Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra: Powerhouse with S Pen

Comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra, featuring its 108MP camera, 120Hz display, S Pen, and flagship performance for productivity and creativity.

Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra represents the pinnacle of productivity-focused smartphones, blending powerful hardware with the precision S Pen that has defined the Note series. Released in August 2020, this device continues Samsung's tradition of packing premium features into a sleek, professional package aimed at power users and creatives alike.

Design & Display

The Note20 Ultra boasts a sophisticated design with Gorilla Glass Victus on both front and back, framed by stainless steel. Available in Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, and Mystic White, it maintains an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Its centerpiece is a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1440×3088 resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. With HDR10+ support, a 19.3:9 aspect ratio, and minimal bezels achieving a 91.7% screen-to-body ratio, this display delivers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling for both work and media consumption.

Performance & Hardware

Depending on your region, the Note20 Ultra is powered by either Samsung's Exynos 990 or Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 chipset, both built on 7nm technology. Paired with either 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the device handles multitasking and demanding applications with ease.

Storage options include 256GB or 512GB of fast UFS 3.0 storage, expandable via microSDXC card for those needing additional space for projects and media.

Camera

The camera system is a standout feature, headlined by a 108MP wide-angle sensor with optical image stabilization and an f/1.8 aperture. This is complemented by a 12MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom and another 12MP ultra-wide sensor with a 120-degree field of view.

Video capabilities are equally impressive, supporting 8K recording at 24fps, 4K at 30/60fps, and super slow-motion at 960fps in 720p. The front camera features a 10MP sensor with Dual Pixel PDAF for sharp selfies and video calls.

Battery & Charging

A 4500mAh battery powers the device, supporting 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging to power up accessories. The combination of efficient hardware and software optimization provides all-day battery life for most users.

Software & Features

Originally launching with Android 10 and Samsung's One UI, the Note20 Ultra is upgradable to Android 13. The S Pen remains the defining feature, with improved latency and new Air Actions for remote control of applications. Additional features include Samsung DeX for desktop-like productivity, Ultra Wideband support for spatial awareness, and an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

Connectivity

The device supports comprehensive connectivity options including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS with multiple satellite systems. It offers dual SIM capabilities (either nano-SIM + eSIM or dual nano-SIM) and extensive 4G LTE band support, though it lacks 5G connectivity.

Audio & Multimedia

Stereo speakers tuned by AKG provide rich audio output, though the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack has been omitted. Support for 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res audio ensures high-quality listening experiences with compatible headphones via USB-C or Bluetooth.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Stunning 120Hz QHD+ display with HDR10+
  • Versatile triple camera system with 108MP main sensor
  • Powerful performance with multiple RAM/storage configurations
  • Productivity-focused S Pen integration
  • Premium build quality with IP68 rating

Cons

  • No 5G support
  • No headphone jack
  • Large size may be unwieldy for some users
  • Expensive launch price point

Tags: Samsung,Galaxy Note20 Ultra,S Pen,108MP camera,120Hz display

Comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra, featuring its 108MP camera, 120Hz display, S Pen, and flagship performance for productivity and creativity.