The much-beloved Galaxy Note Series was considered revolutionary when the first Galaxy Note was unveiled at IFA in 2011. The up-sized smartphone, which bridged the gap between conventional sized smartphones and tablets – and effectively ushered in the term ‘phablet’ — was a hit with people who appreciated the larger display size, the S Pen and eventually, the multitasking capabilities. Each Galaxy Note in the series was equipped with a high-end AMOLED display, which provides true-to-life colors through its large screen, which provides users with a truly immersive viewing experience. Each device in the Galaxy Note Series has become remarkably more powerful than the last. The Galaxy Note 4 multi-window functionalities have allowed users to take advantage of the extra screen space more effectively than ever before. For no particular reason, here’s a rundown of the first four devices in the Galaxy Note Series.

Galaxy Note

Slogan: It’s Galaxy Note!

Unveiled: IFA Berlin, October 2011

Features and specs: 5.3-inch WXGA HD Super AMOLED display; 8MP rear camera (2MP front); Android 2.3 (Gingerbread); 1.4GHz Dual Core processor; 16/32GB User memory + microSD; 2500mAh battery.

Size/weight: 146.85mm-82.95mm-9.65mm; 178g

What people loved: This was the original “phablet,” the first of its kind in the industry. What set this phone apart was its size and the S Pen. It was, at the time, the market’s largest HD Super AMOLED display. It was hailed as a smart device that was easy to carry but enabled the user to do more in a faster manner than existing smartphones. Read about its unveiling here.

Galaxy Note 2

Slogan: Be Creative

Unveiled: IFA Berlin, August 2012

Features and specs: 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED; 8MP rear camera (1.9MP front); Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean); 1.6 GHz Quad-Core processor; 16/32/64GB User memory + microSD; 2GB RAM; 3100 mAh battery

Size/weight: 151.1mm-80.5mm-9.4mm; 180g

What people loved: The S Pen was vastly improved and Air View made its debut with the Galaxy Note 2. The S Pen was longer, thicker and more ergonomically designed and provided a more natural and precise writing and drawing experience. The fantastic display also set a new industry standard at the time. It was also the first to debut multitasking capabilities and Quick Command. Read more about all the bells and whistles that made their debut with Galaxy Note II.

Galaxy Note 3

Slogan: Design Your Life

Unveiled: IFA Berlin, September 2013

Features and specs: 5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLED; 13MP rear camera (2MP front); Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean); 2.3 GHz Quad-Core processor; 32/64GB User memory + microSD; 3GB RAM; 3200 mAh battery

Size/weight: 151.2mm-79.2mm-8.3mm; 172g

What people loved: The Note 3 was the most elegant Note to date, with a more premium design. It was larger, yet lighter and thinner than its predecessor but the hardware, including the front camera, battery and RAM, got big upgrades making it a far more powerful device. It also came with smarter multitasking capabilities and it was the first Note to be designed to perfectly complement the new line of Gear devices Samsung had just unveiled.

Galaxy Note 4 & Note Edge

Slogan: Do You Note?

Unveiled: IFA Berlin, September 2014

Features and specs: 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED (Note Edge is 5.6 inches); 16MP rear camera; (3.7MP front); Android 4.4 (KitKat); 2.7GHz Quad-Core; 32GB User memory + microSD; 3GB RAM; 3220mAh battery (Note Edge is 3000mAh).

Size and weight: 153.5mm-78.6mm-8.5mm; 176g; Note Edge: 151.3mm-82.4mm-8.3mm; 174g

What people loved: Once again, the display was groundbreaking in terms of color, brightness and pixel density, providing a tremendous viewing experience. The upgraded cameras, with a F1.9 aperture, Smart OIS and real-time HDR, produce remarkably good photos. The S Pen got improved touch and feel, and the Galaxy Note 4’s seamless multitasking capabilities include all new multi-window, split screen, pop up screen and more. Users also loved faster charging and a higher capacity battery, ultra power-saving mode, as well as the fingerprint scanner and heart rate sensor. See more about the Galaxy Note 4 here.

The Galaxy Note Edge provided users with a new way to access information and express personality. The curved edge on the right side of the screen offered more functionalities and features, such as the ability to received notifications on the Edge Screen while watching videos and quick access to favorite apps and alerts.

The technology behind Samsung’s curved display and glass materials has become one of the key components of the company’s design philosophy. The contoured lines are aesthetically beautiful and create more possibilities in functionality. Since the launch of the industry’s first smartphones with curved displays, Samsung has pushed the limits of technology to lead the way in revolutionizing how the world views information.

Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus: The First Smartphones With Curved Displays
The Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus, the first smartphones with curved displays, were released in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Both feature a gentle curve on the front sides of the phones. The design not only improves appearance of the devices, but it also enhances grip, making talking on the phone more comfortable. The curved screens also make the devices less vulnerable to damage if dropped.

Galaxy Round: Vertical Curve

Released in 2013, the Galaxy Round was curved vertically. Because it resembles giwa (or traditional Korean roof tiles), it earned the nickname “Galaxy Giwa.” The curved glass of the 5.7-inch screen of the Galaxy Round has a soft curve which, with 400R and Sag 2.55mm specifications, improves grip. Additionally, when shaking the device while the screen is locked, an image of water flows across the screen, an impressive and visually appealing feature.

Galaxy Note Edge: Brand New UX
Samsung continued to release more products incorporating the use of curved glass, and as such, its technology consistently advanced. This was evident in October 2014, when the company released the Galaxy Note Edge, which featured the thinnest curved screen yet. It was the first product to introduce “Variable R” curved glass, meaning instead of having a single curve rate like its predecessors, there were multiple curvatures contained in the single 0.55t glass screen. The curved glass of the Galaxy Note Edge was available in 6.3R (minimum value) and Sag 5.56mm, demonstrating the considerable improvement of Samsung’s curved glass technology and would be the foundation for the creation of the dual edge screen of the Galaxy S6 edge.

Galaxy S6 edge: The Pinnacle of 3D Glass Technology
The unprecedented dual edge display of the Galaxy S6 edge is the most advanced 3D glass technology that exists today, and required extensive research and experiments by the device’s development staff. Though thinner with a 0.4t body, this seemingly indestructible device is stronger than any previous curved screen, with a higher curve rate than all other existing smart devices. Designed for both beauty and function, the Galaxy S6 edge pushes the boundaries of curved glass technology.

Gear Fit and Gear S: Curved for Better Fit
Samsung released its Gear Fit in April 2014, the company’s first attempt at introducing its distinctive design in wearable devices. Its contoured face and innovative design with a narrow 1.84 inch screen in 57.45R and Sag 8.0mm distinguished the Gear Fit from other wearables, making it both stylish and comfortable to wear. In November, Samsung released the Gear S, a wider version of the previous model. The wider 2-inch screen in 45.88R and Sag 8.0mmn allowed for greater usability, and impressed users with the preloaded S Health, a mobile application that tracks the progress and health status of the consumer.

Understanding Curved Glass: 2D, 2.5D, 3D

2D glass is flat on both sides. It can be found on the two oldest models of the Galaxy S and in most smartphones. It was followed by 2.5D glass, which was the beginning of curved displays. 2.5D glass has a convex or concave surface on only one side; the other side is flat. Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus are both examples of devices that use 2.5D glass. 3D glass is different because neither side is flat; as such, the technology for bending this glass required sophisticated engineering. To produce 3D glass, advanced thermoforming technology is applied to glass that must be as thin as it is strong. Samsung continues to improve its thermoforming technology by consistently creating new products.

The two measurements of curved glass are R value and Sag value. The R value represents the radius from any point. A single R is a perfect circle with a non-variable radius. A variable R is an ellipse and has a different value dependent on the point of measure. The technology to create a variable R is more advanced and Samsung introduced this technology with the Galaxy Note Edge.

The second value is the Sag rate. This measures the height from the top to bottom of a curve. The deeper the curve of any display, the more advanced the technology behind it.

While consumers all the world over have grown to favor smartphones with curved screens for the glass’ strength and stylish design, curved technology is not only limited to mobile devices. In fact, this very technology has created an entirely unique media viewing experience both at home and at the office.

Curved TVs: Gentle Viewing Immersion
Released last year, the curved TV has become known for its immersive properties. Its beautiful soft curve of 4200R minimizes the viewing distance from the center of the screen to the peripheral areas, reducing the need to repeatedly adjust focus. This feature exclusive to curved televisions results in less eye strain, particularly during action scenes.

Curved Monitors: Easier on the Eyes
Earlier this year, Samsung released a number of computer monitors with curved screens that, like curved TVs, lack display distortion and are much easier on the eyes than traditional monitors. While the monitors smaller than the 29 inch model have a 4000R curve, the 29 inch model and bigger varieties measure in at 3000R. Being the first company to introduce models with these specifications using its own technology is a remarkable achievement on Samsung’s part.

Beauty With Purpose
Curved glass is beautiful and complex. As curved technology evolves, the possibilities of design also grow. Samsung developers continue to think of ways to use these new technologies to make life easier and more aesthetically pleasing for everyone.