Galaxy S20 Ultra vs S20 Plus: Which Samsung Reigns?
Choosing between Samsung’s flagship phones can be a tough call, especially when considering powerhouses like the Galaxy S20 Ultra and the Galaxy S20 Plus. Both devices boast impressive features, stunning displays, and cutting-edge technology that will undoubtedly grab your attention. But which one truly deserves a spot in your pocket?
This comparison dives deep into the specifications, analyzing everything from the camera capabilities and battery life to the overall performance and design. We’ll explore the key differences between the Galaxy S20 Ultra and the S20 Plus, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Get ready to uncover the nuances of each phone, and discover which Samsung Galaxy reigns supreme for you. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each, ensuring you have all the information necessary to select the perfect device for your daily life.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | S20 Ultra | S20+ |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.9 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels | 1440 x 3200 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 108MP + 48MP + 12MP + DepthVision | 12MP + 64MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 40MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps | 8K@24fps |
| Expandable Storage | MicroSDXC | MicroSDXC |
| Dimensions | 166.9 x 76 x 8.8 mm | 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Boasts a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. The larger size is great for media consumption and gaming, but can make one-handed use challenging.
- S20 Plus: Features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a slightly more compact experience compared to the Ultra. It still provides excellent visual quality, but the smaller size may not be as immersive.
- Winner: Ultra
Cameras
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Equipped with a 108MP wide-angle lens, a 48MP telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a DepthVision sensor. Offers incredible zoom capabilities and detailed image capture, but can sometimes overprocess images.
- S20 Plus: Includes a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a DepthVision sensor. Delivers excellent image quality, but the zoom capabilities are not as extensive as the Ultra.
- Winner: Ultra
Zoom Capability
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Provides up to 10x optical zoom and 100x Space Zoom, allowing you to capture distant subjects with remarkable clarity, though image quality degrades at the extreme zoom levels.
- S20 Plus: Offers up to 3x hybrid optical zoom and 30x Space Zoom, which is still impressive but falls short of the Ultra’s zoom prowess. Image quality at the maximum zoom is generally better than the Ultra’s.
- Winner: Ultra
Battery
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Packs a large 5000mAh battery, providing excellent battery life that can easily last a full day, even with heavy usage.
- S20 Plus: Features a 4500mAh battery, which still offers good battery life but may not last as long as the Ultra’s, particularly with extensive use of the 120Hz refresh rate.
- Winner: Ultra
Design and Size
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Features a larger and heavier design due to its bigger display and more extensive camera system. This can make it feel bulky in the hand.
- S20 Plus: Offers a more manageable and comfortable form factor, making it easier to hold and use with one hand.
- Winner: Plus
RAM and Storage
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Offers up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage, providing ample memory for multitasking and storing large files.
- S20 Plus: Comes with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage, which is still substantial and sufficient for most users.
- Winner: Ultra
Video Recording
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Supports 8K video recording at 24fps, allowing for high-resolution footage, but can be power-intensive and require significant storage space.
- S20 Plus: Also supports 8K video recording at 24fps, delivering impressive video quality, though it shares the same limitations as the Ultra.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Typically launched at a higher price point due to its premium features and larger size.
- S20 Plus: Generally offered at a more affordable price than the Ultra, making it a more accessible option for some consumers.
- Winner: Plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | Galaxy S20 Ultra |
| Camera (Overall) | Galaxy S20 Ultra |
| Battery Life | Galaxy S20 Ultra |
| Performance | Tie |
| Value | S20 Plus |
| Portability | S20 Plus |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing vibrant colors and smooth scrolling experiences.
- Processing Power: Both devices utilize the same powerful processor, either the Snapdragon 865 or the Exynos 990, ensuring high performance for gaming and multitasking.
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G networks, allowing for faster download and upload speeds where available.
- Video Recording Capabilities: Both the Galaxy S20 Ultra and S20 Plus can record video in stunning 8K resolution, capturing incredibly detailed footage.
- Operating System: Both phones run on Android, customized with Samsung’s One UI, offering a consistent and user-friendly software experience.
Galaxy S20 Ultra Vs S20 Plus Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
Both the Galaxy S20 Ultra and the S20 Plus boast impressive performance, powered by either a Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 processor, depending on the region. The S20 Ultra, however, often comes with more RAM, potentially impacting multitasking and handling demanding applications. Real-world performance differences are subtle, with both phones delivering smooth and responsive experiences for everyday tasks, gaming, and content creation. Consider RAM configurations if you are a power user.
