Is The Note 20 Ultra Worth The Extra Over The Galaxy S20 Real User Experiences

When Samsung released the Galaxy S20 and Note 20 Ultra in consecutive generations, many consumers found themselves torn between two flagship devices with overlapping features. The Galaxy S20 launched as a premium Android powerhouse in early 2020, while the Note 20 Ultra arrived months later with refinements, stylus integration, and higher-end materials. But for users deciding between them—especially on the secondhand or discounted market—the question remains: is the Note 20 Ultra truly worth the added cost? Drawing from real-world usage, long-term feedback, and performance benchmarks, this article breaks down the tangible differences that matter most to everyday users.

Design and Build Quality: A Noticeable Step Up

The first thing users notice when switching from the Galaxy S20 to the Note 20 Ultra is the refinement in design. While both phones feature glass-and-metal builds with curved displays, the Note 20 Ultra uses Armor Aluminum frames and Gorilla Glass Victus, compared to the S20’s aluminum and Gorilla Glass 6. This translates into better drop resistance and a more rigid feel in hand.

The Note 20 Ultra also introduces a flatter display curve—specifically at the edges—which reduces accidental touches and glare. Many S20 owners complained about \"ghost touches\" along the curved screen, especially when holding the phone one-handed. The Ultra’s reduced curve significantly improves usability, particularly for those who don’t use cases.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors, the Note 20 Ultra’s flatter screen offers better visibility and touch accuracy under sunlight.

Display and Brightness: Clarity Under Pressure

Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with 120Hz refresh rates, but there are key differences. The Note 20 Ultra boasts a higher peak brightness of up to 1500 nits compared to the S20’s 1200 nits. In direct sunlight, this difference is immediately noticeable—text remains sharp, and videos retain contrast without requiring manual brightness boosts.

The Ultra also has a slightly larger 6.9-inch display (vs. 6.2 inches on the base S20), which benefits media consumption and multitasking. However, it's worth noting that the S20 series includes a 6.9-inch S20 Ultra model. For this comparison, we’re focusing on the standard S20 versus the Note 20 Ultra, as these are commonly compared due to pricing proximity in the used market.

Feature	Galaxy S20	Note 20 Ultra
Screen Size	6.2 inches	6.9 inches
Peak Brightness	1200 nits	1500 nits
Refresh Rate	120Hz adaptive	120Hz adaptive
Curve Type	Highly curved	Minimal curve
Resolution	3200 x 1440	3088 x 1440

While resolution is marginally lower on the Note 20 Ultra due to its taller aspect ratio, the pixel density remains excellent. Users report no visible graininess or loss in clarity during daily use.

S Pen Integration: More Than Just a Gimmick?

This is where the Note 20 Ultra diverges most significantly. The S Pen isn’t just an accessory—it’s central to the device’s identity. Real users consistently praise the latency improvements: only 9ms, making writing and sketching feel nearly paper-like. Apps like Samsung Notes, Adobe Illustrator Draw, and Microsoft OneNote integrate deeply with the stylus, allowing gesture shortcuts, air commands, and precise editing.

For professionals—teachers, architects, designers, or note-takers—the S Pen transforms the phone into a productivity tool. One freelance graphic designer shared: “I used to carry a tablet for client sketches. Now I do everything on the Note 20 Ultra during meetings. It saves time and luggage space.”

“Stylus precision on the Note 20 Ultra changed how I work. It’s not just convenient—it’s efficient.” — David Lin, UX Designer & Mobile Workflow Consultant

The S20 lacks any stylus support, limiting its appeal to users who value handwritten input or detailed markup. Even if you don’t think you need a stylus now, having one built into the ecosystem opens new workflows you might not anticipate.

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance vs. Speed

The Note 20 Ultra packs a 4500mAh battery, slightly larger than the S20’s 4000mAh unit. Combined with more efficient power management and the ability to lock the refresh rate at 60Hz (a toggle option absent on early S20 models), users report up to 1.5 additional hours of screen-on time.

