Best Note-Taking Apps for Samsung S25
The Samsung S25 is here and (of course, being a techy guy) I had to upgrade. I’ll say this: it’s designed for productivity (especially if you have a good digital planner to go with it), and with its S Pen integration, it’s an excellent tool for digital note-taking. Whether you’re jotting down quick ideas, organizing a second brain, or using a digital planner, having the right note-taking app makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best note-taking apps for the Samsung S25, comparing their features, sync capabilities, and which app is best suited for different users.
Why Use the Samsung S25 for Note-Taking?
The S Pen has evolved over the years, offering more precision, better responsiveness, and advanced features like handwriting-to-text conversion. Combined with a high-resolution display and powerful performance, the S25 is one of the best smartphones for note-taking.
Whether you’re using your phone for business, personal productivity, or academic purposes, the apps below will help you stay organized, increase efficiency, and capture ideas instantly.
Top Note-Taking Apps for the Samsung S25
1. OneNote — Best for Multi-Device Syncing
If you need a note-taking app that works across Android, Windows, iOS, and Mac, OneNote is one of the most versatile options.
Key Features:
✔ Cross-platform support — Syncs across all devices seamlessly
✔ Infinite canvas — Unlike traditional PDF planners, you can expand your notes without space limitations
✔ Organized structure — Use notebooks, sections, and pages to manage notes effectively
✔ Collaboration-friendly — Easily share notes with others
Who Should Use OneNote?
✅ Ideal for professionals who work on multiple devices
✅ Great for those who prefer an infinite digital notebook
✅ Best for team collaboration and shared note-taking
2. Samsung Notes — Best for Samsung Users
Samsung Notes is the default note-taking app on the S25 and is deeply integrated into the Samsung ecosystem.
Key Features:
✔ Works natively with the S Pen for a smooth writing experience
✔ Supports PDF annotation — Import and write on PDFs
✔ Rich text and handwriting tools
✔ Syncs across Samsung devices (phones, tablets, and select Samsung laptops)
Who Should Use Samsung Notes?
✅ Best for Samsung-only users who want deep integration
✅ Ideal for those who annotate PDFs and prefer handwritten notes
✅ Perfect for users who don’t need cross-platform compatibility
3. GoodNotes — Best for Apple & Android Users
GoodNotes has been a top choice for Apple users, and it’s now available on Android — including the Samsung S25!
Key Features:
✔ Powerful handwriting recognition with AI-assisted note organization
✔ Syncs across Apple, Android, and Windows devices
✔ PDF annotation support
✔ Straightens handwriting & corrects spelling mistakes
Who Should Use GoodNotes?
✅ Users who want handwriting-to-text conversion
✅ People switching from Apple to Android
✅ Those who want AI-powered note management
4. Nebo — Best for Cross-Platform Note-Taking
Nebo is a handwriting-first note-taking app designed for professionals and students who want to convert handwritten notes into structured text.
Key Features:
✔ Advanced handwriting-to-text conversion
✔ Syncs across Windows, iOS, and Android
✔ Smart diagrams & equations for technical users
✔ Works offline and online
Who Should Use Nebo?
✅ Great for students, engineers, or anyone needing structured handwritten notes
✅ Best for cross-platform compatibility without relying on Samsung-only devices
✅ Good for those who want real-time handwriting conversion
5. Penly — Best for PDF Annotation & Planning
Penly is a PDF annotation-based note-taking app for Android. If you like the structure of a traditional planner but want a digital experience, Penly is a great choice for managing notes and PDFs.
Key Features:
✔ PDF-based note-taking with hyperlinks
✔ Cloud storage support for sync across devices
✔ Lasso tool for easy organization
✔ Compatible with third-party storage like Google Drive
Who Should Use Penly?
✅ Users who annotate PDFs frequently
✅ Those looking for an alternative to Samsung Notes with broader device compatibility
✅ People who prefer a structured notebook layout
How to Choose the Best Note-Taking App for Your Samsung S25
To determine the best note-taking app for your needs, consider the following:
1. Do You Need Cross-Device Syncing?
- If you use Android, Windows, and iOS, choose OneNote or GoodNotes
- If you only use Samsung devices, Samsung Notes is your best choice
2. Do You Want PDF Annotation?
- Samsung Notes, Penly, and GoodNotes are ideal for writing on PDFs
- OneNote supports PDFs but lacks advanced annotation features
3. Do You Prefer Handwriting or Typed Notes?
- Handwriting + Text Conversion: Choose Nebo, Samsung Notes, or GoodNotes
- Typed Notes + Organization: Choose OneNote
4. Do You Want a Traditional Notebook Feel?
- GoodNotes and Penly provide a structured digital notebook experience
- OneNote offers a more flexible, infinite canvas
Bottom Line
The Samsung S25 is one of the best phones for digital note-taking, and the right app will help you maximize its potential.
- For Multi-Device Syncing → OneNote or GoodNotes
- For Samsung-Exclusive Users → Samsung Notes
- For AI-Powered Handwriting Conversion → Nebo
- For PDF Annotation & Planning → Penly
If you’re looking to take your digital planning to the next level, check out the Key2Success Planner — a professional-grade digital planner designed for productivity, organization, and goal-setting. It works seamlessly with Samsung Notes, GoodNotes, and OneNote.
What’s Your Go-To Note-Taking App?
Which note-taking app do you use on your Samsung S25? Let us know in the comments! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more productivity tips.