A year after its predecessor was launched, Samsung unveiled the latest additions to its popular Note series. The Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra are primed to take on the best the smartphone world has to offer, and that includes Samsung’s other high-end series, the Galaxy S20. If you’ve waited to figure out which Samsung flagship is the best option, this is the article for you. Let’s look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 vs Galaxy S20 series!
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 vs Galaxy S20 series
Specs
| Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
Display | Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 6.7-inch/6.9-inch | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra 6.2-inch/6.7-inch/6.9-inch |
Construction | Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Plastic/Metal & glass | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra Metal & glass |
CPU | Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Snapdragon 865 Plus, Exynos 990 | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra Snapdragon 865, Exynos 990 |
Storage | Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 128/256/512GB | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra 128GB(S20, S20 Plus) |
RAM | Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 8GB/12GB | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra 8GB/12GB |
Battery | Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 4,300mAh/4,500mAh | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra 4,000mAh/4,500mAh/5,000mAh |
Charging | Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 25W wired charging | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra 25W/45W wired charging |
Rear camera | Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Note 20: 12MP (wide)+64MP (tele)+12MP (UW) Note 20 Ultra: 108MP (wide)+12MP (tele)+12MP (UW) | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra S20/S20 Plus: 12MP (wide) + 64MP (tele) + 12MP (UW) S20 Ultra: 108MP (wide) + 48MP (tele) + 12MP (UW) |
Front camera | Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 10MP | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra S20/S20 Plus: 10MP |
Security | Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra In-display fingerprint sensor | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra In-display fingerprint sensor |
Durability | Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra IP68 dust/water resistant | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra IP68 dust/water resistant |
Dimensions & weight | Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Note 20: 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3mm Note 20 Ultra: 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1mm | Samsung Galaxy S20/Galaxy S20 Plus/Galaxy S20 Ultra S20: 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9mm S20 Plus: 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8mm S20 Ultra: 166.9 x 76 x 8.8mm |
Features
David Imel / Android Authority
Samsung kicked off 2020 with the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus, and Galaxy S20 Ultra. The Galaxy S20 Ultra earns its moniker and is an absolute beast. Things are a lot more similar when looking at the S20 and the S20 Plus though, with the display size and battery capacity the only major differences.
With the Note series, Samsung sticks with the two-device model that it introduced with the Galaxy Note 10 line. This time around, we have the Galaxy Note 20 and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. There’s also a much clearer divide between the two variants, even if both are powerhouses in their own right.
That starts with the display. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra comes with a Quad HD display which is also larger than the Full HD screen of the regular Note 20. On the other hand, the S20 series features Quad HD resolution displays across the board. The entire Galaxy S20 family also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, though you have to dial down the resolution to 1080p. Meanwhile, the higher refresh rate is only available on the Note 20 Ultra. Another upgrade on the front of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the use of Corning Gorilla Glass 7 — the first phone to do so.
Related: Samsung Galaxy S series: A history of the biggest name in Android
The Galaxy S20 series is powered by the Snapdragon 865, while the Note 20 pair gets an upgrade to the Snapdragon 865 Plus, delivering improved speeds and faster graphics rendering. Performance won’t be a problem with any of these phones of course. But if you want the best of the best, the Galaxy Note 20 devices are the way to go. A similar upgrade isn’t available with global variants of both the S20 series and the Note 20 devices though. With these versions, the Exynos 990 is what you’ll find under the hood.
Things are identical as far as RAM and storage are concerned. 8GB of RAM and 128GB of built-in storage is available with the “lesser” models like the S20, S20 Plus, and Note 20. You have the option to bump things up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage with both the Ultra models. Depending on the market and variant, you might also have the option for expandable storage via microSD card (up to 2TB) as well. The global version of the Note 20 phones also come with 256GB base storage, which is a nice bonus.
