Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G — A 2020 Phone in 2026: Only for S Pen Diehards
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was Samsung's last dedicated Note phone before the S Pen moved to the S Ultra series. Originally $1,300, it's now available for $250-400 as new-old-stock or refurbished. It ran the Snapdragon 865+ (flagship at the time), had a 108MP camera, 6.9-inch 120Hz QHD+ display, S Pen, and 128GB storage with microSD expansion. In 2026, it's a phone that still works but has reached the end of its useful software life.
What Still Works
The S Pen is the reason this phone still gets mentioned. Bluetooth connectivity allows it to function as a remote shutter, presentation clicker, and media controller. Air Actions gesture controls work with Samsung's apps. For people who take handwritten notes on their phone regularly, the S Pen experience on the Note 20 Ultra is still better than third-party styluses on other phones.
The 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED display still looks good — OLED technology ages well, and the 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling smooth. The 108MP camera captures decent daylight photos, though processing speed and low-light performance are outdated by current standards.
Why You Probably Shouldn't Buy It
Samsung's software support for the Note 20 Ultra ended in 2024. No more security patches means known vulnerabilities won't be fixed. Banking apps and some security-sensitive applications may stop working as they require minimum security patch levels. This is the deal-breaker for most people.
The Snapdragon 865+ is four generations old. It handles basic tasks but struggles with current apps that are optimized for newer hardware. Battery life on a 5-year-old 4,500mAh cell will be significantly degraded. The phone supports 25W wired charging — slow by 2026 standards.
The 128GB base storage is mitigated by microSD expansion (up to 1TB), which is a feature Samsung has since removed from all newer phones. This is actually one area where the Note 20 Ultra has an advantage over current Samsung flagships.
What Works and What Doesn't
- S Pen with Bluetooth is still the best phone stylus experience available.
- microSD expansion up to 1TB — a feature removed from all current Samsung phones.
- Large, bright QHD+ AMOLED display at 120Hz.
- Available at $250-400 — a fraction of its original $1,300 price.
- Software support ended in 2024 — no security patches, increasing vulnerability risk.
- 5-year-old battery will have significant capacity degradation.
- Snapdragon 865+ struggles with modern app optimization.
- Camera processing is notably slower than current phones.
- Banking and security apps may stop working without current security patches.
The Verdict
The Note 20 Ultra in 2026 is a hard recommendation. The S Pen is still unmatched, but the expired software support creates real security and compatibility concerns. The restored Galaxy S23 Ultra ($500-650) offers S Pen, better everything, and 1-2 years of remaining updates. The Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1,300 new) is the current equivalent with 7 years of updates. Buy the Note 20 Ultra only as a secondary device for S Pen tasks, not as a primary phone.
Key Features
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- Gorgeous, vibrant 120Hz display
- Versatile and precise S Pen
- Excellent, feature-rich camera
- Premium build quality
- Super fast 5G speeds
- Expandable storage
What Could Be Better
- Fairly expensive at launch
- Battery life can be inconsistent
- Can feel bulky and heavy
- Exynos variant less powerful
Specifications
| Brand | Samsung |
|---|---|
| Model | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G |
| Dimensions | 6.49 x 3.04 x 0.32 inches (164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm) |
| Weight | 7.34 oz (208 g) |
| Material | Gorilla Glass Victus front/back, stainless steel frame |
| Color Options | Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, Mystic White |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Manufacturer |
| Display | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (US) / Exynos 990 (Global) |
| Storage | 128GB (expandable via microSDXC) |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Battery Capacity | 4500 mAh |
| Main Camera | 108MP Wide, 12MP Telephoto, 12MP Ultrawide |
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're a power user who loves the S Pen and wants a top-tier camera and display, it offers a lot of value, especially now that prices have dropped since its release. It's a fantastic device for productivity and media consumption, but if you don't use the S Pen, a regular S-series might be a better fit.
Typically, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G comes with a standard one-year limited manufacturer's warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. You might also have options to purchase extended warranty plans through retailers or Samsung Care+ for accidental damage coverage.
The Note 20 Ultra offers unique features like the S Pen and expandable storage, plus a 120Hz display for smoother scrolling. The iPhone 12 Pro Max usually provides a more streamlined iOS experience, slightly better long-term software support, and often more consistent battery life. Both have excellent cameras, but with different color science and features.
This phone is perfect for productivity enthusiasts, artists, and power users who will truly leverage the S Pen for notes, drawing, or precise navigation. It's also great for mobile photographers and videographers who want a versatile camera, and anyone who appreciates a large, gorgeous display for media.
Available on Amazon and other major retailers. We recommend checking Amazon for the best current price and fast shipping.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G remains a formidable flagship, especially for those who prioritize the S Pen, a stunning display, and a versatile camera. While no longer the newest, its premium features and build quality still offer immense value for power users and creatives. Check Amazon for current pricing to grab this feature-packed device.
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