Note 20 Ultra Review: 3 Months Later (YES, It's Worth It!)

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has been my daily driver for 3 months. It's an incredible camera, pen to paper and media device! Here is what stands out in real world usage and my best tips to get the most out of this phone!
Timecodes:
1. Review Summary (0:00)
2. Accidental durability test (1:46)
3. Main camera sensor & tips (2:29)
4. That telephoto camera! (3:28)
5. Night mode & tips (5:36)
6. The screen & tips (6:32)
7. Display analysis (9:27)
8. 120hz & tips!!! (11:34)
9. The S Pen in all it’s glory! Tips & more (15:30)
10. Wrap up! (19:52)
/ iam_erica For updates and sneak peaks!
$1,100 on Amazon:
shop-links.co/172310879057798...
$1,100 through Best Buy:
shop-links.co/172310885555149...
Direct from Samsung:
shop-links.co/172310893913141...
*Affiliate links may earn a small commission to keep the lights on
and content coming.*
Test patterns by François Simond, Argyll CMS, HCFR, i1Display Pro Colorimeter

[@EricaGriffin]

I took a needed break for a while, which is why you haven't seen me. But I'm feeling excited to make stuff again. Share if you like the video to help get the news out that I'm still here 😁 Timecodes: 1. Review Summary (0:00) 2. Accidental durability test (1:46) 3. Main camera sensor & tips (2:29) 4. That telephoto camera! (3:28) 5. Night mode & tips (5:36) 6. The screen & tips (6:32) 7. Display analysis (9:27) 8. 120hz & tips!!! (11:34) 9. The S Pen in all its glory! Tips & more (15:30) 10. Wrap up! (19:52)

[@robertmzs]

Glad you're back!!!!

[@robertmzs]

Quick question, which keyboard do house with the note 20? I'm trying to find one that has emoji predictions like what the iPhone does. When typing, I'd like to have emoji predictions instead of trying to search for them. 😡

[@frodar48]

Your still my fav for phone reviews. PLEASE, don't stop! Your the best.

[@frodar48]

@@robertmzs Erica has always been a SwiftKey fan, as am I.

[@jermainebynum8265]

Samsung never heard of 90HZ for the Samsung note 20. Note 20 ultra is a beast.

[@onetwentyfour]

A review done right. Not a basic, "battery life, camera, updates" review. To correctly review a Note, you must go in depth or you aren't treating the phone as it was designed.

[@gemsandlasers269]

Exactly. I just watched Zoneoftech's 30 minute review and they spent about 2 minutes talking about the S pen. Ridiculous.

[@richarda3764]

Completely agree.

[@terrytigner9600]

Yep!

[@troysafranski6403]

Completely agree. Such a toss up. I have an upgrade in like two months. I can’t decide between iPhone 12 max or more 20... all the features with that spen really has me wanting this phone

[@Shxltonm]

Learned a few tricks thank u more in love with the phone

[@naimursif]

Finally someone who used the full potential of the note

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

How do you explain the following : Both the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max beat the Note 20 Ultra in every department . Cameras Speed Battery So why would one buy the Note 20 Ultra ?

[@lrv7658]

@@andrewlinesjah4538 because they like it, and just because that almost everyone has an iphone doesn't mean that they can't buy another brand, you like yours while others like theirs, and they like to have a Samsung but not an iphone, plus this isn't even an iphone video🤨

[@UnrealOG137]

@@andrewlinesjah4538 Because I want software that isn't complete garbage. The pen, good zoom.

[@timesplit--ter2742]

@@andrewlinesjah4538 he said full potential of note ultra 20. Smh.

[@jerrodshack7610]

@@andrewlinesjah4538 Because Apple has a shit ecosystem with shit proprietary software and hardware

[@vervetech9395]

You won’t get this kind of detailed reviews from MKBHD, The Verge, CNET, etc. They'd just pretend they know the OS very well when in reality they're mostly used to iOS.

[@charlierayman6498]

200% agree

[@ptgi.0176]

Mkbhd is an apple fanboy and is a true samsung hater

[@mikenumpty9366]

They are basic device users and would not learn to use all these features

[@lxerol]

@@ptgi.0176 I don't like MKBHD, but I know for a fact that he's an Android and Pixel fanboy, not an Apple fanboy!

