Is the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Still Worth Buying?

Samsung ended the Note line after the Note 20, then folded its best ideas into the Galaxy S Ultra. Even so, Note fans remain loyal, and an Ex-UK Note 20 can be an affordable way to get a phone with a built-in stylus.

Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra are quite different

The standard Note 20 has a 6.7-inch flat AMOLED screen at 60Hz and a plastic back. The Note 20 Ultra is a much more premium phone, with a 6.9-inch curved screen at up to 120Hz, a 108MP main camera and a 5x periscope telephoto lens. Its S Pen also has lower latency.

If you want the classic Note experience, the Ultra is the one to get. The standard Note 20's 60Hz screen looks dated compared with many cheap phones today.

What the S Pen still offers

The built-in stylus remains the reason to buy a Note. You can write on the screen without unlocking the phone, sign documents, mark up screenshots and use it as a remote shutter. Learn how it compares with other pen devices in our S Pen guide.

Age and its consequences

The Note 20 arrived in 2020, so it no longer has the long software runway of newer flagships. Check its update status before buying if security patches matter to you.

UK-sold Note 20 phones use Exynos chips, which are known for running warmer and using more power than the Snapdragon versions sold in the US. Expect average battery life, particularly as the battery ages. Heat is a real consideration in warm parts of Kenya, such as Mombasa or Kisumu.

What to check on a used Note 20

• Curved screen edges on the Ultra, which can be fragile and expensive to replace.
• Screen burn-in, particularly around the status bar and navigation keys. Display a solid grey image to reveal it.
• The S Pen's tip and responsiveness.
• Battery condition. A battery test or a fresh replacement may be needed.
• Each camera lens, especially the periscope zoom.

Note 20 Ultra or Galaxy S22 Ultra?

The S22 Ultra is the direct successor. It has a built-in pen, a newer chip and longer software support. The S23 Ultra goes further with much better battery efficiency. If the price difference is manageable, either will be a safer long-term purchase.

The Note 20 Ultra makes sense if your budget does not stretch that far, you need a stylus, and you are comfortable with some age-related limits.

Who should buy it

Note enthusiasts, students who like writing on screen, and professionals who sign documents frequently can all get real use from it. Treat it as a good-value pen phone with a shorter life than newer flagships. Read Ex-UK versus brand new for broader advice on judging older phones.