OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (8GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£350RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.7 inchesMain camera megapixels:64 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (8GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components

90%

6.8

Technical score

10%

8.5

User score

▲Better than 58% of smartphones
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

▲Better than 58%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 55% of models
Score components

25%

6.6

Performance & Hardware

18%

8.3

Camera

15%

6.4

Display

15%

6.4

Battery

10%

4.2

Software

10%

7.8

Connectivity

4%

6.8

Audio

3%

7.7

Design

▲Better than 55%
8.5

User score

User score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

8.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 80%
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 55% of models
Score components:

25%

6.6

Performance & Hardware

18%

8.3

Camera

15%

6.4

Display

15%

6.4

Battery

10%

4.2

Software

10%

7.8

Connectivity

4%

6.8

Audio

3%

7.7

Design

6.8
User score
User score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

8.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.5
Popularity
Popularity
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 75% of models
Popularity:
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 8 points, which is higher than 75.3% of smartphones.
8.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

7.5
Brand name
Samsung
Processor model
Samsung Exynos 990
This smartphone uses the Samsung Exynos 990 processor which is faster than processors in 53.7% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.3% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
8 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 8 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 28.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 30.4% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.73 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.73 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 63.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 10
Android version
Android 10
This smartphone runs Android version Android 10 which is older than that found in 88.8% of smartphones and equal to that in 5.1% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
64 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 64 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP which is higher than that of 82.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.0 & f/2.2
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.0 & f/2.2 which is wider than that of 66.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.4% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
38.9 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 38.9 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 51.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.4% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
1.8 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 1.8 µm which is larger than in 98.4% of smartphones and equal to the size in 1.4% of smartphones.
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
1 SIM, 1 eSIM
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.7 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.7 inches which is larger than the screens of 52.2% of smartphones and equal to those of 10.1% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2400 px which is higher than that of 36.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 20.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
393 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 393 ppi which is lower than that of 61.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.8% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is lower than in 84.3% of smartphones and equal to that in 15.7% of smartphones.
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Battery capacity
4,300 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,300 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 86.9% of smartphones and equal to those in 1% of smartphones.
Charging speed
25 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 25 W which is slower than in 66.9% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 5.3% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
yes
This smartphone supports wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
3
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 3 microphones, which is more than in 77.2% of smartphones and equal to the number in 19.7% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
161.6 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 161.6 mm which is shorter than 71.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.6% of smartphones.
Width
75.2 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 75.2 mm which is narrower than 65.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.7% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.3 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm which is thinner than 44.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 6.1% of smartphones.
Weight
192 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 192 g which is lighter than 58.8% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 3.2% of smartphones.
Device volume
96,600 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 96,600 cm³ which is smaller than 54.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.7% of smartphones.
Show more

