Samsung S21 Ultra vs Note 20 Ultra: Which Reigns Supreme?
Choosing between flagship phones can be a daunting task, especially when two titans like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra go head-to-head. Both devices promise top-tier performance, stunning displays, and cutting-edge features, making the decision even more challenging. So, which one should you choose?
This comparison dives deep into the specifications, features, and overall user experience of the Samsung S21 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, from camera capabilities and processing power to battery life and design aesthetics. Get ready to discover which phone truly deserves a place in your pocket.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a productivity guru, or simply someone who appreciates the best tech has to offer, this comparison will help you make an informed decision. We’ll break down the key differences, helping you determine which device aligns best with your needs and preferences. Let’s find out which Samsung flagship comes out on top!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | S21 Ultra | Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.8 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels | 1440 x 3200 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 12GB / 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 108MP + 12MP + 12MP + 10MP | 108MP + 12MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 40MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| S Pen Support | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung S21 Ultra: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Offers excellent brightness, vibrant colors, and smooth scrolling. Cons: Prone to glare in direct sunlight.
- Note 20 Ultra: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Slightly larger display with similar quality, supporting the S Pen. Cons: Similar glare issues, slightly lower peak brightness compared to the S21 Ultra in some tests.
- Winner: Tie
Processor
- Samsung S21 Ultra: Powered by either the Snapdragon 888 (US/China) or Exynos 2100 (rest of the world). Provides top-tier performance for all tasks, including gaming. Cons: Exynos version sometimes lags behind the Snapdragon in benchmarks.
- Note 20 Ultra: Uses the Snapdragon 865+ (US/China) or Exynos 990 (rest of the world). Still a very capable processor but is now one generation older. Cons: Can feel less snappy than the S21 Ultra, especially with heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Camera
- Samsung S21 Ultra: Features a versatile quad-camera system with a 108MP main sensor, ultrawide, and dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom). Offers excellent image quality across various shooting scenarios. Cons: Some users find the image processing over-sharpened.
- Note 20 Ultra: Also has a quad-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor, ultrawide, and a single telephoto lens (5x optical zoom). Good image quality, but telephoto zoom isn’t as good. Cons: Zoom capabilities are not as good.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Battery
- Samsung S21 Ultra: Equipped with a 5000mAh battery. Provides all-day battery life for most users. Cons: Battery life can vary depending on usage and refresh rate settings.
- Note 20 Ultra: Also has a 4500mAh battery. Provides good battery life, but generally not quite as long-lasting as the S21 Ultra. Cons: Shorter battery life than the S21 Ultra.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Design & Build Quality
- Samsung S21 Ultra: Features a sleek design with a metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back. The camera bump is integrated into the frame. Cons: Can be slippery.
- Note 20 Ultra: Also has a premium design with a metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus. The camera bump is prominent. Cons: Camera bump is more noticeable.
- Winner: Tie
S Pen Support
- Samsung S21 Ultra: Supports the S Pen (sold separately). Offers precise input for drawing and note-taking. Cons: No built-in S Pen slot.
- Note 20 Ultra: Comes with a built-in S Pen slot and the S Pen. Offers convenient access to the stylus. Cons: The S Pen is not as refined as the newer version.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Software & Features
- Samsung S21 Ultra: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI. Offers a clean and user-friendly experience, with regular software updates. Cons: Samsung bloatware.
- Note 20 Ultra: Also runs on Android with One UI. Offers a similar software experience, but may receive updates less frequently. Cons: Older software, less frequent updates.
- Winner: S21 Ultra
Price & Availability
- Samsung S21 Ultra: Generally available at a lower price point now that it is older. Cons: May be harder to find in some markets.
- Note 20 Ultra: Typically available at a lower price now. Cons: Older phone, so the availability is limited.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Note 20 Ultra |
| Performance | S21 Ultra |
| Camera | S21 Ultra |
| Battery Life | S21 Ultra |
| S Pen | Note 20 Ultra |
| Value | Note 20 Ultra |
What They Have in Common:
- Display Quality: Both phones boast stunning AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and excellent contrast, providing an immersive viewing experience.
- 5g Connectivity: Both devices support 5G networks, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds for users on compatible networks.
- Water Resistance: Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against accidental spills and submersion.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to top up the battery without using a cable.
- High-Quality Build: Both devices feature premium build materials, including glass and metal, offering a luxurious feel.
- Excellent Performance: Both phones offer top-tier performance, capable of handling demanding tasks and gaming without lag.
