Why You Can Trust CNET Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra: How to buy Samsung's latest phones right now
The Galaxy Note 20 phones are now available. Here's what you need to know.
Samsung's latest high-end flagship Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra phones are on sale now. You won't find the same preorder bundle offers now that the phones are widely available, but carriers and retail partners will surely run promotions of their own in the coming days and weeks. Samsung is also planning to introduce a preorder sale for the Galaxy Z Fold 2 foldable phone on Sept. 1, and we'll be sure to have all of those details as soon as they're available.
The Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra show off dazzling designs, with the Ultra bringing all of the features that Samsung can squeeze into a phone. It has a gorgeous 6.9-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, sharp 5x optical zoom and improved S Pen performance, thanks to lower latency. Both phones also incorporate new S Pen tricks, Android 10, 5G connectivity and a very snappy Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus chipset.
Here's everything you need to know about how to get one of Samsung's latest phones today, and remember to keep an eye out for deals. (For international pricing, see our full Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review.)
Latest updates: Added new deals from Walmart and Sam's Club, and updated current offers from other vendors.
Galaxy Note 20 and Ultra pricing
| 128GB | 512GB | |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Note 20 | $1,000 | N/A |
| Galaxy Note 20 Ultra | $1,300 | $1,450 |
When can I buy the Note 20 or Note 20 Ultra?
Right now. The phones officially launched on Aug. 21.
Unless otherwise noted below, all US carriers and retailers will begin deliveries at the times noted.
What colors do the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra come in?
That depends on the model.
- Galaxy Note 20 5G: Mystic bronze, mystic gray and mystic green.
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G: Mystic bronze, mystic black and mystic white.
What will the Note 20 or Note 20 Ultra cost me?
The Note 20 comes in only one configuration, while the Note 20 Ultra comes in two.
Galaxy Note 20
The Galaxy Note 20 has 128GB of storage, 8GB of memory and a 6.7-inch FHD Plus Display.
- 128GB: $999
Order from Amazon | Samsung | Verizon | AT&T | Xfinity Mobile | T-Mobile | US Cellular | Best Buy | Walmart | Sam's Club |
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a 6.9-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, microSD card support and 12GB of memory. The price depends on which of the two storage options you choose.
- 128GB: $1,299
- 512GB: $1,449
Order from Amazon | Samsung | Verizon | AT&T | Xfinity Mobile | T-Mobile | US Cellular | Best Buy | Walmart | Sam's Club |
Manufacturer and retailers
If you're looking for an unlocked phone or a wide array of carrier options, you can opt to buy the Note 20 through a major retailer -- or through Samsung itself.
Samsung is accepting trade-ins that can drop the price of the Note 20 down to $350. You'll need to fill out a couple of forms to get a better idea of the credit you'll receive for your trade-in, after which the rest of the process is straightforward.
You can buy an unlocked version, or a carrier-specific version if you prefer, using the Shop Samsung app or Samsung's website.
The biggest online retailer is offering the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra unlocked -- but you won't find any other bonuses or pack-ins for now. Still, it's a good option if you have an Amazon gift card to burn.
The electronics retailer will carry both the Note 20 and the Note 20 Ultra. You can get up to $700 off either device with a preorder of a new activation and a trade-in.
Walmart is offering both Note 20 models, and if you buy a Note 20 through the retailer before 9/20/2020, you'll be eligible to receive up to $150 in the form of Samsung credits.
Sam's Club is offering a $200 Club gift card with the purchase and activation of a Note 20 or Note 20 Ultra, with the potential to get a $1,000 bill credit with a qualifying trade-in and upgrade.
The offer is online only and is good through the end of September.
Carriers
Buying through a wireless carrier can often open the door to major discounts -- but usually only if and when you're switching to a new carrier, changing plans or opening up new lines.
Read more: Sell your phone for cash: Tips to maximize your profit
Verizon customers can get the Note 20 by paying $41.66 a month for 24 months, or the Note 20 Ultra on a plan of $54.16 a month for 24 months.
The carrier is running several promotions, such as up to $1,000 in credit with a trade-in. You'll need to read through the fine print on Verizon's site to see exactly what you qualify for.
With T-Mobile, you can get the Note 20 for $41.67 a month, the 128GB Note 20 Ultra for $54.17 a month or the 512GB Note 20 Ultra for the same $54.17 a month with $150 down. If you buy a Note 20 and add a line to your account, you'll get up to $1,000 off another Note 20 -- making the base model free.
AT&T is giving customers who trade in an eligible device up to $1,000 off the Note 20 when it's purchased on a 30-month payment plan and with a qualifying unlimited plan. In other words, depending on which phone you trade in, you could get the Note 20 for free.
If you switch to Xfinity Mobile between Aug. 6 and Sept. 15, you'll get a $400 discount on the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra when you activate a new line and transfer your number. If you're already a customer you get a $400 Visa gift card when you upgrade.
If you switch to the carrier and sign up for its Unlimited with Payback plan, you can get up to $700 back with a qualified trade-in.