The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone packed with its latest and best features, but how good are they when you put them all together? Samsung figures three is better than two or one, having again come out with a trio of phones for its flagship Galaxy S line. The Galaxy S20 and S20+ are flagships on their own merits, only the S20 Ultra is the one meant to push the envelope. Where the other two are highly similar to each other, this one stands out a little more. Even so, choosing between the S20 Ultra and either one of the other two will depend on what you prioritize most.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra SpecsDisplay: 6.9-inch 3040 x 1440 Dynamic AMOLED display 21:9 aspect ratio with 522 pixels per inch |
Getting bigger
The S20 Ultra is the largest phone Samsung has made—purely on screen size—at 6.9-inches. If you remember the Galaxy Mega from back in 2013, you would know that phone was significantly taller and wider than this phone is, despite having a 6.3-inch display. It’s also only 0.1-inches bigger than the Galaxy Note10.
Even with its super thin bezels, it’s going to be an unwieldy device for some. The camera array has a noticeable bump in the back, and the added dimensions all around contribute to a heavier frame. If you like big phones, there aren’t too many that will be bigger than this.
As I noted in my review of the other two S20 devices, Samsung wisely abandoned the curved displays it championed for so long. This phone has a flat screen and is better for it. It was probably also a good idea to move the front-facing camera back to the middle, rather than to the right-hand corner.
Under the hood, the S20 Ultra isn’t all that different from the other two models. The processor, RAM and internal storage are the same. The microSD card slot to expand storage further returns, while the headphone jack doesn’t. Samsung removed it, marking the first time it has done so for a Galaxy S phone. The company also combined the dedicated Bixby button with the power button and moved it over to the right side above the volume buttons.
The feature set is extensive, but the S20 Ultra is largely defined by its camera, headlined by its 108-megapixel standard wide lens. It’s an impressive camera array on paper, and there’s more to it once you dig deeper.
Performance and software
There’s a lot to like about how this phone performs. It’s powerful enough to handle everything from streaming media to gaming. As a daily driver, it’s a workhorse, and if productivity is important to you, you’ve got a big screen and efficient battery life working for you.
In fact, I had little to complain about when it came to just using the phone like I normally would. I’m not crazy about Samsung’s ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, though. If there’s going to be a new version coming, it’s likely coming in the next Galaxy Note. In the S20 Ultra, it can sometimes be unresponsive or take a little too long to get past the lock screen.
On the other hand, the phone supports a 120Hz refresh rate for the screen. It’s not enabled out of the box, but you can set it by going to Settings>Display>Motion smoothness. You’ll be glad you did because it makes for a smooth experience navigating the interface and apps. Scroll through a social media feed or news article and it becomes obvious. It’s buttery smooth and makes a difference when playing more demanding games.
There is a catch, though. The phone offers a 3400 x 1080 resolution option (it’s 2400 x 1080 by default), but when you select that, 120Hz won’t work. It’s likely Samsung did this to preserve longer battery life, but in any case, you can’t use both at once. I always chose 120Hz over the higher resolution for the simple fact 2400 x 1080 still looks great on this gorgeous display.
Although it will show itself in time, the marriage of hardware and software here is pretty robust, making the S20 Ultra a more than capable handset.
Camera – Space Zoom
This is really the bread and butter of the device. More importantly, it’s what sets it apart from the other two S20 models. Samsung crammed a lot into the camera array, but as I’ll explain, it’s not all especially useful.
I’ll start with Space Zoom, the 100x zoom in the 108-megapixel standard lens. The moment Samsung announced it, I was immediately skeptical. I was right to be because the resulting image is totally unusable. It is a technical feat to make a phone zoom in that far, but there are virtually no optics involved, so what you end up with is a mostly-cropped digital zoom that makes the photo look like a blotchy, pixilated photo.
Even at 30x zoom, the photos are okay, but not exceptional. It is cool to be able to get something out of zooming in that far, but again, don’t expect anything impressive. At 10x zoom, however, results look far more interesting. The hybrid zoom combines the 4x optical zoom of the 48-megapixel telephoto lens and adds digital zoom to make up the rest. It’s just the right number because it doesn’t push the image sensor to overly crop or interpret a scene.
All this zooming also makes it challenging to shoot handheld. At 10x, it’s not too bad, but above that, you will find it hard to frame a shot. At 100x, it’s almost impossible, as the slightest shake can pull the camera off-centre.
