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A used Galaxy Note20 can be worth buying in 2026 if you specifically want a large Samsung phone with an S Pen, find a clean unit at a suitably low price, and accept its age and limited evidence of ongoing software support. It is a more cautious choice if you need demonstrated security updates for several more years. Before paying, verify the exact model and patch level, inspect and test the phone, and confirm network and lock status.
Is a used Galaxy Note20 worth buying?
It can be, but the decision depends on the individual phone and what you need from it. The Note20’s large screen and S Pen may make it appealing if those features are the reason you are shopping for this model. A low price alone is not enough: an aging battery, damaged display, carrier incompatibility, or uncertain update status can make a seemingly good deal poor value.
For buyers who rely on current security updates, compare other phones before committing. Samsung’s firmware records list Android 13 and an August 2025 security patch for specific unlocked US and international variants, but those records do not establish the same update timing for every carrier or region. Check the exact phone rather than assuming all Note20s share one update history.
Check which Note20 the seller is offering
The standard Galaxy Note20 and Note20 Ultra are different phones, not interchangeable names for the same model. Samsung’s US datasheet describes the standard Note20 5G as having a 6.7-inch flat FHD+ display; Samsung’s specifications page lists the Ultra separately. Check the model number in the phone’s Settings and compare it with the listing and the seller’s photos.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
This matters for accessories as well as the phone itself: cases and screen protectors must fit the standard Note20 or Note20 Ultra specifically. Samsung’s Note20 and Note20 Ultra specifications can help distinguish the models.
Understand the software and security-update tradeoff
Samsung’s firmware record for the US unlocked Galaxy Note20 5G, model SM-N981U1, lists Android 13 and security patch level 2025-08-01 in a release dated 2025-09-02. Its international SM-N980F record lists the same Android version and patch level on that release date. These are specific records for those models, not a guarantee that a phone from another carrier or market received the same update at the same time. US unlocked SM-N981U1 firmware record · International SM-N980F firmware record.
Rank #2
- 6.7", 2400 x 1080 (FHD+), Infinity-O Super AMOLED+ Display, 4300mAh Battery, Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0
- 128GB ROM, 8GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7nm+), Octa-Core, Adreno 650
- Rear Camera: 12MP, f/1.8 + 64MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom + 12MP, f/2.2, Front Camera: 10 MP, 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&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon and Sprint.
Samsung’s security-update information describes monthly, quarterly, or biannual schedules for selected devices. In January 2024, Samsung also announced support of up to seven years for eligible Galaxy devices; that newer policy does not establish that the older Note20 is eligible. Review Samsung’s current security-update scope, then check the phone’s installed security patch under Settings before purchase.
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Inspect and test the phone before paying
- Verify the model and listing. In Settings, locate the model number and make sure it matches the seller’s description, photos, and the accessories included.
- Examine the screen and touch response. Look for cracks, dead pixels, burn-in, discoloration, and areas that fail to register touch. Check at several brightness levels and try typing or drawing across the full display.
- Test the S Pen. Confirm it is included, writes across the screen, and can be removed and reinserted. Samsung’s Note20 support resources include S Pen nib guidance.
- Check battery behavior and charging. Ask whether the battery has been replaced, test charging, and run Samsung Members diagnostics if available. Diagnostics can help assess condition, but they cannot guarantee future runtime or remaining battery capacity.
- Test core hardware. Check each camera, speakers, microphones, buttons, fingerprint reader, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connection. Inspect the USB-C port for damage and verify that charging is reliable.
- Confirm network and lock status. Check compatibility with your carrier and whether the phone is locked. Use an appropriate local service to check IMEI status.
- Check what is included. Verify chargers or other accessories the seller promises, and make sure any case or screen protector is made for the exact model.
Samsung’s Galaxy Note20 support resources include battery and S Pen help.
Rank #3
- S Pen & Samsung Notes: Pen precision meets PC power with S Pen & Samsung Notes; So responsive, it feels like you're using a real pen; Jot notes, sketch ideas, then convert into Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, save and sync across all your Galaxy devices
- Intelligent Battery & Super Fast Charge: Adaptive power that meets your needs with an all-day intelligent battery that learns from how you work and play to optimize battery life; Plus, Super Fast Charging boosts your battery in just minutes
- Gaming: Bringing the best Galaxy mobile gaming experience in the palm of your hand; With a breathtaking screen refresh rate, near-endless screen, Galaxy 5G support and an advanced processor, you get a smooth gaming experience with virtually no lag
- HyperFast Processor: Multitask with Samsung’s fastest Note processor yet; Hyperfast process speeds transform your gaming and binging with less interruption; Catch every idea, knockout work, score big and share all your moments without slowing down
- Link to Windows: Manage both mobile and Windows apps directly on your PC screen with seamless multitasking integration; Easily share files between your phone and PC with a simple drag and drop
Reduce the risk when buying remotely
If you cannot inspect the phone in person, favor a seller with clear return terms. Ask for current photos and a video showing the phone powering on, touch response across the screen, cameras, charging, and S Pen operation. A listing cannot establish the condition of the individual device; be cautious if the seller will not demonstrate basic functions or clarify the model and network status.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Decide whether the asking price makes sense
Compare the asking price with current local listings for the same model, storage, condition, and carrier status. There is no defensible current market-price figure established here, so a single general price would be misleading. When comparing phones, weigh the patch date and update commitment alongside battery condition and replacement cost, screen condition and repair cost, network compatibility, S Pen features, storage, price, and the seller’s return or warranty terms.
Rank #4
- S Pen & Samsung Notes: Pen accuracy meets PC power with S Pen and Samsung Notes; So responsive, it feels like you're using a real pen; sketch notes, ideas and then convert into Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, save and sync across all your Galaxy devices
- SMART BATTERY & SUPER FAST CHARGING - Adaptive power meets your needs with an all-day smart battery that learns from how you work and play to optimize battery life; Plus, super fast charging boosts your battery in just minutes
- Games: Bring the ultimate Galaxy mobile gaming experience in the palm of your hand; With an impressive screen refresh rate, almost infinite display, Galaxy 5G support, and an advanced processor, you get a smooth gaming experience with virtually no lags
- HyperFast Processor - Multitasking with Samsung fastest note processor yet; Hyperfast process speeds transform your game and attraction with less interruption; Capture every idea, knockout work, big mark and share all your moments without slowing down
- Link to Windows: Manage mobile and Windows apps directly on your PC screen with seamless multitasking integration; easily share files between your phone and PC with a simple drag and drop
Consider the Note20 when the S Pen is a priority and the specific unit passes inspection at a price that reflects its age and software-support uncertainty. If dependable security updates for several more years are essential, do not assume the Note20 will provide them; compare its exact support record with other options before buying.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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.
