Introduction — The Last True Note Experience
When the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra launched in August 2020, it represented the pinnacle of Samsung’s Note series — blending cutting-edge performance, a premium design, and the unmatched versatility of the S Pen. With its massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, powerful Snapdragon 865+ processor, and triple-camera system featuring a 108MP main lens, the Note 20 Ultra was the ultimate productivity and multimedia smartphone of its time.
It was also the final flagship to carry the Note branding, as Samsung merged the Note line into its Galaxy S Ultra series starting with the S22 Ultra, which inherited the built-in S Pen and productivity features. For many longtime Samsung fans, the Note 20 Ultra remains a beloved classic — but in 2025, its age and lack of software support have caught up.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy Note 20 Ultra models now start around $260+, but they’re increasingly hard to find as most certified resellers have stopped carrying this model due to its end of software support. While it still delivers strong performance, its lack of updates and aging hardware make it difficult to recommend today — especially when newer, cheaper options like the Galaxy S22 Ultra offer superior value and longevity.
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Overview and Key Features
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was one of Samsung’s most advanced smartphones when it launched, pushing the limits of design, display technology, and productivity. Built with premium materials — including Gorilla Glass Victus and a stainless steel frame — it delivered a truly flagship experience.
It also redefined stylus interaction with its Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, offering ultra-low latency and enhanced Air Actions, turning it into a tool for both creativity and business.
Here are some of its standout features:
- Display: 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz refresh rate (1080p only)
- Processor: Snapdragon 865+ (U.S.) / Exynos 990 (Global)
- Storage & RAM: Up to 512GB storage, 12GB RAM
- Camera System: 108MP main sensor, 12MP periscope telephoto (5x optical), 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 4,500 mAh with 25W fast charging, 15W wireless
- S Pen: Built-in stylus with 9ms latency and remote controls
- Build: Gorilla Glass Victus front and back, IP68 dust/water resistance
- Software at Launch: Android 10 with One UI 2.5
Even by 2025 standards, the Note 20 Ultra’s display, camera, and build remain impressive — but without software support or recent optimizations, its once-flagship performance feels dated.
Price and Availability in 2025
As of 2025, finding a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in Certified Used or Refurbished condition has become increasingly difficult. Most professional refurbishers and certified resellers have stopped carrying this model due to Samsung’s end of software and security support.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy Note 20 Ultra starts at around $260+, depending on storage configuration and cosmetic condition. However, these listings are often out of stock or sold only through secondary marketplaces, where warranty coverage and battery health may vary significantly.
The Note 20 Ultra’s high price relative to its age reflects its premium design and legacy appeal, but from a practical perspective, it’s no longer a wise investment. Without ongoing Android updates or security patches, users face growing compatibility and safety issues, especially with banking apps and modern Android services.
In contrast, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 Ultra — a direct successor to the Note line — is now available for around $230+, thanks to holiday promotions and higher resale volume. Not only is it cheaper, but it also supports the latest One UI 8 (Android 16), making it faster, more secure, and more future-proof.
In short, while the Note 20 Ultra remains a nostalgic favorite for enthusiasts, it’s priced too high for what it offers in 2025. The Galaxy S22 Ultra delivers more power, longer support, and a better overall experience — often for less money.
Software and Support Status (End of Updates)
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra received an impressive run of updates since its 2020 release — but that era has now officially ended. Samsung provided four years of Android upgrades and continued security updates through early 2025, making it one of the most well-supported Note devices ever. However, when Samsung rolled out One UI 8 (Android 16) in September 2025, the Note 20 Ultra was officially moved to End of Life (EOL) status.
This means that while the Note 20 Ultra still received security patches earlier in 2025, it no longer gets any Android version updates or regular security support going forward. It remains capped at Android 13 (One UI 5), with no eligibility for Android 14, 15, or 16.
Here’s what that means for owners in 2025:
- ⚠️ No more feature updates: The phone won’t receive Android 14–16 or future One UI enhancements.
- ⚙️ No new security patches: Its final update arrived before Samsung transitioned to One UI 8.
