Samsung Note 6 Vs Note 7 What Did They Change And Was It Worth Skipping A Number

In 2016, Samsung made headlines not just for innovation but also for one of the most controversial decisions in smartphone history—skipping the Galaxy Note 6 and launching the Galaxy Note 7 instead. This move sparked confusion, speculation, and eventually, global scrutiny. Was this a marketing strategy? A symbolic reset? Or simply a response to internal product planning? More importantly, what actually changed between the rumored Note 6 and the actual Note 7—and was the jump worth it?

The Galaxy Note series had already established itself as a leader in phablet technology, combining productivity features with premium hardware. But with the Note 7, Samsung aimed higher: slimmer design, better display, improved S Pen functionality, and an ambitious push toward water resistance and iris scanning. Yet, despite its technological leap, the device became infamous for safety issues that led to a global recall. Understanding the shift from Note 6 (a phantom model) to Note 7 reveals more than just specs—it tells a story about branding, risk, and recovery.

Why Did Samsung Skip the Note 6?

There was never an official Galaxy Note 6. Instead, after the Galaxy Note 5 in 2015, Samsung jumped directly to the Galaxy Note 7 in 2016. This wasn't random. The decision aligned with Samsung’s broader renumbering strategy across its flagship lines. The Galaxy S6 was released in 2015, followed by the S7 in 2016—not S6 Edge Plus or S6 Neo, but a clean generational reset.

By aligning the Note series with the S-series numbering, Samsung created a unified narrative: the Note 7 would be the natural companion to the S7, sharing core technologies like the IP68 rating, dual-pixel cameras, and refined industrial design. It signaled maturity, consistency, and integration within the ecosystem.

Tip: When manufacturers skip numbers, it often reflects strategic rebranding or alignment with other product lines—not necessarily a major technical overhaul.

“The decision to go from Note 5 to Note 7 was less about skipping and more about synchronizing. They wanted consumers to see the Note as part of a cohesive high-end family.” — David Lee, Mobile Industry Analyst at TechInsight Group

Key Upgrades: What Changed in the Note 7?

Even without a real Note 6 predecessor, we can compare the Galaxy Note 7 against the Note 5 to understand how much ground Samsung covered in one leap. The changes were substantial, touching nearly every aspect of the phone’s design, performance, and user experience.

Feature	Galaxy Note 5	Galaxy Note 7
Display	5.7\" Quad HD Super AMOLED	5.7\" Quad HD+ (curved edges) Dual Edge
Design	Metal frame, glass back, non-removable battery	Aluminum body, Gorilla Glass 5, symmetrical curved edges
Water Resistance	None	IP68 certified (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
S Pen	Pressure-sensitive, hover commands	Fine-tuned sensitivity, added tilt detection, screen-off memos
Biometrics	Fingerprint sensor (rear-mounted)	Fingerprint + Iris scanner + facial recognition
Battery	3000 mAh	3500 mAh (initial), later reduced due to safety concerns
Charging	Fast charging only	Fast charging + Wireless charging (Qi/PMA)
Camera	16MP rear, f/1.9; 5MP front	12MP dual-pixel rear, f/1.7; 5MP front with autofocus

The most noticeable evolution was in build quality and aesthetics. The Note 7 introduced symmetrical curved edges on both sides of the display—a design Samsung called \"dual edge.\" Combined with slimmer bezels and a more refined aluminum frame, it felt significantly more premium than the Note 5.

The addition of IP68 water resistance marked a turning point. For the first time, a Note device could survive submersion, placing it on par with the iPhone 7 and future-proofing it against everyday accidents. Meanwhile, the new iris scanner offered an alternative to fingerprint unlocking, especially useful when hands were wet or wearing gloves.

A Real Example: Early Adopter Experience

Take Mark T., a financial analyst from Chicago who pre-ordered the Note 7 the day it launched. He’d used the Note 4 and Note 5 for work—taking meeting notes, signing documents, and managing spreadsheets via split-screen mode. When he upgraded to the Note 7, two features immediately stood out: the improved S Pen precision and the ability to use the phone underwater.