[@ptgi.0176]

@@lxerol bro just talk a look at his s20fe review he said that the camera are worst which is not in fact it was better that the pixel (he didnt even test the cameras )and he said that the whole phone is plastic but didnt mention that the phone has aluminium rails so yeah

[@haisaimache]

Honestly I’m beyond impressed with your review. I currently have a iPhone 11 Pro Max and I’m gonna upgrade soon to the Note 20 Ultra. As a song writer the spen and it’s features will come in super handy for me, rather than carry a notebook and pen around. I’ve watched countless reviews from sooo many popular KZbinrs and your review was by day the most informative. Thank you! I’m subscribing for sure

[@dominoreaction2564]

I Love you!!!!

[@tr1dea959]

Dont uprader

[@tr1dea959]

Don’t upgrade

[@dominoreaction2564]

@@tr1dea959 what?

[@tr1dea959]

@@dominoreaction2564 he don’t need to upgrade

[@Wildeity]

Used to watch your channel all the time when I was younger. Wish you the best of luck in continuing to grow your stuff!

[@mynameisharlan]

So why don't you watch her channel now?

[@iamthanos554]

Me too, since 2013

[@pdraggy]

@@mynameisharlan for me she used to do reviews like this a lot more but since she got married (ie a life...) she's only uploaded casual mostly Nintendo centric stuff that I don't mind watching but only when I'm bored. Basically, to me, less interesting content (though I still like it just less than before) AND she uploads less than she used to. Still it's just people grow up, people change. I don't mind and enjoy watching this young lady grow up :P. I myself don't honestly know if I'd enjoy the old type of videos than I did when I was a young adult (ie had more disposable income to spend on cool gadgets.)

[@selw0nk]

@@mynameisharlan her content changed and rarely posts new videos like in the past.

[@cooliipie]

Yeah it's a dead channel now

[@benjaminrahman5225]

Best Note 20 Ultra review out there. Really shows how to get the most out of the device, which not all tech KZbinrs touch on.

[@cvasquez601]

You are so good thorough yet concise with the reviews. Im so locked every time, it really makes me appreciate the tech and capabilities regardless of platform

[@judoka209]

Wow! This is a prime example of what an in depth review should be. What an amazing job with this video. You have my respect for what it’s worth. It’s so good, I am actually second guessing my iPhone 12 purchase and looking at the Note 20 Ultra with envy. My phone seems like a toy now. 🥺

[@timmyd463229]

I’m between keeping my 11 pro max or getting the 20 ultra

[@Gemini530]

The iPhone still has the best camera and more secure

[@slimshady7625]

@@Gemini530 not the best but ok

[@kristianlekaj5011]

@@Gemini530 that aint true at all, other youtubers admitted that overall the note 20 ultra gives u a better camera experience than the iphone 12 pro max

[@starrystarrynight99]

@@Gemini530 5 years ago yes ,but now? nah ..iPhone's only advantages is basically the ios ecosystem especially if you invested in a lot of different products from Apple ,but Android is not lagging that far away behind in term of performance ,but then up to one's preference which one you like the most ..i prefer Android but since i've used iPhone before ,i'd love a smartphone with Samsung hardware and Apple software if it'll ever gonna happen in the future ,that will be the biggest deal

[@kcck6416]

I am always a big fan of your reviews as they are very in depth. There was a point when before buying a new device I would would tune in to hear your thoughts about. Happy you are back👌🏾👍🏾. Looking forward to seeing even more content soon.

[@GarySerrano]

I still love your reviews!! Been a fan for years!! Keep doing what makes you happy!

[@arintayasmin0214]

Finally, a proper review! 😍 Thank you for this! 🙏❤

[@salemsayed]

Wow, easily the best content out there on this phone. Thanks for your efforts, appreciated.

[@LaithAhmad]

I love this review!!! Thank you for telling us about the different customization options!

[@calvee1100]

I love how you assess the display calibration!!! Thanks for the settings tip!

[@mcdus78]

Always a pleasure watching your reviews.

[@markstutzman6681]

Great video! The Bixby routine - screen resolution trick and S-pen tips were outstanding! I really appreciate your videos!

[@nikicarrie4071]

I agree

[@ash64181]

Amazing review as always Erica, even if I can't afford the phone, I love hearing about new stuff.

[@urmur]

This is the best review I've seen! Amazing job! Thank you so much 💓

[@easyskiphirerubbishremoval6869]

Wonderful and more helpful than any other KZbinr. Always been great thanks Erica

[@Felipe-ou4jz]

Definitely learned a few tricks. Love your in depth review and I'm definitely looking forward to your content.

[@DanielMendezHorse]

Using bixby routines to switch KZbin to high resolution is a great tip. Good video, glad to see you're back.

[@ffford1]

I did miss your work, you are a real pro. Glad everything is ok. Welcome back and take care

[@klee7724]

Such a helpful video! I've watched many reviews on the note ultra but this is the user experience info I needed!

[@dapenn2002]

I've had this phone since its release and I haven't been on an android phone in years and I love it! My only gripes would be the curbed display and some software issues but this phone is fantastic! Love the cameras, the design, the screen! Everything is great!!

[@jimmygagnidze]

You are an OG Note reviewer, I got so excited when I saw this video's notification. Love watching your reviews !! BTW I've discovered shutter button thing on note 8 (by accident and could not figure out how to get rid of it :D)

[@elitexcomputing8802]

You do the best technical review. It’s not just gushing over the specs but showing me practical reasons on why I would want to purchase a device. Glad you are back on KZbin!!

[@McintoshSteveAndrea]

Really excited to get myself a Note 20 ultra this week. Thank you Erica for this brilliant tip and review video. Definitely a fan of yours. 🙂

[@ShreafKhattab]

Wow Erica such a great and thorough review! I love it!!

[@sandeshvantveen]

Wow I used to watch you ages ago. You were the one who sold me on the Note 4. I got the Note 20 ultra now and I'm absolutely loving it.

[@KasperKillingmoe]

This might be the best review I've seen of any phone. Wow! Incredible job. Subscribed.

[@robgrant01]

Great in depth, real-world applications review! I just ordered this phone and got some great tips. You gained a new subscriber. Looking forward to watching more of your vids. Cheers

[@YellaGurl4Life]

I've missed seeing post from you. You do an excellent job on reviews on tech and I really enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the awesome work and it's good having you back.

[@charlierayman6498]

I have never seen any tech youtuber giving such depth review.... Amazing ☺

[@primeshmohanty7701]

This is also an extensive deep dive into the software and i loved it. I can now use some tricks from this video on my Note 10 lite. Thanks a bunch!

[@Kimluv888]

My favorite tech reviewer so glad you’re back!!! 😀

[@marvistv6551]

Omg That bixby routine is mind boggling, geez. I'm surprised how well you can personalize things. Simply impressive.

[@mirumask]

I *literally* came home with my Note 20 Ultra an hour ago! Couldn't wait any longer for your review, haha

[@MichaelMcTheny]

Welcome back .. missed you in my feed

[@biggunsclub1]

Love your videos Erica. Thought you had stopped doing them as you seemed to have disappeared for a while but then I saw 2 had become 3!! Thanks for another great video.

[@dfgf159]

Great review as always. I'm glad she's back 😊

[@ericmarentette]

Thank you for this amazing review. I've been considering this as an upgrade to my Pixel 3 XL but was worried about the curved edge. I knew about the case trick but didn't know you can adjust the sensitivity in the settings! Thank you!

[@Robenson321]

What an amazingly awesome review. No unnecessary talk about specs but more about functionality and features. You've earned yourself a new subscriber and like. Thanks for this post!

[@alizbck]

This is the best note 20 ultra review on youtube !!! Thank you Eric

[@dennnnnismo]

Never learnt so much stuff about a product I was interesting in getting all in one video. A++ content thanks a million 🙏

[@acedhj]

You're so thorough! Great review

[@shashankshekhar2611]

what a fantastic review, super detailed and helpful :) thank you

[@brandonminiman]

This is the ultimate tips video for note 20 ultra. Bravo!

[@kcck6416]

I have certainly learned a few new tricks “pro tips” for mastering my device.

[@DB-hi1of]

Loved the review and learnt so much. Had no idea about Pentastic! So helpful, thank you ^_^

[@yamid-life8279]

Wow where have I been that I didn't know about you. First video I see and subscribed instantly.

[@SayBuu]

This is What we Call A Real In-Depth Review Absolutely Great ❤️🔥

[@note20ultraisboss43]

Yes I love my Note20Ultra 5G couldn't ask for a better daily experience. Thanks for an excellent video. But yes I still own my Note10Plus it's my daily backup.

[@alexvswrld]

Username Checks out...I can't wait to get my hands on this phone!

[@trielymo69]

Note 10 plus was a beast bit gave mines to my son to replace my old note 8 I gave him. He lives it all I can say note series is king

[@alexvswrld]

@@trielymo69 do you have the note 20 now?

[@TheFailedmessiah]

I have a Note 8 and it's fine for what I need it for.

[@note20ultraisboss43]

@@TheFailedmessiah It's outdated and the worst Note ever made i had it too so I know. Stop embarrassing yourself here.

[@pamjones6926]

Haven't had my note 20 ultra for long, for a little over a month, and this video is awesome!! So full of great info! Thx!👍🙂

[@jessiebirax9152]

Your discipline is remarkable Erica. Love your detailed honest reviews 👌 applause 👏

[@zorkor]

Excellent video. I fell in love with Samsung thanks to Galaxy Notes series. Note phones are getting better and better every year.

