Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was one of Samsung's most impressive flagship smartphones when it launched in 2020. It featured a stunning 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a built-in S Pen, a powerful camera system, and premium hardware that made it a favorite among productivity users and Android enthusiasts.
Even in 2026, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still feels surprisingly modern. Its large 120Hz display, 108MP camera, and capable processor continue to deliver a great everyday experience. However, buying a smartphone isn't just about hardware anymore. Software support, security updates, and long-term value have become just as important.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy Note 20 Ultra models start at around $200+ in 2026, but inventory has become increasingly limited. While that may sound like a good deal for a former flagship, Samsung has completely ended software and security support for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, making it difficult to recommend today.
In this guide, we'll explain why the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is no longer the best value in 2026, compare it with newer Samsung flagships, and help you decide whether the Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy S24 Ultra is a better investment.
Quick Verdict
| Category |
Verdict |
| Overall Recommendation |
❌ Not Recommended |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price |
$200+ (Limited Stock) |
| Software Support |
Ended |
| Security Updates |
No longer receives updates |
| Best Alternative |
Galaxy S23 Ultra starting at $380+ |
| Best Long-Term Choice |
Galaxy S24 Ultra starting at $500+ |
Although the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still offers flagship-level hardware, its lack of software and security updates makes it a risky purchase in 2026. At around $200+, it may look like a bargain, but spending more on a newer Galaxy flagship delivers much better long-term value.
We recommend the Galaxy S23 Ultra if you're looking for the best balance between price and performance. Starting at around $380+, it offers significantly faster hardware, better cameras, continued software support, and Galaxy AI features.
If your budget allows, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is an even better investment. Starting at around $500+, it comes with Samsung's seven years of software support, making it one of the best Certified Used and Refurbished Android phones you can buy in 2026.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in 2026
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra remains one of the most feature-packed smartphones Samsung has ever made. It combines a premium metal-and-glass design, a built-in S Pen, a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display, and an excellent camera system. From a hardware perspective, it still feels like a flagship phone even six years after its release.
Unfortunately, hardware isn't everything in 2026. Samsung has completely ended software and security support for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, making it much harder to recommend. While the phone is still fast enough for everyday tasks and photography, the lack of Android updates and security patches significantly reduces its long-term value.
If you're shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone, there are much better options available today, especially the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Price and Availability
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy Note 20 Ultra models start at around $200+ in 2026. Although the price is much lower than when the phone was released, inventory has become increasingly limited as Samsung stopped producing the Note series years ago.
Because fewer refurbished units are available, prices haven't fallen as much as many buyers might expect. At around $200, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra may appear to be a bargain, but paying a little more for a newer Galaxy flagship offers much better long-term value and software support.
Software Support
This is the biggest reason we don't recommend buying the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in 2026.
Samsung has completely ended support for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The phone no longer receives Android version upgrades or monthly security updates. While it can still run existing apps today, unsupported devices gradually become less secure and may eventually lose compatibility with newer apps and services.
For most buyers, software support is just as important as hardware performance. If you're planning to keep your next phone for several years, the Galaxy S23 Ultra and especially the Galaxy S24 Ultra are much smarter investments.
Chipset and Performance
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 865+ processor in the U.S. and the Exynos 990 in some international markets, paired with 12GB of RAM. Despite its age, the phone still delivers smooth performance for web browsing, social media, video streaming, multitasking, and even many modern games.
However, newer Galaxy phones offer much faster processors, better power efficiency, and support for Samsung's latest Galaxy AI features. While performance is still respectable, the aging chipset no longer justifies buying an unsupported phone.
Display
Even in 2026, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has one of the best displays ever put on a smartphone. Its 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display features Quad HD+ resolution, vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Whether you're watching videos, reading documents, gaming, or using the S Pen, the display still feels premium. In fact, many newer mid-range phones still struggle to match its overall display quality.
Camera
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra features a versatile triple-camera system with a 108MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. It continues to capture detailed photos with excellent dynamic range and remains capable of recording high-quality 8K video.
