Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Vs S21 Ultra Is Upgrading Really Worth It

For users still relying on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in 2024, the question isn’t whether the device was excellent—it was—but whether it still holds up against its successor, the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Samsung’s shift from the Note series to folding phones and the integration of the S Pen into the S-series flagship raises real doubts about the need to upgrade. The S21 Ultra arrived with promises of improved performance, better cameras, and future-proofing. But for someone already holding a premium device like the Note 20 Ultra, does the upgrade deliver tangible benefits or just incremental gains?

This article breaks down every key aspect—hardware, software, camera, battery life, and long-term usability—to help you decide if trading in your Note 20 Ultra for an S21 Ultra is truly worth the investment.

Design and Build: Evolution, Not Revolution

At first glance, both phones share a similar aesthetic language: flat aluminum frames, glass backs, and curved edge displays. However, the S21 Ultra introduces a more refined design language with a unique camera housing that extends seamlessly into the frame—a departure from the protruding island-style module on the Note 20 Ultra.

The S21 Ultra is slightly heavier at 227g compared to the Note 20 Ultra’s 208g, but it feels more balanced due to its symmetrical top and bottom bezels. Both devices are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, so durability remains consistent.

Tip: If you value ergonomics, consider using a case—the S21 Ultra’s sharp edges can feel less comfortable over long use without one.

The biggest change is material choice. The S21 Ultra uses \"Glasstic\" on some models (a matte polymer back), while higher-end variants retain glass. In contrast, the Note 20 Ultra sticks with premium glass throughout. While the Glasstic reduces fingerprints, many users still prefer the luxurious feel of glass.

Display and Performance Comparison

Both phones feature 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with QHD+ resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rates. On paper, they’re nearly identical. However, the S21 Ultra improves brightness significantly—reaching up to 1500 nits peak brightness versus the Note 20 Ultra’s 1400 nits. This makes outdoor visibility slightly better under direct sunlight.

Under the hood, the differences become clearer. The Note 20 Ultra launched with either the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865+, depending on region. The S21 Ultra, released just eight months later, upgraded to the Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100). While the performance jump isn’t night-and-day, benchmarks show a 20–25% improvement in CPU and GPU performance, which translates to smoother multitasking and better gaming longevity.

“Even small generational leaps in chipsets matter when you're pushing high-resolution displays and AI-powered camera systems.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

RAM remains at 12GB across both models, but the S21 Ultra supports faster LPDDR5 memory and UFS 3.1 storage, enhancing app launch speeds and file transfer performance.

Camera Capabilities: A Noticeable Step Forward

The most compelling reason to upgrade may lie in the camera system. Both phones have quad-camera setups, but the S21 Ultra refines them significantly:

Feature	Note 20 Ultra	S21 Ultra
Main Sensor	108MP f/1.8	108MP f/1.8 (larger pixels)
Ultra-Wide	12MP f/2.2	12MP f/2.2 (reduced distortion)
Telephoto (Periscope)	48MP f/3.5 (5x optical)	10MP f/4.9 + 10MP f/2.4 (10x optical)
Zoom Range	50x digital	100x Space Zoom
Video Recording	8K @ 24fps	8K @ 24fps + enhanced stabilization

The dual telephoto setup on the S21 Ultra is a game-changer. It combines a 3x and a 10x optical zoom lens, eliminating the hybrid zoom compromises of the Note 20 Ultra. Photos at 10x are noticeably sharper, and even 30x zoom produces usable results in good light—something the older model struggles with.

The S21 Ultra also introduced laser autofocus and improved HDR processing, resulting in more natural dynamic range in high-contrast scenes. Night mode has been optimized further, capturing brighter low-light shots with less noise.

Tip: Use Pro mode on the S21 Ultra to manually adjust shutter speed and ISO for superior night photography.

Battery Life and Charging: Diminishing Returns

The Note 20 Ultra packs a 4,500mAh battery; the S21 Ultra increases this to 5,000mAh. Yet, real-world usage shows only marginal improvements in endurance. Why? Because the newer chipset and brighter display consume more power, offsetting the larger capacity.

