Note 20 vs S21 Ultra: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to decide between two titans of the smartphone world? You’re not alone. The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and the Galaxy S21 Ultra both boast premium features and impressive performance, making the choice a tough one for any tech enthusiast.
This in-depth comparison will dissect every aspect, from the display and camera capabilities to the processing power and battery life. We’ll explore the key differences and similarities to help you determine which device perfectly aligns with your needs and budget.
Get ready to uncover the strengths of each phone. Whether you prioritize the iconic S Pen experience of the Note 20 or the cutting-edge technology of the S21 Ultra, we’ll provide the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | note 20 | s21 ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Technology | Super AMOLED Plus | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 1440 x 3200 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB / 16GB |
| Internal Storage | 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 108MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 40MP |
| Battery | 4300 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| S Pen | Yes | Yes (sold separately) |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System | Android 10, upgradable | Android 11, upgradable |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Note 20: Features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 60Hz refresh rate. Offers vibrant colors and good brightness but lacks the smoother scrolling experience of higher refresh rates. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus.
- S21 Ultra: Boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Provides incredibly smooth scrolling and a more immersive experience. The display is brighter and offers better viewing angles, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Processor
- Note 20: Powered by either a Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990 processor, depending on the region. Performance is generally very good for everyday tasks and gaming, but can sometimes exhibit minor performance lags compared to newer chips.
- S21 Ultra: Equipped with a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor, offering a significant performance boost. Provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Camera System
- Note 20: Features a triple-lens rear camera system with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lens. Offers good image quality with decent zoom capabilities, but struggles a bit in low-light conditions compared to the S21 Ultra.
- S21 Ultra: Boasts a quad-lens rear camera system with a 108MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and 10MP telephoto (10x optical zoom) lenses. Provides exceptional image quality, impressive zoom capabilities, and excellent low-light performance.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Battery Life
- Note 20: Includes a 4300mAh battery. Offers all-day battery life for moderate use, but heavy users might need to recharge before the end of the day.
- S21 Ultra: Features a 5000mAh battery. Provides significantly better battery life, easily lasting a full day even with heavy usage.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Stylus (S Pen)
- Note 20: Includes the S Pen stylus with low latency. Provides a great note-taking and drawing experience, with features like Air Actions for remote control.
- S21 Ultra: Supports the S Pen (sold separately or included in some bundles). Offers similar S Pen functionality, but the stylus is not housed within the phone’s body.
- Winner: Note 20 (for built-in stylus)
Design and Build Quality
- Note 20: Features a plastic back (on some models) and a more traditional Note design. Offers a premium feel, but the plastic back may feel less premium than glass.
- S21 Ultra: Boasts a glass back and a metal frame. Presents a more modern and premium design.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Software and Updates
- Note 20: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI. Receives software updates, but the S21 Ultra will likely have a longer support period.
- S21 Ultra: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI. Likely to receive software updates for a longer period, ensuring a more up-to-date software experience.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Price
- Note 20: Generally available at a lower price point now, as it is an older device. Makes it a more budget-friendly option.
- S21 Ultra: Was a flagship device, so it launched at a higher price. The price has come down but it is still more expensive than the Note 20.
- Winner: Note 20
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | s21 ultra |
| Performance | s21 ultra |
| Camera | s21 ultra |
| Battery Life | s21 ultra |
| S Pen Integration | note 20 |
| Value | note 20 |
What They Have in Common:
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast data speeds and a seamless online experience.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices offer wireless charging capabilities, providing a convenient way to power up your phone.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, offering protection against the elements.
- High-Quality Displays: Both phones feature vibrant and sharp displays, providing an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Samsung Ecosystem: Both phones are part of the Samsung ecosystem, allowing for seamless integration with other Samsung devices and services.
Note 20 Vs S21 Ultra Buying Guide
Performance & Processing Power
The Galaxy Note 20, powered by either a Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990, offers robust performance suitable for everyday tasks and gaming. It handles multitasking efficiently and runs most applications smoothly. The S21 Ultra, boasting the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, significantly elevates the performance level. The newer chipsets provide a noticeable boost in speed, especially during demanding operations like video editing or graphically intensive games. This leads to faster app loading times, smoother transitions, and overall improved responsiveness. The S21 Ultra’s superior processing power makes it the better choice for power users and those prioritizing speed.
Display & Visual Experience
The Note 20 features a vibrant AMOLED display, offering excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. The display is bright enough for outdoor visibility. However, the S21 Ultra surpasses this with a dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This display boasts a higher peak brightness, a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animations, and improved energy efficiency. The S21 Ultra provides a more immersive and visually stunning experience, especially when viewing HDR content or playing games. The difference in refresh rate is particularly noticeable, making the S21 Ultra feel significantly more fluid.
