S10 Plus vs S20 Ultra: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?
Stuck between generations of Samsung powerhouses? The choice between the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus and the S20 Ultra can be a tough one. Both phones boast impressive features, but which one truly stands out in today’s market? This comparison will delve into the key differences to help you decide.
The S10 Plus, a flagship from a previous era, still holds its own with its vibrant display and powerful performance. However, the S20 Ultra represents a significant leap forward, packing cutting-edge technology and a camera system that’s designed to impress. We’ll explore these aspects and more.
From design and display to camera capabilities and overall performance, we’ll break down everything you need to know. Whether you’re upgrading or simply curious, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both the S10 Plus and the S20 Ultra is essential. Let’s get started and find the best fit for your needs!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s10 plus | s20 ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.4 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3040 pixels | 1440 x 3200 pixels |
| Processor | Exynos 9820 / Snapdragon 855 | Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 12GB / 16GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 16MP | 108MP + 12MP + 48MP + DepthVision |
| Front Camera | 10MP + 8MP | 40MP |
| Battery | 4100 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | Android 9 (upgradable) | Android 10 (upgradable) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- S10 Plus: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels. Offers vibrant colors and good brightness, but lacks the higher refresh rate of newer models. The display is excellent but shows its age.
- S20 Ultra: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Provides a smoother and more responsive experience, with improved brightness and clarity compared to the s10 plus. This is a significant upgrade.
- Winner: S20 Ultra
Processor
- S10 Plus: Powered by either a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processor, depending on the region. Offers solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming, but can feel slightly slower compared to the latest generation chips. Can show its age in demanding applications.
- S20 Ultra: Equipped with either a Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 processor. Provides significantly faster performance, improved efficiency, and better handling of demanding tasks and games. A major performance leap.
- Winner: S20 Ultra
Cameras
- S10 Plus: Features a triple-lens rear camera system with a 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultrawide lens. Delivers good image quality in various lighting conditions. Lacks the advanced zoom capabilities of the S20 Ultra.
- S20 Ultra: Boasts a quad-lens rear camera system with a 108MP main, 48MP telephoto (with up to 100x Space Zoom), 12MP ultrawide, and a DepthVision sensor. Offers incredible zoom capabilities and improved low-light performance. This is a camera powerhouse.
- Winner: S20 Ultra
Battery
- S10 Plus: Has a 4100mAh battery. Provides all-day battery life for moderate usage, but may require charging before the end of the day with heavy use. Battery life is decent but not exceptional.
- S20 Ultra: Comes with a 5000mAh battery. Offers significantly improved battery life, easily lasting a full day even with heavy usage. The larger battery makes a noticeable difference.
- Winner: S20 Ultra
Design
- S10 Plus: Features a sleek design with a curved glass back and metal frame. Offers a premium feel, but the design is starting to look dated compared to newer models. The hole-punch camera is noticeable.
- S20 Ultra: Has a more modern design with a rectangular camera bump and a larger display. Feels premium and more contemporary, but the camera bump is quite prominent. A more modern look.
- Winner: S20 Ultra
5G Connectivity
- S10 Plus: Only offers 5G connectivity in specific variants. Availability is limited, and 5G support is not as widespread as it is now. Limited 5G support if at all.
- S20 Ultra: Supports 5G connectivity across all models. Provides access to faster data speeds and improved network performance where 5G is available. Full 5G support.
- Winner: S20 Ultra
Software
- S10 Plus: Runs on Android, likely with One UI. Receives software updates, but may not be as up-to-date as the S20 Ultra. Software support is winding down.
- S20 Ultra: Runs on Android, with a newer version of One UI. Offers more recent software features, longer software support, and improved performance. Better software support.
- Winner: S20 Ultra
Price
- S10 Plus: Typically available at a lower price point, as it is an older model. Offers good value for its features, especially if purchased used. More affordable.
- S20 Ultra: Generally more expensive due to its newer technology and premium features. Represents a significant investment. Pricier.
- Winner: S10 Plus (for affordability)
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | s20 ultra |
| Performance | s20 ultra |
| Camera | s20 ultra |
| Battery Life | s20 ultra |
| Design | Tie |
| Value | s10 plus |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both phones are rated IP68, offering protection against dust and water submersion.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Amoled Display: Both phones feature vibrant AMOLED displays, offering excellent color reproduction and deep blacks.
- Expandable Storage: Both phones offer expandable storage via microSD card, allowing users to increase storage capacity.
- Samsung Ecosystem: Both phones are part of the Samsung ecosystem and offer seamless integration with other Samsung devices and services.
S10 Plus Vs S20 Ultra Buying Guide
Performance & Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra boasts a significantly more powerful processor than the S10 Plus. The S20 Ultra typically features a Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990, depending on the region, while the S10 Plus uses the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in graphically demanding games. The S20 Ultra also benefits from a more advanced GPU, contributing to a superior overall user experience, particularly for power users and mobile gamers. Consider your usage; if you prioritize raw speed, the S20 Ultra is the clear winner.
