A used Samsung Galaxy Note20 can be worth buying in 2026 if you specifically want a large phone with an S Pen, the individual device passes inspection, and the price reflects its age. Its software support is the main caution: Samsung’s records for two specific Note20 5G variants show Android 13 and an August 2025 security patch, but those records do not establish the update status of every carrier or regional model. If you need a phone with demonstrated security support for several more years, compare other options before paying.
What “Galaxy Note 20” are you buying?
The standard Galaxy Note20 and Galaxy Note20 Ultra are different phones. Samsung’s US datasheet describes the standard Note20 5G as having a 6.7-inch flat FHD+ display, and Samsung lists separate specifications for the Ultra. Check the model number in the phone’s Settings and match it against the seller’s listing before you assess condition or buy accessories. Samsung’s Note20 and Note20 Ultra specifications and its Note20 5G series datasheet distinguish the models.
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How much does software support matter?
Samsung’s firmware records list Android 13 and security patch level 2025-08-01 for the US unlocked Galaxy Note20 5G SM-N981U1 and the international SM-N980F; both entries are dated 2025-09-02. These are variant-specific records, not a universal update cutoff or a guarantee of matching timing for every carrier and region. Before buying, check the exact model and the security patch date installed on that phone against Samsung’s SM-N981U1 firmware record or Samsung’s SM-N980F firmware record, as appropriate.
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Samsung says selected devices receive security updates on monthly, quarterly, or biannual schedules. Its January 2024 announcement describes support of up to seven years for eligible Galaxy devices, but that newer commitment does not establish that the older Note20 qualifies. Check Samsung’s current security update scope rather than assuming the newer policy applies to this model.
#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.
What to check before you pay
- Confirm the model and ownership status. Open Settings to verify the model number and compare it with the listing. Confirm whether the phone is the standard Note20 or Note20 Ultra, whether it is carrier-locked, and whether its IMEI status is acceptable using an appropriate local service.
- Inspect the screen and touch response. Look for cracks, dead pixels, burn-in, discoloration, and areas that do not respond to touch. Check the display at more than one brightness level.
- Test the S Pen. Confirm the pen is included, writes across the screen, and can be removed and reinserted. Samsung’s Note20 support resources include S Pen nib help.
- Assess the battery and charging. Ask whether the battery has been replaced, test charging, and run Samsung Members diagnostics if available. Samsung provides battery diagnostic guidance; a diagnostic result can help assess condition, but it cannot guarantee future runtime.
- Test the functions you will rely on. Check every camera, the speakers and microphones, buttons, fingerprint reader, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connection. Confirm carrier and network compatibility for your location.
- Inspect the port and included items. Check the USB-C port and verify which accessories come with the phone. Cases and screen protectors must explicitly fit the standard Note20 or Note20 Ultra, as applicable.
- Protect yourself if you cannot inspect in person. Request current photos and a video showing the phone powering on, touch response, cameras, charging, and S Pen use. Prefer a seller with clear return terms.
How to judge the asking price
There is no defensible current market-price figure established here. Compare local listings for the same model, storage, condition, and carrier status rather than treating any one asking price as a typical value. Account for the phone’s software status, battery condition or replacement history, screen condition and potential repair cost, network compatibility, included S Pen, and the seller’s return or warranty terms. A low price does not offset a device that fails checks you consider essential.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should buy one—and who should pass?
Consider a used Note20 if you specifically want its S Pen and large-screen experience, have confirmed the exact variant works with your network, and find an inspected device at a price that reflects its age and support status. Pass or compare other phones if your priority is demonstrated security support for several more years. For any individual listing, condition, compatibility, and return options matter more than the model name alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- Item Is For Use On The Verizon Wireless Network Only And Will Not Work With Other Service Providers.
- Product Type-Cellular Phone
- Package Quantity-1
- Package Weight-0.9700339528 Lbs
Rank #3
- 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.
Rank #2
- 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.
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.
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