Choosing between flagship phones can be a tough call, especially when you’re deciding between two titans from the same brand. Today, we dive into a head-to-head showdown, pitting the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra against its successor, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Both phones boast impressive specs and premium features, but which one truly comes out on top? We’ll explore the key differences in design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a long-time Note enthusiast or a recent convert to the S series, this comparison will provide valuable insights. Get ready to discover which device best suits your needs and preferences as we break down the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra versus the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | note 20 ultra | s21 ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.9 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3088 pixels | 1440 x 3200 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 12GB / 16GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB + microSD | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 108MP + 12MP + 12MP | 108MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP | 40MP |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| S Pen | Yes | Support (Sold Separately) |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System | Android 10, upgradable | Android 11, upgradable |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- Note 20 Ultra: Features a boxier design with a matte glass back and a stainless steel frame. It has a distinctive camera bump and includes the S Pen slot. Pros: Premium feel, integrated S Pen. Cons: Can feel bulky.
- S21 Ultra: Boasts a more streamlined design with a Contour Cut camera housing and a glossy glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus). Offers a more modern aesthetic. Pros: Modern look, improved durability. Cons: Glossy back prone to fingerprints.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Display
- Note 20 Ultra: Equipped with a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Offers excellent color accuracy and brightness. Pros: Gorgeous display, smooth scrolling. Cons: Display is prone to scratches.
- S21 Ultra: Also features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and adaptive refresh rate. It’s brighter and more power-efficient. Pros: Brighter, adaptive refresh rate, more efficient. Cons: Minimal differences from Note 20 Ultra
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Processor
- Note 20 Ultra: Varies by region, but generally includes the Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990. Performance is still good but shows its age. Pros: Good performance for its time. Cons: Can lag behind the newer models.
- S21 Ultra: Powered by the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, depending on the region. Offers significantly improved performance and efficiency. Pros: Faster, more efficient. Cons: Can get hot.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Camera System
- Note 20 Ultra: Features a versatile triple-lens system with a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. Delivers excellent image quality. Pros: Versatile, good zoom. Cons: Image processing can be inconsistent.
- S21 Ultra: Boasts a quad-lens system with a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and two 10MP telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom). Offers improved image processing and zoom capabilities. Pros: Excellent zoom capabilities, improved processing. Cons: Can be bulky.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Battery Life
- Note 20 Ultra: Comes with a 4500mAh battery. Battery life is decent but can vary depending on usage. Pros: Fast charging. Cons: Battery life can be inconsistent.
- S21 Ultra: Includes a 5000mAh battery. Offers significantly improved battery life compared to the Note 20 Ultra. Pros: Much better battery life. Cons: Fast charging is only 25W.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
S Pen Functionality
- Note 20 Ultra: Includes the S Pen with a low latency of 9ms for a natural writing experience. Offers all the traditional S Pen features. Pros: Included S Pen, familiar experience. Cons: S Pen is not as refined as the newer models.
- S21 Ultra: Supports the S Pen (sold separately) with similar latency. However, there’s no dedicated slot for the S Pen, making it less convenient. Pros: S Pen support. Cons: No included S Pen, no slot.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Software and Updates
- Note 20 Ultra: Launched with Android 10 and has received updates to Android 13. Will receive security updates for a limited time. Pros: Has received major updates. Cons: Will reach the end of the update cycle soon.
- S21 Ultra: Launched with Android 11 and receives updates to Android 14. Will receive security updates for a longer time. Pros: Longer software support. Cons: None
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Price and Value
- Note 20 Ultra: Is available at a lower price point now due to its age. Offers good value for money if you can find it at a discounted price. Pros: Cheaper. Cons: Older phone.
- S21 Ultra: Still commands a higher price, but offers better value in terms of performance and features. Pros: Better value for the price. Cons: More expensive.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | s21 ultra |
| Camera | s21 ultra |
| Battery Life | s21 ultra |
| Display Quality | Tie |
| S Pen Integration | note 20 ultra |
| Software Updates | s21 ultra |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones boast vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, offering excellent color accuracy and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- 5g Connectivity: Both devices support 5G, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds where available.
- Water Resistance: Both phones come with an IP68 rating, providing excellent protection against water and dust.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- High-Quality Build: Both phones feature premium build materials, including glass and metal, offering a luxurious feel.
Note 20 Ultra vs S21 Ultra Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Note 20 Ultra boasts a boxier design with a rectangular silhouette, featuring a glass back protected by Gorilla Glass Victus and a stainless steel frame. Its integrated S Pen silo is a defining characteristic. The S21 Ultra refines the design with a more contoured camera module and a matte glass back, also protected by Gorilla Glass Victus and a metal frame. The S21 Ultra offers a slightly more modern aesthetic and is marginally more comfortable to hold. Both phones are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability.