- 📱 App compatibility risks: Over time, newer apps and banking tools may stop functioning properly due to outdated OS APIs.
- 🔒 Potential vulnerabilities: Without security maintenance, it’s more exposed to privacy and data risks.
In contrast, the Galaxy S22 Ultra — Samsung’s modern successor to the Note line — is fully compatible with One UI 8 (Android 16) and continues to receive regular updates. It’s expected to stay supported through at least 2028, offering years of reliable performance, enhanced AI integration, and security protection.
So while the Note 20 Ultra was an exceptional device in its day, Samsung’s shift to newer platforms officially brings its software life to an end. If you value security, stability, and compatibility, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 Ultra is the much smarter purchase for 2025 and beyond.
Better Alternative — Galaxy S22 Ultra
If you’re considering the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in 2025, it’s time to look toward its true successor — the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Released in 2022, the S22 Ultra combined Samsung’s flagship performance with the beloved Note experience, featuring a built-in S Pen, premium design, and extended software support.
What makes the S22 Ultra even more compelling in 2025 is its price. According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 Ultra models now start around $230+, making them cheaper and significantly better than the aging Note 20 Ultra, which starts at $260+ and is no longer supported.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of both models:
Specs Comparison
| Feature |
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
Galaxy S22 Ultra |
| Launch Year |
2020 |
2022 |
| Processor (U.S.) |
Snapdragon 865+ (7nm) |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) |
| Display |
6.9" QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz (1080p only) |
6.8" QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz (LTPO) |
| Brightness |
Up to 1,500 nits |
Up to 1,750 nits |
| Camera System |
108MP main, 12MP periscope (5x), 12MP ultrawide |
108MP main, 10MP periscope (10x), 10MP telephoto (3x), 12MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera |
10MP |
40MP |
| RAM / Storage |
Up to 12GB RAM / 512GB |
Up to 12GB RAM / 1TB |
| Battery |
4,500 mAh, 25W fast charging |
5,000 mAh, 45W fast charging |
| S Pen |
Built-in with 9ms latency |
Built-in with 2.8ms latency |
| Software Support (2025) |
Android 13 (One UI 5, End of Life) |
Android 16 (One UI 8, Supported) |
| Security Updates |
Ended in 2025 |
Ongoing through 2028 |
| Starting Price (Certified Used / Refurbished) |
$260+ |
$230+ |
Key Differences
1. Software and Longevity
The Galaxy S22 Ultra easily outclasses the Note 20 Ultra in software longevity. While the Note 20 Ultra has reached End of Life with Android 13 (One UI 5), the S22 Ultra supports One UI 8 (Android 16) and will continue receiving major Android updates and monthly security patches until 2028. This ensures not only better performance and stability but also access to the latest features, AI enhancements, and system optimizations for years to come.
2. Performance and Efficiency
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the S22 Ultra delivers a substantial leap in CPU and GPU performance over the Note 20 Ultra’s Snapdragon 865+. Built on a 4nm process, it’s faster, cooler, and more power-efficient — providing smoother multitasking, quicker photo processing, and better gaming performance. In daily use, this translates to noticeably faster app launches and longer battery life, especially under heavy workloads.
3. Display Quality and Design
The S22 Ultra refines what the Note 20 Ultra started. Its 6.8-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED 2X display dynamically adjusts refresh rates between 1Hz and 120Hz, offering improved battery efficiency and fluid scrolling. It’s also brighter at 1,750 nits, making it easier to read in direct sunlight. While both phones boast stunning screens, the S22 Ultra’s adaptive display and sleeker design make it more modern and energy-efficient.
4. Camera Capabilities
Though both phones feature a 108MP main camera, the S22 Ultra’s dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom) provide superior versatility and image sharpness. It also benefits from newer AI processing, better night photography, and improved stabilization. The result: clearer, more detailed shots in any lighting condition. Even the front camera gets an upgrade — from 10MP to a high-resolution 40MP sensor for sharper selfies and video calls.
