As per the UpTrade Price Tracker, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is available for around $250+ in the refurbished market. Released in 2020, this flagship device stands out with its premium features like the S Pen, a stunning display, and a powerful camera system. But in 2024, does it still hold its value compared to newer models? Let’s dive in and explore.
Full Specs of Note 20 Ultra
| Feature |
Specification |
| Network Technology |
GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
Announced: 2020, August 05
Released: 2020, August 21 |
| Body Dimensions |
164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.32 in) |
| Weight |
208 g (7.34 oz) |
| Build |
Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), stainless steel frame |
| SIM |
Nano-SIM and eSIM or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Stylus, 9ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display Type |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Display Size |
6.9 inches, 116.7 cm² (~91.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution |
1440 x 3088 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~496 ppi density) |
| Protection |
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Always-on display
120Hz@FHD/60Hz@QHD refresh rate |
| Platform |
OS: Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Chipset: Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global
Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+) - USA
CPU: Octa-core (Global: 2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 | USA: 1x3.0 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU: Mali-G77 MP11 (Global) / Adreno 650 (USA) |
| Memory |
Card slot: microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal: 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM (UFS 3.0) |
| Main Camera |
108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/3.0, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom, 50x hybrid zoom
12 MP, f/2.2, 120°, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm
Features: Laser AF, LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS |
| Selfie Camera |
10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF
Features: HDR
Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Battery |
4500 mAh, non-removable
Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless |
Key Features of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Display: The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display supports a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, delivering a crisp and smooth viewing experience. The large screen, coupled with its high resolution, remains one of the best displays for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks in 2024.
S Pen Functionality: The integrated S Pen is a standout feature, offering precision, low latency, and advanced functionalities like Air Actions and screen annotation. This tool is indispensable for professionals, students, and creatives, making the Note 20 Ultra a unique device in its class.
Camera System: Equipped with a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens, the Note 20 Ultra offers excellent versatility for photography and videography. Its ability to record 8K videos and capture detailed shots even in challenging lighting conditions keeps it competitive with modern smartphones.
Battery Performance: The 4500mAh battery ensures all-day usage, complemented by 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. Reverse wireless charging adds convenience, allowing users to charge accessories like earbuds on the go.
Expandable Storage: One of the standout features of the Note 20 Ultra is its microSD card slot, allowing users to expand storage up to 1TB. This feature, rare in modern smartphones, is a boon for power users who handle large amounts of data or media files.
Recommendation
At $250+, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a premium smartphone with top-tier features. Its stunning display, versatile S Pen, and powerful camera system make it a standout choice in 2024. Additionally, the inclusion of expandable storage provides a level of flexibility that is hard to find in newer models.
For users who prioritize productivity, creativity, and media consumption, the Note 20 Ultra remains a compelling choice. Its combination of features and value ensures that it still competes effectively in today’s market. Whether you’re upgrading your device or looking for a powerful tool for work and play, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is worth considering.
What About S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra represents a shift in Samsung’s strategy, as it merges the S Series with the functionality of the Note Series, including S Pen support. This makes the Note 20 Ultra the last official Note device. While the Note 20 Ultra offers a built-in S Pen and expandable storage, the S21 Ultra boasts improved performance and a superior camera system. It’s worth considering the S21 Ultra as another viable option in 2024.
Specs Comparison: Note 20 Ultra vs. S21 Ultra
| Feature |
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
Galaxy S21 Ultra |
| Chipset |
Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865+ |
Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 |
| Main Camera |
108 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP |
108 MP + 10 MP + 10 MP + 12 MP |
| Selfie Camera |
10 MP |
40 MP |
| Battery |
4500 mAh |
5000 mAh |
| Charging |
25W wired, 15W wireless |
25W wired, 15W wireless |
| Storage |
Up to 512GB + microSD |
Up to 512GB (No microSD) |
Conclusion
The S21 Ultra, priced around $20 less than the Note 20 Ultra, is an excellent alternative for users seeking newer hardware and a better camera system. While the Note 20 Ultra excels in productivity with its built-in S Pen and expandable storage, the S21 Ultra offers superior performance, camera capabilities, and future-proofing, but the S Pen doesn’t come with the phone. Both models are solid choices and worth buying in 2024.
Where to Buy
When purchasing a refurbished or used Galaxy Note 20 Ultra or S21 Ultra, there are several channels to consider. Each comes with its own pros and cons:
1. Certified Sellers (e.g., Samsung, Amazon, BestBuy)
- Pros:
- Devices are rigorously inspected and meet quality standards.
- Typically include warranties and reliable customer support.
- Transparent pricing and detailed condition descriptions.
- Cons:
- Prices may be slightly higher compared to open-market platforms.
2. Open Marketplaces (e.g., eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp)
- Pros:
- Potentially lower prices and greater negotiation flexibility.
- A wider variety of sellers and options.
- Cons:
- High risk of scams or receiving counterfeit or defective devices.
- Limited or no warranty and support.
- Inconsistent quality control across sellers.
3. Local Stores
- Pros:
- Opportunity to physically inspect the device before purchase.
- Local warranty options and face-to-face support.
- Cons:
- Limited stock availability and options.
- Quality standards may vary depending on the store.
- Typically higher prices compared to online options.
For the safest and most reliable buying experience, we strongly recommend purchasing from Certified Sellers like Samsung, Amazon, and BestBuy. These sellers ensure that every device has undergone strict quality checks, and they often provide warranties for added peace of mind. Platforms like UpTrade exclusively list products from Certified Professional Resellers, allowing you to compare options across trusted sources effortlessly. This way, you can avoid the risks associated with open marketplaces and still find the best value for your money.
How UpTrade Can Help?
UpTrade eliminates the guesswork by only listing products from Certified Professional Resellers. This ensures every device has passed rigorous quality checks and meets high standards. With features like comprehensive price tracking, device condition transparency, and standardized comparisons, UpTrade simplifies the buying process and ensures you get the best value for your money. Visit UpTrade to explore the best deals on Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and Galaxy S21 Ultra models today!