For most users, the camera is still more than good enough for everyday photography. However, newer Galaxy Ultra models deliver noticeably better low-light performance, faster image processing, stronger zoom capabilities, and more advanced AI-powered photography features.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra includes a 4,500mAh battery with 25W wired charging, fast wireless charging, and Wireless PowerShare. When new, it easily lasted a full day for most users.
In 2026, battery health becomes an important consideration when buying a refurbished device. Depending on how heavily the phone was previously used, battery capacity may have declined over time. While many Certified Used and Refurbished devices undergo battery testing, buyers should still expect shorter battery life compared to newer Galaxy flagship models.
S Pen Experience
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra remains one of the best phones ever made for users who love the S Pen. Whether you're taking handwritten notes, annotating documents, editing photos, or controlling presentations remotely, the built-in stylus still provides a productivity experience that few smartphones can match.
However, the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra have continued the Note's legacy by offering the same built-in S Pen while adding faster performance, better cameras, longer software support, and new Galaxy AI features. For most buyers, they are the better choice in 2026.
Best Alternative: Galaxy S23 Ultra
If you love the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra because of its large display, built-in S Pen, and premium design, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the best upgrade in 2026. Starting at around $380+ for a Certified Used or Refurbished model, it costs about $180 more than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra but delivers substantially better performance, cameras, battery efficiency, and continued software support.
Unlike the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, the Galaxy S23 Ultra still receives Samsung software updates and security patches. It also introduces Galaxy AI features, a significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and Samsung's impressive 200MP main camera.
For most buyers, spending a little more on the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a much smarter long-term investment than purchasing an unsupported Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra Specs Comparison
| Feature |
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
Galaxy S23 Ultra |
| Release Year |
2020 |
2023 |
| Certified Used Price (2026) |
$200+ |
$380+ |
| Software Support |
Ended |
Supports Android 17 and continues to receive security updates |
| Chipset |
Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| CPU |
Octa-core |
Octa-core |
| RAM |
12GB |
8GB / 12GB |
| Storage |
128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| microSD Card |
Yes (up to 1TB) |
No |
| Display Technology |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Display Size |
6.9-inch |
6.8-inch |
| Resolution |
3088 × 1440 |
3088 × 1440 |
| Refresh Rate |
120Hz |
Adaptive 1-120Hz |
| Peak Brightness |
Approx. 1,500 nits |
Up to 1,750 nits |
| Main Camera |
108MP |
200MP |
| Ultra-wide Camera |
12MP |
12MP |
| Telephoto Cameras |
12MP (5x Optical) |
10MP (3x) + 10MP (10x) |
| Front Camera |
10MP |
12MP |
| Video Recording |
Up to 8K |
Up to 8K |
| Battery Capacity |
4,500mAh |
5,000mAh |
| Wired Charging |
25W |
45W |
| Wireless Charging |
15W |
15W |
| Reverse Wireless Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
| S Pen |
Built-in |
Built-in |
| Water Resistance |
IP68 |
IP68 |
| 5G |
Yes |
Yes |
| Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi 6 |
Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth |
5.0 |
5.3 |
| Galaxy AI |
No |
Yes |
Key Differences
Software Support
The biggest difference is software support. Samsung has completely ended Android and security updates for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, making it increasingly vulnerable to security risks and future app compatibility issues. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, on the other hand, still supports Android 17 and continues to receive security updates, making it a much safer long-term purchase.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers a significant performance improvement over the Snapdragon 865+. Apps open faster, multitasking is smoother, demanding games run at higher frame rates, and battery efficiency is much better. While the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is still fast enough for everyday use, the Galaxy S23 Ultra feels noticeably quicker in nearly every task.
Display
Both phones feature Samsung's excellent Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with Quad HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a brighter display with an adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate, making it easier to view outdoors while improving battery life.