Camera Capabilities
The camera systems are where the phones diverge significantly. The S20 Ultra features a 108MP main sensor, alongside a periscope telephoto lens offering impressive zoom capabilities, and an ultrawide lens. The S20 Plus has a 12MP main sensor, offering excellent image quality in good lighting conditions, along with ultrawide and telephoto lenses. The S20 Ultra’s zoom and overall versatility give it an edge, especially for photography enthusiasts looking for maximum flexibility.
Display Quality and Size
Both phones share excellent displays, with Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels offering vibrant colors and smooth 120Hz refresh rates. The S20 Ultra has a larger 6.9-inch display, offering a more immersive viewing experience, and is great for media consumption and gaming. The S20 Plus has a slightly smaller 6.7-inch display, which is still substantial and provides a great balance between screen real estate and portability. Ultimately, consider your preference for a larger screen.
Battery Life and Charging
The S20 Ultra houses a larger 5,000mAh battery, providing significantly longer battery life compared to the S20 Plus, which has a 4,500mAh battery. Both support fast wired and wireless charging, but the S20 Ultra may last a full day under heavy use. If battery life is a priority, the S20 Ultra is the better choice. However, the S20 Plus still provides excellent battery performance for most users.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones share a premium design language, with glass and metal construction and IP68 water resistance. The S20 Ultra is larger and heavier, due to its bigger display and battery. The S20 Plus is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. Both phones look and feel premium, but the Ultra is a statement piece. Consider your preference for size and weight when making your decision.
Price and Value
The S20 Ultra launched at a higher price point than the S20 Plus. While both phones have become more affordable over time, the price difference remains. The S20 Plus offers excellent value, providing a high-end experience at a slightly lower cost. The S20 Ultra justifies its premium price with its superior camera system, larger display, and longer battery life. Consider your budget and desired features when deciding.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Galaxy S20 Ultra If…
- You prioritize having the absolute best camera system on a smartphone, especially for zoom capabilities.
- You want the largest display and the biggest battery for extended usage.
- You require the most RAM and storage configurations available.
- You want the most premium, high-end experience available.
Buy S20 Plus If…
- You want a powerful phone with excellent features, but in a slightly more compact size.
- You are looking for a phone with a great camera system without the highest price tag.
- You prefer a device that is easier to handle with one hand.
- You want a phone with a slightly more affordable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the S20 Ultra and S20 Plus?
The primary differences lie in the camera system, display size, and battery capacity. The S20 Ultra boasts a more advanced camera setup with greater zoom capabilities, a larger display, and a bigger battery for longer use. The S20 Plus offers a more compact design, a slightly smaller display, and a slightly reduced camera system and battery capacity, but at a more affordable price point.
Which phone has a better camera?
The S20 Ultra has a superior camera system. It features a 108MP main sensor and a periscope telephoto lens with impressive zoom capabilities. This combination allows for greater versatility in photography and videography. The S20 Plus’ camera is still excellent, but it lacks the zoom capabilities and overall versatility of the Ultra.
Which phone offers better battery life?
The S20 Ultra offers better battery life due to its larger 5,000mAh battery. This allows for significantly longer usage times, especially under heavy workloads. The S20 Plus, with its 4,500mAh battery, still provides good battery life, but it may not last as long as the Ultra, particularly for power users who engage in intensive tasks.
Is the S20 Ultra worth the extra cost?
Whether the S20 Ultra is worth the extra cost depends on your needs and budget. If you prioritize camera performance, a larger display, and longer battery life, and are willing to pay a premium, then the Ultra is a good choice. However, the S20 Plus offers excellent value for money and still provides a flagship experience. Consider your priorities.
Which phone is more comfortable to hold?
The S20 Plus is generally more comfortable to hold and use with one hand. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it more manageable for everyday use. The S20 Ultra, while offering a larger display, is bulkier and can be more cumbersome for some users. The choice depends on your preference.
Do both phones support 5G?
Yes, both the Galaxy S20 Ultra and the Galaxy S20 Plus are 5G-enabled, meaning they support the latest generation of mobile network connectivity. This allows for faster download and upload speeds, along with improved network performance. Availability of 5G may vary depending on your region and carrier.
What are the storage options for each phone?
Both phones offer various storage options, typically starting with 128GB and going up to 512GB. The S20 Ultra often has more RAM available in certain configurations. Both phones also support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase the storage capacity further. Check the specific model you are considering.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and S20 Plus are both outstanding smartphones. The S20 Ultra excels with its superior camera system, larger display, and extended battery life, making it ideal for those who prioritize those features. The S20 Plus offers a more compact design and excellent value. The S20 Ultra wins for its all-around performance.
Winner: Galaxy S20 Ultra