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (8GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 3 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (3 x vs 0 x).
    3 x vs 0 x
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • 1 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.8 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    1.8 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x24 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Supports reverse wireless charging
    This smartphone supports reverse wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 23.6% of smartphones offer reverse wireless charging.
  • 50% lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (9 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    9 W vs 6 W
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.2 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.
    3.2 vs 2
  • 6.4% higher user score
    User score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G
    the average smartphone
    Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.51 vs 8).
    8.51 vs 8
  • 46.4% more popular
    Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (8GB + 256GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (7.97 vs 5.4).
    7.97 vs 5.44
  • 50% lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (9 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    9 W vs 6 W
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 2 more memory channels
    This smartphone has more memory channels than the average smartphone (4 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (2x2.73 GHz & 4x2.5 GHz & 2x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    2x2.73 GHz & 4x2.5 GHz & 2x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 13.8% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.7 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.73 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 71.9% higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (44 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    44 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 19.1% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,122 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,122 vs 942
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    16 GB vs 14 GB
  • 16.4% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2,750 MHz memory speed.
    3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 20.9% higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (3,063 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in multi-core.
    average score for Exynos 990 variant, other tests show a performance gap compared to the Snapdragon version
    3,063 vs 2,533
  • 13.5% higher PassMark single-core benchmark
    This smartphone has a better PassMark single-core score than the average smartphone (1,121 vs 988). The average single-core score is 988.
    1,121 vs 988
  • 37.5% more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (352 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    352 vs 256
  • Supports desktop mode
    This smartphone includes desktop mode, the average smartphone does not. 9.4% of smartphones support desktop functionality.
  • 3 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (3 x vs 0 x).
    3 x vs 0 x
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 1 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.8 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    1.8 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x24 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (64 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    64 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.1% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Allows manual shutter speed
    This smartphone allows manual shutter speed control, the average smartphone does not. 29.8% of smartphones include this.
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • 21.6% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (38.9 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    38.9 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.2 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.
    3.2 vs 2
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartphone supports ANT+ technology, the average smartphone does not. 6% of smartphones are ANT+ compatible.
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • 0.03 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.7 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.7 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • Supports reverse wireless charging
    This smartphone supports reverse wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 23.6% of smartphones offer reverse wireless charging.
  • 1 more microphone/s
    This smartphone has more microphones than the average smartphone (3 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 microphones.
    3 vs 2
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 1.5 m deeper water resistance
    This smartphone has a deeper water resistance rating than the average smartphone (1.5 m vs 0 m). The average depth rating is 0 m.
    1.5 m vs 0 m
  • Includes a stylus
    This smartphone includes a stylus, the average smartphone does not. 1.4% of smartphones come with a stylus.
  • Better IP rating
    This smartphone has a better IP rating than the average smartphone (IP68 vs IP67). The average IP rating is IP67.
    IP68 vs IP67
  • 2 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (161.6 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    161.6 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 0.8 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (75.2 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    75.2 mm vs 76 mm
  • 50% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • 14% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4,300 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5,000 mAh.
    4,300 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 15.8% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (800 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    800 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • No location privacy controls
    This smartphone does not offer location privacy controls, the average smartphone does. 88% of smartphones include location privacy features.
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • 34.6% more expensive
    Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (8GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£350 vs £260).
    £350 vs £260
  • 15.8% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (800 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    800 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Samsung Exynos 990 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Samsung Exynos 990 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (7 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    7 nm vs 6 nm
  • 47.9% lower 3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in 3DMark Steel Nomad than the average smartphone (317 vs 608). The average smartphone scores 608.
    317 vs 608
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No location privacy controls
    This smartphone does not offer location privacy controls, the average smartphone does. 88% of smartphones include location privacy features.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 10 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 10 vs Android 14
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • No camera/mic privacy toggles
    This smartphone lacks camera and microphone privacy toggles, the average smartphone includes them. 87% of smartphones offer these toggles.
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • No battery health monitoring
    This smartphone lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.3% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
  • Does not allow app offloading
    This smartphone does not support app offloading, the average smartphone does. 51.9% of smartphones support app offloading to save space.
  • Lacks instant markup
    This smartphone does not support instant markup, the average smartphone does. 52.2% of smartphones include instant markup tools.
  • No scrolling screenshot support
    This smartphone does not support scrolling screenshots, the average smartphone does. 81.1% of smartphones allow scrolling screenshots.
  • No theme customization
    This smartphone does not support theme customization, the average smartphone does. 91% of smartphones allow theme customization.
  • No offline voice commands
    This smartphone does not support offline voice commands, the average smartphone does. 90.4% of smartphones offer offline voice control.
  • Does not allow play while downloading
    This smartphone cannot play games while downloading, the average smartphone can. 77.3% of smartphones support play-while-downloading.
  • No dynamic theme support
    This smartphone does not support dynamic themes, the average smartphone does. 81.9% of smartphones support dynamic theming.
  • Lacks extra dim mode
    This smartphone does not have extra dim mode, the average smartphone does. 82.5% of smartphones offer extra dimming features.
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (10 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    10 MP vs 16 MP
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.0 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartphone uses an older Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5 vs 5.2). The average smartphone uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    5 vs 5.2
  • 50% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 13.9% lower screen brightness
    This smartphone has a lower screen brightness than the average smartphone (568 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone has a brightness of 660 nits.
    568 nits vs 660 nits
  • 0.5% lower pixel density
    This smartphone has a lower pixel density than the average smartphone (393 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    393 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 14% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4,300 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5,000 mAh.
    4,300 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 60.8% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • 25% slower wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (15 W vs 20 W). The average smartphone wireless charging speed is 20 W.
    15 W vs 20 W
  • 24.2% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (25 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    25 W vs 33 W
  • 10% slower reverse wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower reverse wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (4.5 W vs 5 W). The average smartphone speed is 5 W.
    4.5 W vs 5 W
  • 4 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2020 vs 2024). 4.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    August 2020
    2020 vs 2024
  • Poor brand origin
    This smartphone has a poorer brand origin compared to the average smartphone. 0.00% of smartphones come from top-tier brand origins.
    South Korea vs China

