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For this comparison, “Samsung Note” means the Galaxy Note20 and Galaxy Note20 Ultra—not every Galaxy Note generation. Choose the Note20 Ultra if you want the larger, sharper screen and 120Hz refresh option; choose the Note20 if you prefer a smaller, lighter handset and do not need those display upgrades. That is a specification-based recommendation, not a judgment about overall performance or value.
What is different between the Note20 and Note20 Ultra?
Samsung’s 2020 comparison gives the Ultra a larger, higher-resolution display and the only 120Hz option in this pair. The Note20 is physically smaller and lighter. Both include Bluetooth-enabled S Pens with 4,096 pressure levels. Samsung’s published specifications provide the figures below.
| Specification | Galaxy Note20 | Galaxy Note20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch flat FHD+ Super AMOLED Plus; 2400 × 1080; 393 ppi | 6.9-inch edge Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X; 3088 × 1440; 496 ppi |
| Refresh rate | Samsung’s cited comparison does not list 120Hz for this model | 120Hz; Samsung says this option is available only on the Ultra |
| Dimensions | 75.2 × 161.6 × 8.3 mm | 77.2 × 164.8 × 8.1 mm |
| Weight | 192 g for LTE/Sub6; 194 g for mmWave | 208 g |
| S Pen | Bluetooth enabled; 4,096 pressure levels | Bluetooth enabled; 4,096 pressure levels |
Samsung measures display size diagonally; the viewable area is smaller because of rounded corners and the camera opening. Its comparison also notes that regional configurations can differ.
Is the Note20 Ultra worth choosing for its display?
Choose the Ultra for screen detail and refresh rate
The Ultra’s 6.9-inch Quad HD+ display has more pixels and a higher stated pixel density than the Note20’s 6.7-inch FHD+ screen. Samsung specifies 120Hz only for the Ultra. If a larger, sharper screen and the option of a higher refresh rate are your priorities, the Ultra is the straightforward pick on specifications.
#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 for a smaller, lighter body
The Note20 is 16 g lighter than the Ultra’s 208 g in Samsung’s listed specifications, and its body is narrower and shorter. It may suit someone who prefers a less large handset and is content with the listed FHD+ display. These measurements do not establish how either phone feels in use.
What can the S Pen do on these phones?
Both models’ S Pens support Bluetooth and 4,096 pressure levels, according to Samsung. Samsung also lists up to 24 hours of standby time for the pen; that is a manufacturer specification, not a promise of real-world use time. The stated operating distance is approximately 10 meters in open space and depends on surroundings and other factors.
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.
Samsung Support says the Note20 S Pen adds five Air Action gestures, compared with six available on the Note10 series. These gestures can control certain actions in apps, including camera controls and volume, but functions depend on the model and software. Samsung UK Support’s explanation of Note20 S Pen gestures describes the feature set.
Will a replacement S Pen keep Bluetooth features?
Not necessarily. Samsung’s S Pen compatibility information distinguishes basic writing compatibility from Bluetooth and Air Action support. A stylus may write on a handset without supporting its wireless functions. Before buying a replacement, verify the exact handset model, stylus model, and listing’s claims about Bluetooth or Air Actions.
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.
What should you check before buying either phone?
The display and dimensions make the specification choice clear, but they do not establish which used or refurbished handset is the better purchase. The evidence here does not establish current prices, device condition, battery health or endurance, independent camera rankings, regional carrier compatibility, or current software-support status. Check those factors for the specific device, market, and seller before deciding on value; do not infer them from the model name alone.
Quick Recap
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.
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.
