The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra generated significant promotional activity at launch, offering consumers various incentives and bundled accessories. These offers varied by region and retailer, with specific freebies attached to pre-orders and standard purchases. Understanding the contents of the retail box and the additional promotional items available helps consumers evaluate the total value proposition of the device.
Standard Box Contents and Regional Variations
The contents of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra retail box differed slightly depending on the region and specific market. For consumers in Malaysia, the retail unit included a specific set of essential accessories designed to maximize the utility of the device immediately upon purchase.
The standard kit provided with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G in Malaysia retail units consisted of the following items:
- 1 x Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
- 1 x UK-style 3-pin 25W charger
- 1 x USB Type-C to USB Type-C charging cable
- 1 x USB Type-C powered by AKG earbuds (includes two sets of differently sized silicone ear tips)
- 1 x SIM ejector pin
- 1 x Pre-applied screen protector on the phone
- Quick start guides and warranty paperwork
It is important to note that the charger provided in the box was specific to the local market. While an early review unit in Malaysia might have included a non-local 2-pin 25W charger, mass retail units were equipped with the local 3-pin UK-style 25W charger. The box contents for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G were identical to those of the cheaper siblings, the Galaxy Note 20 4G and Galaxy Note 20 5G.
Samsung made a pragmatic decision regarding accessories for this generation of devices. Unlike previous models such as the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 9, which included a host of extra accessories, the Note 20 Ultra focused on essential items. Consequently, the retail box did not include a soft phone casing, replacement nibs for the S Pen, or a tweezer to replace them. However, the inclusion of a pre-applied screen protector offered a small cost-saving benefit for the consumer.
Promotional Freebies and Pre-Order Incentives
Beyond the standard box contents, Samsung offered various promotional freebies, particularly for pre-order customers. These incentives were designed to add value and differentiate the purchase experience.
Pre-Order Freebies
Pre-order buyers received distinct wireless earbud options depending on their region and specific promotion. In some markets, pre-order customers received either the Galaxy Buds Live or Galaxy Buds+ alongside their device. The inclusion of the wired AKG earbuds in the standard box served as a redundancy measure. These wired earbuds function without power and are compact, making them a convenient backup or alternative for users who prefer not to use wireless solutions or need a reliable wired option.
AKG Wired Earbuds Offer
A notable promotional offer available to Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra buyers was the ability to request a free pair of wired AKG USB-C headphones. This offer was not exclusive to the Note 20 series; other flagship phones were also eligible for the same freebie.
The availability of this offer was subject to supply constraints. There was no definitive information on the remaining stock of these headphones at the time of the report, and the offer was assumed to be valid only while supplies lasted. Consumers were advised to inquire with customer service to confirm availability and claim the offer. Even for users who prefer wireless audio solutions, claiming the free wired pair was suggested as a viable option, as they could be gifted to others in need of headphones.
TV Offer for Early Bird Buyers
In addition to the confirmed free gifts, there was a specific offer involving a TV for early bird buyers. While the specific details of the TV promotion were not fully elaborated in the source data, it was identified as a distinct incentive separate from the other standard freebies that were guaranteed to pre-order customers.
Regional Pricing and Availability
The pricing for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra varied by configuration and region. In Malaysia, the Galaxy Note Ultra 5G retailed for RM5,199. The Galaxy Note 20 5G was priced at RM4,199, and the Galaxy Note 20 with LTE only retailed for RM3,899. These devices became available for purchase at Samsung experience stores, retail partners, and telecommunications providers nationwide starting from August 21.
In the United States, the Note 20 series was available through various major carriers. While specific contract details were not provided for the US market, the availability through carriers offered consumers flexibility in purchasing the device through installment plans.
In the United Kingdom, contract deals were available from providers such as Vodafone. One specific plan mentioned required an upfront payment of £29 with a monthly fee of £69 for 24GB of data over a 24-month contract. Consumers were advised that the price would increase to £74 per month after six months. Additionally, some UK providers offered 4 months of YouTube Premium for free with certain plans.
Student Discount Programs
Samsung offered discount programs for students in both the UK and the US. Students could receive a 10% discount on the Galaxy Note 20 series and other eligible products.
In the UK, students were required to register and verify their status through Unidays to claim the 10% discount. In the US, the student discount also provided 10% off, with potential savings of up to 30% off phones for verified students.
Device Features and Enhancements
While the focus of the inquiry was on freebies and offers, the underlying device features provided context for the promotional value. The Galaxy Note 20 series introduced several significant upgrades, most notably to the S Pen. The S Pen was faster and functioned as a navigational tool. It also expanded its cross-device functionality to work with the new Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+ tablets.
The phones also emphasized gaming performance with Microsoft Xbox integration. The devices featured robust performance supported by 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, AMOLED displays, and a 120Hz refresh rate on the Ultra model. These specifications enabled an immersive gaming experience, including the capability to play PC and Xbox games directly on the Note 20 phones.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra launch was characterized by a strategic mix of standard in-box accessories and limited-time promotional offers. The standard retail package prioritized essential items, including a 25W charger, USB-C cable, and high-quality AKG wired earbuds, along with the convenience of a pre-applied screen protector. Promotional incentives, such as the option for pre-order customers to receive wireless earbuds and the availability of free wired AKG headphones for buyers who requested them, added significant value. Regional variations in pricing, charger types, and contract deals necessitated that consumers verify local availability and terms. Discount programs for students further enhanced accessibility to the flagship device. These combined offers illustrated Samsung's approach to maximizing consumer value through both hardware inclusion and targeted promotions.