Best answer: Samsung's entry-level Galaxy Note 20 is made from a combination of plastic and metal. The metal can be found on the frame and buttons, while the back-piece is where the plastic can be found.
- Matte plastic: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 ($1,000 at Amazon)
- Glass and metal: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra ($1,300 at Amazon)
Still sleek, but not as premium
There are a few key differences between the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra to help them stand apart. The first of which comes in the materials being used for each device.
In an effort to keep costs down, Samsung opted to build the Galaxy Note 20 out of a combination of plastic and metal. The back of the phone is plastic, while the frame, sides, and buttons are made from metal. This actually gives the Note 20 a leg up on the Note 20 Ultra, as it made it possible for Samsung to provide that sleek-looking Mystic Green color option.
It also helps to keep the cost lower, at least relatively. The regular Note 20 is around $300 cheaper than the Note 20 Ultra, which will definitely sway users one way or another regardless of build materials. It's clear that this version of the Note 20 is aimed at being available for the "everyday" fan, while the Note 20 Ultra is geared towards the "power users."
The larger Note 20 Ultra is definitely the "premium" flagship from this line, and that's not just because of the metal and glass build. Samsung packed a larger display which is also equipped with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. This means that your phone will automatically switch between 60Hz and 120Hz, depending on what you are you doing. It also has more RAM so running apps goes smoothly and a microSD slot for expandable storage, which the regular Note 20 does not.
Overall, you'll definitely be paying for what you get with the Note 20 Ultra, but the Note 20 is more affordable, and that's thanks in part to the plastic build.
The Note for everyone
Despite the plastic on the back, you can still get that sweet Mystic Green color option with the standard Note 20. But the lack of a glass back is not the only sacrifice you'll have to make if you don't want to spring for the Note 20 Ultra.
Power users apply here
With the Note 20 Ultra, Samsung packed all the hardware features you could want into this sleek design. From an enormous display to the metal and glass sandwich, the Note 20 Ultra is made for the die-hard Galaxy Note fans and power users.
