Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphone

Photo: PantheraLeo1359531 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra

March 2020 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra was a top-tier flagship smartphone released in early 2020, known for its expansive 6.9-inch 120Hz display and a groundbreaking 108MP camera system with 100x Space Zoom. It offered powerful performance and a large battery, though its premium price and considerable size were notable aspects.
Display6.9-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X
ChipsetSnapdragon 865 or Exynos 990
Main Camera108MP Quad Camera with 100x Space Zoom
Battery5000 mAh with 45W Super Fast Charging
Starting from $6,175

💰 Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Price

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra lowest price is $6,175, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1400 nits (peak)
Size6.9 inches
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~511 ppi density). Note: 120Hz refresh rate is limited to FHD+ (2400 x 1080) resolution.
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6

Platform

OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Chipset (International)Exynos 990 (7 nm+)
Chipset (USA/Korea)Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+)
CPUOcta-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Global; Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - USA/Korea
GPUMali-G77 MP11 - Global; Adreno 650 - USA/Korea

Memory

RAM12GB or 16GB
Internal Storage128GB or 512GB UFS 3.0
Card SlotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) up to 1TB

Main Camera

Quad108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF, OIS; 48 MP, f/3.5, 103mm (periscope telephoto), 4x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom, 100x Space Zoom, OIS; 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), Super Steady video; 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, f/1.0 (depth)
FeaturesLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, OIS, gyro-EIS

Selfie Camera

Single40 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
FeaturesDual video call, Auto-HDR
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Charging45W wired (25W charger included in box), PD3.0; 15W wireless (Qi/PMA); 4.5W reverse wireless

Body

Dimensions166.9 x 76 x 8.8 mm
Weight220g - 222g
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
SIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM and/or eSIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Water & Dust ResistanceIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
NFCYes
RadioFM radio (Snapdragon model only)
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Launch

AnnouncedFebruary 11, 2020
StatusReleased March 6, 2020 (US, Australia) / March 13, 2020 (UK)

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Stunning and immersive 120Hz AMOLED display
  • Exceptional camera versatility, especially the 108MP sensor and optical zoom
  • Robust performance for demanding tasks and gaming
  • Long-lasting 5000 mAh battery
  • Premium build quality with IP68 water resistance

Cons

  • Very high launch price
  • Large and heavy design can be cumbersome
  • 120Hz refresh rate not available at highest resolution
  • 100x Space Zoom often results in poor quality images and is more of a gimmick
  • Tendency to run hot during intensive use
★ Our Verdict

While offering groundbreaking features like its 108MP camera and 120Hz display, the S20 Ultra's extremely high launch price, considerable size, and some camera gimmicks prevented it from being a perfect all-around device.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, while no longer the latest model, still offers a powerful and feature-rich experience, especially if you can find it at a reduced price. Its large 120Hz AMOLED display remains impressive for media consumption and gaming, and the camera system, particularly the 108MP main sensor and optical zoom, can still capture excellent photos. However, be mindful of its substantial size and weight, which might not suit everyone. Consider its current price against newer mid-range phones or slightly newer flagships, as its initial premium cost has significantly dropped. Ensure the device is unlocked and compatible with your carrier, and check for battery health if buying used, as it's an older device.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphone
  • 25-watt USB-C charger
  • USB-C to USB-C cable
  • USB-C in-ear headphones tuned by AKG
  • SIM ejector tool
  • User manual and documentation

Samsung mobile phones typically come with a 12-month limited manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra released?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra was officially released in March 2020, with availability starting on March 6th, and March 13th.

What are the main camera features of the Galaxy S20 Ultra?

The Galaxy S20 Ultra features a quad-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor, a 48MP periscope telephoto lens offering 4x optical zoom and up to 100x Space Zoom, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a depth sensor. It can also record 8K video.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra support 5G?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra comes with 5G connectivity as a standard feature, supporting major carriers.

What is the battery capacity of the Galaxy S20 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is equipped with a large 5000 mAh non-removable battery, supporting 45W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra waterproof?

Yes, the Galaxy S20 Ultra has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.

What comes in the box with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra?

The retail box typically includes the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra phone, a 25-watt USB-C charger, a USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-C in-ear headphones tuned by AKG, a SIM ejector tool, and user manuals.