David Imel / Android Authority
The story stays largely the same when looking at the cameras. The Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and Note 20 come with the same camera setup that includes a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 64MP telephoto lens, a 12MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 10MP selfie camera. You’ll have to opt for the two Ultra models to enjoy the 108MP primary rear camera. It’s worth noting that the S20 Ultra comes with a 48MP telephoto lens, but Samsung drops that down to a 12MP unit with the Note 20 Ultra.
There are a few differences when it comes to battery capacity. You get 4,300mAh and 4,500mAh batteries with the Note 20 and the Note 20 Ultra, respectively. On the other hand, the Galaxy S20 Ultra packs a larger 5,000mAh unit, while the S20 and S20 Ultra have 4,000mAh and 4,500mAh batteries. We are going to thoroughly test the Note 20 series’ battery performance, of course, but it’ll be interesting to see whether the on-paper advantage the Galaxy S20 Ultra has translates to any real-world benefits.
You’ll also get to enjoy Samsung’s One UI software skin regardless of which phone you get. However, the software news that took everyone by surprise was the fact that the Galaxy Note 20 devices will get three years of updates. In further exciting news, Samsung also confirmed that the Galaxy S20 series will hit the three-year mark.
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
We finally come to what is now the main differentiating factor between the S series and the Note series — the S Pen. As is the case with every iteration, the S Pen provides an even better experience than previous generations. Samsung says the stylus has “more lifelike precision” that recognizes greater levels of pressure. It claims that this will feel like you’re writing on actual paper. There are also four new gestures you can make with the S Pen in order to interact with various apps and content on Note 20 as well. We’ll test all these out very soon!
Price
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
The Samsung Galaxy S20 devices were launched with a pretty high MSRP. Unsurprisingly, the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra follows in the footsteps of its flagship siblings. Here’s a look at the prices of these phones in the US. Head here for more on global pricing and availability of the Note 20 family.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20: $999 (8GB/128GB)
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: $1,299 (12GB/128GB), $1,449 (12GB/512GB)
- Samsung Galaxy S20: $999 (8GB/128GB)
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus: $1,199 (8GB/128GB)
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra: $1,399 (12GB/128GB)
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 vs Galaxy S20 series: Which should you buy?
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
The lines between Samsung’s S series and the Galaxy Note line have blurred over the past few years. In 2020, there’s only a handful of differences between the two. From the display to the camera, and even the price point, there’s almost nothing that separates the two groups of flagships outside of a handful of features and minor specs tweaks.
In fact, the Galaxy S20 Ultra was the phone that was at the top of the hill, unless you really want that minor power bump from the Snapdragon 865 Plus for gaming. Otherwise, the S20 Ultra has the advantage of a better telephoto lens, a 40MP front-facing shooter, a larger battery, and offers faster 45W charging, compared to 25W with every other Samsung handset.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra is arguably still the king of Samsung's phones in 2020.
The Galaxy Note 20 will be particularly polarizing. It’s priced similarly to the Galaxy S20, but for $999 you’ll still have to stomach downgrades to a Full HD display and a “Glasstic” body that may look the part, but may not be to everyone’s liking.
One could argue that the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra feature better designs, but that’s subjective. However, what sets the Galaxy Notes apart, now more than ever, is the S Pen. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you’re someone who wants the stylus or not. Previous Galaxy Note owners will swear by it, and the S Pen keeps getting better with every iteration. If you can give that a miss though, you might be able to find the S20 series for a much cheaper price.
Which Samsung flagship series would you choose?
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Versus
SamsungSamsung Galaxy Note 20Samsung Galaxy S20
FAQs
Which is better Galaxy Note 20 or Galaxy S20? ›
The Note 20 has the same camera and RAM as the S20, along with a slightly larger battery capacity and display, S Pen capablities, a slightly more powerful chipset in the Qualcomm model and double the storage. The screen resolution is lower though and the refresh rate half the speed of the maximum for the S20.
Which is better S series or note series? ›The Samsung Note series is not to be considered an equal to the S series. The Note Series are the best and most expensive phones that Samsung makes. They're the most powerful, the fastest, the best. They're the phones meant to be ahead of every phone on the market.
