Galaxy Note20 Review: 6 standout features in the latest phones from Samsung
What are the latest phones from Samsung?
The newest phones from Samsung include the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G and the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G.
Both phones build on the strong foundation of the Note series and offer a premium experience for people who want to do more, watch more and play more – at any time, from any place.
With a super-responsive stylus, next-generation Notes app and tighter PC integration - these new flagship phones from Samsung take productivity to a whole new level. Add the speed of 5G and you have a performance power-house in the palm of your hand.
Differences between the Note20 5G and Note20 Ultra 5G
It’s no surprise that both Note20 phones are beautifully designed with immersive, uninterrupted displays, powerful S Pens and onboard smarts that make working and playing easier than ever – but what are the key differences between the Note20 5G and the Note20 Ultra 5G?
Here’s a snapshot of the specs so you can see what separates the two:
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G
- 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen
- 60Hz refresh rate
- 64MP camera
- 4300 mAh battery
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
- 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 180MP camera
- 4500 mAh battery
Both phones are best-of-breed, but the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G offers the biggest screen display, the most advanced camera and pushes the boundaries of mobile performance - in many ways, it's like the Note version of the popular Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra.
The Galaxy Note20 5G packs a lot of the same features as the Note20 Ultra 5G (evolved S Pen, improved Notes app, PC capabilities) but it has a smaller display and comes at a cheaper price point.
Standout features in the latest phones from Samsung
Sometimes a feature, or a particular set of features, is enough for you to throw caution to the wind and upgrade your phone – because, in these trying times, you deserve it.
But what makes the latest phones from Samsung worth the effort?
Here are six compelling reasons to put a new Note20 on your shopping list.
1. Mystic colour palette to delight the senses
Colour plays a vital part in our world, it can sway thinking, spark joy and soothe weary eyes. All of this is especially true when that colour is Mystic Bronze or Mystic Green - the signature colours of the latest phones from Samsung.
Throw in a totally touchable satin texture, and you have not just a phone but a timeless and desirable fashion accessory.
From Telstra, you can get the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G in calming Mystic Green or moody Mystic Grey:
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G
The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is available in Mystic Bronze or the go-with-anything Mystic Black:
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
2. New Air Actions with the super-charged S Pen
If you already love the Note series S Pen, prepare to be blown away by the newest evolution. From scribbling notes to taking screenshots and navigating presentations – it’s part pen and part magic wand.
You can use the S Pen to control apps remotely (via Bluetooth):1
- Move through a presentation
- Turn your music up or down
- Play and pause a video
- Zoom in or out with your camera
- Scroll through photos
Samsung has expanded the repertoire of Air Actions with customisable gestures that work no matter which apps are running. The Galaxy Note10 series offered six gestures and the Note20 adds five more:
- Back - Left and back
- Recent App – Right and back
- Home - Up and down
- Smart Select - Down and up - perform actions on selected areas (capture the best part of a video and make an animated GIF)
- Screen Write – Shake to take a screenshot and annotate with text or drawings
The low latency of the new S Pen makes it incredibly responsive too. Combined with the 120Hz refresh rate (on the Note20 Ultra 5G) this translates to an unbelievably smooth writing experience that rivals scribbling with a real pen on real paper.
Maybe your handwriting is a little skewed, not to worry, set it straight with a tap of your S Pen. Go a step further and convert your scribbles into copy-and-paste-able text. Drop the text in a PowerPoint or Word doc and streamline your workflow like a boss.
3. Pro-grade camera with 8K video and advanced zoom
The Galaxy Note20 5G and Note20 Ultra 5G give you everything you need to take professional-level photos. Large image sensors deliver rich quality images, even in dim conditions. If you're far away from the action, you can still get up close with the Super Resolution zoom.
A new advanced laser AF sensor in the Note20 Ultra lets you focus on your subject faster and with greater accuracy - so you don't miss out on those precious fleeting moments.