Display and Multimedia Experience
Both phones feature stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Note 20 Ultra’s display is slightly larger. The S21 Ultra offers a brighter display and better color accuracy. Both screens deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. For multimedia, both devices provide excellent experiences, with immersive displays and stereo speakers. The S21 Ultra offers a slightly enhanced audio output. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Performance and Software
The S21 Ultra, with its newer processor (Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100), generally outperforms the Note 20 Ultra (Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990) in everyday tasks and demanding applications. Both phones run Samsung’s One UI, offering a feature-rich and customizable Android experience. The S21 Ultra will receive software updates for a longer period. Both phones handle multitasking well, but the S21 Ultra’s updated chipset provides a smoother and faster experience.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones feature versatile camera systems, but the S21 Ultra has a more advanced setup. The Note 20 Ultra has a 108MP main sensor, a periscope telephoto lens, and an ultrawide lens. The S21 Ultra refines this with improved sensors, enhanced image processing, and dual telephoto lenses for greater zoom flexibility. The S21 Ultra delivers superior low-light performance, sharper images, and more impressive video capabilities. Both phones offer excellent image quality, but the S21 Ultra edges ahead.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is generally comparable, with both phones capable of lasting a full day with moderate use. The S21 Ultra tends to have a slight edge in battery efficiency due to its newer processor. Both phones support fast wired charging and wireless charging. The S21 Ultra supports faster 25W charging compared to the Note 20 Ultra’s 25W charging. However, the Note 20 Ultra supports microSD card expansion, whereas the S21 Ultra does not.
S Pen and Special Features
The Note 20 Ultra comes with the S Pen stylus, which is integrated into the phone and offers low latency for writing and drawing. The S21 Ultra also supports the S Pen, but the stylus is not included and must be purchased separately. The S21 Ultra has enhanced S Pen features if you purchase the new S Pen. Both phones offer Samsung DeX, allowing you to connect to an external display for a desktop-like experience. The Note 20 Ultra also benefits from the microSD card slot. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy note 20 ultra If…
- You prefer the integrated S Pen experience with a dedicated slot within the phone.
- You want expandable storage via microSD card.
- You find the slightly larger screen size more appealing.
- You can find it at a significantly lower price than the S21 Ultra.
Buy s21 ultra If…
- You prioritize the latest processor for maximum performance.
- You want the best camera system with improved zoom capabilities.
- You value the longer battery life.
- You desire the latest software features and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Note 20 Ultra and the S21 Ultra?
The S21 Ultra generally offers a more powerful processor, a refined design, improved camera capabilities, and a slightly brighter display. The Note 20 Ultra features an integrated S Pen slot, a microSD card slot for expandable storage, and a slightly different design language. The S21 Ultra also provides longer software support.
Which phone has a better camera?
The S21 Ultra has a more advanced camera system with improved sensors, image processing, and dual telephoto lenses, resulting in superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Although the Note 20 Ultra has a very capable camera, the S21 Ultra offers more versatile features and better overall performance, which makes it the winner.
Does the S21 Ultra support an S Pen?
Yes, the S21 Ultra supports the S Pen, but the stylus is not included in the box and must be purchased separately. The S21 Ultra supports the latest S Pen, which offers improvements in latency and features, for a more refined writing and drawing experience. The S21 Ultra does not include a dedicated silo for the S Pen.
Which phone offers better battery life?
Both phones provide good battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. The S21 Ultra’s more efficient processor gives it a slight edge in battery performance. However, battery life can vary based on usage patterns and settings. Both support fast wired and wireless charging, ensuring that you can quickly top up the device. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Does the Note 20 Ultra have a microSD card slot?
Yes, the Note 20 Ultra includes a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity. The S21 Ultra, however, does not include a microSD card slot, so users are limited to the internal storage. This is a significant consideration for users who require extra storage for media files.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S21 Ultra’s more powerful processor provides a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. Both phones are capable of handling demanding games, but the S21 Ultra offers better frame rates and overall performance. The improved display on the S21 Ultra also helps to enhance the gaming experience.
Which phone is the better buy?
The S21 Ultra is generally the better buy, offering a more modern design, improved performance, and advanced camera capabilities. However, the Note 20 Ultra remains a strong contender, particularly if you value the integrated S Pen silo and microSD card slot. The price difference between the devices should be considered.
Final Verdict
The S21 Ultra emerges as the superior device due to its enhanced performance, advanced camera system, and more modern design. While the Note 20 Ultra remains a capable phone with the added benefit of an S Pen silo and microSD card support, the S21 Ultra offers a more refined and feature-rich experience. The improved processor, display, and camera capabilities make it the better overall choice.
Winner: S21 Ultra