Samsung SM-N981UZGAXAA

The Note 20 5G is a camera beast with a killer S Pen, but the 60Hz screen and a weird off-Wi-Fi GPS bug hold it back. Buy it cheap or don't buy it at all.

The Snapdragon 865 was a beast in 2020 and it's still no slouch. Apps open fast, the S Pen latency is low enough to feel natural, and 8GB of RAM keeps things smooth. But our gaming score is a weak spot at 52.4 out of 100. The 60Hz display is the culprit. You're not getting the buttery 120Hz experience Samsung put on the Ultra. For everyday use, it's fine. For serious mobile gaming, it falls behind newer mid-rangers.

Against the iPhone 16 Plus or Pixel 10, the Note 20 5G loses on display smoothness and long-term software support. But neither of those has an S Pen. The Moto G Stylus 2026 is the budget alternative, but its camera can't touch this Samsung. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is more modern but lacks the stylus entirely. If you want a pen, this is still the cheapest way to get a good one.

Pricing is all over the place. We're seeing USD 174 to USD 1,000 across nine listings. At the low end, this is a steal for a phone with this camera and S Pen. At the high end, you're getting ripped off. The sweet spot is finding a mint condition refurb around USD 250 to USD 350. Anything more and you should just buy a newer phone.

The Galaxy Note 20 5G is the last of a dying breed, a proper Note with the S Pen silo and all. And honestly, it still holds up. The Snapdragon 865 and 8GB of RAM handle daily multitasking without breaking a sweat, and that 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel is still gorgeous, even if it's stuck at 60Hz. The real story here is the camera. Our database puts it in the 88th percentile, and owners agree, calling it phenomenal. But there's a catch. One verified buyer reported serious GPS and camera app failures when off Wi-Fi. That's a weird, specific problem, and it's worth knowing before you buy.

If you're a serious mobile gamer, skip this. The 60Hz display and mediocre gaming score will frustrate you. Get a phone with a 120Hz panel instead. And if you don't care about the S Pen, there are better modern phones for the same money.

The Note 20 5G is a great buy if you find it under USD 300 and you specifically want the S Pen. The camera is excellent, battery life is solid, and the build quality is typical Samsung. But the 60Hz display and that weird off-Wi-Fi GPS issue keep it from being an easy recommendation for everyone. If you don't need the stylus, get a Pixel 10 or iPhone 16 Plus instead.