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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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pcmag.com
25/09/2020
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Review [PCMag]
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techradar.com
19/03/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 review
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cnet.com
25/11/2020
Summary of the review
Galaxy Note 20 review: Who should buy Samsung’s power phone and who should upgrade to the Ultra?
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consumerreports.org
01/08/2020
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Cell Phone Review [Consumer Reports] Would you like to see a comparison of the camera performance or battery life results fro...
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tomsguide.com
01/02/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 review [Tom's Guide]
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lesnumeriques.com
29/08/2020
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G Review: Great Photos, Stunning Screen, Weak Battery Life
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cnetfrance.fr
06/09/2020
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Review: A Play-It-Safe Update
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top-for-phone.fr
27/02/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G Review: The Unloved One
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frandroid.com
12/09/2020
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Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Review: A good smartphone, without the Ultra-efficient argument
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journaldugeek.com
17/09/2020
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Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Review: A smartphone resting on its laurels
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journaldemontreal.com
30/10/2020
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G and Note20 5G Ultra Review
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elespanol.com
18/10/2020
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Review: Is it a Worthy iPhone Rival?
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andreagaleazzi.com
28/09/2020
Summary of the review
SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 20 Review – Andrea Galeazzi
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smartworld.it
23/10/2020
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Review: Is the price right? (photos and video)
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corriere.it
05/10/2020
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G: beautiful, powerful, but it's too soon for 5G
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tuttoandroid.net
07/11/2020
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Review: Does it still make sense 2 months after launch?
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global.techradar.com
07/10/2020
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 review
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galaxyclub.nl
[Geen specifieke datum]
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy Note 20: Everything about the new Note
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Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (8GB + 256GB)

  • Excellent performance and speed due to its powerful processor (Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990, depending on the region).
  • High-quality camera system that takes great photos and videos, with features like 3x hybrid zoom and 8K recording.
  • The included S Pen stylus is a major highlight, praised for its responsiveness, functionality, and usefulness for note-taking, drawing, and remote control (Air Actions).
  • Vibrant and large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus flat display, which some users prefer over curved screens for practicality and minimal glare.
  • Good, often all-day or longer, battery life with support for both wired (25W) and wireless charging, including reverse wireless charging.
  • Durable build quality, including an IP68 water/dust resistance rating and a very good score in drop tests, with a plastic back that is less prone to fingerprints/cracks (though some saw this as a con).
  • Useful features like Samsung DeX, 5G connectivity, and a generally user-friendly One UI software experience.
  • Good stereo speakers that are loud and clear.

What customers don't like about Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (8GB + 256GB)

  • The display is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which many users and reviewers consider a significant drawback and a surprising omission for a phone in its price range.
  • Plastic (polycarbonate) back panel is perceived by some as a "cheap" choice for a premium-priced phone, lacking a high-end feel.
  • Lack of a microSD card slot for expandable storage (unlike the Note 20 Ultra) is a notable disappointment for some users.
  • The in-screen fingerprint scanner can be temperamental or less effective compared to older physical sensors.
  • Original retail price was considered too high for the features offered, especially compared to the Note 20 Ultra or S20 FE models.
  • Some users reported the phone can get warm during extended or demanding use, although others found it less prone to heating than the Ultra variant.
  • Absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (8GB + 256GB) is a feature-packed productivity smartphone with 5G connectivity, a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, and an included S Pen stylus for writing and navigation. Key internal specifications include an Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865+ processor (region dependent), 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of non-expandable storage, powered by a 4,300 mAh all-day battery with 25W fast charging. Pros include excellent battery life, a versatile triple-lens camera system (12MP main, 64MP telephoto with 3x hybrid zoom, 12MP ultrawide), IP68 water resistance, and the unique S Pen functionality with Air Actions and wireless DeX support. Potential cons include a less-premium plastic "Glasstic" back (compared to the Ultra's glass), a standard 60Hz display refresh rate (not 120Hz), and the lack of a microSD card slot or 3.5mm headphone jack.

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