Which is better note 20 Ultra or S20? ›If I were spending my own money, I would buy the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra over the Galaxy S20 Ultra. For $100 less, you get a dynamic 120Hz display, a laser auto focus sensor for the camera, and a smaller than lighter design. Even if you don't really need the S Pen, the Note 20 Ultra is the better phone.
Which is better Note 20 or s20fe? ›Both phones have 12MP wide and ultra-wide sensors, but the Galaxy Note 20 has a 64MP telephoto lens instead of an 8MP unit. On the other hand, the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition wins in the selfie department – at least on paper – thanks to a higher-resolution 32MP (versus 10MP) front-facing shooter.
Is it worth buying a Galaxy Note 20 in 2022? ›While the Note 20 is working with slightly older hardware, Samsung's update policy makes it a relevant option for the future, especially if you really want S Pen functionality on the cheap. However, Samsung's Galaxy S21 series is better than ever.
Is the Note 20 outdated? ›The Galaxy Note series has been officially discontinued.
Which Samsung series is the best? ›- Samsung Galaxy S22+
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4.
- Samsung Galaxy A53 5G.
Although the Samsung M series lineup is budget-oriented, its brand trust still comes with Samsung's brand. However, the Samsung A series Smartphone is Samsung's old lineup known for its premium touch features and build quality. In addition, those who want to buy a superior Samsung should go with the A-series.
What phone replaced the Samsung Note 20? ›The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the best Android phones you can buy. It's the spiritual successor to the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, sharing numerous features and design elements with the 2020 powerhouse. Each phone has a huge, fast display, plus powerful internals, versatile cameras, and a built-in S Pen.
Is it still worth buying the Note 20 Ultra? ›The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (from $1,299) is still the phone to get if you want a handset with a stylus, especially since Samsung has confirmed that a Galaxy Note 21 isn't happening. So is the Note 20 Ultra worth the ultra-premium price? After thoroughly testing this big-screen phone, my previous answer was yes.
Is it worth upgrading from Samsung Note 20 Ultra to? ›
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is still an almost perfect upgrade over the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. It has a brighter screen, better screen protection, a faster processor, faster RAM and storage, better front and rear cameras, longer battery life, faster charging, and much longer software update support.
What is the difference between Samsung Note 20 5G and Samsung Note 20 Ultra? ›The Ultra comes with 8GB of RAM in the LTE model and 12GB RAM in the 5G model, while the Note 20 sticks to 8GB in both, reinforcing a different positioning of these phones. Storage options differ depending on LTE or 5G too.
Is S20 FE worth buying now? ›Is Samsung Galaxy S20 FE worth buying in 2022. Despite being a year-old flagship smartphone from Samsung, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G is still worth buying at this affordable price.
What is so special about Samsung S20 Fe? ›The Galaxy S20 FE is the perfect device for fluid scrolling or watching a video, thanks to its 6.5-inch[6] Infinity-O Super AMOLED screen with a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate. With 5G connectivity and access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate[7], you can enjoy an advanced mobile gaming experience.
What is difference between Samsung S20 Plus and Note 20? ›Granted, the S20+ was more expensive at launch, at $1199 against the $999 that Samsung now wants for the Note 20, but it can already be found for less, has a higher display resolution, a glass body that is not a plastic fusion, and a larger battery than the Note 20.
Why did Samsung stop making the Note 20? ›Another reason behind the Galaxy Note's lineup death is foldables. The Korean giant believes the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold devices are the future. Consumer interest and sales of Galaxy foldables have picked up steadily over the years. Plus, their high price tag means they offer a higher profit margin.
Why is Samsung not selling the Note 20? ›Samsung blamed the components shortage for the lack of Note last year. But now that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has become a significant success story for the company, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra takes over as the Note's replacement, Samsung is finally ready to admit it. The Galaxy Note brand is canceled. It's dead for good.
How long will a Note 20 last? ›Through the ViserMark test protocol, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 obtained a Battery Life Score of 1.5 Days of Use.
