The Samsung Galaxy Note series has long been known for its high-end features, productivity tools, and excellent design, catering primarily to power users. The Galaxy Note20, launched in August 2020, was no exception. It entered the market alongside the Galaxy Note20 Ultra and quickly became one of the go-to devices for those looking for a versatile smartphone experience. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the performance, camera, and battery life of the Galaxy Note20, examining how it stacks up in 2024 and whether it’s still a worthy option today.
Design and Build Quality
Before diving into the technical aspects like performance, camera, and battery, let’s touch upon the design. The Galaxy Note20 was crafted with a more subdued design compared to its sibling, the Note20 Ultra. It features a 6.7-inch flat AMOLED display with a punch-hole selfie camera, giving it a modern look without the curved edges seen in the Ultra model.
Samsung opted for a polycarbonate back instead of glass, which divided opinions upon launch. While some appreciated the lighter build and reduced risk of cracking, others felt it diminished the premium feel of the device, especially given its price point. The aluminum frame, however, maintains a level of sturdiness and premium feel.
The phone’s dimensions of 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm make it comfortable to hold, though it’s still a large phone. With its Mystic color finishes, especially Mystic Bronze, the Note20 stands out as a stylish device in 2024, even if newer models with glass backs are more visually striking.
Performance Overview
Performance is one of the key pillars of any Galaxy Note device, and the Galaxy Note20 doesn’t disappoint. It is powered by the Exynos 990 chipset in most regions, while the US variant comes with the Snapdragon 865+. Both chipsets were flagship processors in 2020, designed to handle intense multitasking, gaming, and productivity applications.
Exynos 990 vs. Snapdragon 865+
The Exynos 990 faced some criticism at launch due to its perceived inferiority to the Snapdragon 865+. The Snapdragon variant consistently showed slightly better performance in benchmarks and real-world use, particularly in gaming and heavy multitasking scenarios. However, for most users, the Exynos version still offers smooth performance, handling tasks such as web browsing, social media, video streaming, and productivity apps without a hitch.
In 2024, both chipsets continue to perform well in day-to-day tasks. With 8GB of RAM, the Note20 has enough memory to keep multiple apps open simultaneously without causing slowdowns. Samsung’s One UI has been optimized well enough that even with new Android updates, the phone remains responsive and fast.
Gaming Performance
Gaming is an area where the Note20 shines. Titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Genshin Impact run smoothly on high settings, especially with the Snapdragon 865+ variant. While Exynos 990 users might experience occasional frame drops in graphically intensive games, for the most part, the phone delivers a satisfying gaming experience.
In 2024, newer flagship phones may outperform the Note20 in gaming, but it’s still a capable device for mobile gamers who don’t mind tweaking settings for the smoothest performance.
Camera Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Note20 features a triple-camera setup, which includes:
- A 12 MP f/1.8 primary camera with Dual Pixel PDAF and OIS
- A 64 MP f/2.0 telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom and 30x digital zoom
- A 12 MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera
This setup may not be as powerful as the Note20 Ultra’s cameras, but it holds its own in terms of versatility and image quality.
Primary Camera Performance
The 12 MP main sensor delivers excellent results in daylight, with vibrant colors, sharp details, and Samsung’s signature slightly saturated look. The image processing leans toward enhancing the colors for a more striking image, which some users love, while others prefer more natural tones. The Dual Pixel PDAF ensures fast and accurate autofocus, making it easy to capture sharp images of moving subjects.
In low-light conditions, the Note20 does a decent job, thanks to its larger sensor and dedicated Night Mode. While not at the same level as Google’s Pixel devices, the Note20’s Night Mode brightens up scenes effectively without introducing too much noise. The optical image stabilization (OIS) also helps in preventing blur from shaky hands, making low-light photography more forgiving.
Telephoto Camera
The 64 MP telephoto camera is a highlight, offering 3x hybrid zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. Up to 3x, images remain sharp with good color reproduction. Beyond that, the quality starts to drop, but the phone’s AI helps maintain usable shots up to 10x. The 30x Space Zoom is more of a novelty; while it can capture distant subjects, it sacrifices a significant amount of detail.
This zoom range makes the Note20 an excellent option for landscape photography and capturing distant subjects, though newer phones have pushed the envelope with better zoom technology.
Ultrawide Camera
The 12 MP ultrawide camera performs well in good lighting conditions, capturing dramatic, wide-angle shots that are perfect for landscapes or group photos. It maintains color consistency with the primary sensor, and the field of view allows for some creative compositions. However, it struggles in low light, where the lack of detail and increased noise becomes more noticeable.
Video Recording
The Note20 shines in video recording, offering 8K video at 24fps, which was groundbreaking in 2020 and still impressive today. While 8K video is not yet a common need for most users, the option exists for those who want to future-proof their recordings or enjoy ultra-high-definition footage. The phone also supports 4K at 30/60fps, which is more practical for everyday use, and Full HD recording at 240fps for slow-motion shots.
Super Steady mode, which uses the ultrawide sensor to stabilize video, is ideal for action shots or recording while moving. It does a great job in keeping footage smooth, even in challenging situations.
In 2024, while newer phones may offer better stabilization and improved video features, the Note20’s video capabilities remain competitive.
Selfie Camera
The 10 MP front-facing camera performs well in both well-lit and low-light environments. Selfies are sharp, with good dynamic range and accurate colors. The portrait mode offers solid edge detection, even when dealing with complex backgrounds. Video recording on the front camera supports 4K at 30/60fps, making it a versatile option for vloggers and content creators.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Note20 is equipped with a 4,300mAh battery, which at launch was considered decent but not class-leading. Samsung’s optimization with the Exynos and Snapdragon processors ensures efficient power management, though the phone’s large screen and powerful internals demand a lot from the battery.
Screen-on Time and Daily Use
In regular day-to-day use, including social media, video streaming, emails, and some light gaming, the Galaxy Note20 can last a full day with around 5-6 hours of screen-on time. Users who engage in heavier tasks like gaming or multitasking with multiple apps might find themselves needing to recharge by the late afternoon.
In 2024, as batteries naturally degrade, users may experience reduced battery life, potentially requiring a mid-day top-up. However, battery degradation can vary widely depending on usage patterns and charging habits.
Charging Speeds
Samsung includes 25W fast charging support with the Galaxy Note20, which allows the phone to go from 0% to around 50% in just 30 minutes. While this isn’t as fast as some competing devices offering 65W or higher charging speeds in 2024, it’s still fast enough for most users who need a quick recharge.
The phone also supports 15W wireless charging, making it convenient for users who prefer wireless charging pads or docks. Reverse wireless charging (at 4.5W) is another handy feature, allowing you to charge accessories like Galaxy Buds or a smartwatch on the back of the phone.
Software Experience
Out of the box, the Galaxy Note20 launched with Android 10 and Samsung’s One UI 2.5. In 2024, it has been updated to Android 13, and Samsung’s commitment to three years of major updates means that the device remains relevant in terms of software.
One UI is well-optimized for the Note20’s hardware, offering a smooth and intuitive experience. The S Pen, a staple feature of the Note series, is seamlessly integrated into the software. Features like Air Actions, Screen Off Memo, and Samsung Notes provide a robust productivity suite for those who like to take notes, draw, or use the stylus for navigation.
While newer Samsung devices have pushed the boundaries of what the S Pen can do, the Note20’s stylus still feels responsive and useful for everyday tasks, especially with latency as low as 26ms. For creative professionals and note-takers, the S Pen remains a strong selling point.
Final Verdict: Is the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Still Worth It in 2024?
In 2024, the Samsung Galaxy Note20 remains a solid option for users who prioritize productivity, multitasking, and a versatile camera experience. While its design may not feel as premium as some of its competitors, and the Exynos variant may fall slightly behind in performance, it still delivers a balanced and powerful experience.
The camera system, while not the absolute best in 2024, holds up well in most scenarios and remains highly capable for everyday photography and videography. The versatility provided by the primary, telephoto, and ultrawide lenses allows users to capture a wide range of shots, from landscapes to close-ups. The video recording capabilities, particularly 8K video, still stand out even years after its release.
When considering the battery life, the Galaxy Note20’s performance is adequate for most users, although heavy users may need to charge it once during the day, especially as the battery has naturally aged. The 25W fast charging and wireless charging support are convenient, but newer devices in 2024 offer faster charging solutions, making the Note20 feel a bit behind in that regard.
Pros of the Samsung Galaxy Note20 in 2024
- S Pen Integration: For productivity enthusiasts, the S Pen remains a standout feature. The precision and functionality of the stylus make it ideal for note-taking, sketching, and navigating through the UI.
- Versatile Camera Setup: With its combination of standard, telephoto, and ultrawide lenses, the Note20 offers flexibility in photography. The quality, especially in daylight, is still impressive, and the ability to shoot in 8K remains a key selling point.
- Smooth Performance: Despite being released in 2020, the Note20 can still handle most tasks with ease, especially the Snapdragon 865+ variant, which holds up in gaming and multitasking.
