Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs S20 Ultra: Which Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to choose between Samsung’s premium powerhouses? You’re not alone. The battle of the titans is here, and we’re diving deep into the galaxy note 20 ultra vs s20 ultra to help you make the right call.
Both the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the S20 Ultra boast impressive specs, stunning displays, and cutting-edge features. This comparison aims to dissect every aspect, from performance and cameras to design and battery life, to determine which phone truly deserves your hard-earned cash.
Whether you’re a productivity guru craving the S Pen or a photography enthusiast seeking the ultimate camera experience, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to explore the nuances and discover which Samsung flagship emerges victorious in this ultimate showdown.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Note 20 Ultra | S20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 12GB / 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 108MP + 12MP + 12MP | 108MP + 48MP + 12MP |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP (5x Optical Zoom) | 48MP (4x Optical Zoom) |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 40MP |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| S Pen | Yes (Improved Latency) | No |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps | 8K @ 24fps |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 208g / 207g | 220g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Features a more angular, boxy design with a matte glass back and a stainless steel frame. It has a built-in S Pen stylus. Pros: Premium feel, integrated stylus. Cons: Can feel bulky.
- S20 Ultra: Boasts a curved glass back and an aluminum frame. It has a more traditional smartphone design. Pros: Familiar design, slightly lighter. Cons: More prone to fingerprints, no stylus.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Display
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1500 nits. Pros: Excellent display quality, smooth scrolling. Cons: Potential for battery drain at 120Hz.
- S20 Ultra: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Pros: Vibrant colors, smooth performance. Cons: Similar battery drain concerns at 120Hz.
- Winner: Tie
Processor
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Varies by region, but typically features either a Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990 processor. Pros: Powerful performance. Cons: Exynos variant performance can lag behind Snapdragon.
- S20 Ultra: Also varies by region, with either a Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 processor. Pros: High-end performance. Cons: Exynos variant can be less efficient than the Snapdragon.
- Winner: Tie (performance largely depends on the specific processor variant)
Camera System
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Features a 108MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. Pros: Excellent image quality, impressive zoom capabilities. Cons: Camera bump.
- S20 Ultra: Features a 108MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, a 48MP telephoto with 4x optical zoom, and a DepthVision sensor. Pros: Versatile camera system, impressive zoom. Cons: Autofocus issues reported.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
S Pen Functionality (Note 20 Ultra)
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Integrated S Pen with improved latency (9ms) for a more natural writing and drawing experience. Supports Air Actions. Pros: Enhanced productivity, creative tools. Cons: Only available on the Note 20 Ultra.
- S20 Ultra: N/A – Does not have S Pen functionality.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Battery Life
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: 4,500mAh battery. Provides all-day battery life with moderate usage. Pros: Good battery performance. Cons: Can drain faster with heavy use and at 120Hz.
- S20 Ultra: 5,000mAh battery. Offers solid battery life, potentially longer than the Note 20 Ultra due to the lack of an S Pen and slightly different processor optimization. Pros: Larger capacity. Cons: Performance is dependent on the processor and screen settings.
- Winner: S20 Ultra
Software and Updates
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Ships with Android 10 (upgradeable to newer versions). Receives regular software updates. Pros: Samsung’s One UI is generally well-received. Cons: Software updates are not as fast as Pixel phones.
- S20 Ultra: Ships with Android 10 (upgradeable to newer versions). Receives software updates. Pros: Regular updates. Cons: Updates lag behind newer models.
- Winner: Tie
Price and Availability
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Higher launch price. Often found at a lower price point now. Pros: Generally available. Cons: Older model.
- S20 Ultra: Launched at a high price, now significantly cheaper on the used/refurbished market. Pros: More affordable now. Cons: Older model.
- Winner: S20 Ultra
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| S Pen Functionality | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
| Battery Life | S20 Ultra |
| Front Camera | S20 Ultra |
| Design | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
| Overall Performance | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Display: Both phones feature large, vibrant 6.9-inch displays with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. This provides an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
- 5g Connectivity: Both devices support 5G, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds where 5G networks are available. This allows for a more responsive and connected mobile experience.
- 8K Video Recording: Both the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the S20 Ultra can record video in stunning 8K resolution, allowing you to capture incredibly detailed footage. This is great for professional-quality videos.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, allowing you to easily top up your battery without the need for cables. They also support reverse wireless charging to charge other devices.
- Water Resistance: Both devices are IP68 rated, meaning they are water-resistant and can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. This provides peace of mind in various environments.
