
Galaxy Note 20 to Buy: Prices, Support & S22 Comparison in 2025
You remember when the Galaxy Note 20 was the phone everyone wanted. In 2025, with software support ended and newer models dominating, the question is whether it still makes sense to buy one — especially if you’re in Ireland and watching your budget.
Released: August 2020 ·
Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ ·
Processor: Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 ·
Camera: 12MP + 64MP + 12MP ·
Battery: 4300 mAh ·
Starting price at launch: $999
Quick snapshot
- Galaxy Note 20 launched August 2020 (Samsung official)
- Security updates ended August 2024 (Samsung update policy)
- Refurbished models in Ireland start at €269 (Back Market Ireland)
- Exact future pricing and availability of new units (refurbed.ie)
- How well the phone holds up for heavy gaming in 2025 (user-dependent) (refurbed.ie)
- Whether Irish retailers still carry stock (Back Market Ireland)
- Last security update: August 2024 (Samsung)
- No major OS updates beyond Android 13 (Samsung)
- Phone now unsupported for future patches (Samsung)
- No further official software updates planned (Samsung)
- Community ROMs possible but not guaranteed (YouTube review)
- Buyers should consider newer refurbished alternatives (UpTrade)
Six years of flagship hardware in one table: the Note 20 series still packs impressive specs, but the two models differ in ways that matter for your wallet and experience.
| Specification | Galaxy Note 20 | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | August 2020 | August 2020 (Samsung) |
| Display size | 6.7 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 / 256 GB (no microSD) | 128 / 256 GB (microSD up to 1TB) |
| Rear cameras | 12MP wide + 64MP telephoto + 12MP ultrawide | 108MP wide + 12MP telephoto + 12MP ultrawide |
| Battery | 4300 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Operating system | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) (Samsung) |
| Security updates end | August 2024 | August 2024 |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Is the Samsung Note 20 still good today?
Galaxy Note 20 hardware specifications that still hold up
- 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with HDR10+ (Reebelo US)
- Snapdragon 865+ (US) or Exynos 990 (global) — still capable for daily tasks and gaming (UpTrade)
- 8 GB RAM, 128/256 GB storage
Camera performance in 2025
- Triple rear camera: 12MP wide, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide (Back Market Ireland)
- 64MP telephoto offers 3x hybrid zoom — competitive with mid-range 2025 phones
- Ultra model has 108MP main sensor for higher detail (Samsung)
Battery life and everyday usage
- 4300 mAh battery averages 5–6 hours screen-on time (refurbed.ie)
- Supports 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging
- Battery health on used units can degrade; check warranty (Reebelo US)
Software experience and update status
- Launched with Android 10, received Android 13 (One UI 5) (Samsung)
- Samsung promised 3 major OS updates and 4 years security — completed
- No further major OS updates are expected (UpTrade)
The Note 20’s hardware is still competitive, but software support ended in August 2024. Heavy gamers may see frame drops over time as app demands increase. Test battery health before buying used.
The implication: this phone works best for light to moderate use, not as a primary device for the next few years.
How much is a Galaxy Note 20 worth?
Current market price for new and used units
- New units rarely available; if found, often overpriced (€800+) (refurbed.ie)
- Used Note 20: €250–€400 depending on condition (Back Market Ireland)
- Used Note 20 Ultra: €350–€600 (UpTrade)
- Some YouTube reports suggest under $200 for base model (YouTube review)
Galaxy Note 20 price in Ireland
- Back Market Ireland: refurbished Note 20 from €269 (128 GB, dual SIM) (Back Market Ireland)
- Refurbed Ireland: similar price range with warranty (refurbed.ie)
- Carrier deals (e.g., Virgin Media) may have limited stock — check directly
Refurbished Galaxy Note 20 pricing and value
- Refurbished Ultra 5G 256GB: €319 from fonez.ie (Back Market Ireland)
- Reebelo US offers up to 70% off retail with 12-month warranty (Reebelo US)
- Certified re-newed from Samsung itself is available in some markets (Samsung)
Factors affecting price: condition, storage, carrier
- Condition (screen scratches, battery health) directly affects price
- Storage size: 256 GB models cost €30–€60 more
- Carrier-locked vs unlocked: unlocked models command a premium
As of 2025, many certified resellers have stopped carrying the Note 20 Ultra because it has ended software support (UpTrade). If you find one, double-check that support is still worth the price.
The pattern: prices vary widely, but the phone’s value drops fast once support ends. Buy only if you find a well-priced unit with good battery health.
How much longer will the Note 20 be supported?
Samsung’s update policy for Note20 series
- Samsung promised 3 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates from launch (Samsung update policy)
- Launched with Android 10 → Android 11 (2021) → Android 12 (2022) → Android 13 (2023)
- Security updates ended August 2024 (UpTrade)
Expected end of security updates
- The last scheduled security patch was August 2024
- No further major OS updates are planned (Samsung)
- Limited support may affect long-term usability and app compatibility
Implications for buying a Note 20 in 2025
- You’ll miss out on future Android OS features
- Security vulnerabilities may not be patched – risk for sensitive data
- The trade-off: lower price now vs. shorter useful life
What this means: if you plan to keep the phone for more than two years, you’re better off with a newer device that still receives updates. The Note 20 is a short-term buy.
What is better, S22 or Note 20?