5. Charging and Battery Life
Battery life and charging speed see major upgrades with the S22 Ultra’s 5,000 mAh battery and 45W fast charging. Compared to the Note 20 Ultra’s 4,500 mAh cell and 25W limit, the newer model charges nearly twice as fast and lasts longer throughout the day. Combined with One UI’s improved power management, it’s a huge win for users who need reliable endurance.
6. Value and Availability
Surprisingly, the S22 Ultra is now cheaper than the Note 20 Ultra on the refurbished market. With the Note 20 Ultra starting at $260+ and the S22 Ultra at $230+, buyers get a newer design, longer support, and better hardware for less. The S22 Ultra is widely available from certified resellers, while the Note 20 Ultra is often out of stock or sold without warranty — further solidifying the S22 Ultra as the superior choice.
In short, the Galaxy S22 Ultra represents everything the Note 20 Ultra aspired to be — faster, more efficient, more durable, and far more future-proof. For 2025 buyers, it’s the perfect mix of Note heritage and modern innovation, all at a lower price.
Conclusion — The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra’s Legacy Ends Here
In 2025, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra remains a nostalgic masterpiece — the last true Note before Samsung folded its iconic series into the Galaxy S Ultra lineup. Its design, display, and S Pen experience were groundbreaking for their time, but that era has passed.
With Samsung officially ending software and security support when One UI 8 (Android 16) launched, the Note 20 Ultra is now at End of Life. It no longer receives Android or security updates, making it increasingly risky and impractical for daily use — especially given its current market price.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy Note 20 Ultra models start at $260+, but are often out of stock as certified resellers have moved on. Meanwhile, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 Ultra starts at $230+, making it cheaper, newer, and far more powerful — with full support for One UI 8 (Android 16) and guaranteed updates for years to come.
If you’re shopping for a phone with S Pen functionality, advanced cameras, and long-term support, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is the clear choice. It carries forward everything great about the Note 20 Ultra — and improves on it in every way, at a lower price.
FAQ: Buying the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in 2025
1. How much does the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cost in 2025?
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy Note 20 Ultra models start at around $260+, though most certified sellers have limited or no stock left.
2. Is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still supported by Samsung?
No. The last major upgrade for Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was One UI 5 (Android 13) in 2022. Then Note 20 continued receiving security updates from Samsung until late 2025. Now Samsung has ended its security updates and officially moved the device to End of Life (EOL) status.
3. What was the last Android version for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?
The Note 20 Ultra’s final update was Android 13 (One UI 5). It will not receive Android 14, 15, or 16.
4. Is it safe to use the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in 2025?
It’s functional, but not recommended. Without ongoing security patches, the device becomes more vulnerable to malware and compatibility issues with newer apps.
5. Why is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra often out of stock?
Because certified refurbishers and major retailers have stopped supporting the model, focusing instead on newer devices that still receive updates, like the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
6. What’s a better alternative to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?
The Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 Ultra (available at UpTrade) is a superior choice. It’s cheaper, supports Android 16 (One UI 8), and includes a faster S Pen, better cameras, and long-term updates through 2028.
7. Does the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still have a good display in 2025?
Yes — its 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is still beautiful, though it lacks the adaptive LTPO technology and higher brightness found on newer models like the S22 Ultra.
8. How does the Note 20 Ultra’s performance compare today?
The Snapdragon 865+ chipset still runs smoothly for basic tasks, but it’s less efficient and slower than modern processors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the S22 Ultra.
9. Is the Note 20 Ultra’s camera still good?
It remains capable, especially for daylight photography, but the newer S22 Ultra delivers superior zoom, low-light performance, and AI-based image processing.
10. Should I buy the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in 2025?
No. While it’s still a capable device, its lack of software support and high price make it a poor value. For less money, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 Ultra offers a far better and more future-proof experience.
11. How old is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was released in August 2020, making it about five years old in 2025.
12. Is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still good in 2025?
It’s still a solid performer with a beautiful display and great camera, but its lack of software support and security updates make it unsuitable for long-term use.
13. How many years will the Note 20 last?
Most Note 20 Ultra units should remain usable for another 1–2 years, but without updates or patch support, its functionality and app compatibility will gradually decline.
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