Is Upgrading From Note 20 Ultra To S24 Ultra Worth It Real User Reviews

For loyal Samsung users who invested in the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, the decision to upgrade to the S24 Ultra isn’t just about new features—it’s about whether those improvements deliver tangible value. Released nearly four years apart, these flagships represent different eras of Samsung’s design philosophy, software intelligence, and hardware capabilities. But does the leap justify the cost? Drawing from real-world user experiences, benchmark data, and long-term usability reports, this article breaks down the practical differences that matter most.

Design and Build: Evolution of a Flagship

The Note 20 Ultra set a high bar with its angular frame, matte glass back, and integrated S Pen. It was a powerhouse built for productivity, but its design leaned heavily on function over sleekness. The S24 Ultra, by contrast, embraces a more refined aesthetic—flatter display edges, titanium frame options, and slimmer bezels create a modern, minimalist look. While both devices are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, users consistently report the S24 Ultra feels more durable in daily use due to its reinforced Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 3.

One subtle but significant change is the S Pen integration. On the Note 20 Ultra, the stylus was stored internally—a defining feature for creatives and note-takers. The S24 Ultra removes internal storage, requiring users to carry the pen externally or use a case with a holder. This shift has drawn mixed reactions:

• Pro: Lighter internal structure and thinner profile.
• Con: Risk of losing the S Pen; less seamless than before.

Tip: If you rely heavily on the S Pen for work, consider investing in a protective case with a dedicated stylus slot to compensate for the lack of internal storage.

Display and Performance: A Noticeable Leap

The display remains one of the most praised aspects of both phones, but the S24 Ultra introduces meaningful upgrades. Both feature 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rates. However, the S24 Ultra pushes peak brightness to 2600 nits (up from 1500), making it significantly more usable under direct sunlight.

Performance-wise, the jump from the Exynos 990/ Snapdragon 865+ (depending on region) to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is transformative. Real users report:

• Faster app launches and multitasking.
• Smoother gaming at maximum settings (e.g., Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile).
• Nearly instant camera processing and AI-powered photo editing.

“After using the S24 Ultra for two weeks, I didn’t realize how much lag I’d accepted on my Note 20. Everything—from scrolling to switching apps—feels instantaneous.” — Daniel R., mobile photographer and tech reviewer

Camera Comparison: From Great to Pro-Grade

The Note 20 Ultra had a strong triple-camera system: 108MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and dual telephoto lenses (5x optical, 50x digital). The S24 Ultra refines this setup with smarter hardware and computational photography:

Feature	Note 20 Ultra	S24 Ultra
Main Sensor	108MP (f/1.8)	200MP (f/1.7)
Telephoto Zoom	5x optical, 50x digital	5x periscope, 10x hybrid, 100x digital
Low-Light Processing	Moderate HDR enhancement	AI Nightography with multi-frame stacking
Video Recording	8K @ 24fps	8K @ 30fps with Super HDR and stabilization
Selfie Camera	10MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2) with improved skin tone rendering

Real user feedback highlights the S24 Ultra’s ability to capture clearer zoomed shots and more balanced exposures in mixed lighting. One Reddit user shared: “I took a photo of a bird on a tree from 30 feet away. The S24 Ultra captured feather details I couldn’t see with my eyes. My Note 20 would’ve given me a blurry green blob.”

User Experience and Software: Where AI Makes a Difference

One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade lies in software. The S24 Ultra ships with One UI 6.1 based on Android 14 and includes Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite—features absent on the Note 20 Ultra even with updates.

Key AI-driven features include:

• Live Translate: Real-time voice and text translation during calls and messaging.
• Note Assist: Automatically summarizes, proofreads, and formats notes—ideal for professionals.
• Circle to Search: Draw around any object on screen to initiate a Google search instantly.
• Generative Edit: Remove or reposition people/objects in photos using generative AI.

These tools aren’t gimmicks—they’re increasingly integrated into daily workflows. A freelance journalist reported using Live Translate during an interview with a non-English speaker, calling it “a game-changer for field reporting.”

Tip: Enable Galaxy AI features gradually to avoid overload. Start with Note Assist and Circle to Search—they offer the fastest ROI in productivity.

Mini Case Study: From Note 20 Ultra to S24 Ultra – A Business Consultant’s Journey

Mark T., a management consultant based in Chicago, used his Note 20 Ultra for three years across client meetings, international travel, and remote presentations. He upgraded to the S24 Ultra primarily for better video conferencing and document handling.

Initially skeptical about the price, Mark found unexpected value in AI-powered transcription during Zoom calls and the ability to edit presentation slides using only voice commands via the S Pen. “I used to spend 45 minutes summarizing each meeting. Now, with Note Assist and auto-summarization, it takes 10,” he said. “The ROI isn’t just in time saved—it’s in mental energy preserved.”

He did note one drawback: battery life. While both phones have 5,000mAh batteries, the S24 Ultra’s AI features and brighter display drained power faster during heavy use. His solution? Using adaptive battery mode and limiting background AI when traveling.

Battery and Charging: Is All-Day Power Still Guaranteed?

Battery longevity remains a top concern. The Note 20 Ultra, while powerful, began showing signs of degradation after 2–3 years. Users report 3–4 hours of screen-on time by year three. The S24 Ultra starts stronger, with optimized power management and a battery health monitoring system that slows degradation.

Charging speeds remain identical—25W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless—but the S24 Ultra supports more efficient thermal management during fast charging, reducing long-term wear.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. Are you still satisfied with your Note 20 Ultra’s performance? → If yes, delay upgrade.
2. Do you need advanced zoom photography or low-light capabilities? → S24 Ultra wins.
3. Is AI-powered productivity (translation, summarization, editing) relevant to your work? → Strong reason to upgrade.
4. Are you frustrated by aging battery life or slow app response? → Time for a change.
5. Can you leverage the S Pen without internal storage? → Test compatibility first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Note 20 Ultra accessories work with the S24 Ultra?

No. While cases and screen protectors may fit loosely, the S24 Ultra’s flatter edges and titanium frame require new accessories. S Pen models are not interchangeable due to design changes.

Does the S24 Ultra still support DeX mode?

Yes, and it’s improved. Samsung DeX now offers better window management, keyboard shortcuts, and multi-app syncing. Wireless DeX also streams at higher resolution with lower latency.

How long will the S24 Ultra receive updates?

Samsung guarantees seven years of OS and security updates (up to Android 21), far exceeding the Note 20 Ultra’s four-year cycle. This makes the S24 Ultra a longer-term investment.

Final Verdict: Who Benefits Most from the Upgrade?

For casual users still happy with their Note 20 Ultra, the upgrade may feel excessive. The core experience—calls, messaging, social media—is already well-served on the older device.

However, professionals, creatives, and tech enthusiasts will find real value in the S24 Ultra. The combination of superior cameras, AI-enhanced productivity, future-proof software support, and refined build quality transforms how tasks are completed. As one long-time Samsung user put it: “It’s not just a phone upgrade—it’s an efficiency upgrade.”

“The S24 Ultra doesn’t just keep up with modern demands—it anticipates them.” — Priya Mehta, Senior Editor at TechPulse Weekly

Conclusion: Make the Move When It Adds Value

Upgrading from the Note 20 Ultra to the S24 Ultra isn’t mandatory, but it is meaningful—for the right user. If your workflow involves content creation, frequent travel, or reliance on real-time information processing, the improvements are not incremental; they’re transformative. Battery life, AI tools, camera versatility, and long-term software support collectively justify the investment.

💬 Have you made the switch? Share your experience below—your insights could help others decide whether this upgrade is truly worth it.