Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Review (2020): The Ultimate Flagship Experience
When
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra launched in early 2020, it wasn’t just another smartphone, it was
Samsung’s bold statement about the future of mobile technology. Packed with cutting-edge hardware, an industry-leading camera system, and a massive display, the S20 Ultra redefined what a premium flagship should be.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything about the Galaxy S20 Ultra, from design and performance to camera capabilities and pricing, just like we’re experiencing it fresh in its release year.
Introduction: Samsung Goes “Ultra”
With the S20 series, Samsung introduced a new tier: Ultra. While the regular S20 and S20+ were impressive, the Ultra model pushed boundaries in every direction, bigger screen, bigger battery, and an unbelievably powerful camera system.
Announced in February 2020 and released in March 2020, the S20 Ultra quickly became one of the most talked-about smartphones of the year.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S20 Ultra screams premium from every angle. It features a
glass front and back protected by Gorilla Glass 6, paired with a sturdy aluminum frame.
- Dimensions: 166.9 x 76 x 8.8 mm
- Weight: 220–222g
- Colors: Cosmic Black, Cosmic Gray
The device is large, very large. Its
6.9-inch display makes it one of the biggest smartphones ever released at the time.
Comparison with Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Compared to the
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, the S20 Ultra feels more premium but less practical:
- Materials: S20 Ultra uses glass + metal, while S20 FE 5G uses a plastic back.
- Size: Ultra is significantly larger and heavier.
- Camera module: The Ultra has a massive, more pronounced camera bump.
While the S20 FE 5G is more comfortable for everyday use, the Ultra clearly wins in luxury and build quality.
Display: A Visual Powerhouse
Samsung didn’t hold back on the display.
- Size: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 1440 x 3200 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz (at FHD+)
- HDR10+ support
The 120Hz refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth scrolling and animations, making everything from gaming to browsing feel incredibly fluid.
This display is easily one of the best smartphone panels of 2020, bright, sharp, and immersive.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is a beast:
- Processor: Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990
- RAM: 12GB or 16GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (expandable)
The Snapdragon 865 chipset ensures blazing-fast performance, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or editing videos.
This phone was clearly built to handle anything you throw at it.
Camera: The Star of the Show
The biggest highlight of the S20 Ultra is its groundbreaking camera system:
- 108MP main sensor
- 48MP periscope telephoto lens
- 12MP ultra-wide lens
- DepthVision sensor
- 40MP front camera
Key Features
- 100x Space Zoom
- 8K video recording
- Super Steady stabilization
- AI-powered photography
The 108MP sensor uses pixel-binning technology to produce incredibly detailed images, even in low light.
The zoom capabilities are revolutionary, up to 100x digital zoom, which was unheard of at the time.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S20 Ultra packs a massive:
- 5000mAh battery
- 45W fast charging (optional charger)
- Wireless charging support
This ensures all-day battery life, even with heavy usage.
Software and Features
- Android 10 with One UI 2
- 5G connectivity
- In-display fingerprint sensor
- Samsung DeX support
- IP68 water and dust resistance
Samsung’s One UI makes the large phone easier to use, with a clean interface and helpful features.
Price at Launch (2020)
At launch, the Galaxy S20 Ultra was one of the most expensive smartphones ever released.
- USA: $1,399
- Nigeria: ₦441,000 (approx)
- UK: ~£1,199 (approx conversion at launch)
- India: ~₹1,03,000 (approx conversion)
This premium pricing positioned it firmly in the ultra-flagship category.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning 120Hz AMOLED display
- Powerful performance with up to 16GB RAM
- Industry-leading 108MP camera
- Incredible zoom capabilities (100x)
- Massive battery life
- Premium build quality
Cons
- Very expensive at launch
- Bulky and heavy design
- Camera autofocus issues (early units)
- 120Hz limited to lower resolution
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
User Experience: Living with the Ultra
Using the Galaxy S20 Ultra feels like holding the future in your hands. Everything about it is exaggerated, in a good way.
- Watching movies feels cinematic
- Gaming is smooth and immersive
- Photography is next-level
However, the size can be overwhelming for users with smaller hands.
Conclusion
The
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is not just a smartphone, it’s a technological powerhouse that set new standards in 2020.
It’s designed for users who want the absolute best, regardless of price. While it may not be the most practical device due to its size and cost, it excels in performance, display quality, and camera innovation.
If you’re looking for a no-compromise flagship experience, the Galaxy S20 Ultra delivers in every way imaginable.
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