Samsung just gave Galaxy Note 20 Ultra veterans the perfect upgrade

If you've entered 2026 still rocking the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, you now have the perfect window of opportunity to upgrade to the brand-new Galaxy S26 Ultra without breaking the bank.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is now available for pre-order, and Samsung USA is trying to bring Note 20 Ultra owners onboard with a surprisingly high trade-in value: $500.

Here is a clear example: The Galaxy S20 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra were released in the same year, and you would think that they have a similar trade-in value at the USA e-shop. That's far from being the case.

For Galaxy S26 Ultra trade-ins, the S20 Ultra is worth $100, while the Note 20 Ultra jumps to a whopping $500. And yes, both phones debuted in 2020, just months apart. Regardless, the Note 20 Ultra beats the S20 Ultra by $400.

Now seems like the last chance for remaining Galaxy Note 20 Ultra users in the US to finally upgrade their phones. Judging by other trade-in offers, it seems very possible that the Note 20 Ultra won't have the same amazing trade-in value a year from now. It might drop to $100, just like the S20 Ultra.

Furthermore, once the Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-order window closes on March 11, there's no guarantee that the Note 20 Ultra will retain the same $500 trade-in value.

Beyond trade-ins, the S26 Ultra is a serious upgrade for Note 20 Ultra owners in 2026. It’s a standout S Pen device and the only phone in the world with Samsung’s Privacy Display feature.

If you value thinness and lightness, you're in for a treat. The new S26 Ultra is the first Ultra since 2020 to be thinner than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and almost just as light. It's the thinnest Ultra phone ever made.

Plus, S26 Ultra users get the latest One UI 8.5 update and Galaxy AI features — something the Note 20 Ultra will never be able to access, as the phone lost its eligibility for OS upgrades years ago.

The $500 Note 20 Ultra trade-in offer is available for Galaxy S26 Ultra buyers in the USA, but similar deals could be available in other markets. Make sure you check your regional Samsung e-shop for more details.