Samsung Note 20 Ultra vs S20 Ultra: Which Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to decide between two titans of the smartphone world? You’re not alone. The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the Galaxy S20 Ultra both boast cutting-edge features and premium designs, making the choice a tough one. This in-depth comparison will help you navigate the key differences and determine which device best suits your needs.
We’ll delve into everything from the display and camera capabilities to the performance and battery life. We’ll explore the signature S Pen functionality of the Note 20 Ultra and see how it stacks up against the impressive specs of the S20 Ultra. Prepare to discover the strengths and weaknesses of each phone.
Whether you’re a productivity enthusiast or a photography aficionado, understanding the nuances of the Samsung Note 20 Ultra vs S20 Ultra is crucial. Let’s find out which phone truly deserves a spot in your pocket. Get ready to explore the features, performance, and overall value of these two flagship devices.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Note20 Ultra | S20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.9 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 12GB / 16GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 108MP + 12MP + 12MP | 108MP + 12MP + 48MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 40MP |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps | 8K @ 24fps |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Stylus | S Pen | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build
- Samsung Note 20 Ultra: Features a boxier design with a matte finish on the back and a significantly improved S Pen integration. It feels more premium. However, the squarer design might not appeal to everyone.
- S20 Ultra: Boasts a more rounded design with a glossy glass back. It’s still a premium build, but the glossy finish is prone to fingerprints. The camera bump is also quite pronounced.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Display
- Samsung Note 20 Ultra: Offers a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a variable refresh rate for better battery efficiency. It has excellent color accuracy and brightness. The curved edges are less pronounced than on the S20 Ultra.
- S20 Ultra: Features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, though it’s not as power-efficient. The colors are vibrant and viewing angles are great. Some users may prefer the more pronounced curved edges.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Processor
- Samsung Note 20 Ultra: Powered by the Snapdragon 865+ (in the US) or Exynos 990 (international), offering slightly improved performance and efficiency. It handles demanding tasks smoothly.
- S20 Ultra: Uses the Snapdragon 865 (in the US) or Exynos 990 (international). Performance is still excellent, but it may show a slight performance difference compared to the Note 20 Ultra.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Camera System
- Samsung Note 20 Ultra: Features a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. It offers improved focusing speed and better low-light performance compared to the S20 Ultra.
- S20 Ultra: Comes with a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom and up to 100x Space Zoom. The focusing can be inconsistent in some situations.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
S Pen Functionality
- Samsung Note 20 Ultra: Includes the upgraded S Pen with lower latency (9ms) for a more responsive and natural writing experience. The S Pen is integrated into the phone.
- S20 Ultra: Does not have S Pen support.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Battery Life
- Samsung Note 20 Ultra: Has a 4500mAh battery. Battery life is decent, especially with the variable refresh rate.
- S20 Ultra: Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, offering better battery life than the Note 20 Ultra in some scenarios.
- Winner: S20 Ultra
Software and Features
- Samsung Note 20 Ultra: Ships with One UI 2.5 (upgradable). Offers improved S Pen features and software optimizations.
- S20 Ultra: Also runs One UI, but the version and feature set may vary slightly.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Price and Availability
- Samsung Note 20 Ultra: Launched at a higher price point.
- S20 Ultra: Now available at a lower price point, making it a more affordable option.
- Winner: S20 Ultra
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Stylus | Note20 Ultra |
| Battery Life | S20 Ultra |
| Software Updates | Note20 Ultra |
| Overall Performance | Tie |
| Value | S20 Ultra |
What They Have in Common:
- Display Technology: Both phones boast stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the Note20 Ultra and S20 Ultra support 5G, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds where available.
- High Refresh Rate: Both phones feature 120Hz refresh rate displays for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, allowing for convenient charging without cables.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, offering protection against the elements.
- Excellent Performance: Both phones provide flagship-level performance, capable of handling demanding tasks and games.
Samsung Note 20 Ultra Vs S20 Ultra Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
Both the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the S20 Ultra boast premium designs, featuring glass backs and metal frames. The Note 20 Ultra, however, refines the design with a more squared-off aesthetic and a matte finish on the back, which is less prone to fingerprints compared to the glossy finish of the S20 Ultra. The Note 20 Ultra also integrates the S Pen stylus, a defining feature that affects the overall design and functionality. Both phones are water and dust resistant, offering robust protection.
Display Quality
The displays on both phones are exceptional, with vibrant colors and sharp details. The Note 20 Ultra features a slightly brighter display and a more dynamic refresh rate, adjusting between 120Hz and 10Hz to save battery life. While the S20 Ultra also has a 120Hz refresh rate, it’s not as adaptive. The Note 20 Ultra offers a slightly better viewing experience in direct sunlight. Both devices showcase impressive display technology.