Camera – 108-megapixel sensor
By now, we know that megapixels do not make or break a camera. Here’s the thing: the image sensor inside is actually 12-megapixels. Samsung uses what’s called pixel binning to split each pixel in the sensor at a 9:1 ratio to push the number up to 108.
While the sensor’s physical size is 70 per cent larger than the Galaxy S10+, pixel binning ultimately determines how well it shoots. However, you can turn 108-megapixels off and shoot at 12-megapixels, which is better in low-light settings.
With the right conditions, the S20 Ultra can capture amazing shots, with a great number of options available to shoot with. Pro mode has always been my personal favourite, though it bothers me Samsung won’t let it work with all three lenses. Single Take is surprisingly useful for capturing a key moment in multiple ways. If you’re watching live music and get close enough, pan around the band and you get multiple photos and video clips all at once. It’s not as great for most situations, but is handy at the right time.
Food mode is made for the Instagram and Facebook crowd. Live Focus is back, though I found the standard and telephoto lenses adept at creating bokeh effects of their own. I would recommend turning the scene optimizer off to reduce the level of software processing so that colours don’t oversaturate. Unfortunately, it may still oversharpen objects, or smooth out skin a little too much.
That processing can be problematic when interpreting night or low-light scenes, where subtlety is often the better route. Night mode is better than it was before, but I don’t see it overlapping Google or Huawei. If you’re comfortable enough, shoot in RAW and learn to edit those images. It’s the only way you can avoid any post-processing.
Video recording
The S20 Ultra supports 8K video recording, but unless you have an 8K TV lying around, it shouldn’t matter to you. There’s also a caveat to how this works that you may want to know.
To shoot in 8K, you need at least a 33-megapixel sensor or higher. Since the telephoto lens has the 48-megapixel sensor, that’s the one that actually shoots the footage. You don’t notice the switch from the standard lens, but that’s what’s happening to get 8K.
It is neat that you can pull out a 33-megapixel still photo from 8K footage, but I would only attempt to do it in daylight conditions for subjects that are further away. If you’re shooting a vista, or capturing wildlife from a distance, there’s a possibility such a feature could work.
Those instances may be few and far between. Plus, 8K TVs (and content) aren’t ubiquitous yet, so it may be a feature that’s more relevant later on. To me, shooting in 4K at 60fps is more impactful. Shoot any scene with plenty of movement and the footage will look nice and crisp.
Pro Video mode shouldn’t be overlooked, either. It’s the same idea as the Pro photo mode, with granular controls for composition. Adjust the shutter speed, ISO, white balance and focus, along with temperature, saturation, highlights, shadows and contrast. If you fancy yourself an amateur filmmaker, you might like that level of control over a scene. Unfortunately, it’s missing 24fps, which would have given footage a more cinematic flair.
Samsung continues to restrict lenses for video capture. You can’t shoot any video with the ultra-wide lens, and with the telephoto one stepping in on 8K, it’s not available, either.
Battery life
With all the features and performance packed into this phone, you’d be right to wonder about battery life. In my testing, it held out impressively well, giving me juice to work with after a long day of regular usage.
I’d expect something good when there’s a 5000mAh battery inside, but its ability to sip gradually is superb engineering. It’s some of the best battery performance I’ve seen in a smartphone of its size. It is true that 120Hz does affect its longevity per charge, though I was fine with that trade-off.
The phone comes with a 25W charger in the box, capable of fast charging from zero to full in roughly one hour. It does support 45W chargers in case you want to give that a boost. Of the three S20 phones, this is the only one that does.
Wireless PowerShare is there for those times you want to charge another device wirelessly on the phone’s back. It’s decent for a quick boost on another phone, but is better suited for smaller devices, like the Galaxy Buds or Buds+, for instance. Anything that supports Qi wireless charging is compatible.
5G connectivity
Canada’s major carriers have confirmed their 5G networks are coming. Rogers even rolled out its own on March 6, but it only works in pockets of downtown Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. I didn’t have access while testing the S20 Ultra, so can’t offer any insight into how well it works.
Final thoughts
The S20 Ultra is undoubtedly a powerful and fully-loaded handset. The big screen, robust components and smooth performance should make it a shoo-in for anyone. And yet, I’m cautious to recommend it. The Galaxy S20 and S20+ are impressive and the features that set the Ultra apart are either not as compelling or not as relevant yet.
If you want the best of the best Samsung can offer, then sure, this may be the phone for you. But if you want competent performance with most of the same features (and a better price), either one of the other two S20 devices would suffice for most users. It’s also a big phone in size, and that could matter where ergonomics are concerned.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is available now in cosmic grey.
