The Samsung Galaxy (Korean: 삼성 갤럭시) series is one of the most influential product lines in consumer electronics history. Introduced in June 2009, Galaxy devices helped bring Android into the mainstream and have remained among the best‑selling and most recognized mobile devices worldwide.
This guide covers the complete release history of Samsung Galaxy models, from the very first Galaxy phone to modern foldables, tablets, wearables, laptops, and extended‑reality devices.
The Birth of Samsung Galaxy (2009)
Samsung launched its first Android-powered phone, the Samsung Galaxy (GT-I7500), in June 2009. At the time, Samsung’s flagship line was the Windows Mobile-powered Omnia series.
Unlike earlier Samsung devices that used TouchWiz over proprietary systems, the first Galaxy shipped with a largely unmodified Android interface. TouchWiz later arrived with the Galaxy S.
2009 Galaxy Releases
- Samsung Galaxy – June 2009
- Samsung Galaxy Spica – 2009
- Samsung Beam i8520 – 2009
These early models laid the groundwork for Samsung’s dominance in Android hardware.
The Rise of the Galaxy S Series (2010–2014)
2010 – Galaxy S
The original Galaxy S (GT-I9000) marked Samsung’s first true global Android success. It featured a Super AMOLED display and strong multimedia performance.
2011 – Galaxy S II
The Galaxy S II became a worldwide bestseller and elevated Samsung into direct competition with Apple’s iPhone. It introduced the now-famous “Over the Horizon” ringtone.
2012 – Galaxy S III
One of the best-selling smartphones in the world at the time, the Galaxy S III pushed Android further into the mainstream.
2013 – Galaxy S4
The Galaxy S4 introduced advanced software features and multiple hardware variants.
2014 – Galaxy S5
Water resistance and biometric security became standard features.
During this era, Galaxy devices became Samsung’s most praised and commercially successful products.
The Galaxy Note Era (2011–2021)
The Galaxy Note series introduced large-screen smartphones with the S Pen stylus.
- Galaxy Note – 2011
- Galaxy Note II – 2012
- Galaxy Note 3 – 2013
- Galaxy Note 4 – 2014
- Galaxy Note 5 – 2015
- Galaxy Note 7 – 2016
- Galaxy Note 8 – 2017
- Galaxy Note 9 – 2018
- Galaxy Note 10 / 10+ – 2019
- Galaxy Note 20 / 20 Ultra – 2020
The Note line was discontinued in 2021, with its features merged into:
- Galaxy S Ultra models
- Galaxy Z Fold series
The Foldable Revolution: Galaxy Z (2019–Present)
Samsung pioneered foldable smartphones with the Galaxy Z series.
Key Milestones:
- Galaxy Fold – 2019
- Galaxy Z Flip – 2020
- Successive Z Fold and Z Flip generations (2021–2025)
The Galaxy Z line remains Samsung’s flagship foldable range.
Samsung W Series
Luxury foldable devices based on Galaxy Z hardware, primarily sold in China.
Expanding the Galaxy Lineup
Samsung expanded Galaxy beyond premium flagships into multiple tiers:
Galaxy A Series
Mid-range devices (formerly premium mid-range before 2023).
Galaxy M Series
Budget-friendly, online-focused alternatives.
Galaxy F Series
Developing market-focused variants of Galaxy A devices.
Galaxy XCover
Rugged business smartphones.
Tablets: Galaxy Tab Evolution
Early Galaxy Tabs (2010–2016)
Included:
- Galaxy Tab 7.0
- Tab 8.9
- Tab 10.1
- Tab Pro
- Tab Note
- Tab E
Modern Tablet Lines
- Galaxy Tab S – Flagship to mid-range tablets
- Galaxy Tab A – Budget to mid-range
- Galaxy Tab Active – Rugged tablets
Windows & ChromeOS Devices
- Galaxy TabPro S (2016) – First Galaxy-branded Windows 10 device
- Galaxy Book – Windows laptops
- Galaxy Chromebook – ChromeOS devices (introduced 2020)
Wearables and Audio
Samsung transitioned from Gear branding to Galaxy branding.
Galaxy Watch
Wear OS-based smartwatches.
Galaxy Fit
Activity trackers.
Galaxy Buds
Wireless earbuds replacing Gear Icon.
Galaxy XR (2025)
On 21 October 2025, Samsung introduced the Samsung Galaxy XR, one of the first major extended-reality devices running Android XR.
This marked Samsung’s official expansion into immersive computing under the Galaxy brand.
