For long-time Galaxy Note users, the decision to upgrade from a device like the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 to the newer Galaxy Note 20 isn’t just about new features—it’s about whether those improvements deliver meaningful value today. Released six years apart (2017 vs 2020), these phones represent vastly different eras in smartphone technology. While the Note 20 is no longer Samsung’s latest flagship, it still holds relevance in the used and refurbished market. But if you're still using a Note 8, is making the jump now truly worthwhile?
The answer depends on your usage patterns, expectations, and budget. This article breaks down the key differences between the Note 8 and Note 20, evaluates real-world performance in 2024, and helps you decide whether upgrading delivers tangible benefits or just incremental changes.
Design and Build: From Curved Glass to Refined Elegance
The Galaxy Note 8 introduced Samsung’s dual-curved AMOLED display in the Note series, with a glass front and back and an aluminum frame. It was sleek for its time but felt bulky by modern standards at 7.9mm thick and weighing 195g. The Note 20, in contrast, adopts a more restrained design—flatter glass, a slimmer profile (7.6mm), and slightly less weight (193g). While the difference seems minor, the Note 20 feels significantly more modern in hand.
One major change: the Note 20 uses plastic on the back (Glasstic) in the base model, whereas the Note 8 featured actual glass. Only the Note 20 Ultra had a glass back. This might disappoint some users expecting premium materials across the board, but the trade-off is better grip and reduced risk of shattering.
Display and S Pen Experience
The Note 8 sports a 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, which feels somewhat dated compared to today’s taller screens. The Note 20 steps up with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a 19:9 aspect ratio, and a smoother 60Hz refresh rate (the Ultra version has 120Hz).
More importantly, the S Pen has evolved. On the Note 8, latency was around 55ms—usable but not instantaneous. The Note 20 reduces that to 26ms, making writing and sketching feel dramatically more responsive. Additionally, the Note 20 supports air gestures (like controlling presentations or taking photos remotely), though many users find this feature underutilized.
If you rely heavily on the S Pen for note-taking, markup, or creative work, the improved precision and lower latency alone may justify the upgrade.
Performance and Software Support
This is where the gap becomes most apparent. The Note 8 launched with the Exynos 8895 or Snapdragon 835 (depending on region), both of which were top-tier chips in 2017. By 2024, however, they struggle with multitasking, app loading times, and even basic UI animations. Android updates ended after Android 9, leaving it vulnerable and incompatible with many modern apps.
In contrast, the Note 20 runs on the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865+ (again, region-dependent), paired with 8GB of RAM. Even in 2024, this combination handles daily tasks smoothly, including gaming, video editing, and heavy web browsing. More crucially, the Note 20 received four years of OS updates, meaning it supports Android 13 and will likely get security patches into 2025.
“Software longevity is as important as hardware power. A phone that can’t receive updates becomes a liability.” — David Kim, Mobile Security Analyst
Camera Comparison: Night Shots, Zoom, and Video
The Note 8 was one of the first Samsung phones with a dual-camera setup: 12MP wide + 12MP telephoto, capable of 2x optical zoom. For its time, it delivered excellent photos, especially in daylight. However, low-light performance was limited, and video topped out at 4K@30fps.
The Note 20 improves across the board. Its triple rear system includes a 12MP wide, 64MP telephoto (with up to 30x digital zoom), and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. Most notably, it introduces better night mode processing, improved HDR, and 8K video recording at 24fps—something the Note 8 couldn’t dream of.
In practical terms, the Note 20 captures sharper details, more balanced exposures, and far superior zoom quality. If you take photos regularly—especially in varied lighting or need wide-angle shots—the camera leap is substantial.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Note 8 | Samsung Note 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2017 | 2020 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895 | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 64/128/256GB (expandable) | 128/256GB (expandable) |
| Display | 6.3\" QHD+ AMOLED (16:9, 521 ppi) | 6.7\" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (19:9, 393 ppi, 60Hz) |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP wide + 12MP telephoto | 12MP wide + 64MP telephoto + 12MP ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 10MP |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Battery | 3300mAh | 4300mAh |
| Charging | Fast charging (15W), Wireless | Fast charging (25W), Wireless, Reverse wireless |
| OS Updates | Ended at Android 9 | Up to Android 13, security until 2025 |
| S Pen Latency | ~55ms | ~26ms |
Real-World Upgrade Value in 2024
To assess whether upgrading is “worth it,” consider a real example. Maria, a freelance architect, used her Note 8 for field sketches, client meetings, and photo documentation. By 2023, she noticed apps crashing, slow startup times, and difficulty exporting large image files. After switching to a refurbished Note 20, she reported faster app launches, smoother S Pen use in Samsung Notes, and the ability to shoot high-resolution site photos without compression issues.
Her experience highlights a critical point: while the Note 8 was once powerful, its limitations now hinder productivity. The Note 20, even three years later, remains functional for professional use.
When Upgrading Makes Sense: A Checklist
Use this checklist to determine if the move from Note 8 to Note 20 is right for you:
- ✅ You frequently experience app crashes or lag
- ✅ You want access to newer security updates and Android features
- ✅ You use the S Pen for work or creativity and want lower latency
- ✅ You take photos in low light or need zoom capabilities
- ✅ You rely on multitasking or split-screen apps
- ✅ Your current phone no longer receives software support
If three or more apply, upgrading offers measurable improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Note 8 still run modern apps?
Some apps still function, but many—including banking, social media, and productivity tools—require newer APIs and minimum hardware specs. Performance degrades significantly, and compatibility is increasingly limited.
Is the Note 20 still supported in 2024?
Yes. Samsung provided four years of OS updates and continues monthly or quarterly security patches for the Note 20 as of early 2024. Support is expected through late 2025, depending on region.
Should I wait for a newer model instead?
If budget allows, consider the Galaxy S23 or S24 series, which offer better performance, longer support, and newer features like AI integration. However, if you’re attached to the S Pen and prefer a proven device, the Note 20 remains a strong mid-tier option at a lower price point.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Upgrading from the Note 8 to the Note 20 in 2024 isn’t about chasing the latest trend—it’s about reclaiming functionality. The Note 8, while iconic, is technologically obsolete. It lacks modern security, app compatibility, and performance needed for today’s mobile workflows.
The Note 20 delivers a comprehensive upgrade: faster hardware, better cameras, extended software support, and a refined S Pen experience. Even at discounted prices on the secondhand market, it represents a smart investment for former Note 8 owners who still value productivity and stylus input.
Unless you use your phone only for calls and texts, the upgrade is not just worth it—it’s overdue.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4
Comments
No comments yet. Why don't you start the discussion?