The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, released as a flagship device, aimed to set a new standard in the smartphone market. Boasting a powerful camera system, a vibrant display, and robust performance, it quickly became a subject of intense scrutiny and admiration. This article delves into the key Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra features, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact on the mobile landscape.
Display and Design
The S20 Ultra features a large, immersive display that is central to its user experience. Its design also contributes to its overall appeal.
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
The phone features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This combination results in incredibly smooth scrolling and animations, making everything from browsing the web to playing games a visually pleasing experience. The high refresh rate, however, is only available at a FHD+ (1080 x 2400) resolution, requiring users to choose between maximum resolution (QHD+, 1440 x 3200) and maximum smoothness. The display is also HDR10+ certified, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks for enhanced multimedia consumption. The resolution of the display is optimized for a smooth visual experience, much like the split view feature can enhance your browsing experience.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra boasts a premium design with a glass front and back, held together by an aluminum frame. The phone feels solid and well-built in hand, exuding a sense of luxury. However, the large size and weight (222g) can make it less comfortable to hold for extended periods. The camera bump on the rear is also quite prominent, which some users may find aesthetically displeasing. The phone is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, providing added durability and peace of mind. The S20 Ultra is available in Cosmic Gray and Cosmic Black color options, both of which have a subtle, sophisticated look.
Camera System: A Key Selling Point
The camera system was a major focus for the S20 Ultra, aiming to deliver exceptional image quality and versatility.
108MP Primary Sensor
The S20 Ultra features a 108MP primary sensor, which uses pixel binning technology to combine nine pixels into one, resulting in 12MP images with excellent detail and dynamic range. In well-lit conditions, the camera captures stunning photos with vibrant colors and sharp details. The large sensor also allows for shallow depth of field, creating a natural bokeh effect in portraits. The 108MP sensor is a leap in mobile photography, similar to the innovations found in other high-end devices such as the OnePlus 8T.
100x Space Zoom
One of the most heavily marketed features of the S20 Ultra was its 100x Space Zoom. This feature combines optical zoom with digital zoom to achieve extreme magnification. While the results at 100x are often blurry and lack detail, the zoom capabilities up to 30x are quite impressive, allowing users to capture distant subjects with reasonable clarity. The zoom capabilities are a significant advancement, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in smartphone photography. However, it’s important to manage expectations regarding the image quality at maximum zoom levels.
Ultra Wide and Telephoto Lenses
In addition to the primary sensor, the S20 Ultra also includes a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 48MP telephoto lens. The ultra-wide lens captures expansive landscapes and group shots with a wide field of view. The telephoto lens provides optical zoom capabilities, allowing users to get closer to their subjects without sacrificing image quality. These lenses offer versatility, enabling users to capture a wide range of perspectives. The telephoto lens supports 4x optical zoom and 10x hybrid zoom, providing flexibility in various shooting scenarios.
8K Video Recording
The S20 Ultra is capable of recording video in 8K resolution at 24 frames per second. This allows users to capture incredibly detailed videos, which can be cropped and edited to create high-quality content. However, 8K video recording requires significant storage space and processing power, so it’s not ideal for everyday use. The 8K video recording is a forward-looking feature, demonstrating the S20 Ultra’s capabilities in pushing the boundaries of mobile video capture. The large file sizes and processing requirements are factors to consider when using this feature.
Performance and Software
The performance of the S20 Ultra is driven by its powerful processor and ample RAM, while the software experience is shaped by Samsung’s One UI.
Processor and RAM
The S20 Ultra is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or the Exynos 990 processor, depending on the region. Both processors offer excellent performance, delivering smooth multitasking, fast app loading times, and seamless gaming experiences. The phone also comes with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, ensuring that it can handle even the most demanding tasks without slowing down. The combination of a powerful processor and ample RAM results in a fluid and responsive user experience. The device handles demanding games and applications with ease, making it a suitable choice for power users.
One UI
The S20 Ultra runs on Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI 2.0 on top. One UI is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with a focus on one-handed usability. The interface is clean and modern, with customizable themes and features. Samsung also provides regular software updates, ensuring that the phone stays up-to-date with the latest security patches and features. One UI offers a refined and customizable software experience, enhancing the overall usability of the phone. The focus on one-handed usability is a welcome addition, given the phone’s large size.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial aspect of any smartphone, and the S20 Ultra aims to provide all-day usage with its large battery and fast charging capabilities.
