The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, launched in March 2020, was Samsung’s ambitious foray into the ultra-premium smartphone segment. It aimed to set new standards in mobile photography, display technology, and performance.
Design and Display
The Galaxy S20 Ultra boasts a substantial 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate at FHD+ resolution, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions. However, the 120Hz refresh rate isn’t available at the maximum QHD+ resolution, requiring users to choose between higher resolution or smoother motion. The device’s build includes Gorilla Glass 6 on both front and back, an aluminum frame, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Camera Capabilities
A standout feature of the S20 Ultra is its rear camera setup. It includes a 108MP wide-angle primary sensor, a 48MP periscope telephoto lens capable of 10x hybrid zoom and up to 100x digital zoom (dubbed “Space Zoom”), a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 0.3MP depth sensor. The camera system supports 8K video recording at 24fps. While the hardware is impressive, some users noted issues with autofocus speed and consistency, especially in low-light conditions. The 100x zoom, while a marketing highlight, often resulted in images lacking clarity and detail.
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Performance and Software
Under the hood, the S20 Ultra is powered by either the Exynos 990 or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, depending on the region. It comes with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 512GB, expandable via microSD card. The device runs on Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI 2.1 at launch, offering a user-friendly interface and a suite of customization options. Samsung committed to providing up to three years of OS updates and four years of security updates for this device.
Battery Life and Charging
Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the S20 Ultra offers substantial battery life. Under typical usage, the device can last over a day, but intensive tasks like gaming or extensive camera use can drain the battery more quickly. The phone supports 45W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge other compatible devices. However, only a 25W charger is included in the box, with the 45W charger sold separately.
Additional Features
The S20 Ultra supports 5G connectivity, ensuring faster data speeds where available. It lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, a trend in modern smartphones, but offers high-quality audio through its stereo speakers tuned by AKG. The device also includes features like Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience and an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor for security.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is a powerhouse device that pushed the boundaries of smartphone technology at its release. Its impressive display, versatile camera system, and robust performance make it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts. However, its high price point, large size, and some camera inconsistencies may not appeal to all users. For those seeking top-tier specifications and are willing to invest, the S20 Ultra delivers a premium experience.