Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G Review

Key Features

• Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a peak brightness of 1400 nits. Resolution is 1440 x 3200 pixels (511 ppi).
• Processor: Exynos 990 (7 nm+) chipset (Global), featuring an octa-core CPU (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and a Mali-G77 MP11 GPU.
• Memory & Storage: Available in multiple configurations, including 12GB of RAM with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, or 16GB of RAM with 512GB of storage. Utilizes UFS 3.0 storage.
• Cameras: Rear Quad-camera setup with a 108MP primary (1/1.33" sensor, f/1.8, 0.8µm, 9-in-1 binning), a 48MP telephoto (1/2" sensor, f/3.5, 0.8µm, 4-in-1 binning), a 12MP ultrawide (1/2.55" sensor, f/2.2, 1.4µm) and a ToF 3D sensor. The front-facing camera is 40MP.
• Battery: 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support. Also features 15W fast wireless charging and 9W reverse wireless charging.
• Connectivity: 5G support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and USB Type-C 3.2.
• Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back, and aluminum frame. IP68 dust/water resistance.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Stunning 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with HDR10+ offering vibrant colors and smooth visuals.
• Versatile quad-camera system capable of capturing detailed and impressive photos, with a notable 100x digital zoom.
• Robust performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
• Large 5000mAh battery provides ample power for a full day.
• Fast wired and wireless charging capabilities.
• Premium build quality with IP68 rating.
• Stereo speakers tuned by AKG and Dolby Atmos support.

Cons:

• The Exynos 990 chipset can be less efficient than competing chips in some regions, leading to potential battery drain issues.
• Large and heavy, making it less comfortable for single-handed use.
• The 100x "Space Zoom" is of debatable use and rarely produces quality images.
• Absence of a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
• Initial pricing was very high.

User Experience

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G offers a premium user experience characterized by its smooth, responsive interface, powered by its 120Hz display. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is a standout feature, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The phone is very large and heavy, which can be a challenge for users with smaller hands. The device runs on Android 10 initially, upgradable to Android 13, with Samsung's One UI. The user interface is intuitive and packed with features. The in-display fingerprint sensor is quick and reliable. The phone’s performance for both everyday tasks and heavy gaming is flawless, though the Exynos variant may occasionally run warmer. The camera system is versatile, providing excellent results in most lighting conditions, however, the much-touted 100x "Space Zoom" is mainly a marketing feature, as image quality drops significantly at high zoom levels. Battery life is typically good and can easily last a full day for most users, while fast charging ensures a quick top-up.

Hardware & Design

The device has a premium build, with a glass front (Corning Gorilla Glass 6), glass back, and an aluminum frame. The design is somewhat polarizing due to its large size and prominent camera bump. The phone is available in Cosmic Grey, Cloud White, and Cosmic Black. The device weighs 222g and measures 166.9mm in height, 76mm in width, and 8.8mm in thickness. It features stereo speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos, enhancing the audio experience. It features a USB Type-C 3.2 port with OTG support. There's no 3.5mm headphone jack. The phone has a comprehensive array of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and an under-display fingerprint sensor.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is a flagship smartphone with cutting-edge features and impressive performance. Its standout features include a vibrant 120Hz display, a versatile quad-camera system, and robust performance. It offers a premium experience overall, albeit with a few drawbacks, such as the large size, weight, and the questionable utility of the 100x zoom. While the Exynos 990 processor can have some efficiency concerns, the phone’s overall experience remains top-tier. The lack of microSD expansion may be a deal breaker for some users. If the price is not a deterrent and if you prioritize a large display and advanced camera features, this is still a very compelling device.