# Samsung Galaxy Note 20
The **Samsung Galaxy Note 20** is an Android phablet developed by [Samsung Electronics](https://www.edgepedia.org/samsung-electronics), announced on August 5, 2020 at the company's first fully online Galaxy Unpacked event as the successor to the [Galaxy Note 10](https://www.edgepedia.org/samsung-galaxy-note-10). It shipped in two versions, the standard Galaxy Note20 and the higher-specification Galaxy Note20 Ultra, and was the last Note series to be released before Samsung folded the line into the Galaxy S Ultra series the following year.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Announced | August 5, 2020, at Samsung's first online-only Galaxy Unpacked event[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/) |
| Availability | US sales from August 21, 2020; Hong Kong launch August 28, 2020[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/) • [2](https://www.samsung.com/hk_en/news/product/samsung-galaxy-note20-series-5g-smartphones-to-officially-launch-on-aug-28/) |
| US pricing | Note20 from $999.99; Note20 Ultra from $1,299.99[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/) |
| Display | Note20: 6.7-inch flat FHD+ (2400x1080), 393ppi; Ultra: 6.9-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3088x1440), 496ppi, 120Hz[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865+ (7nm) with SDX55 modem, varying by market and carrier[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/) |
| Memory and battery | Note20: 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, 4,300mAh; Ultra: 12GB RAM, 128GB or 512GB, 4,500mAh[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/) |
| Software | Android 10 with Samsung One UI 2.5 preinstalled[3](https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsung-Galaxy-Note20-Review-Not-always-better-than-the-Note10.496540.0.html) |
## Announcement and release
Samsung revealed the Note20 series, alongside the Galaxy Tab S7, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Buds Live, and Galaxy Z Fold2, during a livestreamed Unpacked event on August 5, 2020, its first Unpacked held entirely online[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/). Pre-orders in the United States opened on August 6, and the phones went on sale on August 21, 2020 in carrier and Unlocked by Samsung versions[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/) • [4](https://www.axios.com/2020/08/05/samsung-debuts-note-20-new-foldable-smartphone). In Hong Kong the series reached stores on August 28, 2020[2](https://www.samsung.com/hk_en/news/product/samsung-galaxy-note20-series-5g-smartphones-to-officially-launch-on-aug-28/), and Yonhap reported a global launch on August 21[5](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200821002100320).
US pre-order customers received a $100 Samsung Credit with the Note20 5G or $150 with the Note20 Ultra 5G, redeemable toward bundles including an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate package with a [Bluetooth](https://www.edgepedia.org/bluetooth) controller[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/). Carriers ran their own promotions, including a buy-one-get-one deal from Verizon and up to $1,000 off with a qualifying trade-in and 30-month commitment from AT&T[4](https://www.axios.com/2020/08/05/samsung-debuts-note-20-new-foldable-smartphone).
## Hardware
**Displays.** The standard Note20 has a 6.7-inch flat FHD+ Infinity-O display with 2400x1080 resolution and 393ppi, while the Ultra has a 6.9-inch edge Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel at 3088x1440 and 496ppi[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/). The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which adjusts to the content on screen to conserve battery, was reserved for the Ultra; the standard model's display was a frequent point of criticism in reviews, with Tom's Guide noting the ordinary refresh rate as a compromise buyers of the cheaper model accepted[6](https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-note-20).
**Processors and memory.** Both models use the Snapdragon 865+ system on a chip built on a 7nm process with the SDX55 modem, with the chip varying by market and carrier[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/). The Note20 ships with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB of storage; the Ultra offers 12GB of RAM with 128GB or 512GB of storage. MicroSD expansion, up to 1TB, is available only on the Ultra[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/).
**Batteries and charging.** The Note20 carries a 4,300mAh (typical) battery and the Ultra 4,500mAh, with rated minimum capacities of 4170mAh and 4370mAh respectively under the IEC 61960 standard[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/). Samsung stated that Super Fast Charging delivers more than 50% charge in 30 minutes, and both models support Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 and Wireless PowerShare[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/).
**Dimensions.** The Note20 measures 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3mm and weighs 194g; the Ultra measures 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1mm and weighs 208g[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/).
