Two giants. One question: which phone will last you longer? The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the older but trusty Galaxy Note 20 Ultra? We’re going to make this fun, simple, and easy to follow. Ready? Let’s dive in!
A Look Back: The Note 20 Ultra
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra came out in 2020. It was powerful, sleek, and came with a stylus that made you feel like a tech wizard.
It had:
- 6.9-inch screen – Big and beautiful.
- Snapdragon 865+ – Fast… back in the day.
- S Pen – A big deal for note-takers and sketchers.
- Android 10 out of the box
Now in 2024, it’s aging gracefully, but you can feel the wrinkles. Software updates are slowing. Battery life isn’t what it used to be. And some new apps run a bit sluggish.
Enter the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Released in 2024, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the new king of the hill. It’s fast, fresh, and full of futuristic tech.
Here’s what it packs:
- 6.8-inch display – Slightly smaller, but sharper and more energy-efficient.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – Super fast and better at saving battery.
- Built-in AI features – Smarter than ever.
- Android 14 at launch with 7 years of updates promised!
Plus, even though there’s no S Pen slot, you can still buy one separately and it works great. So, you’re not giving up the stylus magic if you switch from Note.
Let’s Talk Longevity
This is where things get interesting. What does longevity even mean when it comes to smartphones?
We’re looking at three key areas:
- Software support
- Hardware durability
- Battery life over time
1. Software Support
The Note 20 Ultra was guaranteed 3 Android version updates and 4 years of security patches. It came with Android 10 and went up to Android 13. That’s the end of the line for major updates.
The S24 Ultra? Samsung promises a jaw-dropping 7 years of updates. That’s wild!
If you buy an S24 Ultra today, it’ll still be getting updates in 2031. The Note 20 Ultra? It stopped in 2023.
Winner: S24 Ultra, by a long shot.
2. Hardware Durability
Both phones are built like tanks. But tech gets better with time.
| Feature | Note 20 Ultra | S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Stainless steel + Gorilla Glass Victus | Titanium frame + Gorilla Glass Armor |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Camera Glass Protection | Standard | Thicker and scratch-resistant |
The materials on the S24 Ultra are stronger and newer. Titanium helps it stand the test of time. If you’re clumsy like me, that might save you some heartache (and screen replacements).
3. Battery Life Over Time
Anyone who’s used their phone for 3+ years knows the deal. Battery performance drops.
The Note 20 Ultra started with a good battery. But like all batteries, it’s tired now. Many users are replacing it or charging more often.
The S24 Ultra has a newer battery and a newer chip that sips power instead of gulping it. It also learns your habits using AI to stretch each charge further. That’s futuristic living!
Plus, Samsung offers better battery health controls now, which helps slow down battery aging.
Winner: Again, the S24 Ultra walks away with this one.
What About the S Pen?
This is where Note fans might cry a little.
The Note 20 Ultra had the S Pen tucked right inside. Super handy.
The S24 Ultra doesn’t have a slot for the pen. You have to buy it separately and carry it around in your bag or pocket.
But as a tradeoff, the S24 Ultra doesn’t lose out on pen features. Artists, note-takers, and doodlers – you won’t be missing much. Just the convenience of storing it inside the phone.
Gaming, Cameras, and Speed
The differences here are big. Let’s break it down with pros and cons.
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
- Good for moderate gaming
- Still takes great photos, but struggles in low light
- Can lag a bit on heavy tasks
Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Beast mode for gaming – smooth, fast, and cool
- Amazing cameras with telephoto magic and night photography
- AI boosts everything – from faster autofocus to real-time translation
Long term, the S24 Ultra is clearly more future-proof in this area too.
But What If I Already Own a Note 20 Ultra?
Good news! You don’t need to upgrade unless:
- Your battery just can’t make it through the day
- You want the latest Android features
- You use your phone for heavy multitasking, videos, editing, or gaming
- You care about having long-term support
Otherwise, your Note 20 Ultra is still a solid phone for casual use. But it is near the end of its life cycle.
Longevity Verdict
Let’s call it like it is. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is built to last longer in:
- Software
- Hardware
- Battery health
- Performance over time
The Note 20 Ultra was amazing for its time, and it served users well. But the S24 Ultra is on another level. It’s got more time and tech packed into every inch.
If your goal is to buy a phone and hold onto it for as long as possible, the S24 Ultra is the clear winner of this match-up.
Final Thoughts!
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra walked so the S24 Ultra could fly. They’re both legends, but one is just… newer, smarter, and stronger.
If you want to future-proof your pocket, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is worth every penny.
So go ahead – upgrade, enjoy, and don’t worry about switching phones again anytime soon!