Camera
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still takes excellent photos with its 108MP main camera and 5x optical zoom. However, the Galaxy S23 Ultra upgrades to a 200MP main camera and adds dual telephoto lenses with 3x and 10x optical zoom. This provides sharper photos, significantly better zoom performance, and improved low-light photography.
Battery Life
Although both phones easily last a full day under moderate use, the Galaxy S23 Ultra combines a larger 5,000mAh battery with a much more efficient processor. It also supports faster 45W charging, allowing it to recharge more quickly than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
Galaxy AI Features
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports Samsung's Galaxy AI features, including AI-assisted writing, live translation, image editing, note summarization, and productivity tools. These features are unavailable on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra because it no longer receives major software updates.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you already own a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, there's no urgent need to upgrade solely for performance. However, if you're shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone in 2026, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the much better buy. For about $180 more, you get continued software support, substantially better performance, a more capable camera system, Galaxy AI features, and a phone that will remain relevant for years to come.
Long-Term Value Option: Galaxy S24 Ultra
If you're planning to keep your next phone for four years or longer, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best long-term investment. Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S24 Ultra models start at around $500+ in 2026, making them about $300 more expensive than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. However, that higher price buys you one of the most future-proof Android phones available.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features Samsung's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a brighter display, improved cameras, Galaxy AI, and—most importantly—seven years of Android OS and security updates. Unlike the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, which no longer receives any software support, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is expected to remain supported into the early 2030s.
Although you'll pay more upfront, the Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers significantly better long-term value thanks to its longer software lifespan, improved performance, and modern AI features.
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs Galaxy S24 Ultra Specs Comparison
| Feature |
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Release Year |
2020 |
2024 |
| Certified Used Price (2026) |
$200+ |
$500+ |
| Software Support |
Ended |
Android OS upgrades through 2031 with security updates |
| Chipset |
Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| CPU |
Octa-core |
Octa-core |
| RAM |
12GB |
12GB |
| Storage |
128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| microSD Card |
Yes (up to 1TB) |
No |
| Display Technology |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Display Size |
6.9-inch |
6.8-inch |
| Resolution |
3088 × 1440 |
3120 × 1440 |
| Refresh Rate |
120Hz |
Adaptive 1-120Hz |
| Peak Brightness |
Approx. 1,500 nits |
Up to 2,600 nits |
| Cover Glass |
Gorilla Glass Victus |
Corning Gorilla Armor |
| Frame |
Armor Aluminum |
Titanium |
| Main Camera |
108MP |
200MP |
| Ultra-wide Camera |
12MP |
12MP |
| Telephoto Cameras |
12MP (5x Optical) |
50MP (5x) + 10MP (3x) |
| Front Camera |
10MP |
12MP |
| Video Recording |
Up to 8K |
Up to 8K |
| Battery Capacity |
4,500mAh |
5,000mAh |
| Wired Charging |
25W |
45W |
| Wireless Charging |
15W |
15W |
| Reverse Wireless Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
| S Pen |
Built-in |
Built-in |
| Water Resistance |
IP68 |
IP68 |
| 5G |
Yes |
Yes |
| Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi 6 |
Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth |
5.0 |
5.3 |
| Galaxy AI |
No |
Yes |
Key Differences
Software Support
This is by far the biggest advantage of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung has completely ended software support for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra is promised seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates. That means it will continue receiving new features and security patches well into the 2030s, making it a much safer investment for long-term use.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy delivers a massive leap in performance over the Snapdragon 865+. Everyday tasks feel faster, demanding games run more smoothly, and the newer processor is significantly more power efficient. It also enables advanced on-device AI features that the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra simply cannot support.
Display
Both phones offer beautiful AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra takes the experience further. Its brighter 2,600-nit display is easier to read outdoors, while Corning Gorilla Armor reduces reflections and improves durability. The titanium frame also makes the phone lighter and more durable than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
Camera
The Galaxy S24 Ultra improves nearly every aspect of photography. Its 200MP main camera captures more detail, while the upgraded 50MP 5x telephoto camera produces sharper zoom images. Samsung has also enhanced image processing and low-light photography, making the Galaxy S24 Ultra one of the best camera phones available in 2026.