Performance and Software
Both devices offer flagship-level performance, capable of handling demanding tasks. The Note 20 Ultra features a slightly improved processor (depending on the region) compared to the S20 Ultra. Both devices run Samsung’s One UI, which offers a range of customization options and features. Software updates are consistently provided for both phones, ensuring the devices remain secure and optimized over time. The Note 20 Ultra gains an edge with the S Pen features.
Camera Capabilities
The camera systems on both phones are impressive, boasting versatile setups. The Note 20 Ultra slightly improves upon the S20 Ultra’s camera, particularly in areas like focusing speed and low-light performance. Both phones offer excellent image quality, with multiple lenses for various shooting scenarios. Video recording capabilities are also top-notch, with both phones supporting 8K video. The Note 20 Ultra’s improved software processing provides slightly better results.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for a smartphone. The S20 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra come with large batteries. Actual battery life varies depending on usage patterns, but both phones generally provide all-day battery life. The Note 20 Ultra tends to offer slightly better battery efficiency due to its adaptive refresh rate and more power-efficient processor. However, both phones support fast charging and wireless charging for convenient top-ups.
Price and Value
Considering their age, both phones are now available at a lower price point compared to their initial launch prices. The S20 Ultra, being the older model, might be found at a slightly lower price. The value proposition depends on the user’s priorities, with the Note 20 Ultra offering the S Pen functionality and incremental improvements. Both phones offer compelling value for their performance and features, especially at current market prices. Consider current used market prices.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung note 20 ultra If…
- You value the S Pen stylus for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation.
- You prioritize a slightly refined design and premium feel.
- You want the latest software updates and features.
- You prefer a more integrated ecosystem with Samsung’s other devices.
Buy s20 ultra If…
- You want a slightly larger battery capacity.
- You prioritize a lower price point, as the S20 Ultra is typically available at a reduced cost.
- You want a more versatile telephoto lens.
- You don’t need the S Pen and its associated features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Note 20 Ultra and S20 Ultra?
The Note 20 Ultra features the S Pen stylus, a more refined design with a matte finish, and a slightly improved processor (region dependent). It also has an adaptive refresh rate for its display. The S20 Ultra, while lacking the S Pen, offers a similar camera system and performance, and may be available at a slightly lower price point. Both phones excel in performance and display quality.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones have excellent displays. However, the Note 20 Ultra has a slightly brighter display with a more adaptive refresh rate, which adjusts dynamically to save battery life. This can lead to a more comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions. Both displays are vibrant and sharp, but the Note 20 Ultra has a slight edge.
How does the camera compare between the two phones?
The Note 20 Ultra features a slightly improved camera system, particularly in focusing speed and low-light performance. Both phones offer versatile camera setups with multiple lenses for different shooting scenarios. The S20 Ultra’s camera is still excellent, but the Note 20 Ultra provides improvements in image processing and overall performance for capturing photos and videos.
Does the S Pen make a significant difference?
Yes, the S Pen significantly enhances the Note 20 Ultra’s functionality. It allows for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation, making the phone more versatile. It integrates with various apps and offers features like air gestures. If you value these features, the S Pen is a key differentiator between the two models and enhances productivity.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer excellent gaming performance due to their powerful processors and high-refresh-rate displays. The specific gaming experience will depend on the game and its optimization. Both phones can handle demanding games with ease. The Note 20 Ultra’s display, with its slightly more adaptive refresh rate, may offer a smoother experience in some games.
How does battery life compare?
Both phones provide all-day battery life for most users, but battery life varies depending on usage. The Note 20 Ultra has a slightly more power-efficient display and processor, which contributes to slightly better battery efficiency. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging, so you can easily recharge when needed. The Note 20 Ultra has a slight edge in this area.
Which phone is a better value for the money?
The value depends on the user’s needs and current market prices. The S20 Ultra, being the older model, is often available at a lower price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The Note 20 Ultra provides the S Pen and incremental improvements for a slightly higher price. Consider your priorities and budget when making your choice.
Final Verdict
Both the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the S20 Ultra are outstanding phones, offering flagship-level performance and features. The Note 20 Ultra distinguishes itself with the S Pen, a refined design, and subtle improvements in the camera and display. While the S20 Ultra remains a strong contender, the added versatility and enhancements of the Note 20 Ultra make it the more compelling choice for most users, especially if the S Pen functionality is desired.
Winner: Samsung Note 20 Ultra