Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Note 20 Ultra: Which Reigns Supreme?
Choosing between flagship phones can be a tough decision, especially when considering powerhouses like the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Both devices boast impressive specs, stunning displays, and cutting-edge features. But which one truly deserves a spot in your pocket?
This comparison dives deep into the key differences and similarities between these two top-tier smartphones. We’ll explore their cameras, performance, battery life, and unique features. Get ready to find out which device better suits your needs and preferences, the Galaxy S20 Ultra or the Note 20 Ultra.
Whether you prioritize photography, productivity, or raw power, this comparison will provide the insights you need. We’ll break down the strengths and weaknesses of each phone, helping you make an informed decision and upgrade your mobile experience. Let’s see how the Galaxy S20 Ultra stacks up against the Note 20 Ultra!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | S20 Ultra | Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.9 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels | 1440 x 3200 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 12GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 108MP + 48MP + 12MP + DepthVision | 108MP + 12MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 40MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| S Pen Support | No | Yes |
| Display Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Operating System | Android 10, upgradable | Android 10, upgradable |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Features a curved glass back and a large camera bump. It has a stainless steel frame and is IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. Pros: Premium feel, durable. Cons: Bulky, camera bump can be awkward.
- Note 20 Ultra: Also has a glass back, but with a more squared-off design and a more refined camera bump. Features a stainless steel frame and IP68 rating. Includes the S Pen stylus and has a more comfortable grip. Pros: Sleek design, S Pen integration. Cons: Can be slippery.
- Winner: note 20 ultra
Display
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate at FHD+ resolution. Offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Cons: 120Hz limited to FHD+ resolution.
- Note 20 Ultra: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (adjusts based on content) at QHD+ resolution. Offers exceptional clarity and smooth performance. Pros: Higher resolution, adaptive refresh rate. Cons: Battery drain with adaptive refresh.
- Winner: note 20 ultra
Processor
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Powered by either the Snapdragon 865 (US) or Exynos 990 (International). Performance is strong for multitasking and gaming. Cons: Exynos variant saw some performance and battery life criticisms.
- Note 20 Ultra: Powered by the Snapdragon 865+ (US) or Exynos 990 (International). Offers a slight performance boost over the S20 Ultra, particularly in graphics. Cons: Exynos variant still has some performance limitations compared to the Snapdragon.
- Winner: note 20 ultra (Snapdragon), Tie (Exynos)
Camera System
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Features a 108MP main sensor, 48MP telephoto (with 100x Space Zoom), 12MP ultrawide, and a DepthVision sensor. Offers excellent zoom capabilities. Cons: Autofocus issues reported.
- Note 20 Ultra: Features a 108MP main sensor, 12MP telephoto (with 50x Space Zoom), and 12MP ultrawide. Improved focusing and photo processing. Cons: Zoom capabilities slightly reduced.
- Winner: note 20 ultra
S Pen Integration
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: N/A – Doesn’t have an S Pen.
- Note 20 Ultra: Includes the S Pen with improved latency (9ms) for a more natural writing and drawing experience. Offers air gestures and note-taking features. Pros: Enhanced productivity and creativity. Cons: None.
- Winner: note 20 ultra
Battery Life
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: 5000mAh battery. Provides all-day battery life, but can be impacted by heavy usage of the 120Hz refresh rate.
- Note 20 Ultra: 4500mAh battery. Battery life is good, but can be less than the S20 Ultra depending on usage. Adaptive refresh rate can help with battery efficiency.
- Winner: galaxy s20 ultra
Software & Features
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Runs on One UI 2.5 based on Android 10 (upgradeable). Offers a wide range of features and customization options.
- Note 20 Ultra: Runs on One UI 2.5 (upgradeable to newer versions). Includes S Pen-specific features and Samsung DeX support.
- Winner: note 20 ultra
Price & Availability
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: Launched at a higher price point. Now available at a lower price as it’s older.
- Note 20 Ultra: Also launched at a premium price. Now available at a slightly lower price than launch, but still generally more expensive.
- Winner: galaxy s20 ultra (Price), Note 20 Ultra (Availability of features)
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | Note 20 Ultra (Slight Edge) |
| Battery Life | S20 Ultra |
| Camera | Tie |
| Display Quality | Tie |
| Features (S Pen) | Note 20 Ultra |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size and Quality: Both phones boast a large 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth and immersive viewing experience. They both provide excellent color accuracy and brightness.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the Galaxy S20 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds where available. This enhances the overall user experience for data-intensive tasks.
- High-Resolution Displays: Featuring the same resolution, both phones offer sharp and detailed visuals, making them ideal for media consumption and gaming. The high resolution enhances the overall visual clarity.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, offering protection against accidental spills and exposure to the elements. This adds durability to the devices.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, allowing users to conveniently charge their phones without the need for cables. They also offer reverse wireless charging to charge other devices.
