Is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Still Worth Buying in 2025
Introduction
Released in 2020, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was the pinnacle of power and productivity, featuring a massive display, powerful internals, and the iconic S Pen. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s now available as a Certified Used or Refurbished model at a much lower price. But the big question remains: is it still worth buying today? With newer models offering better longevity and software support, the Note 20 Ultra faces tough competition—especially from the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which is now priced even lower.
Price and Availability in 2025
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy Note 20 Ultra starts at around $230+ in 2025. That’s a steep drop from its original $1,299 retail price, and it may look like a flagship bargain on the surface.
However, buyers should weigh more than just specs and price. The Galaxy S21 Ultra, a newer and more powerful model, is currently available starting at just $190+, making it both cheaper and better supported in the long term. If your goal is to get the most out of your money, the Note 20 Ultra isn’t necessarily the best value in its current price range.
Software Support Has Ended
While the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra no longer receives major Android OS upgrades—stopping at Android 13—Samsung is still providing quarterly security updates as of 2025. That’s a small but important distinction. You’ll stay protected from most known threats for now, but you won’t get any of the new features or system improvements found in Android 14 or Android 15.
In contrast, the Galaxy S21 Ultra continues to receive monthly security patches and supports Android 15, giving it a much longer remaining lifespan. If staying up-to-date with software is important to you—either for security or app compatibility—the S21 Ultra is a better long-term investment.
How the Hardware Holds Up
From a hardware standpoint, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still impresses. It features a massive 6.9-inch WQHD+ AMOLED 120Hz display, Snapdragon 865+ chipset, and up to 12GB of RAM. The build quality is premium, with Gorilla Glass Victus and a sleek metal frame, and the S Pen remains unmatched for note-taking and productivity.
However, age is beginning to show. The Snapdragon 865+, while capable, is now five generations behind and lacks the efficiency and power of the newer Snapdragon 8 series chips. Battery health is another concern, as most used units will have degraded over time unless the battery has been replaced. Also, camera performance, while excellent for its time, falls short of newer models in low-light processing and AI-based enhancements.
For basic productivity, media, and stylus use, the Note 20 Ultra still delivers. But it’s no longer a top-tier performer by 2025 standards—especially when compared to cheaper, newer alternatives like the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Better Alternative: Galaxy S21 Ultra ($190+)
If you’re considering the Note 20 Ultra in 2025, the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers a smarter choice—at a lower price. Starting at just $190+ for Certified Used and Refurbished units, the S21 Ultra delivers stronger performance, longer software support, and a more future-proof experience overall.
Specs Comparison: Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs Galaxy S21 Ultra
| Feature | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra | Galaxy S21 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2020 | 2021 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 865+ | Snapdragon 888 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 12GB / 16GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Display | 6.9" WQHD+ AMOLED (120Hz) | 6.8" WQHD+ AMOLED (120Hz) |
| Rear Camera | 108MP + 12MP UW + 12MP Tele | 108MP + 12MP UW + Dual Tele |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 40MP |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| S Pen Support | Built-in | Optional (no silo) |
| Software Support | Android 13 + Security Only | Android 15 + Monthly Updates |
| Starting Price (2025) | $230+ | $190+ |
1. Software and Security Support
The Galaxy S21 Ultra supports Android 15 in 2025 and still receives monthly security updates, giving it a longer lifespan for both features and protection. The Note 20 Ultra, in contrast, is stuck on Android 13 and only receives quarterly security patches—a sign that Samsung is winding down support.
If you're planning to keep your phone for 2+ more years, this is a critical difference. The S21 Ultra will continue to stay current, secure, and compatible with apps longer than the Note 20 Ultra.
2. Performance and Future-Proofing
Thanks to the Snapdragon 888, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is faster, more efficient, and better optimized for modern apps. It also runs cooler under load, which means better long-term performance and battery management.
