Samsung Notes vs StarNote: Handwritten notes - Which Note-Taking App Reigns Supreme?

Samsung Notes is a versatile note-taking app pre-installed on Samsung devices, ideal for users who want seamless integration with Samsung ecosystem and cross-platform syncing. StarNote is a powerful handwritten notes app designed for Android tablets, perfect for students and professionals who prefer a one-time purchase over subscriptions and need advanced stylus support. Both apps offer unique strengths, but the best choice depends on your device and workflow.

Samsung Notes Android app icon

Samsung Notes

Recommended
Rating
★ 4.78
Downloads
1,000,000,000+
Developer
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
View on Play Store
StarNote: Handwritten notes Android app icon

StarNote: Handwritten notes

Rating
★ 4.33
Downloads
1,000,000+
Developer
StarNote
View on Play Store

Samsung Notes can create and edit documents on mobile, tablet, or PC and collaborate with others. User can add annotations to the PDF using S Pen and create documents with images or voices. It can also be used by connecting documents with various apps such as PDF, Microsoft Word,…

Pros

  • Seamless sync across Samsung devices and Windows PC via Samsung Cloud
  • Supports PDF annotation with S Pen and voice recordings
  • Collaboration features allow real-time sharing and editing
  • High compatibility with Microsoft Office, PDF, and image formats
  • Free to use with no ads or in-app purchases

Cons

  • Limited to Samsung ecosystem for full features; not optimized on non-Samsung devices
  • No advanced handwriting recognition or text conversion
  • Requires Samsung account for syncing; no cross-platform support for iOS

StarNote is a powerful digital note-taking app for Android tablets, built for handwritten notes, PDF annotation, and organized work. Tired of monthly fees? Enjoy premium features with a one-time purchase—no subscription required! As a top handwritten notes app, StarNote helps y…

Pros

  • One-time purchase with no recurring subscription fees
  • Excellent handwritten note experience with stylus and S Pen support
  • Powerful PDF annotation tools for students and professionals
  • Organized workspace with folders and tags for easy management
  • Lightweight app optimized for Android tablets

Cons

  • Only 1 million+ installs compared to Samsung Notes' 1 billion+; smaller community
  • Lacks cross-platform syncing; no desktop or iOS version
  • No collaboration features for real-time sharing

Final Verdict

Our pick: Samsung Notes

For most users, Samsung Notes is the clear winner due to its massive install base, high rating, and deep integration with Samsung devices and Windows. It offers robust collaboration features, PDF annotation, and compatibility with various file formats, all for free. However, if you prioritize handwritten notes on Android tablets and dislike subscriptions, StarNote provides a premium one-time purchase option with excellent stylus support. Overall, Samsung Notes is more versatile and widely accessible, making it our top recommendation.

Samsung Notes Android app icon

Samsung Notes Screenshots

Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.

Samsung Notes Android app screenshot 1
Samsung Notes Android app screenshot 1
Samsung Notes Android app screenshot 2
Samsung Notes Android app screenshot 2
Samsung Notes Android app screenshot 3
Samsung Notes Android app screenshot 3
Samsung Notes Android app screenshot 4
Samsung Notes Android app screenshot 4
Samsung Notes Android app screenshot 5
Samsung Notes Android app screenshot 5
StarNote: Handwritten notes Android app icon

StarNote: Handwritten notes Screenshots

Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.

StarNote: Handwritten notes Android app screenshot 1
StarNote: Handwritten notes Android app screenshot 1
StarNote: Handwritten notes Android app screenshot 2
StarNote: Handwritten notes Android app screenshot 2
StarNote: Handwritten notes Android app screenshot 3
StarNote: Handwritten notes Android app screenshot 3
StarNote: Handwritten notes Android app screenshot 4
StarNote: Handwritten notes Android app screenshot 4
StarNote: Handwritten notes Android app screenshot 5
StarNote: Handwritten notes Android app screenshot 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app has a higher rating?

Samsung Notes has a rating of 4.78, while StarNote has 4.33. Samsung Notes is rated higher.

Can I use these apps offline?

Both apps support offline note-taking. Samsung Notes saves locally and syncs when online; StarNote works fully offline without internet.

Do these apps have ads?

Samsung Notes is ad-free. StarNote is also ad-free as it uses a one-time purchase model.

What are the device requirements?

Samsung Notes requires a Samsung device or any Android device with Samsung apps installed. StarNote is optimized for Android tablets with stylus support.

Which app should I choose?

Choose Samsung Notes if you use Samsung devices and need cross-platform collaboration. Choose StarNote if you primarily use an Android tablet for handwritten notes and prefer a one-time payment.