Battery Life
Although the battery capacity increases only from 4,500mAh to 5,000mAh, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's improved efficiency allows the Galaxy S24 Ultra to last noticeably longer on a single charge. Faster 45W charging also reduces the amount of time spent plugged in.
Galaxy AI
One of the Galaxy S24 Ultra's biggest advantages is Galaxy AI. Features such as Live Translate, Interpreter, Circle to Search, Note Assist, Transcript Assist, Browsing Assist, and AI-powered photo editing make everyday tasks faster and more convenient. These features continue to improve through software updates and are unavailable on the unsupported Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
Which One Should You Buy?
If your budget is limited to around $200, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still offers premium hardware. However, we don't recommend buying it because Samsung has ended all software and security support.
If you can afford to spend around $500+, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the clear winner. Its seven years of software support, flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, Galaxy AI features, improved cameras, brighter display, and better battery life make it one of the best Certified Used and Refurbished Samsung phones you can buy in 2026. While it costs more today, it will remain useful and secure for many years, making it the better long-term investment.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was one of the best Android smartphones of its time. It introduced premium features like a stunning 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display, a built-in S Pen, powerful cameras, and flagship performance that helped define Samsung's Note series. Even in 2026, its hardware remains impressive.
Unfortunately, great hardware alone isn't enough. Samsung has completely ended software and security support for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, making it difficult to recommend as a daily phone. While Certified Used and Refurbished models start at around $200+, the lack of Android updates and security patches significantly reduces their long-term value.
For most buyers, we recommend spending a little more on a newer Galaxy flagship. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, starting at around $380+, offers much faster performance, better cameras, Galaxy AI features, and continued software support. If you plan to keep your phone for several years, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, starting at around $500+, is the best long-term investment thanks to Samsung's seven years of software support.
If you're shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone, UpTrade makes it easy to compare prices from trusted sellers so you can find the best deal with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still worth buying in 2026?
No. Although the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still has excellent hardware, Samsung has completely ended software and security support for the device. We recommend buying a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy S24 Ultra instead.
2. Does the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still receive software updates?
No. Samsung has ended both Android OS upgrades and security updates for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. It no longer receives new features or security patches.
3. How much does a Certified Used Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cost in 2026?
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy Note 20 Ultra models start at around $200+ in 2026, although inventory has become increasingly limited.
4. What is the best alternative to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the best overall alternative because it offers significantly better performance, cameras, Galaxy AI features, and continued software support starting at around $380+. If you want the best long-term value, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is our top recommendation.
5. Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra worth paying more for?
Yes. Although Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S24 Ultra models start at around $500+, they include Samsung's seven years of software support, Galaxy AI features, a faster processor, improved cameras, and better long-term value than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
6. Does the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra support Android 17?
No. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra does not support Android 17. Samsung has ended Android OS upgrades for the device.
7. Is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still secure to use?
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra can still be used, but it no longer receives security updates from Samsung. Over time, this makes it less secure than newer Galaxy phones that continue to receive regular security patches.
8. Is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra camera still good in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still has an excellent camera system with a 108MP main camera, an ultra-wide camera, and 5x optical zoom. It continues to take high-quality photos, although newer Galaxy Ultra models offer better low-light performance and improved zoom capabilities.
9. Is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra better than the Galaxy S23 Ultra?
No. While both phones include a built-in S Pen and premium displays, the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a much faster processor, better cameras, Galaxy AI features, and continued software support, making it the better choice for most buyers in 2026.
10. Should I buy a Certified Used Galaxy Note 20 Ultra or Galaxy S24 Ultra?
If your budget allows, we recommend buying the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S24 Ultra. Its seven years of software support, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, Galaxy AI features, and improved camera system make it a much better long-term investment than the unsupported Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
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