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Vs S20 Ultra Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra boasts a slightly improved processor compared to the S20 Ultra, but the real-world performance differences are often negligible. Both phones handle demanding tasks like gaming and video editing with ease. The Note 20 Ultra’s updated processor may offer marginal improvements in certain benchmarks, and it tends to handle heat more efficiently. However, both phones offer flagship-level performance, and the choice shouldn’t be solely based on processing power unless you’re a heavy user who values every single millisecond. Consider your typical usage patterns.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones feature impressive camera systems, but there are nuanced differences. The Note 20 Ultra refines the S20 Ultra’s already excellent camera setup. The Note 20 Ultra improves the laser autofocus system, resulting in faster and more accurate focusing. Software enhancements provide improved image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The S20 Ultra is still a formidable camera phone, but the Note 20 Ultra offers a more polished and user-friendly experience, making it the better choice for photography enthusiasts.
Display Quality and Features
Both phones showcase stunning displays with vibrant colors and smooth refresh rates. The Note 20 Ultra features a slightly brighter display and improved viewing angles, making it a better choice for outdoor use. The Note 20 Ultra’s display also supports the S Pen, enabling note-taking, drawing, and other stylus-based interactions. While both displays are excellent, the Note 20 Ultra’s display offers a superior overall experience due to the added features.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is comparable on both devices, with the S20 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra offering similar performance with a full charge. Real-world usage will vary based on individual habits. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging, so you can easily top up the battery quickly. The battery life is sufficient for a full day of moderate to heavy use, with the Note 20 Ultra potentially having a slight edge due to its more efficient processor and software optimizations.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones share a premium design with glass and metal construction. The Note 20 Ultra offers a more angular and refined design with a matte finish on the back, which is less prone to fingerprints. The S20 Ultra’s design is still sleek and modern, but the Note 20 Ultra provides a more premium feel. The Note 20 Ultra’s design is not only visually appealing but also has superior durability.
Additional Features and Ecosystem
The Note 20 Ultra distinguishes itself with the S Pen, which unlocks a range of productivity and creative possibilities. The S20 Ultra lacks this feature. Samsung’s ecosystem offers seamless integration across devices. Both phones support 5G connectivity and offer a suite of Samsung-specific software features. Consider your need for the S Pen when choosing between the two phones.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy galaxy note 20 ultra If…
- You value the S Pen for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation.
- You prefer a more refined and premium design.
- You want the latest Samsung software features at the time of release.
- You desire a slightly faster and more responsive display due to the improved touch latency.
Buy s20 ultra If…
- You prioritize a larger battery capacity.
- You want a slightly more versatile camera system with a higher resolution front-facing camera.
- You want to save some money.
- You’re not interested in the S Pen features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the S20 Ultra?
The primary differences lie in the Note 20 Ultra’s S Pen functionality, slightly improved performance, refined design, and enhanced camera features. The S20 Ultra is still a powerful phone, but the Note 20 Ultra builds upon its predecessor with notable upgrades, making it the better choice if you value the S Pen and its related features.
Which phone has a better camera?
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a slightly better camera system. It improves upon the S20 Ultra’s already impressive setup with faster autofocus, and better image processing and software enhancements. The Note 20 Ultra delivers superior image quality and a more user-friendly photography experience.
Does the Note 20 Ultra’s S Pen make a significant difference?
Yes, the S Pen is a key differentiator. It adds note-taking, drawing, and remote control capabilities. The S Pen enhances productivity and creativity, making it a valuable tool for users who appreciate these features. The S Pen is a prominent reason to choose the Note 20 Ultra.
How does the battery life compare between the two phones?
Battery life is fairly similar. Both phones offer all-day battery performance with moderate to heavy usage. The Note 20 Ultra may have a slight edge due to software optimizations and a more efficient processor. Both support fast charging and wireless charging to quickly replenish the battery.
Is the Note 20 Ultra worth the extra cost?
Whether the Note 20 Ultra is worth the extra cost depends on your priorities. If you value the S Pen, the refined design, and the slightly improved camera, the extra cost is justified. The S20 Ultra remains a strong competitor, especially if you prioritize value for money.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones deliver excellent gaming experiences. The Note 20 Ultra’s slightly improved processor might offer marginal performance gains in some games. However, both phones handle demanding games with ease, and the difference is unlikely to be noticeable for most users. Both support high refresh rate displays.
Which phone is better overall?
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is generally considered the better phone overall due to its refined design, enhanced camera, and the added functionality of the S Pen. While the S20 Ultra is still a capable device, the Note 20 Ultra offers a more premium and feature-rich experience.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra excels with its S Pen, improved camera, and refined design, offering a more premium experience. While the S20 Ultra remains a strong contender, the Note 20 Ultra’s enhancements make it the superior choice for users seeking the best features.
Winner: Galaxy Note 20 Ultra