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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Choose the Galaxy Note20 Ultra if you want the sharper 120Hz screen, the more advanced camera hardware, or microSD expansion on the documented U.S. configuration. Choose the Galaxy Note20 if you would rather have a smaller, lighter phone and are happy with a flat FHD+ display. Both include an S Pen, so the deciding differences are the screen, camera, size, and—depending on the exact market model—storage.
At a glance: the important differences
| Feature | Galaxy Note20 | Galaxy Note20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch flat FHD+ Super AMOLED Plus; 2400 × 1080, 393 ppi | 6.9-inch edge QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X; 3088 × 1440, 496 ppi; 120Hz |
| Weight | 192g for LTE/Sub-6 or 194g for mmWave in Samsung’s global specification table | 208g |
| Rear cameras | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP in Samsung’s U.S. datasheet; 3x hybrid optical zoom in Samsung’s comparison | 108MP main sensor in Samsung’s U.S. datasheet; 5x optical zoom in Samsung’s comparison |
| Typical battery capacity | 4300mAh | 4500mAh |
| U.S. storage and expansion | 128GB listed; microSD expansion not listed in the cited U.S. datasheet | 128GB or 512GB listed; supports up to an additional 1TB via microSD |
| S Pen | Included | Included |
Samsung’s screen diagonals are measured across the full rectangular display; the visible area is smaller because of rounded corners and the camera opening. Specifications and supported configurations can vary by region and carrier, so treat the U.S. storage details and regional battery figures as specific to the sources cited below.
Which screen is better for you?
Choose the Ultra for sharpness and smooth scrolling
The Note20 Ultra has the larger, higher-resolution screen: 6.9 inches and 3088 × 1440 pixels, compared with the Note20’s 6.7 inches and 2400 × 1080. Samsung specifies 120Hz only for the Ultra. That higher refresh rate can make supported scrolling and animations look smoother, while the higher resolution is the better fit if fine detail matters to you.
Samsung’s U.S. launch page explicitly says, “120Hz display only available on Galaxy Note20 Ultra.” The Note20’s screen is flat, whereas the Ultra’s display curves at the edges. If you prefer a flat panel or a more compact feel, that difference may matter as much as resolution.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.9 inch, 3088 x 1440 (Quad HD plus), Infinity-O Super AMOLED plus Display, 4500mAh Battery, Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0
- 128GB ROM, 12GB RAM, microSDXC Card Slot, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G plus (7nm plus), Octa-Core, Adreno 650
- Rear Camera: 108MP, f/1.8 plus 12MP, f/3.0, 5x optical zoom, 50x hybrid zoom plus 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), Front Camera: 10MP, f/2.2
- 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: B1(2100),B2(1900),B3(1800),B4(AWS),B5(850),B7(2600),B8(900),B12(700),B13(700),B14(700),B18(800),B19(800),B20(800),B25(1900),B26(850),B28(700),B29(700),B30(2300),B38(2600),B39(1900),B40(2300),B41(2500),B46(5200),B66(AWS-3), 5G: 2/5/41/66/71/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Single SIM
- Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT andT, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon and Sprint.
Choose the Note20 if you want the smaller display
The Note20’s 6.7-inch flat FHD+ screen is still large, but it is the less expansive and lower-resolution of the two. It suits readers who do not need QHD+ detail or 120Hz and would rather avoid the Ultra’s larger body. Both diagonal figures refer to the full rectangle, not the usable area after accounting for rounded corners and the camera cutout.
How much smaller and lighter is the Note20?
Samsung lists the Note20 at 161.6 × 75.2 × 8.3mm, weighing 192g for LTE/Sub-6 or 194g for mmWave. The Ultra measures 164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1mm and weighs 208g. On these listed variants, the Note20 is both shorter and narrower and weighs 14–16g less, although it is marginally thicker on paper.
Rank #2
- The Galaxy Note20 Ultra features a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Quad HD+ resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and HDR10+ support, offering incredibly smooth visuals, vibrant colors, and precise touch response, perfect for gaming, media, and professional work.
If one-handed handling, pocket comfort, or reducing weight is high on your list, the Note20 is the more sensible fit. The Ultra trades that easier-to-manage size for more screen and higher-end display and camera specifications.
Does the Ultra’s camera justify choosing it?
Samsung’s U.S. datasheet identifies a 108MP main sensor in the Note20 Ultra and a 12MP + 12MP + 64MP rear-camera configuration in the Note20. Samsung’s regional comparison describes the Ultra as offering 5x optical zoom and the Note20 as offering 3x hybrid optical zoom. These zoom labels are not interchangeable: hybrid optical zoom can combine optical and digital processing, while Samsung cautions that high-resolution zoom uses digital zoom and may reduce image quality.
Rank #3
- The Galaxy Note20 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with Full HD+ resolution and HDR10+ support, offering bright, vibrant colors and sharp detail, making it perfect for productivity, streaming, and gaming.
On the specifications cited here, the Ultra is the stronger choice if you prioritize the main camera’s resolution or longer-reach zoom. Those specifications alone do not establish how the two phones compare in every real-world photo situation; no independent head-to-head test is available in the cited material.
What about storage and microSD?
For the U.S. carrier-agnostic datasheet, Samsung lists the Note20 with 128GB of storage and the Note20 Ultra with 128GB or 512GB. That datasheet says the Ultra can take up to an additional 1TB through microSD. It does not establish those options as universal: storage and expansion can differ across countries, carriers, and model variants. Confirm the exact model’s specifications before buying, especially if expandable storage is a requirement.
Rank #4
- The Galaxy Note20 Ultra features a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Quad HD+ resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and HDR10+ support, offering incredibly smooth visuals, vibrant colors, and precise touch response, perfect for gaming, media, and professional work.
Do both phones have the same S Pen?
Samsung specifies an S Pen for both phones, with Bluetooth, 4,096 pressure levels, and a 0.7mm tip in its series specifications. Ordinary writing and drawing do not require battery power; Bluetooth remote-control functions are separate. Since both support the pen, S Pen availability by itself is not a reason to choose one over the other.
Does the Ultra’s larger battery mean longer battery life?
Samsung gives typical capacity figures of 4300mAh for the Note20 and 4500mAh for the Ultra on a regional comparison page. These figures describe battery capacity, not a measured endurance result. Samsung notes that actual battery life varies with network, usage, and other conditions, so the 200mAh difference does not prove that the Ultra lasts longer in your use.
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How to choose when buying one now
These are launch-era specifications, not a guide to a current listing’s price, software-support status, carrier compatibility, or condition. For a used or refurbished phone, check the exact model number and regional variant, confirm network compatibility with your carrier, and inspect battery health, physical condition, seller terms, and warranty before paying.
Quick Recap
- Pick the Note20 Ultra if QHD+ resolution, 120Hz, the specified camera hardware, or microSD expansion on the U.S. configuration matters more than size and weight.
- Pick the Note20 if you prefer a smaller, lighter phone and its flat FHD+ screen meets your needs.
- Verify the listing if you need a particular storage capacity, radio configuration, or memory-card support; Samsung’s configurations vary by market and carrier.
Samsung specifications and comparison sources
- Samsung Global Newsroom: 2020 Galaxy ecosystem launch and series specifications
- Samsung Newsroom US: 2020 launch specifications and display caveats
- Samsung Business: U.S. Galaxy Note20 5G and Note20 Ultra 5G datasheet
- Samsung Business: Sprint-specific U.S. Note20 5G specifications
- Samsung España: Note20 and Note20 Ultra comparison and battery notes
- Samsung Caribbean: regional Note20 model and zoom comparison
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