Camera Capabilities
The camera systems are vastly different. The S20 Ultra has a much more advanced setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a periscope telephoto lens with impressive zoom capabilities, and improved low-light performance. The S10 Plus offers a capable triple-lens setup, but it doesn’t match the S20 Ultra’s versatility or image quality. The S20 Ultra’s zoom capabilities are a standout feature, allowing for detailed shots from a greater distance. If photography is a priority, the S20 Ultra provides a substantial upgrade.
Display & Design
Both phones feature stunning displays, but the S20 Ultra has some advantages. It has a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. The S10 Plus has a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The S20 Ultra’s design is also slightly more modern, with slimmer bezels and a more refined aesthetic. While both are premium devices, the S20 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience and cutting-edge display technology.
Battery Life & Charging
The S20 Ultra generally has a larger battery than the S10 Plus. The S20 Ultra’s battery capacity is 5000mAh, while the S10 Plus has a 4100mAh battery. The S20 Ultra also supports faster charging speeds, allowing you to top up the battery more quickly. Both phones offer wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. However, the S20 Ultra’s larger battery and faster charging capabilities provide a significant advantage for users who need all-day battery life and quicker recharge times.
Software & Updates
The S20 Ultra launched with a newer version of Android and is likely to receive software updates for a longer period. While the S10 Plus has received its share of updates, it’s nearing the end of its update cycle. The S20 Ultra benefits from a more polished and optimized software experience, alongside features that may not be available on the S10 Plus. The user interface, One UI, is also improved in later versions, providing a more intuitive and feature-rich experience. Consider the longevity of software support when making your choice.
Price & Value
The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus is now available at a significantly lower price than the S20 Ultra, especially if you consider its age and the availability of used or refurbished models. The S20 Ultra, being a newer flagship, commands a higher price. The value proposition depends on your budget. While the S20 Ultra offers superior performance and features, the S10 Plus provides excellent value for money, especially if you’re not a power user or don’t need the latest technologies. Carefully consider your budget and the features you need before deciding.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s10 plus If…
- You prefer a phone with a slightly smaller form factor.
- You’re looking for a more affordable flagship.
- You don’t need the latest camera technology and zoom capabilities.
- You are happy with 4G connectivity.
Buy s20 ultra If…
- You want the best possible camera experience with exceptional zoom capabilities.
- You demand the latest performance and 5G connectivity.
- You desire a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You want the most premium features and specifications available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in performance?
The primary difference lies in the processors and RAM. The S20 Ultra features a more powerful processor (Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990) and more RAM options, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The S10 Plus, while still capable, lags behind in raw processing power due to its older chipset. The S20 Ultra offers a noticeable performance boost.
How do the cameras compare?
The S20 Ultra boasts a significantly more advanced camera system. It includes a 108MP main sensor, a periscope telephoto lens for impressive zoom capabilities, and improved low-light performance. The S10 Plus has a capable triple-lens setup, but it doesn’t match the S20 Ultra’s image quality, versatility, or zoom range. The S20 Ultra offers superior performance in a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Which phone has a better display?
The S20 Ultra has a superior display. It features a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother and more immersive viewing experience. The S10 Plus has a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate of the S20 Ultra makes scrolling and animations appear noticeably smoother, improving the overall user experience.
Which has better battery life?
The S20 Ultra typically offers better battery life due to its larger 5000mAh battery compared to the S10 Plus’s 4100mAh battery. The S20 Ultra also supports faster charging. While both phones provide all-day battery life for most users, the S20 Ultra provides more battery capacity and quicker recharge times, making it a better choice for heavy users and those who want to minimize charging time.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S20 Ultra is the better choice for gaming. Its more powerful processor, improved GPU, and higher refresh rate display combine to provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. The S20 Ultra can handle graphically demanding games at higher settings with fewer frame drops. The S10 Plus is still capable, but it cannot match the S20 Ultra’s superior gaming performance.
Which phone is better value?
The S10 Plus offers better value for money, especially when considering its current price, which is significantly lower than the S20 Ultra. It provides a premium experience with excellent features at a more affordable price point. However, the S20 Ultra provides superior performance and features. The best value depends on individual budget and feature requirements. If you want the latest technology, the S20 Ultra wins.
Which phone is the best overall?
The S20 Ultra is the better overall phone due to its more advanced technology. It offers superior performance, an enhanced camera system, a higher refresh rate display, a larger battery, and longer software support. However, the S10 Plus remains a strong contender. The choice depends on the user’s budget and their specific needs and priorities, such as camera quality or raw processing power.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is the clear winner in this comparison, offering significant improvements across the board. Its superior performance, camera capabilities, display, and battery life make it the better choice for most users. While the S10 Plus remains a capable device and offers excellent value, the S20 Ultra provides a more premium and cutting-edge experience.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra