Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G SM-N986UZNAXAA Review

The last true Note is a stylus-wielding titan that still holds its own. Buy it if the pen is your priority, but know you're investing in a legend, not the latest tech.

The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is a powerhouse that refuses to be forgotten, even years after its release. The one thing you need to know? It's the ultimate 'do everything' phone for people who actually want to do everything. If you need a stylus, a pro-grade camera, and desktop-level multitasking in your pocket, this is still the blueprint. It's not a subtle device, and it's not trying to be.

We crunched the numbers, and the Snapdragon 865+ paired with 12GB of RAM still holds up incredibly well. It lands in the 94th percentile for performance, which means it feels fast and fluid for daily tasks and gaming. The real surprise is how that 120Hz display makes everything feel buttery smooth, even compared to some newer phones. It doesn't have the latest chip, but you'd be hard-pressed to notice in real-world use.

At $1300, the value proposition is tricky. You're not getting the latest processor or the longest software support. You are, however, getting a uniquely capable tool that no current phone replicates perfectly. If the S Pen is non-negotiable for you, this is worth it. If not, your money goes further with newer flagships.

Compared to the Google Pixel 10, you lose out on computational photography magic and clean software updates, but you gain the S Pen, expandable storage, and far more powerful hardware. Next to a Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, you get a more premium build, a sharper screen, and the stylus, but the FE will have a newer chip and likely better battery life. The OnePlus 15 might beat it on raw speed and charging, but it can't touch the camera versatility or productivity features. This phone exists in its own niche.

If you want a compact phone, look away now. This thing is a phablet. Also, if you just want the latest chipset and the longest possible software support straight from Google, go get a Pixel 10. This phone is for stylus enthusiasts and Samsung power users, not spec-chasers.

We recommend the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, but only to a specific crowd. If you're an artist, a note-taker, a power user who needs desktop integration, or someone who just has to have the best camera zoom possible, this phone is still a brilliant, if expensive, choice. For everyone else, a modern flagship or even a high-end 'FE' model is a smarter, more future-proof buy.