Four key specs, one trade-off: the S22 is newer and better supported, but the Note 20 offers a larger screen and the S Pen at a lower price.
| Feature | Galaxy Note 20 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (UpTrade) |
| Display | 6.7-inch, 60Hz (Note 20) / 120Hz (Ultra) | 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz |
| Cameras | 12MP+64MP+12MP | 50MP+12MP+10MP (better low-light) |
| S Pen support | Built-in silo | No (unless S22 Ultra) |
| Software support until | August 2024 | ~2026 (security) (Samsung) |
| Current used price (€) | €250–€400 | €350–€500 |
- S22 has a newer processor, better camera, and longer support
- Note 20 has built-in S Pen and larger base screen
- If you need S Pen, the Note is the only option without buying the S22 Ultra
- For most users, the S22 is the smarter long-term choice
Refurbished S22 Ultra pricing now starts around $230+ — cheaper than the Note 20 Ultra and still getting updates (UpTrade). The Note 20 only makes sense if you really want the S Pen at an absolute minimum cost.
The implication: for most buyers, the S22 provides better value, unless the S Pen is non-negotiable and budget is extremely tight.
When is Note20’s 2026 security and UI update?
Samsung’s security update schedule for legacy devices
- Samsung provides 4 years of security updates from launch (Samsung update policy)
- Note 20’s 4-year window ended August 2024
- No official 2026 update is scheduled (UpTrade)
What to expect after August 2024
- No more quarterly security patches
- Critical vulnerabilities may remain unpatched
- App developers may target newer Android versions
User reports on Samsung Community about 2026 update
- Some users have asked “When is Note20’s 2026 security and UI update?” (Samsung Community)
- This reflects confusion about the end-of-life timeline
- Official answer: no update planned
Clarification: no official 2026 update planned
- The Note 20 is no longer eligible for quarterly security patches (UpTrade)
- Custom ROMs (community) could extend life, but carry risks
- For most buyers, this means the phone has a fixed end-of-life
The catch: a fixed end-of-life means the phone’s resale value will drop quickly.
Timeline signal
- August 2020 — Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra launched (Samsung)
- 2021 — Android 11 update (One UI 3)
- 2022 — Android 12 update (One UI 4)
- 2023 — Android 13 update (One UI 5)
- August 2024 — Last scheduled security update
- 2025 — No further official updates; phone unsupported
Confirmed facts
- Galaxy Note 20 launched in August 2020 with Android 10 (Samsung)
- Samsung provided three major OS updates and four years of security updates
- Security updates ended in August 2024 (UpTrade)
- Specs as listed on Samsung official site
What’s unclear
- Exact future pricing and availability of new units (refurbed.ie)
- How well the phone holds up for heavy gaming in 2025 (user-dependent)
- Whether some Irish retailers still carry stock (Back Market Ireland)
- The timing of any community-driven custom ROM updates
The pattern: the device is clearly legacy, but still available from refurbishers at a discount.
What the experts say
The Galaxy Note 20 series receives 4 years of security updates from launch, ending August 2024.
— Samsung (official update policy)
A Samsung Community user asked, “When is Note20’s 2026 security and UI update?” reflecting confusion about the support timeline.
— Samsung Community
fonez.ie lists refurbished Note 20 Ultra 5G 256GB at €319 with a 1-year warranty, indicating current market value.
— fonez.ie (Irish refurbisher)
The pattern is clear: Samsung has moved on, and so have most resellers. The Note 20 is a legacy device that still offers good hardware for the price, but its support runway has ended.
For the Irish shopper looking at the Note 20 in 2025, the trade-off is simple: you get a premium S Pen experience and a big screen for under €350, but you lose future software updates and peace of mind. Unless you absolutely need the Note’s unique features, the smarter buy is a newer refurbished device with longer support. Vodafone bill pay plans may offer better value, or if you’re also considering a car upgrade, check the Audi Q4 e-tron review for a different kind of investment.
For those weighing their options, a look at Galaxy Note 20 deals in 2026 shows how trade-in values and refurbished pricing have shifted over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Galaxy Note 20 have a microSD card slot?
The standard Note 20 does not have a microSD slot. The Note 20 Ultra supports microSD up to 1 TB (Samsung).
Is the Galaxy Note 20 waterproof?
Yes, it has an IP68 rating, meaning it’s dust and water resistant up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes (Samsung).
Can I use the Galaxy Note 20 on 5G networks in Ireland?
Yes, the Note 20 models sold in Ireland support 5G (Sub6) bands used by Irish carriers (Back Market Ireland).
What colors does the Galaxy Note 20 come in?
Mystic Bronze, Mystic Gray, and Mystic Green (Note 20). Ultra also available in Mystic Black and Mystic White (Samsung).
How long does the battery typically last on a full charge?
With moderate use, the 4300 mAh battery lasts about 5–6 hours screen-on time. Battery health on used units can be lower (refurbed.ie).
Does the Galaxy Note 20 support wireless charging?
Yes, it supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging (Samsung).
What warranty do I get on a refurbished Galaxy Note 20?
Irish refurbishers like fonez.ie and refurbed.ie typically offer 12-month warranty (refurbed.ie).
Is the Galaxy Note 20 compatible with the S Pen from other models?
The Note 20 uses an active Wacom digitizer. S Pens from Note 10 or later models work, but the Air Actions may differ (Samsung).