This is the first time we hear something about a smaller Galaxy Note. The most affordable of the early 2019 Samsung Galaxy flagships is very well-received by the media and the consumers so Samsung will try to build on that.
The upcoming Galaxy Note10 is built around a 6.7-inch display, there will be plenty of users looking for a smaller size, which the older 6.4-inch diagonal of the Galaxy Note9 will enable given the shrinking bezels.
Samsung has already sourced the parts from its suppliers, the company goes along with the Galaxy Note10e.