the year. 

For more, check out everything else Samsung unveiled at its recent Unpacked event including the Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and Galaxy Tab S8. (Here's how you can preorder the devices now.) You can also learn more about how the Galaxy S22 compared to the S21 and nightography. 

---

Source