[@bluememe4652]

I'm convinced that there will come a day where digital writing will replace pen and papers

[@misterlinkloquendo19]

Wow, this is review is in another level! Pretty cool and thoughtful review! Too bad I can't buy this expensive phone, but I can see why is ultra 😎

[@christianhartl475]

One of the most helpful reviews I have ever seen ... thx a lot for creating content on such a level... I feel comfortable getting one for myself now.. thx a lot!!

[@Strathias28]

Blown away by the Review, finally someone who goes in depth to show all the features. Love your Honesty and your Pro Tips. I have my Note 20 Ultra for about half a Year now and I didnt know about the 20 sec night mode thing. Got yourself a Sub just for that👍

[@ali7597321]

That's how you do the review.. Just Brilliant..

[@kenbee1957]

"....so speculate amongst yourselves" Hehehehehe Erica knows the procedures

[@Truesk8er1]

Hahaha good ole floss

[@cJeremy]

ladies...

[@ebubeawachie]

She's a major go

[@TheFlemmo123]

That case ain't slam boy certified, thats for sure. 🤣

[@hectorandem2944]

Bruh 💀💀😭

[@mygodisable2]

Erica, super video. So much more things to learn than I even thought. I gotta start learning more about the camera and the S Pen. Thanks for a super video tutorial. You rock.

[@BlairAir]

And yes, I was sad 😥 seeing no EG vids for ages! I always liked the granular, deep dive looks into the features, capabilities and tech that you do, in what somehow comes out uniquely entertaining and informative. Nice to see you back!

[@MischieviousJirachi]

18:00 Holy shit I can actually use it for school

[@MischieviousJirachi]

S23 ultra now, yeah i be usin it for school

[@chrwil1973]

Great review, learned some things I can use on my S20! Can I ask where you got the wallpaper?

[@tik2276]

Its from the backdrops app. Its called Bonker Heights.

[@chrwil1973]

@@tik2276 Thank you!

[@Dannya2005]

You're the best reviewer ever. I hope to see more videos of you. I have missed you. :)

[@jonathanmantello3974]

Great! In depth, of actual use and user experience. Something many tech reviewers overlook, how to actually use the device.

[@electrology]

Not late..proper timing for an indepth review Erica.

[@MarkAelham]

Probably the best review of note 20 ultra and I am in the middle of the review. Insane effort. Edit: It is the best review so far

[@arabiantxn]

You're reviews are amazing

[@WILEY67]

Your greatly appreciated for this video. I'm happy we have people like you to help us out. 😉💯❤️

[@CreativeSteve69]

I have had my note 20 ultra i saved up for the past month. I love it so far. Such a huge upgrade compared to my old Axon z3 play. lol

[@sgrpatil41]

I wish I had those notes features when I was doing my masters, having a tab s7 instead of my iPad would have been a lot better

[@luizgustavoarantes]

I was waiting for your video!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@streetzfpv]

Amazingly detailed review. I just bought a Note 20U here in June 2023 as a secondary device to my Z Fold3, so I've been binge watching videos on it and this the first video that addressed every question or concern I had. The Bixby Routine to over come the refresh rate at 1440p prob was genius, as that was my biggest concern.

[@rubenu4386]

Still with my Note 9 which I ❤! Might make the jump to the Ultra once the price drops!

[@yourfaceistube]

Do it. My last Note was the 9. Huge improvements especially in the Camera department.

[@ericharrison619]

I have both and while the 20 Ultra is slightly better at most things it's in my opinion not $1300 better than the 9. (You might miss the rear mounted fingerprint scanner along with the good old notification led.) I would not call the camera tumor exactly attractive or enjoy the wobble it causes either. I don't regret getting the Ultra but feel between $900-$1000 would be more of a fair price.

[@sweetserenity119]

You can trade in your current phone directly on the Samsung site to drop the pice significantly

[@yourfaceistube]

@@sweetserenity119 Yeah. But I don't think they're offering that much. You could probably get 2x the money if selling on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

[@aliendroneservices6621]

18:43 S-Pen Unlock. Great feature.

[@Phones007]

Welcome back Erica we missed you

[@jackrobinson382]

What a fantastic review, thank you.