Both support 25W fast charging, but neither includes a charger in the box. Wireless charging remains at 15W, and reverse wireless charging is available on both. In typical mixed usage (browsing, messaging, video, calls), expect about 1.5 days on the Note 20 Ultra and roughly 1.7 days on the S21 Ultra—solid, but not transformative.

If you're a heavy user who relies on all-day performance without recharging, the extra 500mAh helps, especially when combined with the S21 Ultra’s more efficient display tuning. But for average users, the difference won’t be decisive.

Software and Long-Term Value

One of the most critical factors in deciding whether to upgrade is software support. Samsung promises four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the S21 Ultra. The Note 20 Ultra, while still receiving updates, is nearing the end of its lifecycle. As of 2024, it has likely received its final major OS update (Android 13), whereas the S21 Ultra will receive Android 14, 15, 16, and possibly 17.

This means the S21 Ultra will stay secure and compatible with new apps longer. For users who keep phones for three years or more, this extended support is invaluable.

Additionally, the S21 Ultra launched with One UI 3.1 and has since been updated to One UI 6, offering better customization, privacy tools, and integration with Samsung’s ecosystem—including improved DeX functionality and multi-device sync features.

“Longevity isn’t just about hardware—it’s about staying current. The S21 Ultra gives you two extra years of updates, which is huge for productivity and security.” — Priya Mehta, Senior Editor at MobileEdge Review

Mini Case Study: From Note 20 Ultra to S21 Ultra

Rajiv, a freelance photographer based in Mumbai, used his Note 20 Ultra for over two years as his primary work device. He relied heavily on the S Pen for client annotations and loved the camera’s versatility. By mid-2023, he noticed slower app launches, occasional overheating during video edits, and frustration with blurry 50x zoom shots.

After testing the S21 Ultra, he upgraded. The immediate improvements were clear: crisper 10x optical zoom allowed him to capture distant subjects without switching lenses, and the cooler-running processor handled 8K video exports more reliably. Most importantly, knowing his phone would receive updates until 2027 gave him peace of mind for long-term projects.

“It wasn’t a dramatic leap,” Rajiv said, “but the consistency, reliability, and future-proofing made the upgrade worthwhile—even at full price.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Note 20 Ultra S Pen with the S21 Ultra?

No. Although both support the S Pen, the S21 Ultra requires the newer S Pen (introduced with the S22 Ultra). The original Note 20 Ultra S Pen lacks air gestures and has no built-in slot for storage in the S21 Ultra.

Is the S21 Ultra worth buying in 2024?

If purchased secondhand or discounted, yes. While newer models like the S23 and S24 Ultras exist, the S21 Ultra still delivers flagship-level performance and camera quality. Its long software support makes it a smart budget flagship option.

Does the upgrade make sense for casual users?

Only if your Note 20 Ultra is showing signs of aging—slow performance, degraded battery, or cracked screen. Casual users won’t notice enough daily improvements to justify the cost unless they prioritize camera quality or software longevity.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Are you experiencing performance lag or app crashes?
• ✅ Do you frequently take photos beyond 5x zoom?
• ✅ Do you plan to keep your phone for 3+ years?
• ✅ Is your current battery degrading (below 80% health)?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by missing recent software features?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the upgrade is justified. Otherwise, consider waiting or investing in accessories like a new battery or protective case.

Final Verdict: Is Upgrading Really Worth It?

The Galaxy S21 Ultra isn’t a revolutionary upgrade over the Note 20 Ultra, but it’s a meaningful evolution. The dual telephoto cameras, brighter display, faster processor, and extended software support collectively enhance the user experience in ways that accumulate over time. For professionals, creatives, or long-term device holders, those improvements add up.

However, if your Note 20 Ultra still performs well and meets your needs, the upgrade may feel unnecessary. There’s no shame in extending the life of a great device—especially when the gains are incremental rather than transformative.

💬 Have you made the switch? Share your experience below. Help others decide whether the jump from Note 20 Ultra to S21 Ultra was worth it for you.