Camera Capabilities
The Note 20’s camera system is capable, producing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions. It offers a versatile set of lenses and impressive zoom capabilities. The S21 Ultra, however, elevates the photography experience to new heights. It features a significantly upgraded camera system, including a 108MP main sensor, ultra-wide lens, and dual telephoto lenses offering up to 10x optical zoom. The S21 Ultra excels in low-light photography, dynamic range, and overall image detail. The advanced features like Single Take mode and 8K video recording further enhance its capabilities.
Battery Life & Charging
The Note 20’s battery life is decent, providing enough power for a full day of moderate use. It supports fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups. The S21 Ultra, often coming with a larger battery, provides even longer battery life, easily lasting a full day of heavy usage. It also supports faster charging speeds, and depending on the region, it may also support wireless charging. The battery optimization is improved in the S21 Ultra. This offers a more convenient and reliable user experience, especially for those who rely on their phone throughout the day.
Design & Build Quality
The Note 20 sports a premium design with a sleek, flat display and a matte finish. It offers a comfortable in-hand feel and is available in various attractive colors. The S21 Ultra features a more modern and refined design with a curved display and a more robust build. The S21 Ultra often uses premium materials like Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced durability. The S21 Ultra’s design is more premium, with a larger display and a more durable construction that makes it the more compelling choice for those prioritizing build quality and aesthetics.
Price & Value Proposition
The Note 20, being an older device, is generally available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. It still offers a compelling set of features and performance for its price. The S21 Ultra, as a newer flagship, comes with a higher price tag. However, it provides significant upgrades across the board, including improved performance, camera capabilities, and display quality. The value proposition depends on individual needs and budget; the S21 Ultra provides more value for those wanting the best features and future-proofing, while the Note 20 offers a solid experience at a lower cost.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy note 20 If…
- You prefer a more compact design and a slightly lighter phone.
- You want a phone with a built-in S Pen experience.
- You prioritize a balance between performance and affordability.
- You want a phone that is still a good value.
Buy s21 ultra If…
- You want the best possible camera system with versatile zoom capabilities.
- You prioritize a larger, higher-resolution display with a smoother refresh rate.
- You need the latest processor and more RAM for demanding tasks.
- You want the most premium Samsung experience with cutting-edge features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in processor performance?
The S21 Ultra, with its Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, has a significant performance advantage over the Note 20’s Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990. The newer chips offer faster processing, improved graphics, and better overall responsiveness. This leads to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more fluid gaming experience. The difference is most noticeable in demanding tasks like video editing or running graphically intensive games, where the S21 Ultra excels.
How does the display quality compare between the two phones?
The S21 Ultra boasts a more advanced display. The dynamic AMOLED 2X display offers a higher peak brightness, a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother visuals, and improved energy efficiency compared to the Note 20’s AMOLED display. The S21 Ultra’s display provides a more immersive and visually stunning experience, especially when viewing HDR content or playing games. The difference in refresh rate also contributes to a more fluid feel.
Which phone has a better camera system?
The S21 Ultra has a significantly superior camera system. It features a 108MP main sensor, ultra-wide lens, and dual telephoto lenses offering up to 10x optical zoom. The S21 Ultra excels in low-light photography, dynamic range, and overall image detail. The Note 20’s camera is capable but cannot match the S21 Ultra’s advanced features, including Single Take mode and 8K video recording. The S21 Ultra is the clear winner for photography.
How does battery life compare between the Note 20 and S21 Ultra?
The S21 Ultra typically offers longer battery life due to its larger battery and improved optimization. It can easily last a full day of heavy use. The Note 20 offers decent battery life for moderate use. Both phones support fast charging, but the S21 Ultra often offers faster speeds and can last longer. The S21 Ultra provides a more convenient and reliable experience for those who need their phone to last all day.
What are the design differences between the two phones?
The Note 20 features a sleek, flat display and a matte finish. The S21 Ultra has a more modern, refined design with a curved display and a more robust build. The S21 Ultra often uses premium materials like Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced durability. The S21 Ultra’s design is more premium, with a larger display and a more durable construction. The differences are subtle but contribute to a different aesthetic.
Which phone is more expensive?
The S21 Ultra, being a newer flagship, is generally more expensive than the Note 20. The Note 20 is available at a lower price point. The price difference reflects the advanced features and upgraded components of the S21 Ultra. However, the Note 20 offers a compelling set of features and performance for its price, making it a good value, especially if budget is a primary concern.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S21 Ultra is better for gaming. Its more powerful processor (Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100) and higher refresh rate display (120Hz) provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. The improved graphics capabilities and faster processing speeds result in higher frame rates and reduced lag. While the Note 20 is still capable of gaming, the S21 Ultra offers a superior experience for mobile gamers.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra emerges as the superior device in this comparison. Its enhanced processing power, superior display, advanced camera system, and longer battery life offer a significant upgrade over the Galaxy Note 20. While the Note 20 remains a capable device, the S21 Ultra provides a more premium and future-proof experience. The S21 Ultra is the clear winner for those seeking the best features and performance.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra