Galaxy Note20 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G
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Galaxy Note20 5G
Starting at
£190.00
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Note20 5G and Galaxy S21 5G?
Galaxy Note20 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £18.67 less than the Galaxy Note20 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
Software updates
- The Galaxy Note20 5G has a bigger battery: 4300 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
- The Galaxy Note20 5G has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.2 inch.
- Screen type: Super AMOLED Plus on the Galaxy Note20 5G, Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the Galaxy S21 5G.
Galaxy Note20 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G specs
The Galaxy Note20 5G and Galaxy S21 5G both offer 5G connectivity and 8 GB of RAM, making them solid choices for everyday use. The Note20 5G has a larger 6.7 inch screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate, suited for those who prefer a bigger display. The S21 5G has a slightly smaller 6.2 inch screen but features a smoother 120 Hz refresh rate and a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, appealing to users who value screen fluidity and vibrant visuals. The S21 5G also offers dual physical SIM plus eSIM support and weighs less.
Galaxy Note20 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G price
Colour
- BronzeSold out
- GreySold out
- GreenSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy Note20 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and basic build features. These affect how long the phone lasts each day and how long it remains supported with new software.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Note20 5G has a 4300 mAh battery, which offers more capacity for longer daily use between charges. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which still provides solid endurance but may suit users who do not need the largest battery capacity.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Note20 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Note20 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G screen
Screen quality involves size, resolution, refresh rate, and panel type. These affect how the display looks and feels during use, especially for video and gaming.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Note20 5G has a larger 6.7 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos or browsing. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch screen that is smaller but still offers the same 1080 x 2400 resolution, so both deliver sharp images.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable when browsing or gaming. The Galaxy Note20 5G has a 60 Hz refresh rate, suitable for everyday use but less fluid in fast motion.
Screen Panel Type
The Galaxy Note20 5G uses a Super AMOLED Plus screen, which offers vibrant colours and good brightness. The Galaxy S21 5G has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, which typically delivers even richer colour and higher brightness, enhancing viewing in bright conditions.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Note20 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front camera resolution. Both devices have similar specifications here, so they suit users wanting solid photo and video basics.
Camera Resolution
Both the Galaxy Note20 5G and Galaxy S21 5G have a 12 megapixel main camera and a 10 megapixel front camera. This means both phones capture similar detail in photos and selfies, suitable for everyday photography and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Note20 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G size and design
Miscellaneous features cover physical dimensions, SIM options, and other connectivity details that can affect daily convenience and device handling.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy Note20 5G supports dual physical SIM cards, which suits those who use two separate mobile numbers. The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIM plus eSIM, offering more flexibility for managing multiple lines or plans without needing a physical SIM.
Weight and Size
The Galaxy Note20 5G weighs 192 g and measures 161.6 mm tall by 75.2 mm wide, making it larger and heavier. The Galaxy S21 5G is lighter at 169 g and smaller at 151.7 mm tall by 71.2 mm wide, which may suit those preferring a more compact and lighter phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy Note20 5G or Galaxy S21 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Note20 5G if
- you want a bigger battery (4300 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.2 inch)
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £18.67 less than the Galaxy Note20 5G
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 192 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy Note20 5G often mention that the phone looks like new with only faint marks that do not affect performance. Many appreciate the larger screen size and battery life, noting that the phone works efficiently and lasts well throughout the day. The Note20 5G is praised for its clean condition and smooth operation, with some highlighting that it is hard to tell the phone is refurbished. A few users mention minor variations like the S Pen replacement but overall express satisfaction with the phone's appearance and functionality.
Galaxy S21 5G customers also report excellent condition with phones that look nearly new and have batteries in good shape. Users appreciate the high quality of the screen and the phone's lightweight and compact design. Some customers highlight the convenience of the dual SIM and eSIM options, finding it useful for managing multiple numbers. The S21 5G is seen as a reliable and well-performing device with minimal marks and good battery life, fitting well for daily use.
Overall, the Galaxy Note20 5G appeals to those who want a larger screen and longer battery capacity, while the Galaxy S21 5G suits users looking for a lighter phone with the latest software support and higher screen refresh rate. Both models are well received for their condition and performance as refurbished devices.
Galaxy Note20 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G FAQs
Galaxy Note20 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy Note20 5G has a bigger battery: 4300 mAh vs 4000 mAh. The Galaxy Note20 5G has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.2 inch.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £190 for the Galaxy Note20 5G.
The Galaxy Note20 5G has a bigger battery: 4300 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Note20 5G ended in Sep 2025. Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026.
The Galaxy S21 5G adds a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz) and a lighter build (169 g vs 192 g). Refurbished, it costs £18.67 less (from £171.33 vs £190).
Both come in 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