5000mAh Battery
The S20 Ultra is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which is large enough to provide all-day battery life for most users. However, the high refresh rate display and power-hungry processor can drain the battery quickly, especially when playing games or watching videos. Battery life can vary depending on usage patterns, but most users can expect to get through a full day on a single charge. The large battery capacity is a significant advantage, allowing for extended usage without the need for frequent charging.
45W Fast Charging
The S20 Ultra supports 45W fast charging, which can quickly replenish the battery. However, the phone only comes with a 25W charger in the box, so users need to purchase a separate 45W charger to take full advantage of the fast charging capabilities. With the 45W charger, the phone can be fully charged in about an hour. The fast charging capabilities are a convenient feature, allowing users to quickly top up the battery when needed. The inclusion of only a 25W charger in the box is a minor drawback.
Connectivity and Other Features
The S20 Ultra offers a wide range of connectivity options and other features that enhance its overall functionality.
5G Connectivity
The S20 Ultra supports 5G connectivity, allowing users to take advantage of the faster download and upload speeds offered by 5G networks. However, 5G availability is still limited in many areas, so this feature may not be useful for all users. The 5G connectivity is a forward-looking feature, preparing the phone for the future of mobile networks. The actual benefits of 5G will depend on network availability and coverage in specific regions.
Under-Display Fingerprint Sensor
The S20 Ultra features an under-display fingerprint sensor, which allows users to unlock the phone quickly and securely. The sensor is generally reliable and accurate, but it can be slower than traditional fingerprint sensors. The under-display fingerprint sensor is a modern and convenient feature, enhancing the phone’s security and ease of use. The speed and accuracy of the sensor have improved over time with software updates.
Stereo Speakers
The S20 Ultra has stereo speakers tuned by AKG, which deliver loud and clear audio. The speakers are well-balanced, with good bass and treble response. The stereo speakers enhance the multimedia experience, making it more enjoyable to watch videos and listen to music. The tuning by AKG ensures high-quality audio output, providing an immersive listening experience.
Competitive Landscape
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra faced stiff competition from other flagship smartphones in the market. Understanding its position relative to competitors is crucial for evaluating its overall value.
Comparison with iPhone 11 Pro Max
The iPhone 11 Pro Max was a major competitor to the S20 Ultra. While the S20 Ultra offered a higher refresh rate display and more versatile camera system, the iPhone 11 Pro Max excelled in terms of software optimization and ease of use. The iPhone 11 Pro Max also had a more consistent camera performance, particularly in video recording. The choice between these two phones often came down to personal preference, with Android users favoring the S20 Ultra and iOS users sticking with the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Comparison with Google Pixel 4 XL
The Google Pixel 4 XL was another competitor that focused on camera performance. While the Pixel 4 XL lacked the zoom capabilities of the S20 Ultra, it offered exceptional image processing and computational photography. The Pixel 4 XL also had a cleaner and more streamlined software experience. The S20 Ultra offered more features and versatility, while the Pixel 4 XL focused on simplicity and image quality. For users prioritizing camera performance, the Pixel 4 XL was a compelling alternative.
Comparison with OnePlus 8 Pro
The OnePlus 8 Pro offered a similar set of features to the S20 Ultra at a lower price point. The OnePlus 8 Pro had a high refresh rate display, a powerful processor, and a versatile camera system. While the S20 Ultra had a more advanced camera system overall, the OnePlus 8 Pro offered excellent value for money. The OnePlus 8 Pro was a strong contender, offering flagship-level performance at a more affordable price. The S20 Ultra justified its higher price with its superior camera system and brand recognition.
Pros and Cons
Summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the S20 Ultra provides a balanced perspective on its overall value.
Pros
- Excellent display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Versatile camera system with 100x Space Zoom
- Powerful processor and ample RAM
- Large battery with fast charging
- 5G connectivity
Cons
- Large size and weight
- Prominent camera bump
- 100x Space Zoom image quality is questionable
- Only 25W charger included in the box
- High price point
Conclusion: A Feature-Packed Flagship
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra was a feature-packed flagship that aimed to push the boundaries of smartphone technology. Its excellent display, versatile camera system, and powerful performance made it a compelling option for users looking for the best of the best. However, its large size, high price point, and some questionable camera features may have deterred some potential buyers. Overall, the S20 Ultra was a significant achievement for Samsung, showcasing its innovation and commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology. Despite the phone’s impressive features, users often consider factors such as software updates and long-term performance, as highlighted in discussions about devices like the OnePlus Nord.