Does the Note 20 have problems? ›In addition to the few people who reported that their Note 20 Ultra has problems with the mobile network connection. In most cases, users fail to receive any type of mobile network signal, even if others report having a one-time connection but discarding it.
Is Samsung going to discontinue Note series? ›Samsung has officially killed the Galaxy Note lineup as confirmed during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2022. In an interview, Samsung's smartphone chief Roh Tae-moon was asked about the Galaxy Note's fate, going forward.
Is S21 better or Note 20? ›
Galaxy S21 Ultra vs Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra packs a newer Snapdragon 888 processor, while the Note 20 Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 865 chip, so it's not a big surprise that the S21 Ultra offers better performance.
- NEW. Galaxy S23 Ultra.
- NEW. Galaxy S23 | S23+
- NEW. Galaxy Book3 Ultra.
- Galaxy Z Fold4.
- Galaxy Z Flip4.
- Galaxy Watch5 Pro.
- Galaxy Buds2 Pro.
- Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.
The Samsung Galaxy S series consists of high-end smartphones. In the A series, you'll find mid-range models and starter models, and the smartphones in the Z series are foldable.
Is the S22 better than the Note20? ›Performance: Is the Galaxy S22 quicker than the Note20? Yes. And in a big way. The Galaxy S22 features the new 4nm Exynos 2200 processor.
How old is a Samsung Note 20? ›| Left: Galaxy Note 20 Right: Galaxy Note 20 Ultra | |
|---|---|
| First released | 21 August 2020 |
| Discontinued | December 2021 |
| Predecessor | Samsung Galaxy Note 10 |
| Successor | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
What Is the Note 20 Ultra still worth it in 2023? The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra may be a 2020 smartphone, but it still holds its own in 2023 thanks to its fantastic performance, great cameras, and reliable updates from Samsung.
Is the Note 20 better than the S21 plus? ›The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is our winner here, beating the Galaxy S21 Plus in most departments. Its screen is visibly sharper and clearer, it offers more internal memory and a better all-round camera, and it comes with S Pen support.
Is the S22 better than Note 20 Ultra? ›The zoom levels are where the S22 Ultra really pulls ahead. The Note 20 Ultra has one 5x optical zoom level, but the S22 Ultra has two: 3x and 10x. This lets you get more photos at a distance without resorting to digital zoom, and the S22 will really let you push the zoom.
How long will a Samsung Note 20 last? ›...
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: Battery life and charging.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Battery life (hrs:minutes) | Battery size |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S20 Ultra (60Hz/120Hz) | 11:58/9:13 | 5,000 mAh |
The new Galaxy S22 Ultra is essentially replacing the Galaxy Note in Samsung's lineup. This story is part of Samsung Event, CNET's collection of news, tips and advice around Samsung's most popular products.
What is difference between note 20 and 20 ultra? ›
The Samsung Note 20 Ultra has a larger 6.9-inch screen, compared to the 6.7-inch screen of the Note 20. The screen refresh rate is 120Hz for the Note 20 Ultra, twice that of the Note 20.
Does the Samsung Note 20 have a better camera than Iphone? ›Despite all the hype Apple gave to its new telephoto lens, which offers a 2.5x optical zoom instead of the 2x Apple has used for years, this is still a lopsided win for Samsung because the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra uses Periscope zoom technology which is just superior to traditional telephoto lenses.
Is S21 better or note 20? ›Galaxy S21 Ultra vs Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra packs a newer Snapdragon 888 processor, while the Note 20 Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 865 chip, so it's not a big surprise that the S21 Ultra offers better performance.
All of this makes the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra stand out as one of the top Samsung phones of 2023. Since it can be picked up for cheaper than the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it remains a great S Pen alternative for those who'd rather not spend top dollar on the company's latest flagship.
Is Note 20 Ultra still good in 2022? ›For those who still have a Galaxy Note-sized void in their hearts, the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra are on sale. These phones were released in 2020, so no one is expecting them to have top-notch specs but they are still great devices to buy in 2022.