Galaxy S20 Ultra Vs Note 20 Ultra Buying Guide
Performance and Processor
The Galaxy S20 Ultra houses either a Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 processor, depending on the region. The Note 20 Ultra also features the same processor options. Both phones offer exceptional performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The Snapdragon variant generally offers slightly better performance and power efficiency. However, both devices are capable of handling demanding applications and games without significant lag or slowdown. The raw processing power is very similar, making the choice less about pure speed and more about overall features.
Display and Design
Both phones showcase stunning displays, with the S20 Ultra sporting a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel and the Note 20 Ultra featuring a similar 6.9-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Note 20 Ultra’s display has slightly improved brightness and a more refined design, with a more rectangular shape and a built-in S Pen stylus. The S20 Ultra has a more rounded design with a larger camera bump. Both have premium build quality with glass backs and metal frames, offering a high-end feel.
Camera Capabilities
The Galaxy S20 Ultra boasts a 108MP main sensor, along with ultrawide, telephoto, and depth sensors, offering incredible versatility. The Note 20 Ultra also features a 108MP main sensor, but with a refined camera system that includes improved autofocus and laser autofocus. Both phones excel in photography, capturing detailed images and excellent low-light performance. The Note 20 Ultra also edges out the S20 Ultra in terms of video recording quality, offering enhanced features and stabilization.
Battery Life and Charging
The S20 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery, while the Note 20 Ultra has a slightly smaller 4500mAh battery. Both phones offer all-day battery life for most users. The Note 20 Ultra’s battery life is often considered slightly better due to software optimizations and a more efficient processor. Both devices support fast charging and wireless charging. The S20 Ultra has a slightly higher charging speed, but the difference is minimal in real-world usage.
S Pen and Productivity
The Note 20 Ultra includes the S Pen stylus, which significantly enhances productivity. The S Pen allows for precise note-taking, drawing, and remote control of the phone. The S20 Ultra lacks this feature, making the Note 20 Ultra the superior choice for users who prioritize productivity and creative tasks. The S Pen’s latency has been improved in the Note 20 Ultra, making it feel more responsive and natural to use.
Pricing and Value
At launch, both phones were premium devices with high price tags. The S20 Ultra initially had a slightly higher starting price. However, since their release, the prices of both phones have decreased significantly, making them more accessible. The value proposition depends on the user’s priorities: the S20 Ultra offers a great camera and powerful performance, while the Note 20 Ultra provides the added value of the S Pen and productivity features. Considering the current market, both phones present a compelling value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy galaxy s20 ultra If…
- You want a slightly larger battery capacity.
- You prioritize a higher megapixel front-facing camera.
- You prefer a more traditional phone design without an integrated stylus.
- You can find it at a significantly lower price point.
Buy note 20 ultra If…
- You value the S Pen for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation.
- You want the latest processor for slightly improved performance.
- You need the most advanced features and software updates.
- You prefer a more productivity-focused experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Galaxy S20 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra?
The Note 20 Ultra features the S Pen stylus for enhanced productivity and a slightly refined design with improved autofocus in the camera system. The S20 Ultra offers a larger battery and a slightly different camera array. Ultimately, the Note 20 Ultra is focused more on productivity, while the S20 Ultra delivers an outstanding camera and solid battery.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones have excellent displays. The Note 20 Ultra’s display has slightly improved brightness and a refined design. Both offer 120Hz refresh rates for smooth scrolling and animations. The Note 20 Ultra’s display is often considered superior due to its refined design and features.
How does the S Pen enhance the Note 20 Ultra experience?
The S Pen significantly boosts productivity. It allows for precise note-taking, drawing, and easy navigation. It also allows for remote control of the phone, making the Note 20 Ultra a versatile tool for professionals and creative users. The S Pen’s latency is improved, making it feel more responsive.
Which phone takes better photos?
Both phones have excellent camera systems. The Note 20 Ultra has slightly improved autofocus and video capabilities. Both phones have a 108MP main sensor, but the Note 20 Ultra is often considered to have a slight edge due to its laser autofocus system and refined software processing, leading to better overall image quality, and better video.
How does battery life compare?
The S20 Ultra has a larger battery (5000mAh), but the Note 20 Ultra (4500mAh) often offers slightly better real-world battery life due to software optimizations and processor efficiency. Both phones provide all-day battery life for most users, but the Note 20 Ultra often has a slight advantage.
Is the Note 20 Ultra worth the extra cost?
The Note 20 Ultra’s worth depends on your needs. If you value the S Pen, productivity features, and a slightly refined design, the Note 20 Ultra is worth the extra cost. If you prioritize camera performance and a lower price, the S20 Ultra is also a great option. Consider your needs.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer excellent gaming performance due to their powerful processors and high-refresh-rate displays. The gaming experience is very similar on both devices. The Note 20 Ultra’s larger display and S Pen support (for certain games) might provide a slight advantage for some users, but both are excellent gaming devices.
Final Verdict
Both the Galaxy S20 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra are excellent phones with top-tier specifications. The Note 20 Ultra edges out the S20 Ultra due to its S Pen, refined design, and enhanced productivity features, making it the better choice for users who prioritize note-taking and creative tasks. The S20 Ultra still delivers a powerful performance and incredible camera capabilities.
Winner: Note 20 Ultra