Samsung S21 Ultra Vs Note 20 Ultra Buying Guide
Performance and Processor
The Samsung S21 Ultra boasts the latest Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor, depending on the region. This provides a noticeable performance bump compared to the Note 20 Ultra, which uses the Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990. The S21 Ultra excels in multitasking, gaming, and overall speed. While the Note 20 Ultra remains a powerful device, the S21 Ultra’s newer silicon offers a smoother and more responsive experience. The difference is most apparent in graphically intensive tasks.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones feature impressive camera systems, but the S21 Ultra takes a slight lead. It has a more versatile setup, including a 108MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and two telephoto lenses with different focal lengths. This allows for superior zoom capabilities and more creative flexibility. The Note 20 Ultra still delivers excellent image quality, but its zoom range and overall versatility are slightly less impressive. Both phones are capable of capturing stunning photos and videos in various conditions.
Display Quality
Both devices sport gorgeous displays, but the S21 Ultra refines the experience further. It has a dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a variable refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz. This results in incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. The Note 20 Ultra also features a 120Hz display, but the S21 Ultra’s panel is brighter and more efficient, contributing to better battery life. The overall viewing experience on the S21 Ultra is arguably superior.
Battery Life and Charging
The S21 Ultra’s battery life is generally better than the Note 20 Ultra, despite having a similar battery capacity. This is due to the more efficient processor and display technology. Both phones support fast wired and wireless charging. The S21 Ultra often lasts longer on a single charge, making it a more reliable companion for heavy users. However, charging speeds are similar between both phones.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones have premium designs with glass backs and metal frames. The S21 Ultra adopts a more modern aesthetic with a unique camera module design that blends seamlessly with the frame. The Note 20 Ultra features a more traditional design. Both phones are water-resistant and durable, but the S21 Ultra’s design is slightly more eye-catching. Personal preference plays a significant role in this category.
Software and Features
Both phones run on Samsung’s One UI, offering a feature-rich and customizable user experience. The S21 Ultra, being the newer device, often receives software updates faster and may benefit from newer features. Both phones support the S Pen, but the Note 20 Ultra has a built-in slot. The S21 Ultra requires a separate purchase of an S Pen. Software updates and future-proofing slightly favor the S21 Ultra.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung s21 ultra If…
- You prioritize a more modern design.
- You want the latest processor for top-tier performance.
- You desire a slightly longer battery life.
- You’re looking for advanced camera capabilities.
Buy note 20 ultra If…
- You value the S Pen stylus and its productivity features.
- You prefer a larger display.
- You prioritize a phone with a microSD card slot.
- You want a phone that is often available at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera?
The Samsung S21 Ultra has a more versatile camera system with two telephoto lenses, offering a wider range of zoom capabilities and overall versatility. While the Note 20 Ultra’s camera is excellent, the S21 Ultra provides slightly superior image quality, particularly in zoom performance and in low-light situations. Both phones excel in photography.
Which phone is faster?
The Samsung S21 Ultra, with its newer processor (Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100), generally offers faster performance in day-to-day tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The Note 20 Ultra is still a fast phone, but the S21 Ultra’s updated chip provides a noticeable speed advantage, especially when running demanding applications and games.
Does the S21 Ultra have an S Pen slot?
No, the Samsung S21 Ultra does not have a built-in S Pen slot. You must purchase the S Pen separately and store it in a case or other accessory. The Note 20 Ultra, on the other hand, has a dedicated slot for the S Pen, offering convenient storage.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Samsung S21 Ultra typically offers slightly better battery life due to its more efficient processor and display technology. Although both phones have similar battery capacities, the S21 Ultra generally lasts longer on a single charge, providing an edge for heavy users. However, battery performance can vary based on usage.
Which phone has the better display?
Both phones feature excellent displays, but the S21 Ultra’s dynamic AMOLED 2X screen has a slight edge. It offers a brighter display with a variable refresh rate that goes up to 120Hz, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The Note 20 Ultra’s display is still brilliant, but the S21 Ultra is a bit more advanced.
Is the Note 20 Ultra still a good phone in 2024?
Yes, the Note 20 Ultra remains a capable and desirable phone in 2024. Despite being a couple of years older, it still delivers strong performance, a fantastic camera, and a beautiful display. However, the S21 Ultra provides newer features and enhanced performance, making it a better choice if you want the latest technology.
Which phone is more expensive?
When they were initially released, the Samsung S21 Ultra was typically priced slightly higher than the Note 20 Ultra. However, depending on the retailer and current deals, the prices may vary. Generally, the S21 Ultra, as the newer model, held a higher original price. Check current prices from retailers.
Final Verdict
The Samsung S21 Ultra emerges as the winner due to its superior performance, camera versatility, and refined display technology. While the Note 20 Ultra remains a strong contender, the S21 Ultra offers a more modern and future-proof experience. The S21 Ultra delivers enhancements across several key areas, making it the preferred choice for most users.
Winner: Samsung S21 Ultra