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In today’s world, a smartphone is not just a device we use to call and text. It is our camera, our music player, our notebook, and our connection to the world. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right phone for you. In this product review, I will be discussing my personal experience with the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, a renewed phone that has exceeded my expectations.
The Benefits of a Refurbished Phone
Sure, the latest smartphone model might look all new and shiny, but not all that glitters is gold (especially when you’re on a budget). When you’re watching your wallet, buying a refurbished phone can often be a smart choice. Not only can it save you money, but it’s also an environmentally friendly option. Refurbished phones are tested and restored to their original condition, so you can get a quality product at a lower price point.
Plus, you can often find refurbished phones that are no longer available new, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G. Despite being refurbished, these phones often come with a warranty and can be returned if you’re not satisfied. You can also feel good about reducing e-waste by choosing a refurbished phone over a brand new one. Overall, buying a refurbished phone can be a great way to save money while still getting a high-quality device.
The Advantages of an SD Card Slot
I’ll admit it: I take pictures and videos of pretty much anything. I like documenting my memories, okay? Unfortunately, that means that I use up my storage way too fast. If you’re anything like me, then you know the feeling all too well. So, the ability to expand my phone’s storage with an SD card slot was a game-changer.
This is one of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20’s standout features. With it, you can go beyond your phone’s allotted storage space, without having to pay for a more expensive model with higher storage capacity. All you need to do is insert an SD card, and you’ll immediately have access to more storage for photos, videos, and other files.
Even if you’re not using up your storage with photos, your SD card slot still has its uses. Having an SD card slot can also be used to back up important files or transfer them to another device. It’s a convenient way to store large files without taking up precious space on your phone.
The Benefits of the S-Pen
The S-Pen (a type of stylus) is a unique feature of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20, and is bound to be loved by creators all across the board. It allows for precise control when drawing or writing, making it a useful tool for artists, designers, and note-takers. Even if you don’t use it for those purposes, you could also utilize it for navigating your device. It can be a lot more precise than just using your fingertip.
The S-Pen isn’t your average stylus, however — it’s Bluetooth-enabled. So, what’s the purpose behind equipping a stylus with Bluetooth? Well, it allows for cool new features like Air Actions, which allow you to control your device with a simple gesture. You can also use the S-Pen to remotely take photos or control your music.
Display and Battery Life
As if the magic pen wasn’t enough, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 boasts an impressive 6.9-inch Infinity-O Super AMOLED+ display with a resolution of 3088 x 1440. Don’t feel like watching Netflix on your TV? With a display as vibrant and sharp as this one, it’ll do just fine. The phone also has a fantastic battery, at 4500 mAh. This is above the average of most smartphones, which are usually in the range of 3500 to 400. You can use your phone all day without the constant charging that so many phones nowadays seem to call for.
Camera
So, the display is great, the battery life is great — there’s no way the camera can be top-notch, too. That almost seems unfair. Sadly for Samsung’s competitors, the camera is just as technologically innovative as the rest of the device. The Samsung Galaxy Note 20’s rear camera features 108MP, f/1.8, 12MP, f/3.0, and 12MP, f/2.2 lenses. The camera also has 5x optical zoom and 50x hybrid zoom, making it great for capturing distant subjects. The front-facing camera is 10MP and features an f/2.2 lens. If you value quality smartphone photography, then this is the phone for you.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is compatible with most GSM and CDMA carriers, including T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, Verizon, and Sprint. The phone also features 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download and upload speeds. It supports both SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave and has a single SIM card slot. The phone also features UWB (Ultra Wide Band) connectivity, which allows for more precise location tracking and faster data transfer. The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 offers a variety of connectivity options, making it a versatile device that can be used with a variety of carriers and networks.
The Drawbacks of Pre-Installed Apps
One drawback of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is the amount of pre-installed apps and bloatware that come with the device. Some users may find this software to be unnecessary or intrusive, and it can take up valuable storage space on your device. While some of these apps can be uninstalled or disabled, others are permanent features of the device. If you want a more streamlined experience, then this’ll be a big obstacle for you. However, it’s worth noting that many new phones come with pre-installed apps, and this is not a unique issue to the Samsung Galaxy Note 20.
Conclusion
Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G. It has exceeded my expectations and has been a reliable device for my daily use. The fact that it is a renewed phone at a fraction of the cost of a new one makes it an excellent investment. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any drawbacks. The fingerprint scanner needs work, and the packaging definitely could’ve been better. This phone’s other features more than made up for the downsides.
Questions & Answers:
Question: How old is the Samsung Note 20?
Answer: This phone came out in 2020 and got discontinued a little over a year later.
Question: Is the Note 20 better than the Note 10?
Answer: The Note 20 is the newer version of the Note 10, and is better in a variety of ways (including display and connectivity, among other features).
Question: How much does the renewed Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G cost?
Answer: At the time of this writing, it costs $349.99. If that’s too expensive, then you can pay in installments. On the off chance that the phone doesn’t work out, you can return it for free, get a refund, or receive a free replacement (so long as it’s within the first 90 days).