You can use Pro Video mode to capture your world in glorious 8K resolution, then zoom in to crop a super sharp photo.2
How? Record the 8K video, play it in the Gallery app, tap Capture on a frame and save as high resolution - it’s as easy as that.
| Features | Note20 5G | Note20 Ultra 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP, F2.2 | 12 MP, F2.2 |
| Camera | 12 MP, F1.8 | 108 MP, F1.8 |
| Telephoto camera | 64 MP, F2.0 | 12 MP, F3.0 |
| Zoom | 3x Hybrid Optic Zoom 30x Super Resolution Zoom 3 |
5x Optical Zoom 50x Super Resolution Zoom4 |
| Front camera | 10 MP, 1.22, F2.2 | 10 MP, F2.2 |
| Depth | Enhanced with Laser AF |
4. Ultimate productivity with Samsung Notes
With the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G and Note20 Ultra 5G – the productivity gains just keep on coming. You can handwrite a note on your phone and access it on your tablet or PC 5 (via your favourite apps like Microsoft OneNote).
Your notes are automatically synced across devices so you can keep going where you left off. It’s all managed through Samsung cloud and there’s no need to hit the save button. Turn auto-sync on or off to suit the way you work. 6
Reviewing PDFs for work or study?
Import them into your Samsung Notes app and annotate with memos, images or voice recordings – stay organised and work wherever you are.
You can also scribble notes on your phone and export to PowerPoint. Go from brainstorming to polished presentation in a few easy steps.
5. Turn your phone into a PC with Samsung DeX
Blur the line between phone and computer with Samsung DeX, a service that lets you connect your phone to an external display like a Smart TV or monitor. Previously, you needed a DeX Station, DeX Pad or USB cable to make the magic happen. Not anymore.
The latest phones from Samsung can connect wirelessly to an external display via Wi-Fi.
This means you can use your phone normally while it runs the DeX interface on your Smart TV - super handy if you want to watch a video or presentation on the big screen while taking notes and sending messages on your phone.
To power up your productivity, you can connect a mouse and keyboard and use your TV as a monitor.
6. Faster downloads and smoother streaming with 5G
5G is baked into the latest smartphones from Samsung. When you’re in a 5G coverage area, with a 5G plan, you can expect better streaming and responsive gaming.
With a Galaxy Note20 5G or Note20 Ultra 5G on Australia’s best 5G network, you’ll be at the forefront of what’s possible with mobile phone technology – primed for work, play and whatever the future brings.
Telstra currently offers 5G in select areas and is progressively rolling it out to other areas. In non-5G coverage areas, you'll automatically switch to our 4GX/4G or 3G.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Note 10+ 5G has a 6.8-inch display, 60 Hz refresh rate, 16MP camera, and a 4300mAh battery.The Note20 Ultra 5G has a 6.9-inch display, 120Hz refresh rate, 108MP camera, and a 4500mAh battery.
Yes. All phones in the Samsung Galaxy Note20 range are water-resistant. They meet the international standard rating of IP68, which means they’re resistant to submersion up to a maximum depth of 1.5m in freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
Are Samsung Galaxy Note20 phones dual SIM?
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G devices offer dual SIM capabilities, giving you the freedom to have two separate mobile plans (one physical SIM and one eSIM) on one device. One SIM can be 5G enabled at any given time, the second service will not automatically connect to the 5G network. You can manually configure the preferred SIM to allow 5G service.
The Samsung Note20 phones do not have a 3.5mm headphone jack and headphones are not supplied in the box.
1. Compared to previous Note models. S Pen remote function is designed to reach up to 10 metres in an open space. Performance subject to circumstances including frequency of usage on a single charge.
2. To view videos in 8K quality, a compatible 8K device is required (sold separately).
3. 30x zoom only on Galaxy Note20 and includes digital zoom, which may cause some image deterioration.
4. 50x zoom only on Galaxy Note20 Ultra and includes digital zoom, which may cause some image deterioration.
5. Compatible with tablets running Android 7.0 (Nougat) and higher and PC running Windows 10.
6. Samsung account and internet connection required for note synchronisation. Samsung Notes app is available on compatible Samsung Galaxy tablet models and PCs. Data usage costs may apply.