Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Vs S21 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Am I Missing Out

If you’re still using a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, the arrival of newer Samsung flagships like the Galaxy S21 may leave you wondering whether it’s time to upgrade. The S21 brought significant changes to Samsung’s flagship lineup—especially with the discontinuation of the Note series—but how much real-world benefit does it offer over your current device? This comparison dives into performance, design, camera quality, software longevity, and key features like the S Pen to help you determine if switching makes sense or if you’re already ahead of the curve.

Performance: Raw Power Meets Efficiency

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was powered by either the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865+, depending on region—a chipset that delivered top-tier performance in 2020. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 launched with the newer Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100), bringing improved CPU and GPU efficiency, better AI processing, and enhanced 5G capabilities.

In daily use, both devices handle multitasking, gaming, and streaming without issue. However, the S21 shows noticeable advantages in sustained workloads. Games like Genshin Impact run smoother for longer on the S21 due to better thermal management and architectural improvements in the 888 chip. Benchmark scores reflect this: the S21 typically scores 20–25% higher in tools like Geekbench and AnTuTu.

Tip: If you frequently edit videos or play graphics-heavy games, the S21’s improved thermal design reduces throttling and maintains peak performance longer.

Display and Design: Subtle Refinements Over Revolution

The Note 20 Ultra set a high bar with its 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display at 120Hz, offering exceptional brightness, color accuracy, and smooth scrolling. The S21, while slightly smaller at 6.2 inches, also features a 120Hz refresh rate but with a lower resolution (FHD+). For most users, the difference in sharpness is negligible, especially given the S21’s tighter pixel density and excellent outdoor visibility.

Design-wise, the S21 marks a shift toward minimalism. It ditches the curved edges of the Note 20 Ultra for a flatter display, which some prefer for reduced glare and fewer accidental touches. The aluminum frame and matte finish make it more pocket-friendly, though it lacks the premium heft of the Note’s stainless steel build.

While the Note 20 Ultra feels more substantial and business-ready, the S21 is lighter (171g vs. 208g) and easier to handle one-handed—ideal for users who prioritize portability.

Camera Comparison: Evolution, Not Leap

Both phones feature triple rear setups, but their philosophies differ. The Note 20 Ultra emphasizes versatility with a 108MP main sensor, 12MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom), and 12MP ultra-wide. The S21 uses a 12MP main sensor (with larger pixels), a 64MP telephoto (hybrid 3x zoom), and a 12MP ultra-wide.

In practice, the S21 produces more natural color tones and better dynamic range in challenging lighting. Its AI-powered processing handles HDR scenes more gracefully, preserving highlights and shadows without over-sharpening. Video recording is where the S21 pulls ahead—supporting 8K at 24fps with superior stabilization compared to the Note 20 Ultra’s 8K at 24fps with noticeable wobble.

The S21’s Space Zoom (up to 30x) benefits from improved algorithms, delivering clearer results than the Note’s version, though both struggle beyond 10x magnification.

“Smartphone cameras now prioritize computational photography over raw specs. The S21’s software enhancements give it an edge in consistency.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

S Pen Experience: A Key Differentiator

This is where things get complicated. The Note 20 Ultra includes an S Pen with Bluetooth functionality, allowing remote shutter control, presentation navigation, and precise handwriting recognition. It stores magnetically in the phone and charges passively—features many creatives and professionals rely on.

The S21, however, does not support the S Pen natively. While later models like the S22 Ultra reintroduced built-in stylus support, the S21 requires a separate case or adapter for limited S Pen use—without Bluetooth features or in-body storage. If you regularly take handwritten notes, annotate PDFs, or sketch, the lack of seamless integration is a major downgrade.

For those attached to the Note experience, skipping to the S21 means sacrificing one of the defining features of the Note line. Unless you’re willing to carry a stylus separately and accept reduced functionality, this could be a dealbreaker.

Durability, Software, and Longevity

Both devices are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance and built with Gorilla Glass Victus. However, the S21’s flatter screen design reduces the risk of edge cracks during drops. Real-world repair costs tend to be lower for the S21 due to simpler glass curvature.

Software support is another critical factor. Samsung promises four years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches for the S21. The Note 20 Ultra, released in August 2020, will likely stop receiving Android updates after Android 14. As of 2024, it has reached its final major OS update, limiting long-term usability.

The S21, released in early 2021, will receive Android 15 and possibly Android 16, giving it a two-year advantage in software lifespan. For users planning to keep their phone beyond three years, this extended support makes the S21 a smarter investment.

Upgrade Decision Checklist

• ✅ Need longer software support (Android 15/16)? → S21 wins
• ✅ Prioritize portability and one-handed use? → S21 wins
• ✅ Use S Pen regularly for work or creativity? → Stick with Note 20 Ultra
• ✅ Want better video recording and photo processing? → S21 wins
• ✅ Prefer higher-resolution display and premium build? → Note 20 Ultra wins
• ✅ Play demanding games or use AR apps? → S21 offers better sustained performance

Comparison Table: Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs Galaxy S21

Feature	Note 20 Ultra	S21
Display	6.9\" QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz	6.2\" FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990	Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100
Rear Cameras	108MP + 12MP (5x tele) + 12MP UW	12MP + 64MP (3x hybrid) + 12MP UW
Video Recording	8K@24fps, basic stabilization	8K@24fps, improved stabilization
S Pen Support	Built-in, Bluetooth-enabled	No native support, external only
Weight	208g	171g
Software Updates	Up to Android 14	Up to Android 16 (expected)
Battery	4500mAh	4000mAh
Charging	25W wired, 15W wireless	25W wired, 15W wireless

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance architect, used her Note 20 Ultra daily for sketching floor plans, annotating blueprints, and presenting designs to clients using the S Pen’s air actions. When she considered upgrading to the S21 for its lighter weight and improved camera, she quickly realized the trade-off: no built-in S Pen meant carrying an extra device and losing gesture controls. After testing a friend’s S21 with a third-party stylus, she found the lag and lack of precision unacceptable. She decided to keep her Note 20 Ultra and instead upgraded to the S22 Ultra when it launched—preserving her workflow while gaining modern hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an S Pen with the Galaxy S21?

You can pair certain S Pens via Bluetooth, but there's no built-in storage or charging. Performance is inconsistent, and pressure sensitivity isn’t fully supported. It’s not a seamless experience like on Note devices.

Is the S21 noticeably faster than the Note 20 Ultra?

In synthetic benchmarks, yes—by about 20–25%. In everyday tasks like browsing or messaging, the difference is minimal. However, in intensive applications like video editing or 3D gaming, the S21 sustains performance better due to improved cooling and architecture.

Should I wait for a newer model instead?

If you don’t need a phone immediately, consider waiting for a refurbished S23 Ultra or new mid-range model with S Pen support. You’ll get the best of both worlds: cutting-edge performance and full stylus integration.

Final Verdict: Is Upgrading Worth It?

For most Note 20 Ultra owners, upgrading to the S21 isn’t a clear win. You gain a more compact design, better video capabilities, and longer software support—but lose the integrated S Pen, higher-resolution display, and premium heft that defined the Note experience. Unless you value portability and future-proofing over productivity tools, the upgrade doesn’t deliver enough meaningful improvements.

The real successor to the Note 20 Ultra isn’t the S21—it’s the S22 Ultra and beyond. These models revived the S Pen integration, combining the best of both lines. If you’re truly concerned about “missing out,” look there instead.

🚀 Ready to make your move? Assess your usage patterns, prioritize what matters most—S Pen, longevity, or size—and choose wisely. Your next phone should enhance your life, not just follow trends.