Software Evolution
Galaxy smartphones run Android with Samsung’s interface:
- TouchWiz (until 2017)
- Samsung Experience (2017–2019)
- One UI (2019–present)
Samsung also introduced services such as:
- Galaxy Store
- Samsung Flow (announced 2014, final release 2016)
- Multi Control
- Microsoft app integration (from 2019)
Model Number Systems
Pre-September 2013
- GT-XXXXX
- SCH-XXXX
- SGH-XXXX
- SPH-XXXX
- SHV/SHW-XXXX
Post-September 2013
Format: SM-ABCDE
Examples:
- SM-Sxxx – Galaxy S (S22 and later)
- SM-Fxxx – Galaxy Z
- SM-Nxxx – Galaxy Note
- SM-Axxx – Galaxy A
- SM-Mxxx – Galaxy M
Regional Firmware & Locking
Starting with the Galaxy Note 3, Samsung introduced region-lock policies to discourage grey-market reselling.
With the Galaxy S8 series (2017), many variants adopted Multi-CSC, restricting compatibility to SIM cards within the same CSC group.
Over the Horizon: The Galaxy Soundtrack
First introduced with the Galaxy S II (2011), “Over the Horizon” became Samsung’s signature sound.
It has been reinterpreted by:
- Quincy Jones
- Icona Pop
- Suga (BTS)
- Various K-pop artists
The six-note melody has remained consistent since its debut.
Complete Release Timeline Overview
2009–2012: Foundation
- First Galaxy phone
- Rise of Galaxy S
- Introduction of Galaxy Note
2013–2016: Expansion
- Peak Galaxy S and Note popularity
- Tablet diversification
- Wearables (Gear → Galaxy transition begins)
2017–2019: Refinement
- One UI introduced
- Foldables debut (Galaxy Fold)
- Galaxy Z series begins
2020–2023: Ecosystem Growth
- Galaxy Chromebook
- Microsoft integration
- Watch Active merged into main Watch line
- Note discontinued
2024–2025: New Frontiers
- Continued Z Fold and Z Flip development
- Galaxy XR (2025) launches with Android XR
Why Samsung Galaxy Matters
Since 2009, Samsung Galaxy devices have:
- Helped define Android’s global success
- Consistently ranked among the world’s best-selling smartphones
- Pioneered foldable phones
- Expanded into tablets, laptops, wearables, and XR
From the first Galaxy in 2009 to the Galaxy XR in 2025, Samsung’s Galaxy brand remains one of the most expansive and influential ecosystems in consumer technology.
Year‑by‑Year Samsung Galaxy Release Timeline (2009–2025)
2009
- Samsung Galaxy (GT-I7500) – June 2009
- Samsung Galaxy Spica
- Samsung Beam i8520
2010
- Galaxy S (GT-I9000)
- Samsung Galaxy U
- Samsung Galaxy Neo
2011
- Galaxy S II
- Galaxy Note
- Samsung Galaxy Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Precedent
- Samsung Galaxy Rush
- Samsung Galaxy 5
- Samsung Galaxy W
- Samsung Galaxy Fit
- Samsung Galaxy Gio
- Samsung Galaxy Prevail
- Galaxy Nexus
2012
- Galaxy S III
- Galaxy Note II
- Samsung Galaxy Discover
- Samsung Galaxy M Style
- Samsung Galaxy Reverb
- Samsung Galaxy Stellar
- Samsung Galaxy Appeal
- Samsung Galaxy Victory
- Samsung Galaxy Express
2013
- Galaxy S4
- Galaxy Note 3
- Samsung Galaxy Express 2
- Samsung Galaxy Fame
- Samsung Galaxy Star
- Samsung Galaxy Win
- Samsung Galaxy Win Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Star Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Fame Lite
- Samsung Galaxy Round
- Samsung Galaxy Light
2014
- Galaxy S5
- Galaxy Note 4
- Samsung Galaxy V
- Samsung Galaxy Avant
- Samsung Galaxy W (2014)
- Samsung Galaxy K Zoom
- Samsung Galaxy Tab series models (pre-2017 generation refreshes)
2015
- Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge
- Galaxy Note 5
- Samsung Galaxy V Plus
- Samsung Galaxy Folder
- Samsung Galaxy Active Neo
2016
- Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge
- Samsung Galaxy V2
- Galaxy TabPro S (Windows 10)
2017
- Galaxy S8 / S8+
- Galaxy Note 8
- Samsung Galaxy Folder 2
- Samsung Galaxy Feel
2018
- Galaxy S9 / S9+
- Galaxy Note 9
2019
- Galaxy S10 Series
- Galaxy Note 10 Series
- Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy Feel2
- One UI officially replaces Samsung Experience
2020
- Galaxy S20 Series
- Galaxy Note 20 Series
- Galaxy Z Fold2
- Galaxy Z Flip (global expansion)
- Galaxy Chromebook (ChromeOS)
2021
- Galaxy S21 Series
- Galaxy Z Fold3
- Galaxy Z Flip3
- Galaxy Note line discontinued
2022
- Galaxy S22 Series
- Galaxy Z Fold4
- Galaxy Z Flip4
2023
- Galaxy S23 Series
- Galaxy Z Fold5
- Galaxy Z Flip5
2024
- Galaxy S24 Series
- Galaxy Z Fold6
- Galaxy Z Flip6
2025
- Galaxy S25 Series
- Galaxy Z Fold7
- Galaxy Z Flip7
- Samsung Galaxy XR – 21 October 2025
Galaxy S Series Release Timeline (Complete Flagship Order)
- Galaxy S – 2010
- Galaxy S II – 2011
- Galaxy S III – 2012
- Galaxy S4 – 2013
- Galaxy S5 – 2014
- Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge – 2015
- Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge – 2016
- Galaxy S8 / S8+ – 2017
- Galaxy S9 / S9+ – 2018
- Galaxy S10e / S10 / S10+ – 2019
- Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra – 2020
- Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra – 2021
- Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra – 2022
- Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra – 2023
- Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra – 2024
- Galaxy S25 / S25+ / S25 Ultra – 2025
Note: Beginning with the S22 Ultra, Galaxy Note features (including S Pen support) were merged into the Galaxy S Ultra line.