- Great Display: Samsung’s 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness. Even without the 120Hz refresh rate found in the Note20 Ultra, the display still feels smooth and is perfect for media consumption.
- Software Support: With Samsung’s commitment to three major Android updates, the Galaxy Note20 has received several updates and security patches, making it relevant for 2024. The One UI software remains one of the most user-friendly and customizable Android skins available.
Cons of the Samsung Galaxy Note20 in 2024
- Plastic Back Design: While the polycarbonate build is durable, it lacks the premium feel of glass backs found on other flagship devices, which might be a turn-off for some users.
- No 120Hz Refresh Rate: In 2024, many smartphones, even mid-range models, offer higher refresh rates. The Note20’s 60Hz screen feels dated in comparison, especially for users who have experienced smoother displays.
- Exynos Performance Variations: Users with the Exynos 990 version may notice slightly slower performance in comparison to newer devices, especially for gaming and heavy multitasking. The Snapdragon variant performs better but still can’t match the latest flagship chips.
- Battery Life Could Be Better: While the Note20 can last a full day for moderate users, heavy users may struggle with its battery life, especially after years of use. Newer phones with larger batteries and better efficiency can last significantly longer on a single charge.
- No MicroSD Slot: Unlike its Ultra counterpart, the Note20 doesn’t support microSD expansion, which could be limiting for users who require more storage for media, especially with the rise of 4K and 8K content.
How Does the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Compare to 2024 Competitors?
As we head into 2024, the smartphone landscape has evolved considerably. Phones now come with cutting-edge features like under-display cameras, foldable screens, and higher refresh rates. While the Galaxy Note20 is not at the bleeding edge anymore, it still holds up well in comparison to other devices in the mid- to upper-tier smartphone market.
Vs. New Flagships
When compared to the latest flagship devices from Samsung (like the Galaxy S24 or Galaxy Z Fold5), the Note20 naturally falls short in several areas, including design, camera advancements, and battery efficiency. Newer devices feature faster processors, more efficient power consumption, and higher refresh rates, making them better suited for gaming, content creation, and general future-proofing.
That said, the Note20 still offers an S Pen, which remains unique to the Note and Fold series, and it provides a superior productivity experience for those who value stylus input.
Vs. Mid-range Phones
In the mid-range segment, the Galaxy Note20 is still very competitive. Many mid-range phones in 2024 offer 120Hz refresh rates and improved battery life but often sacrifice build quality, display quality, or camera versatility. The Note20’s AMOLED screen, versatile camera, and premium performance still make it a solid contender against mid-range phones that may have cut corners in other areas.
Additionally, the availability of the Note20 at a reduced price in 2024 makes it an attractive option for those seeking flagship performance and features without the premium price tag of newer models.
Who Is the Galaxy Note20 Best Suited For in 2024?
The Galaxy Note20 is still an excellent option for several types of users:
- Productivity Enthusiasts: The S Pen remains one of the best tools for productivity on a smartphone. Whether you’re sketching, taking notes, or using it as a remote control, the S Pen’s functionality is a major advantage.
- Content Creators: While the camera system is no longer top-of-the-line, it’s versatile enough for those who create content regularly. The ability to shoot in 8K and take excellent wide-angle or zoomed-in shots adds value for photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Samsung Loyalists: If you’re a fan of Samsung’s ecosystem and One UI, the Galaxy Note20 offers a familiar experience with the bonus of an S Pen. It integrates seamlessly with other Samsung products like the Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds, and SmartThings.
- Power Users: With 8GB of RAM, the Note20 can handle heavy multitasking and gaming. Even though it may not be the fastest device on the market, it remains highly capable for demanding tasks.
- Users on a Budget Looking for Flagship Features: In 2024, the Note20 has seen price drops, making it a great option for those who want flagship features like a great display, a powerful camera system, and a stylus without paying top-tier prices.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Note20 may not be the flashiest or most cutting-edge phone in 2024, but it still packs a punch. Its performance, especially with the Snapdragon 865+ variant, holds up well, the camera system remains versatile, and the S Pen integration provides an experience that few other phones can match.
While there are more advanced smartphones available today with better displays, faster processors, and improved battery life, the Note20 continues to offer a well-rounded experience for power users, content creators, and anyone who values productivity.
For those who can live without the latest and greatest features, the Samsung Galaxy Note20 offers excellent value in 2024. It’s a testament to how well-built and well-thought-out the Note series has always been, delivering a flagship experience that remains relevant years after its initial release.