[@Swasth_Raho_Mast_Raho]

Very creative review i have ever saw

[@Richard_Barnes]

Comment 2 - this was a very thorough and more enjoyable review as you’ve based it all on proper experience’s which is superb. A great phone indeed with some epic features when combined with Good Lock and Bixby Routines. Wow, some impressive stuff that. My new and very expensive iPhone will be jealous for sure, as will I. Awesome job 🤩

[@bjane]

Love your reviews, especially the ones you have done for the Galaxy Notes, and am so happy for this one. Your Bixby Routine hint has changed my Note 20 ultra experience! Always get a lot of useful hints from your videos thanks Erica!

[@angelimarieacenas621]

I don't usually watch u and i just recently subscribed but whenever i watch ur videos, i feel comfortable listening to u. Keep up whatever it is ur doing. U are amazing!

[@3DJapan]

4:15 This explains why I got a great zoomed in shot of the full moon on Halloween but couldn't do it in pro mode.

[@EricaGriffin]

Yep. Boy. I was glad I realized what happened before I missed my shot.

[@coxb29]

@@EricaGriffin Will you be purchasing the iPhone 12 pro max and doing a full review before the end of the year?

[@macgyverade]

Such an underrated reviewer for tech... You should be a million by now. You will one day ❤️

[@Lee-tt9fe]

Fantastic to see you back helping us all with your reviews. I especially am grateful on how you also give good insight in regards to the displays. I imported my N20 Ultra into the UK as I wanted the Snapdragon version. Powerful to say the least. Stay safe.

[@lovage2004]

Earned my sub.. best tech review i have seen in a long time

[@mykittenisagrandmaster4381]

Hola Miss Erica and everyone ♥️

[@buddybleeyes]

I have the exynos 990 version. I upgraded from the exynos note 8, and I have not regretted it at all. As much as I would like more performance and some slight envy towards the snapdragon 865+ version, It has been an amazing phone so far. A worthwhile upgrade from the note 8. Edit: I also have a similar clear case with a kickstand to still show off the lush white 😍

[@EricaGriffin]

It was important to me with this video to focus on things both versions could enjoy.

[@buddybleeyes]

@@EricaGriffin Thank you for that! I think too many channels focus on the snapdragon variant only! I forgot about goodlock, think i might have a lil play with some of the things you've shown :)

[@buddybleeyes]

@@EricaGriffin that spen menu is amazing! Thank you for showing us that, I honestly changed it right away and felt a difference as soon as I did! Would like to see any more tips and tricks you have 😊

[@manishrajkoomar2830]

link for this beautiful wallpaper anyone ? Great review as usual btw 👍🏽

[@agateenchantmentrockwizard5969]

Really helpful review thank you 😊

[@SMentor568]

Good to see you making videos again. Enjoyed the vid and looking forward to trying these on my note 20 ultra when it arrives.

[@MoroccoGamer]

you got me with that 4:00 they should use it for the marketing haha

[@ryanfranklin3353]

I've had mine for a month, still learning new stuff everyday lol

[@MrElectrifyer]

Hahaha, I've had my Note 8 for over 3 years now, still getting new and useful features added via updates from Samsung. Especially loving the amazing Samsung Notes app update, now with voice recording that syncs with my S-Pen digital ink, and now there's Samsung TV Plus that brings 163 FREE LIVE TV channels to my Note 8. It just keeps getting more and more versatile and useful! Never gets boring, unlike my past over half-a-decade of iPhones before I switched to Android in 2014 (on a OnePlus One). It's my first ever Samsung Smartphone and now, I simply can't settle for ANYTHING less versatile than it.

[@Childfree334]

@@MrElectrifyer I absolutely LOVE the free Samsung TV app. I have always been on Android (first phone was an LG, but I switched to Samsung after 1 year) and never looked back. Have never felt the need to use or switch to iOS after seeing family and friends with iPhone. Android is much more feature packed.

[@yapolloable]

Very in depth real life usage. Thanks so much! Love how you highlight that periscope not available on pro mode

[@babyjunior2605]

Where has this channel been all my life, thanks for the content ❤️

[@johnnyquest2651]

I appreciate your review of any of the notes. I would become so frustrated with the reviews by those who don't get why note owners keep getting notes. #doyouevennotebro?

[@davidprodigy5833]

5:22 I also discovered by accident that my S9 could do the same.

[@johnsecret1318]

Probably most Samsung phones including lower midrange

[@MeitanteiKuri]

I had no idea. Definitely useful!

[@inmortal009]

insane amount of information, I couldn't believe my eyes when you moved the camera button, I did it with my S9 and it worked!!! for how long this has been a feature lol. best review I have seen for a phone in years not joking

[@CodyRevels]

Great video!! I loved the part about higher res in youtube! I was literally just thinking about how I couldn't go higher than 1080p!

[@irfanspace]

samsung have solution for everything, great review 👍🏼