Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Review
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Review reveals why this powerhouse is one of the most versatile, high-performing smartphones available today. Combining cutting-edge hardware with innovative software, it’s perfect for professionals, power users, and casual users alike. In this review, we’ll dive deep into every aspect—design, performance, camera, battery life, and standout features—along with the pros and cons of owning this premium flagship device. Ready to discover if the Note 20 is your ideal smartphone? Click to explore all the details now!
Let’s dive in and see if the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is the right fit for you.
Overview of Samsung Galaxy Note 20
The Samsung Galaxy Note series is known for its large display and the iconic S Pen, making it a go-to choice for people who love to multitask. The Note 20 builds on this tradition with a sleek design, powerful internals, and cutting-edge features. Released in August 2020, this phone was targeted at users who want a blend of productivity and entertainment.
Here’s a quick overview of the key specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20:
| Feature | Details |
| Display | 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ (2400×1080) |
| Processor | Exynos 990 (Global), Snapdragon 865+ (USA) |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB (non-expandable) |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP (Main), 64MP (Telephoto), 12MP (Ultra-wide) |
| Front Camera | 10MP |
| Battery | 4,300mAh, 25W fast charging |
| Operating System | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| S Pen | Improved latency for smoother experience |
| Colors | Mystic Bronze, Mystic Green, Mystic Gray |
Design and Build Quality
Elegant and Professional Aesthetic
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 sports a sophisticated, sleek design that screams premium. The phone is encased in a matte glass back, giving it a refined look. It’s available in three attractive colors—Mystic Bronze, Mystic Green, and Mystic Gray. The matte finish not only reduces fingerprints but also adds to its overall durability.
However, while the design looks top-tier, it does feel slightly less premium than the Ultra version due to the plastic back (polycarbonate) instead of the glass found on higher-end models. This could be seen as a cost-saving measure, though it also makes the phone lighter.
Pros:
– Sleek, premium look and feel
– Matte finish reduces fingerprints
– Light and easy to handle for its size
Cons:
– Plastic back feels less premium compared to glass
– No expandable storage, which may be a downside for some users
Display: Bright and Immersive
Samsung is renowned for its display technology, and the Note 20 doesn’t disappoint. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display offers bright, vivid colors with deep blacks and excellent contrast. It’s ideal for watching videos, gaming, or multitasking with split-screen mode.
Full HD+ Resolution
While the display is beautiful, it’s worth noting that the Note 20 comes with Full HD+ resolution (2400×1080), which is a step down from the Quad HD resolution found in the Note 20 Ultra. For the average user, this may not be a significant issue, but if you’re someone who’s picky about pixel density, it’s something to consider.
Refresh Rate: Stuck at 60Hz
One of the most noticeable omissions is the 60Hz refresh rate. Many modern flagships, including Samsung’s own S20 series, have adopted a smoother 120Hz display. The Note 20, unfortunately, sticks with a 60Hz refresh rate, which can feel less fluid when compared to other premium smartphones.
Pros:
– Excellent color reproduction and brightness
– Great for watching content and gaming
– Vivid AMOLED display with deep contrasts
Cons:
– Full HD+ resolution might disappoint Quad HD fans
– 60Hz refresh rate feels outdated
Performance: Powerful But Limited by Exynos in Some Regions
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 comes in two variants depending on your region. If you’re in the US, you’ll get the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, while other global markets receive Samsung’s own Exynos 990 chipset.
Snapdragon 865+ vs. Exynos 990
The Snapdragon 865+ provides excellent performance, easily handling gaming, multitasking, and intensive apps without breaking a sweat. On the other hand, the Exynos 990 has been known to lag behind in certain areas, such as battery efficiency and gaming performance, leading to some frustration among global users.
Whether you’re using it for work-related multitasking or high-end gaming, the Note 20 handles everything you throw at it with ease.
