When Samsung released the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra back in 2020, it was widely regarded as the pinnacle of productivity and multimedia smartphone experiences. Packed with a top-tier display, the iconic S Pen, and a premium design, it quickly became a fan favorite. Fast forward to 2025, and now we have the Galaxy S24 Ultra — Samsung’s newest flagship that aims to push the envelope even further with bleeding-edge technology. But how do these two titans compare? If you’re still clutching your Note 20 Ultra or looking to upgrade, this in-depth analysis should help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The design language of Samsung’s flagship phones has evolved significantly over the past five years. The Note 20 Ultra featured a massive 6.9-inch display, squared-off edges, and a mystic bronze finish that turned heads. However, compared to the S24 Ultra, it now looks a bit dated and bulky.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a cleaner aesthetic, with flatter sides and a slightly curved edge-to-edge screen. Samsung now uses Armor Aluminum 2.0 and an improved Gorilla Glass Victus 3 on the front and back. It’s also thinner and lighter despite housing even more tech.
- Note 20 Ultra: 208g, Gorilla Glass Victus, IP68 rating
- S24 Ultra: 195g, Gorilla Glass Victus 3, IP68 rating
Verdict: The S24 Ultra is more refined and lighter, offering better durability and more ergonomic handling.
Display Technology
Samsung has always led the industry in display innovation. The Note 20 Ultra’s 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display was cutting-edge in 2020, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Fast-forward to 2025, and the S24 Ultra has taken it to another level.
The S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED panel with a refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 144Hz. The brightness peaks at a jaw-dropping 2600 nits, making it easier to use in direct sunlight.
- Note 20 Ultra: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1500 nits peak brightness
- S24 Ultra: 6.8-inch AMOLED LTPO3, 144Hz, 2600 nits peak brightness
Verdict: The S24 Ultra is undeniably superior in terms of display performance, brightness, and refresh rate flexibility.
Camera Capabilities
The camera game has also seen quantum leaps. The Note 20 Ultra was impressive at launch with a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP periscope telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide. In its time, it was a low-light champ and excelled in zoom photography. However, photography standards and computational enhancements have since evolved significantly.
The S24 Ultra features a quad-camera setup with a 200MP main sensor that uses pixel-binning to capture stunning images in various lighting conditions. It’s complemented by dual telephoto lenses — one 10MP 3x and one 50MP 5x — and a 12MP ultrawide sensor.
- Note 20 Ultra: 108MP (wide) + 12MP (5x telephoto) + 12MP (ultrawide)
- S24 Ultra: 200MP (wide) + 50MP (5x telephoto) + 10MP (3x telephoto) + 12MP (ultrawide)
Additionally, the S24 Ultra leverages AI and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s ISP advancements to perform real-time object recognition, dynamic range adjustments, and advanced noise reduction.
Verdict: While the Note 20 Ultra was impressive in its time, the S24 Ultra’s camera system is cutting-edge, offering more versatility, higher resolution, and AI enhancements.
Performance and Chipset
Today’s smartphones are more than just communication devices — they’re powerful computers in your pocket. The Note 20 Ultra features the Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990, depending on your region. In 2020, this was high-end silicon. But by 2025 standards, it’s showing its age in demanding apps and modern gaming.
The S24 Ultra, on the other hand, includes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip globally. Built on a 4nm process, it brings unprecedented AI capabilities, energy efficiency, and thermal management. It pairs with 12GB or 16GB of faster LPDDR5X RAM.
- Note 20 Ultra: Snapdragon 865+ (US), Exynos 990 (International), 8GB RAM
- S24 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12GB/16GB LPDDR5X RAM
Verdict: In raw power and efficiency, the S24 Ultra is light-years ahead, making it vastly better for productivity, gaming, and future-proofing.
Software and Features
By 2025, software functionalities have evolved dramatically. The Note 20 Ultra launched with Android 10 and One UI 2.5. Though it did receive several updates, it no longer supports the newest versions reliably. Samsung gives three to four years of major updates, which means many Note 20 Ultras are now nearing the end of official support.
The S24 Ultra ships with Android 14 and One UI 6.1 and is slated to receive up to seven years of software and security updates. Plus, AI features like Live Translate, Circle to Search, and Generative Wallpaper really showcase the future of mobile experiences.
Another game-changer? Galaxy AI. It’s deeply integrated into system-level features, including the camera, voice input, and even note organization using the S Pen.
- Note 20 Ultra: Android 10 at launch, nearing end of support
- S24 Ultra: Android 14, 7 years of support, extensive AI features
Verdict: The S24 Ultra not only gives you updated software but also redefines what a smartphone can be with integrated AI and productivity tools.
S Pen Experience
One of the defining features of the Note series was the built-in S Pen. While the Note 20 Ultra offered excellent handwriting recognition and Air Actions, the S Pen was docked inside the phone body, giving a seamless and secure experience.
With the S series now absorbing the Note’s essence, the S24 Ultra also includes an S Pen, but with several enhancements. It now supports low-latency AI prediction, better pressure sensitivity, and smoother integration with Google and Samsung apps.
Verdict: Both devices support the S Pen, but the S24 Ultra offers a more refined experience with added precision and smarter features.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery endurance is a strong suit for both phones, but the S24 Ultra shows marked improvements. The Note 20 Ultra has a 4,500mAh battery, while the S24 Ultra offers a 5,000mAh cell with more efficient power management, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and One UI optimization.
Charging is faster as well. The Note 20 Ultra supported 25W wired charging. The S24 Ultra supports 45W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, along with wireless power sharing.
- Note 20 Ultra: 4,500 mAh, 25W fast charging
- S24 Ultra: 5,000 mAh, 45W fast charging, Wireless PowerShare
Verdict: The S24 Ultra lasts longer and charges faster, easily outpacing the Note 20 Ultra.
Final Thoughts
The Galaxy S24 Ultra represents a significant advancement over the Note 20 Ultra in virtually every area — design, performance, camera, battery life, and software. While the Note 20 Ultra was a remarkable device in its time, it’s now clear that the S24 Ultra is the future.
That said, if