Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: specs, battery & used prices

Summary

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the last of the Note line's ultra tier: a 6.9-inch 120 Hz OLED, the Exynos 990 in most regions, a 108 MP main camera, and the S Pen that defines the name. It launched at $1,299; used 12/512 GB units now sell for around $344 — the signature stylus experience at a quarter of its launch price, on a phone whose official support has ended.

Display and design

The 6.9-inch OLED runs at 120 Hz — screen quality 58/100 on our axis — in a 208 g glass-and-metal body with compactness at 75/100 and IP68 sealing. The S Pen silo keeps the silhouette unique in Samsung's lineup to this day.

Performance

The Exynos 990 was the compromised chip of its generation, and our gaming score of 16/100 reflects it: modern 3D titles need real settings reductions. Everyday responsiveness at 58/100 remains workable. Buying this phone means accepting 2020 silicon in exchange for the hardware package around it.

Camera

The camera array is a 108 MP main sensor with a 12 MP ultrawide and a 12 MP telephoto, all stabilised, with video to 8K at 24 fps. Our camera score of 54/100 still ranks it above most budget and midrange options — the periscope zoom was 2020 luxury that survived the price drop intact.

Battery and charging

The 4,500 mAh battery scores 30/100 on battery life, and 25 W charging scores 7/100 — both feel their age against every modern alternative. Plan around a midday and evening top-up.

Verdict

At around $344 used, the Note 20 Ultra is for the stylus faithful: there is no cheaper route to a built-in S Pen with this display quality, and the used market still prices it steadily. Ended updates and the Exynos thermals are the durable caveats. The Galaxy S21 Ultra added S Pen support without the silo one year later; the Galaxy S20 Ultra started the 108 MP era at a lower used price still.