Complete List of Every Samsung Galaxy Phone Ever Released (Chronological Order)
2009
- Samsung Galaxy
- Samsung Galaxy Spica
- Samsung Beam i8520
2010
- Galaxy S
- Samsung Galaxy U
- Samsung Galaxy Neo
2011
- Galaxy S II
- Galaxy Note
- Samsung Galaxy Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Precedent
- Samsung Galaxy Rush
- Samsung Galaxy 5
- Samsung Galaxy W
- Samsung Galaxy Fit
- Samsung Galaxy Gio
- Samsung Galaxy Prevail
- Galaxy Nexus
2012
- Galaxy S III
- Galaxy Note II
- Samsung Galaxy Discover
- Samsung Galaxy M Style
- Samsung Galaxy Reverb
- Samsung Galaxy Stellar
- Samsung Galaxy Appeal
- Samsung Galaxy Victory
- Samsung Galaxy Express
2013
- Galaxy S4
- Galaxy Note 3
- Samsung Galaxy Express 2
- Samsung Galaxy Fame
- Samsung Galaxy Star
- Samsung Galaxy Win
- Samsung Galaxy Win Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Star Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Fame Lite
- Samsung Galaxy Round
- Samsung Galaxy Light
2014
- Galaxy S5
- Galaxy Note 4
- Samsung Galaxy V
- Samsung Galaxy Avant
- Samsung Galaxy W (2014)
- Samsung Galaxy K Zoom
2015
- Galaxy S6
- Galaxy S6 Edge
- Galaxy Note 5
- Samsung Galaxy V Plus
- Samsung Galaxy Folder
- Samsung Galaxy Active Neo
2016
- Galaxy S7
- Galaxy S7 Edge
- Samsung Galaxy V2
2017
- Galaxy S8
- Galaxy S8+
- Galaxy Note 8
- Samsung Galaxy Folder 2
- Samsung Galaxy Feel
2018
- Galaxy S9
- Galaxy S9+
- Galaxy Note 9
2019
- Galaxy S10e
- Galaxy S10
- Galaxy S10+
- Galaxy Note 10
- Galaxy Note 10+
- Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy Feel2
2020
- Galaxy S20
- Galaxy S20+
- Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Galaxy Note 20
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Flip
- Galaxy Z Fold2
2021
- Galaxy S21
- Galaxy S21+
- Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold3
- Galaxy Z Flip3
2022
- Galaxy S22
- Galaxy S22+
- Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold4
- Galaxy Z Flip4
2023
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S23+
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold5
- Galaxy Z Flip5
2024
- Galaxy S24
- Galaxy S24+
- Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold6
- Galaxy Z Flip6
2025
- Galaxy S25
- Galaxy S25+
- Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold7
- Galaxy Z Flip7
Samsung Galaxy Release Order (2009–2025)
Flagship Series
Galaxy S Series (2010–2025)
Annual flagship smartphones, now including Ultra models with S Pen support.
Galaxy Z Series (2019–2025)
Foldable smartphones including Fold and Flip models.
Galaxy Note Series (2011–2021, discontinued)
Large-screen S Pen devices, merged into S Ultra and Z Fold lines.
Mid-Range & Budget Series
- Galaxy A Series
- Galaxy M Series
- Galaxy F Series
- Galaxy XCover (rugged)
Tablets
- Galaxy Tab S
- Galaxy Tab A
- Galaxy Tab Active
- Galaxy TabPro S (Windows 10, 2016)
Laptops
- Galaxy Book (Windows)
- Galaxy Chromebook (ChromeOS, introduced 2020)
Wearables & Audio
- Galaxy Watch
- Galaxy Fit
- Galaxy Buds
Extended Reality
- Galaxy XR – Released 21 October 2025