I like the 120Hz refresh rate for the screen and the 5G connectivity.
Two features of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G that will make your life easier are the longer battery life and the superior camera quality.
I would love the larger screen size and the great camera quality of this phone.
Two features of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G that will make my life easier and more fun are the battery life and 108-megapixel sensor.
I love that the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G comes with so many wonderful features!! I love photography and making videos, so the 108 megapixel camera and SpaceZoom would make the experience that much better! I don’t know much about phones, but my sister told me that always look out for a good battery and space in your phone. I currently have is the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) phone. So battery, picture, and screen quality is something I always look out for. Thank you for an in depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G.
Honest review, Ted, which I super appreciated!
What features do I love? This is going to be a little bit “how do I love thee, let me count the ways” so bear with me for a minute. *grin* The list goes a little like this: 6.9″ screen size, 12GB RAM, memory/512gb, refresh rate 120hz , 5G (bc why not?!), the CAMERAS (hence the need for storage – always my issue, lol), the battery (5000 yuh!), and video video video. For the reader who dipped out for lunch or a nap while I typed, *ding ding* I’m done now.
I would love the 108-megapixel camera and the longer battery life.
I really like the longer battery life and that you can get multiple photos and video clips all at once, so i can have fun making videos of my kids growing up
Bigger screen and longer battery life will make my life easier
The battery life would help my life and the camera with all the features would be fun to use.
I like more storage memory and the long battery life
The battery life is definitely a plus and there’s a lot of features that are new to me but I really like the idea of the food mode!
I like the long battery lifer and the fantastic camera
It has an outstanding battery life and a remarkable camera.
Love the battery life and improved camera with space zoom
I would love the 5G speed and the screen size for viewing photos!
The space zoom and battery life are two interesting features!
When I tell you I’ve never and I mean never had a phone with 12 GB of ram!!! A phone with 5G!!! A phone with adjustable memory, because I currently have an old iPhone. This phone looks and sounds awesome. It interests me. I feel like it would improve my life not only because of the apparent ease of use for androids but the actual specs on this phone.
The battery life and camera array interest me.
I mean, there’s so many features that would make life easier! But definitely longer lasting battery life is a HUGE deal. Also, 108 mega pixel camera?!?! Count me in! My fingers are crossed. Thanks for the opportunity!
Wireless PowerShare and Food Mode sound interesting
The battery life and the camera Space Zoom
Using Apple my whole life, making the switch to a Galaxy I would look forward to the camera and expandable storage!
I have a slight vision impairment so the larger screen really appeals to me. Also the longer battery life would be great because I am often out all day in my wheelchair without access to anywhere to charge a phone and with my health problems it’s crucial that I can phone for help in emergencies, This phone would work perfectly for me.
Nice camera and great battery life would make my life easier and more fun
For sure its all about the bigger battery and camera for me
Bigger screen?… Longer-lasting, faster-charging battery?… Sounds good to me!
Would love the large screen and extended battery life
The camera and battery life.
The big screen and battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G are two of its most compelling features for me.
Definitely the battery life and camera will make my life easier and more fun.
The battery life and 5G connectivity will make my life more fun.
I’d love the camera capabilities and longer battery life so I don’t have to charge so often during the day.
Impressive battery life and camera
Screen size 6.9 amazing, battery life 5000mah omg sounds amazing. Galaxy S20 5g love Samsung phones only one for me. Thank y
ou for the chance to win
The large screen is definate plus , battery life and the quick charge , the camera sounds amazing !
The two features I like the best are the battery life and the camera. Not having to charge up my phone often would make my life easier and I would love to have a camera that takes amazing pics !
I like the screen size and the camera!
The 120hz screen and the 5000 mAh battery are two features that will make my life easier, definitely!
I like the large screen and Wireless PowerShare.
good zooming
good sensors
I like display camera and battery life
The amazing Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G’s much larger screen size of 6.9 inches & the better 108 megapixels wide lens camera are the best features since I am getting older & using my phone for everything, so this Samsung is perfect for me! Thank you
I would have to say, the video is so impressive. With 2 little kids, I want to be able to save those memories. The longer battery life is my second fav feature. Take it camping, and not have to worry about a dead battery!
I love the larger screen and the longer battery life
The camera and battery life are my two favourite features!
screen size, battery life, camera, and 120hz refresh rate
Battery life and “Pro video mode” are definitely interesting features!
I love the big screen and I am very interested in Food Mode.
For me the 120hz refresh rate and battery life are fantastic
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