Charging speeds differ too. The Note 20 Ultra supports 25W wired charging out of the box (charger included in some regions), while the S20 technically supports 15W unless upgraded firmware enables 25W. Wireless charging remains capped at 15W on both, but the Ultra adds reverse wireless charging with improved thermal regulation.

Tip: To maximize battery lifespan on either device, avoid overnight charging and keep battery levels between 20% and 80% whenever possible.

Camera Performance: Subtle But Meaningful Upgrades

On paper, both phones have strong camera systems. The S20 features a 12MP main, 64MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide. The Note 20 Ultra upgrades to a 108MP main sensor and adds laser autofocus, improving low-light focus speed and detail retention.

In real conditions, the difference is most apparent in zoom photography. The Note 20 Ultra supports 5x optical zoom (via periscope lens) and up to 50x “Space Zoom,” which—while gimmicky—is surprisingly usable at 10x with AI stabilization. The S20’s 3x zoom feels limiting by comparison, especially for distant subjects.

Videographers appreciate the Note 20 Ultra’s 8K recording at 24fps with improved microphone noise reduction. However, both phones lack director’s view mode and advanced audio zoom introduced in later models.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photographer’s Switch

Maya R., a travel blogger based in Thailand, used the Galaxy S20 for two years before upgrading to a refurbished Note 20 Ultra. She primarily shoots landscapes and cultural events where zoom and color accuracy matter.

“At Angkor Wat, I needed to capture carvings high on temple walls. With the S20, I had to crop heavily, losing detail. On the Note 20 Ultra, I used 10x hybrid zoom and got clean shots I could print. The dynamic range in golden hour was visibly better too—no blown-out skies.”

She acknowledges the bulkier size but says the trade-off is justified by image quality and stylus-based captioning directly on photos.

Software Longevity and Updates

Both devices launched with Android 10 and received four major OS updates. As of 2024, they are on Android 14 with security patches still rolling intermittently. However, Samsung prioritized Note 20 series devices for faster update rollouts, meaning critical fixes and feature drops arrived earlier on the Ultra.

Additionally, DeX support is more refined on the Note 20 Ultra, with multi-window desktop mode and Bluetooth keyboard optimization. Business users leveraging mobile-to-desktop workflows find this invaluable.

Checklist: Is the Note 20 Ultra Right for You?

• ✅ Need precise handwriting, drawing, or annotation tools
• ✅ Prioritize outdoor visibility and screen durability
• ✅ Use digital notes or remote presentations regularly
• ✅ Want better zoom capabilities without carrying extra gear
• ✅ Prefer longer battery life and slightly faster charging
• ❌ Dislike large phones or one-handed use
• ❌ Don’t use a stylus and see it as unnecessary bulk

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Note 20 Ultra noticeably heavier than the S20?

Yes. The Note 20 Ultra weighs 208g compared to the S20’s 163g. That 45g difference is felt during prolonged use, especially one-handed. However, many users adapt within a few days.

Can I use an S Pen with the Galaxy S20?

No. The S20 lacks the internal digitizer required for S Pen communication. Even third-party styluses won’t offer pressure sensitivity or hover detection.

Does the price gap justify the upgrade today?

On the refurbished market, the Note 20 Ultra typically costs $100–$150 more than the S20. For users who value the S Pen, superior display, and better cameras, that premium is often justified. For casual users, the S20 remains capable.

Final Verdict: Who Should Make the Leap?

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra isn’t just an incremental upgrade—it redefines what a smartphone can do through specialized hardware and optimized software. For creative professionals, students, business presenters, or anyone who values precision input and high-end multimedia output, the extra cost pays off in daily utility.

The Galaxy S20 remains a solid device—fast, compact, and still powerful—but it lacks the niche advantages that make the Note 20 Ultra stand out. If you're choosing between them today, especially at resale prices, consider your actual usage patterns. Ask yourself: will I use the S Pen weekly? Do I need better zoom or screen clarity? Is battery life critical?

🚀 If your answer is yes to two or more, the Note 20 Ultra is worth the investment. Share your own experience below—how has your choice impacted your daily routine?