8 GB RAM and 128 GB Storage
With 8 GB of RAM, the Note 20 is more than capable of keeping multiple apps open at once without noticeable slowdown. However, the lack of expandable storage might be a dealbreaker for users who want more than the base 128 GB of internal storage, as there is no microSD slot.
Pros:
– Snapdragon 865+ variant offers top-tier performance
– Multitasking is smooth, and games run flawlessly
– Ample 8 GB RAM ensures fast and responsive operations
Cons:
– Exynos 990 version lags behind Snapdragon in performance
– No expandable storage option
Camera: Versatile, But Not Groundbreaking
The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is versatile but doesn’t stand out as much as some other flagship smartphones.
Triple-Camera Setup
The Note 20 features a triple-camera system: a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens. This combination offers a good balance of zoom capabilities and ultra-wide shots, but it’s clear Samsung focused more on utility than groundbreaking innovation here.
While it takes excellent photos in well-lit environments, low-light performance doesn’t reach the heights of competitors like the iPhone 12 Pro or Google Pixel 5.
| Camera Mode | Details |
| Wide-angle | Great for everyday photography |
| Ultra-wide | Excellent for landscapes and group shots |
| Telephoto | Impressive zoom with crisp details |
| Video Recording | 8K video recording at 24fps |
Selfie Camera
The 10MP front-facing camera captures decent selfies with accurate skin tones and plenty of detail. It’s a solid performer for video calls as well.
Pros:
– Versatile camera setup with ultra-wide and telephoto
– 8K video recording capability
– Good selfie camera for both photos and video calls
Cons:
– Low-light performance is average
– Not as competitive as other flagship cameras
Battery Life: All-Day Power
The Note 20 comes with a 4,300mAh battery, which offers solid endurance, easily lasting a full day under moderate usage. The combination of a power-efficient processor (especially in the Snapdragon variant) and smart battery optimization ensures you won’t be reaching for the charger by mid-afternoon.
However, if you’re a heavy user—constantly multitasking, gaming, or watching videos—the battery might deplete faster than expected. Fortunately, the phone supports 25W fast charging, which can bring the battery back up quickly.
Pros:
– Decent all-day battery life for most users
– 25W fast charging refuels quickly
– Wireless charging support
Cons:
– Battery life can drain quickly under heavy usage
– No 45W fast charging, which is available on the Ultra model
S Pen: A Game-Changer for Productivity
One of the most iconic features of the Galaxy Note series is the S Pen, and the Note 20 offers an improved version with reduced latency, making it feel smoother and more responsive. Whether you’re jotting down notes, sketching, or editing documents, the S Pen adds a level of precision that can’t be matched by a standard touchscreen.
Improved Latency
With just 26ms of latency, using the S Pen feels more natural than ever. Samsung has also added air gestures that allow you to control the phone remotely, though they can feel gimmicky at times.
Pros:
– Reduced latency for smoother writing and drawing
– Great for productivity and creative tasks
– Air gestures offer extra control options
Cons:
– Air gestures can feel unnecessary for many users
Pros and Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
| Stunning AMOLED display with bright colors | Plastic back feels less premium |
| Snapdragon 865+ offers excellent performance | Exynos 990 lags behind in performance |
| S Pen is great for productivity | 60Hz refresh rate feels outdated |
| Versatile camera setup | No expandable storage |
| All-day battery life with fast charging | Average low-light camera performance |
| Sleek and professional design | No 45W fast charging (available on Note 20 Ultra) |
Conclusion: Is the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is a powerhouse of a smartphone with a few compromises that might matter to power users. It’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize productivity, thanks to its iconic S Pen and multitasking capabilities. However, if you’re looking for the best camera or display experience, the Note 20 Ultra might be more suitable.
Ultimately, the Note 20 delivers solid performance, beautiful design, and the productivity tools that the Galaxy Note series is famous for, but it falls short in areas like camera performance and refresh rate compared to its competitors. If you can live with these trade-offs, the Note 20 is a great all-around device.