## Cameras
The Note20 has a triple rear camera: a 12MP wide-angle camera with a 1/1.76-inch sensor and dual-pixel autofocus, a 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view, and a 64MP telephoto camera supporting 3x hybrid optic zoom and up to 30x Super Resolution zoom[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/). The Ultra replaces the wide camera with a 108MP sensor on a 1/1.33-inch chip and the telephoto with a 12MP periscope unit offering 5x optical zoom and up to 50x Super Resolution zoom[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/). Both models record 8K video with a [21:9 aspect ratio](https://www.edgepedia.org/21-9-aspect-ratio) option and 24fps recording, and Pro Video mode offers 120fps video at FHD resolution plus control over focus, audio, exposure, and zoom speed[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/).
## S Pen and software features
The [S Pen](https://www.edgepedia.org/s-pen) remains the Note series' defining accessory. On the Note20 series it offers 4096 pressure levels, a 0.7mm pen tip, Bluetooth connectivity, and an improved, lower-latency writing experience[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/) • [7](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0_gU5G7WII). Five new Anywhere actions allow touchless navigation, such as returning to the home screen or taking a screenshot, with a gesture, and the pen works from roughly 10 meters away in open space[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/).
The Samsung Notes app gained auto-save and syncing across phone, tablet, and Windows 10 PC, PDF annotation, audio recording tied to handwritten notes, and handwriting straightening[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/). Microsoft's Your Phone app with Link to Windows integration lets users run mobile apps from a Windows 10 PC, and Samsung Notes later synced with [Microsoft OneNote](https://www.edgepedia.org/microsoft-onenote) and Outlook[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/).
**Wireless DeX and UWB.** For the first time, [Samsung DeX](https://www.edgepedia.org/samsung-dex) could connect wirelessly to a [Smart TV](https://www.edgepedia.org/smart-tv), allowing two screens to be managed at once[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/). The Note20 Ultra was also the first Galaxy device with ultra-wideband (UWB) radio: pointing it at other UWB-equipped Galaxy devices brings the people being faced to the top of the Nearby Share panel[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/).
## Gaming
Samsung positioned the series as a gaming device, citing its AI game booster, Bluetooth audio response optimization, and 240Hz touch sampling on the Ultra[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/). From September 15, 2020, the phones supported streaming more than 100 Xbox games from the cloud (beta) through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, including titles such as [Minecraft Dungeons](https://www.edgepedia.org/minecraft-dungeons) and [Gears 5](https://www.edgepedia.org/gears-5)[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/). Tom's Guide noted the phone was part of Microsoft's $15-per-month Xbox Game Pass Beta program for streaming Xbox and PC titles[6](https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-note-20).
## Colors and reception
The Note20 came in Mystic Bronze, Mystic Gray, and Mystic Green, and the Ultra in Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black, and Mystic White, with a textured haze finish intended to reduce fingerprints and smudges[1](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/). Reviewers judged the standard Note20 a practical productivity choice that omits some of the Ultra's features, such as the 120Hz display and microSD slot, to reach a lower price[6](https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-note-20). Notebookcheck's review found the Note20 was not always better than its predecessor, the Note10, in every measured respect[3](https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsung-Galaxy-Note20-Review-Not-always-better-than-the-Note10.496540.0.html).
## References
1. [Samsung Unveils Five New Power Devices in the Galaxy Ecosystem To Empower Your Work and Play, Samsung Newsroom US](https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-unveils-five-devices-unpacked-galaxy-ecosystem-galaxy-note20-ultra-galaxy-z-fold2/)
2. [Samsung Galaxy Note20 Series 5G Smartphones to Officially Launch on Aug 28, Samsung Hong Kong](https://www.samsung.com/hk_en/news/product/samsung-galaxy-note20-series-5g-smartphones-to-officially-launch-on-aug-28/)
3. [Samsung Galaxy Note20 Review, Notebookcheck](https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsung-Galaxy-Note20-Review-Not-always-better-than-the-Note10.496540.0.html)
4. [Samsung debuts Note 20, new foldable smartphone, Axios](https://www.axios.com/2020/08/05/samsung-debuts-note-20-new-foldable-smartphone)
5. [Samsung launches Galaxy Note 20 phablet globally, Yonhap News Agency](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200821002100320)
6. [Samsung Galaxy Note 20 review, Tom's Guide](https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-note-20)
7. [SAMSUNG NOTE 20 / NOTE 20 ULTRA: 120Hz and improved S Pen, SmartWorld (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0_gU5G7WII)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Sports, games, and recreation › Video games and digital play › Platforms and hardware › Handhelds, mobile, and peripherals › Mobile phone and smartphone gaming hardware*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 21, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 21, 2026 · Last review: Oct 21, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license