While the Snapdragon 865+ in the Note 20 Ultra was excellent in its time, it’s showing its age—especially with resource-intensive tasks like gaming, AI photo editing, or multitasking across apps. The S21 Ultra offers a noticeable performance edge in everyday use.
3. Camera Upgrades
Both phones feature 108MP main cameras, but the S21 Ultra improves telephoto capabilities significantly with a dual telephoto setup (3x and 10x optical zoom). It also captures more detail, especially in low light, thanks to improved image processing and software enhancements introduced in One UI updates.
The 40MP front camera on the S21 Ultra also outperforms the 10MP selfie cam on the Note 20 Ultra—ideal for clearer video calls, selfies, or content creation.
4. Battery and Efficiency
The 5,000 mAh battery in the S21 Ultra provides better battery life than the 4,500 mAh cell in the Note 20 Ultra, especially when paired with the more efficient Snapdragon 888 processor. Even under heavy use—streaming, gaming, or productivity—the S21 Ultra lasts longer on a single charge.
And considering the natural battery degradation in used phones, starting with a larger battery gives the S21 Ultra a distinct advantage in 2025.
5. Price Advantage
Surprisingly, the S21 Ultra is cheaper in 2025, with Certified Used / Refurbished units starting around $190+, compared to $230+ for the Note 20 Ultra. For less money, you get a newer device with better specs, longer support, and more modern features. That’s an easy win for the S21 Ultra.
Final Verdict: Don’t Buy Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in 2025. Choose Galaxy S21 Ultra.
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was a standout phone when it launched in 2020, but by 2025, it’s no longer a smart purchase. While the design, display, and camera still impress, the device has reached the end of its Android update cycle and only receives quarterly security patches. That means fewer features, lower compatibility, and higher long-term risks for users who value app support and data security.
Worse yet, it's not even the most affordable option. The Galaxy S21 Ultra—released a year later—starts at just $190+, making it cheaper than the Note 20 Ultra, while offering faster performance, a more advanced camera system, better battery life, and full Android and security support in 2025.
If you're looking for a reliable flagship smartphone that’s still supported and ready for long-term use, skip the Note 20 Ultra and go for the Certified Used / Refurbished Galaxy S21 Ultra instead.
FAQ: Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in 2025
1. Is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still supported by Samsung in 2025?
Partially. It no longer receives Android version updates beyond Android 13, but it continues to receive quarterly security updates, which offer minimal protection against new threats.
2. Is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still a good phone in 2025?
While the hardware still holds up with a great display, solid performance, and S Pen support, the lack of Android updates and declining resale value make it a poor investment compared to newer models like the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
3. How much is a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in 2025?
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, the Note 20 Ultra starts at around $230+, depending on condition and storage configuration.
4. What’s a better alternative to the Note 20 Ultra?
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is a much better choice. It’s cheaper (starting around $190+), supports Android 15, receives monthly updates, and has better overall specs.
5. Does the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra still get Android updates?
No. The last major Android version it received was Android 13. It no longer gets new Android features or UI enhancements.
6. Is the S Pen a reason to buy the Note 20 Ultra in 2025?
The built-in S Pen is a unique feature, but it’s not enough to outweigh the lack of software support. If you’re set on stylus input, consider newer Galaxy S models or tablets that support the S Pen with current software.
7. Will the Note 20 Ultra still work with modern apps?
For now, yes—but that may change soon. As Android 14 and 15 become more widely adopted, developers may drop support for older Android versions, limiting app compatibility over time.
8. Is the Note 20 Ultra better than the S21 Ultra?
Not in 2025. The S21 Ultra outperforms it in every category—performance, battery, software support, camera, and price.
9. How old is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was released in August 2020, which makes it 5 years old as of 2025. While its hardware is still impressive for its age, its software support is winding down, making it less future-proof than newer alternatives.
10. Is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra waterproof?
Yes. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is rated IP68, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, this rating applies to fresh water and does not guarantee protection against dust or water damage over time—especially if the phone has been repaired or heavily used.
