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Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G

Storage:

Cosmetic Condition:

Functionality:

Accessories included:

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G launched in 2020 as Samsung's mainstream S Pen phone, sitting below the Note 20 Ultra but keeping the productivity features that made the Note line stand out: a built-in stylus, a big AMOLED display, and a camera system built for both photos and quick note-taking. Sold under model numbers SM-N981U and SM-N981U1 in the US, and SM-N980F in some international markets, it still holds value because of its S Pen, its 5G radio, and Samsung's long software support window for this generation. Pick your storage tier and condition in the picker above for a live cash offer, or see how the process works before you commit. If you would rather browse other models first, you can sell your smartphone from the same page.

Confirm you have the Galaxy Note 20 5G

On the phone, go to Settings → About phone → Model number. That string tells you exactly which variant you own. If the screen is cracked or the phone won't turn on, check the small print on the original box or the SIM tray for the same number.

SM-N981U

  • US carrier variant, sold locked or unlocked depending on retailer
  • Snapdragon 865+ platform
  • Supports 5G on US carrier bands

SM-N981U1

  • US fully unlocked retail variant
  • Works across major US carriers without a carrier lock
  • Same core hardware as the SM-N981U

SM-N980F

  • International variant sold outside the US
  • Dual SIM tray on most units
  • Region-specific radio bands, confirm before shipping across borders

Prefer a visual check? The Note 20 5G has a matte, plastic (polycarbonate) back rather than glass, a flat display with no curved edges, and a camera bump with three lenses in a rectangular housing. The S Pen slot sits at the bottom edge next to the USB-C port.

Core hardware configurations

Processor

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ in US models
  • Paired with an integrated 5G modem on 5G variants

Memory

  • 8GB RAM
  • Soldered, not upgradable after purchase

Storage

  • 128GB or 256GB, both UFS 3.1
  • No microSD slot on this model, storage is fixed at purchase
  • 256GB units generally see the stronger resale demand

Cameras

  • Rear: 12MP wide, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultra-wide
  • Front: 10MP

Display & audio

6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display at FHD+ resolution, flat panel with a 60Hz refresh rate and an integrated S Pen digitizer.

Stereo speakers tuned with AKG, with Dolby Atmos support for headphones and connected speakers.

Security is handled by an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, backed up by face unlock through the front camera.

Ports & connectivity

The Note 20 5G dropped the headphone jack in favor of a single USB-C port, and it carries a full modern wireless stack for its release year.

Wired
  • USB-C 3.2 for charging and data
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack
Wireless
  • 5G sub-6GHz on US carrier variants
  • 4G LTE
  • Wi-Fi 6
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • NFC for contactless payments

5G connectivity Built-in S Pen 25W fast charging Wireless PowerShare IP68 water resistance In-display fingerprint 64MP telephoto camera

Battery, build & more

Battery. 4,300mAh cell with 25W wired fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging for accessories like earbuds.

Finishes. Sold in Mystic Bronze, Mystic Gray, and Mystic Green, with the polycarbonate back distinguishing it from the glass-backed Ultra.

Software. Shipped with Android 10 and One UI 2.5, then received several major Android version updates over its supported lifespan.

Known issues. The plastic back marks more easily than glass over years of use, and batteries on units this age commonly show reduced capacity.

Frequently asked questions

01 How do I find the model number and exact configuration?
Go to Settings → About phone → Model number, which shows whether you have an SM-N981U, SM-N981U1, or SM-N980F. The same screen usually lists total storage under "Device storage," which tells you whether you are on the 128GB or 256GB tier. If the phone won't power on, the model number is printed on the SIM tray or the original retail box.
02 How do I tell it apart from the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G?
The Ultra has a larger, curved 120Hz display and a glass back, while the standard Note 20 5G has a flat 60Hz screen and a matte plastic back. The Ultra's camera bump is noticeably larger and holds a periscope zoom lens, where the Note 20 5G's rear housing is smaller with three lenses. Checking Settings → About phone settles it either way, since the model numbers differ between the two.
03 Can I sell it with damage, a cracked screen, a weak battery, or an account lock?
Yes. Pick the condition that matches the phone in the picker above and the offer adjusts accordingly, whether the issue is a cracked screen, a battery that no longer holds a charge, or a unit that won't turn on. Before shipping, remove your Samsung account and Google account and turn off Find My Mobile, since a locked device can't be tested or resold and will affect what we can offer.
04 What raises the trade-in value the most?
Storage tier and overall condition move the offer the most, with a 256GB unit in good cosmetic shape sitting at the top of the range. A fully unlocked SM-N981U1 also tends to draw more interest than a carrier-locked SM-N981U. Including the original S Pen, box, and charger helps, and a battery that still holds a reasonable charge matters more on an older device like this one than it would on a newer phone.
05 How do I erase it and remove my accounts, and how do I get paid?
Go to Settings → General Management → Reset → Factory data reset, and confirm. Before that step, sign out of your Samsung account under Settings → Accounts and backup, and remove your Google account under Settings → Accounts. Turn off Find My Mobile so the device isn't locked to you after the reset. Once your quote is confirmed, shipping is free and insured, and payment goes out after testing by PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, or check. Full steps and platform-specific details are in our data erasure protocols.