The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If you want a Samsung phone with an S Pen stored inside it, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the closest current alternative to the Galaxy Note20. Its included pen stays in the phone and does not need pairing or charging, but it lacks Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Air Actions, so it cannot reproduce every feature of an older Note S Pen. The Galaxy Z Fold6 is a conditional choice if you want a folding screen and are willing to carry a separate compatible S Pen Fold Edition. The newer Galaxy Z Fold7 does not support the S Pen.
Which Note20 alternative should you choose?
- Choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra if your priority is the Note’s built-in pen convenience: the S Pen comes included and stored in the handset.
- Consider the Galaxy Z Fold6 if you specifically want a foldable screen for writing or multitasking, and are comfortable carrying a separate S Pen Fold Edition.
- Look at an older Galaxy S Ultra only if you are open to an older or refurbished device. Samsung lists S21 Ultra and later S Ultra generations in its compatibility guidance, but pen storage and included accessories vary by model.
- Do not choose the Galaxy Z Fold7 for S Pen use. Samsung says it does not support the S Pen.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: the closest match for an integrated S Pen
Samsung says the Galaxy S26 Ultra includes an S Pen pre-installed in its designated slot. The pen stays stored in the phone and does not rely on Bluetooth, so it does not need pairing or charging. For someone accustomed to having the Note20’s stylus always with the handset, that integrated arrangement is the most direct fit among these options. Samsung’s S26 Ultra S Pen guidance and product information describe the arrangement.
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What changes from the Note20 pen
The S26 Ultra S Pen does not support BLE or Air Actions, according to Samsung. If you used the Note20 stylus as a remote control—for example, to trigger a camera shutter or control a presentation—treat that as a meaningful loss rather than assuming the newer phone reproduces those functions. The S26 Ultra can still provide an integrated pen, but the pen’s feature set is not identical to every earlier S Pen.
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Samsung’s 2020 Note20 launch material specifies a 0.7 mm pen tip and 4,096 pressure levels. These are specifications, not evidence that the Note20 and S26 Ultra offer identical writing feel or real-world performance. Samsung’s Note20 launch announcement
#1 Best Overall
- The Galaxy Note20 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with Full HD+ resolution and HDR10+ support, offering bright, vibrant colors and sharp detail, making it perfect for productivity, streaming, and gaming.
Size to consider
Samsung Electronics’ 2026 interim report lists the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a 6.9-inch screen and a weight of 214 g. Those figures give a concrete sense of the phone’s dimensions, but they do not establish how it will feel compared with a Note20 in your hand or pocket. Samsung Electronics 2026 interim report
Galaxy Z Fold6: a separate-pen option for a folding screen
The Galaxy Z Fold6 supports the S Pen Fold Edition, but the pen is separate rather than housed in the phone. Samsung’s compatibility guidance lists the Fold Edition for Galaxy Z Fold3 through Z Fold6. If you choose the Fold6, confirm that the stylus listing is specifically for a compatible S Pen Fold Edition and plan how you will carry it. Samsung’s S Pen compatibility guidance
Rank #2
- The Galaxy Note20 Ultra features a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Quad HD+ resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and HDR10+ support, offering incredibly smooth visuals, vibrant colors, and precise touch response, perfect for gaming, media, and professional work.
This option makes sense when the larger folding display is itself a reason to switch—such as for writing alongside other content or multitasking—and you accept the extra accessory. It is less convenient than a Note-style phone whose pen is always stored in the handset.
Why the Galaxy Z Fold7 is not an S Pen alternative
Samsung states that the Galaxy Z Fold7 does not support the S Pen. Its folding form factor may appeal if screen area is your priority, but it does not meet the requirement of using a Samsung S Pen for writing or drawing. Samsung’s S Pen compatibility guidance
Rank #3
- 6.9 inch, 3088 x 1440 (Quad HD plus), Infinity-O Super AMOLED plus Display, 4500mAh Battery, Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0
- 128GB ROM, 12GB RAM, microSDXC Card Slot, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G plus (7nm plus), Octa-Core, Adreno 650
- Rear Camera: 108MP, f/1.8 plus 12MP, f/3.0, 5x optical zoom, 50x hybrid zoom plus 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), Front Camera: 10MP, f/2.2
- 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: B1(2100),B2(1900),B3(1800),B4(AWS),B5(850),B7(2600),B8(900),B12(700),B13(700),B14(700),B18(800),B19(800),B20(800),B25(1900),B26(850),B28(700),B29(700),B30(2300),B38(2600),B39(1900),B40(2300),B41(2500),B46(5200),B66(AWS-3), 5G: 2/5/41/66/71/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Single SIM
- Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT andT, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon and Sprint.
Older Galaxy S Ultra phones and compatibility caveats
Samsung’s guidance lists the Galaxy S21 Ultra and later S Ultra generations among compatible S Pen devices. That makes an older Ultra a possible path for buyers willing to consider a previous-generation or refurbished phone, but compatibility alone does not tell you whether the pen is stored in the device, included in the box, or capable of the features you expect. Those details differ by model and pen. Check the exact phone-and-stylus combination before buying. Samsung’s S Pen compatibility guidance and Samsung’s S Pen types and compatibility information
Current prices, stock, refurbished condition, regional availability, and software-support runway are not established here, so compare those for your market and the specific device listing rather than assuming an older model is a better-value buy.
Rank #4
- 6.7", 2400 x 1080 (FHD+), Infinity-O Super AMOLED+ Display, 4300mAh Battery, Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0
- 128GB ROM, 8GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7nm+), Octa-Core, Adreno 650
- Rear Camera: 12MP, f/1.8 + 64MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom + 12MP, f/2.2, Front Camera: 10 MP, f/2.2
- 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: B1(2100),B2(1900),B3(1800),B4(AWS),B5(850),B7(2600),B8(900),B12(700),B13(700),B14(700),B18(800),B19(800),B20(800),B25(1900),B26(850),B28(700),B29(700),B30(2300),B38(2600),B39(1900),B40(2300),B41(2500),B46(5200),B66(AWS-3), 5G: 2/5/41/66/71/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Single SIM
- Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon and Sprint.
Check the pen features you actually use
Before switching, list the Note20 S Pen tasks you rely on. Basic writing convenience, phone-integrated storage, and remote controls are separate considerations; a compatible S Pen does not guarantee feature parity across devices. Samsung’s compatibility and pen-type guidance should be checked against the exact model and stylus, particularly if a specific remote or control feature matters. Samsung’s S Pen types and compatibility information
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A tablet with an S Pen can supplement a phone when you want a larger writing surface, but it is not a direct substitute for a pen-carrying phone. Likewise, a generic capacitive stylus does not establish compatibility with Samsung’s S Pen digitizer features.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This pre-owned product has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon qualified vendors.
- This product is in "Excellent condition". The screen and body show no signs of cosmetic damage visible from 12 inches away.
- This product will have a battery that exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
At a glance
| Option | Pen arrangement | Best fit | Key qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | S Pen included and stored in the phone | Note-style convenience with a built-in pen | No BLE or Air Actions on its S Pen, according to Samsung. |
| Galaxy Z Fold6 | Compatible S Pen Fold Edition is separate | People who want a folding screen as well as pen use | Confirm the compatible Fold Edition model and carrying setup. |
| Galaxy Z Fold7 | No S Pen support | People prioritizing a foldable display over stylus use | Not an S Pen alternative. |
| Older Galaxy S Ultra models | Varies by model | Buyers considering an older compatible phone | Check storage, included accessories, features, condition, availability, and support for the specific model. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
