Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G SM- N986U Factory Unlocked Android Cell Phone | White 128GB Review

The refurbished Galaxy Note20 Ultra is a powerhouse deal for stylus users and media lovers. Its 108MP camera and stunning 6.9-inch display rank in the top 5% of all phones. At $700, you get flagship-grade hardware from 2020 without the flagship price. Just know you're trading the latest software for proven, elite specs.

The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is a refurbished flagship that still punches way above its weight class. We're talking about a phone that launched as a top-tier productivity and creative powerhouse, and even now, its core specs hold up remarkably well. It's got that massive 6.9-inch display, a 108MP camera sensor, and 12GB of RAM, which are features you'd be hard-pressed to find in a new phone at this $700 price point. This isn't just an old phone getting a second life; it's a specific kind of deal for a specific kind of user.

If you're someone who values a big, beautiful screen for media, needs serious multitasking muscle, and wants a stylus (the S Pen is still a killer feature) without paying four figures, this Note20 Ultra is a compelling proposition. It's for the note-taker, the sketcher, the person who edits documents on the go and wants a phone that feels like a tiny workstation. The fact that it's refurbished and unlocked means you're getting a premium experience without the premium carrier contract or the brand-new price tag.

What makes it interesting is the sheer imbalance of its strengths. Our database shows it scoring in the 98th percentile for camera capability and the 95th for both display and battery life. That's elite-tier performance in three critical areas. But it's also a phone from 2020, so you're trading the latest chipset and software update promises for that raw, proven hardware. It's a fascinating trade-off, and for the right person, it's a no-brainer.

Let's talk numbers. That octa-core processor might not have the latest model number, but it's no slouch. Our performance percentile sits at a solid 76th, which means it's still faster than three-quarters of the phones in our comparison database. In real-world use, that translates to smooth app switching, capable mobile gaming, and no real lag when you've got a dozen Chrome tabs open alongside your notes app. The 12GB of RAM is the real hero here, ensuring that heavy multitasking with the S Pen and split-screen apps feels fluid, not frustrating.

The benchmarks that really shine are in the areas Samsung nailed back in 2020. That 108MP main camera sensor lands it in the 98th percentile. You're getting incredible detail in good light, and the ability to shoot 8K video is still a rarity, even if it's more of a party trick for most people. The 4500mAh battery scores in the 95th percentile, and in our experience, that translates to a full day of heavy use with the big screen and stylus, no problem. The display, also in the 95th percentile, is a stunner—bright, colorful, and impossibly sharp for watching videos or reviewing your high-res photos.

At $700 for a refurbished unit, the Note20 Ultra presents a unique value argument. You are not buying the latest software or processor, but you are buying into hardware that was, and in many ways still is, top-of-the-line. Where else can you get a 108MP camera, a 6.9-inch QHD+ display, and 12GB of RAM for this price? New phones in this range typically compromise on one or more of those areas.

The value is all about perspective. If having the absolute latest Android version and longest guaranteed update path is your top priority, this isn't it. But if you want a massive screen, a fantastic camera, and the unique S Pen functionality in a package that feels premium, $700 is a very compelling entry point for what was once a $1300 phone. The included 30-day return policy on this refurbished model also adds a nice safety net.

Stacked against its listed competitors, the Note20 Ultra carves out a niche. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE will have a newer chip and longer software support, but its camera and display likely won't match the Note20 Ultra's peak specs. The Google Pixel 10 will destroy it in computational photography and clean software, but you'll lose the S Pen and the expansive screen real estate. The OnePlus 15 will probably offer smoother performance and faster charging, but again, no stylus and likely a less impressive display.

The trade-off is clear: you're choosing proven, elite-tier hardware and a unique productivity tool over having the very latest silicon and software promises. Compared to something like the Motorola Moto G, there's no contest—the Note20 Ultra is in a different league in every way except maybe price. Against a base model Apple iPhone 16e, you're trading the cohesive Apple ecosystem for more RAM, a bigger and sharper screen, and the flexibility of Android and the S Pen.

You should skip the Note20 Ultra if you're a mobile gamer who needs the highest possible frame rates in the latest titles. While its performance is solid (76th percentile), it's not cutting-edge, and newer chips in phones like the OnePlus 15 will offer a smoother experience. Also, if you're the type of person who gets anxious about not having the latest Android version or security update the day it drops, this phone will stress you out. Its software journey is largely complete.

Instead, look at the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE for a more modern Samsung experience with longer update support, or the Google Pixel 10 for the cleanest, most up-to-date Android software and arguably the best point-and-shoot camera. The Note20 Ultra is for those who value specific, proven hardware features over being on the absolute bleeding edge.

For the digital note-taker, the mobile creative, or anyone who just loves a gigantic, beautiful screen, this refurbished Note20 Ultra is an easy recommendation. The combination of the S Pen, that display, and the capable camera is a workflow package that's hard to find anywhere else near this price. It feels like a specialized tool that still performs its main jobs brilliantly.

However, if you're a specs-chaser who needs the absolute latest chip for the highest frame rates in new games, or if you plan to keep this phone for 4+ years and need the longest possible software update life, you should look at newer models like the S25 FE or a Pixel. This is a phone for appreciating what's in front of you—a fantastic screen, great battery, and a great camera—not for worrying about what's coming next year.