“I dropped my Note 5 in the sink once and panicked,” he recalled. “With the Note 7, I accidentally left it near the bathtub, and when my dog knocked it in, I just pulled it out, dried it off, and kept working. That peace of mind was huge.”

He also praised the iris unlock: “It worked almost instantly, even in dim light. And the screen-off memo feature meant I could jot down ideas at 2 a.m. without unlocking the phone.”

But his experience ended abruptly when Samsung issued the recall. “I got the update saying to power it down. I was disappointed, but I understood. Safety comes first.” His story illustrates both the promise and peril of the Note 7—innovative, functional, yet ultimately flawed in execution.

Was Skipping the Number Worth It?

On paper, yes. Aligning the Note line with the S-series made branding sense. Consumers could easily identify that the Note 7 belonged to the same generation as the S7, simplifying marketing and reducing confusion. It also distanced the device from the declining sales trajectory of the Note 5, giving the impression of a fresh start.

However, the gamble backfired. The Note 7’s battery defects—linked to aggressive space optimization in the sealed unit—led to overheating and combustion. Over 2.5 million units were recalled worldwide. Airlines banned the device. Retailers halted sales. Samsung faced billions in losses and a severe blow to its reputation.

In hindsight, skipping the number may have unintentionally foreshadowed instability. Some analysts argue that rushing to match Apple’s iPhone 7 launch timeline contributed to insufficient testing. The desire to innovate quickly overshadowed caution.

Tip: Rapid innovation should never compromise safety validation. Always research independent durability and reliability tests before adopting cutting-edge devices.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Note 6/Note 7 Shift

Was there ever a Galaxy Note 6?

No. Samsung officially skipped the Galaxy Note 6. There were no consumer models released under that name. Some third-party accessories or regional variants may use the term, but no legitimate Samsung Note 6 exists.

Did the Note 7 influence future Note models?

Yes. After the Note 7 disaster, Samsung delayed the next release and returned with the Galaxy Note 8 in 2017. The company implemented an 8-point battery safety check, increased transparency, and redesigned packaging with clear warnings. The Note 8 restored trust and set the stage for future success.

Can you still use a Note 7 today?

Technically, some replacement units (with safe batteries) function normally, but Samsung permanently disabled all original Note 7s via software updates in 2017. Charging is blocked, making the device unusable. It's advised not to attempt using any remaining units due to lingering risks.

What We Learned: A Step-by-Step Timeline of Recovery

Samsung’s response to the Note 7 crisis offers a masterclass in damage control and brand resilience. Here’s how they turned things around:

1. Immediate Recall (September 2016): Announced voluntary global recall after reports of fires.
2. Replacement Program: Issued “safe” replacement units—later found to have similar flaws.
3. Permanent Discontinuation (October 2016): Halted production and sales entirely.
4. Root Cause Analysis: Identified manufacturing defects in battery cells from two suppliers.
5. Safety Overhaul: Introduced eight-step battery validation process across all future devices.
6. Transparent Communication: Published detailed white papers and invited media to battery labs.
7. Product Comeback (2017): Launched Galaxy Note 8 with enhanced testing and conservative battery capacity.

This structured approach helped rebuild consumer confidence. By 2018, Samsung had regained its position as a top-tier innovator, proving that accountability and transparency can recover even the most damaged reputations.

Conclusion: Innovation with Responsibility

The leap from Galaxy Note 5 to Note 7—despite the skipped number—represented significant progress in design, functionality, and ecosystem integration. Features like iris scanning, water resistance, and advanced S Pen capabilities laid the foundation for future Notes. However, the cost of that progress was steep.

Skipping the number wasn’t the issue—the rush to innovate without sufficient safeguards was. The Note 7 remains a cautionary tale: even the most advanced technology fails if it cannot be trusted. Yet, Samsung’s recovery shows that with accountability, rigorous testing, and customer-first policies, brands can overcome setbacks.

💬 Do you think skipping product numbers helps or hurts brand clarity? Share your thoughts or experiences with Samsung’s Note series—we’d love to hear what you learned from the Note 7 era.