Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G

A Second Look: The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G - Still a Force to Be Reckoned With?

I've spent the better part of a week diving deep into the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, and it's been a fascinating revisit to a phone that, even a few years after its release, still holds a certain gravitas. At its launch price, it was undoubtedly a premium flagship contender, and even now on the secondary market, it commands a decent price. This made me particularly keen to see if the experience lives up to the lingering reputation and if it still makes sense for a certain type of user.

My testing involved using the phone as my daily driver, putting it through a mix of tasks from typical social media browsing and email management to more demanding activities like media consumption and some light gaming. Right off the bat, the sheer size of the device is the first thing that strikes you. It's a statement piece, and my initial impressions were a blend of admiration for the expansive screen and a slight apprehension about its sheer heft.

Market Context: A Legacy of Innovation

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G landed at a pivotal time for Samsung. It represented the pinnacle of their non-folding technology, showcasing their display prowess, camera innovation, and the continued refinement of the S Pen experience. Even now, it serves as a benchmark for many large-screened smartphones. Looking back, the price point placed it squarely in the premium segment, competing with the likes of Apple's Pro Max offerings and other top-tier Android devices. It wasn't a phone for the budget-conscious, but rather for those who prioritized a no-compromise experience with a focus on productivity and media consumption.

Design & Hardware: A Commanding Presence

Holding the Note20 Ultra 5G, the first impression is one of solidity and premium materials. The combination of the Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, coupled with the stainless steel frame, lends a distinctly high-end feel. While the "Mystic Bronze" of my test unit might not be for everyone, the overall design exudes a sense of sophistication. The phone feels substantial in hand, weighing in at a noticeable 208 grams, and the expansive 6.9-inch display makes one-handed use a definite stretch for most. Durability-wise, the inclusion of an IP68 rating offers peace of mind against dust and water ingress, a practical feature that's essential in daily use. While the heft might be a drawback for some, it contributes to the overall feeling of a robust and well-built device.

Display: An Immersive Canvas

The display is undoubtedly one of the standout features of the Note20 Ultra 5G. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is simply stunning. Brightness levels are excellent, making outdoor visibility in direct sunlight a non-issue. Firing up YouTube or Netflix reveals vibrant colors and excellent contrast, making media consumption a truly immersive experience. The 120Hz refresh rate, while standard now, was a key selling point back then, and it still contributes to a silky-smooth scrolling experience and noticeably improved clarity during fast-paced action in games or videos. Even for everyday tasks like browsing and navigating the interface, the fluidity is a noticeable step up. It's a display that not only looks beautiful but also enhances the overall user experience in a tangible way.

Performance: Still Capable, Though Showing Its Age

Under the hood of my review unit lies the Exynos 990 chipset. While not the latest silicon from Samsung, in my testing, it still provides ample power for most tasks. General navigation, app launching, and multitasking felt smooth and responsive. While I'm not a heavy mobile gamer, I did put it through some graphically intensive titles, and while it handled them reasonably well, I did notice the phone getting warm during extended gaming sessions. For everyday multitasking, switching between various apps like email, social media, and web browsers was handled without significant lag. However, it's worth noting that newer chipsets offer improved power efficiency and thermal management. While the Note20 Ultra 5G remains capable, those pushing their devices to the absolute limit with demanding games or video editing might find it lacking compared to more recent flagships.

Camera System: A Legacy of Imaging Excellence

The camera system on the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G remains a strong contender even by today's standards. The 108MP main sensor captures an impressive level of detail, and my test shots in various lighting conditions showcased excellent dynamic range and vibrant, yet realistic colors. The 5x optical zoom on the telephoto lens is a standout feature, allowing for significant magnification without sacrificing image quality. I was particularly impressed with the detail captured in zoomed-in landscape shots. Video recording capabilities are also excellent, with support for up to 8K resolution. The inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) ensures smooth and stable footage, even when shooting handheld. Comparing it to newer devices, computational photography has advanced, but the raw image quality and versatility of the Note20 Ultra 5G's camera system are still commendable. From quick snapshots to more deliberate compositions, the camera consistently delivers impressive results.

Battery & Charging: A Manageable Day, With Room for Improvement

Battery life on the Note20 Ultra 5G, with its 4500mAh cell, is generally sufficient for a full day of moderate use. My testing, which involved a mix of web browsing, social media, email, and some media consumption, typically saw me through the day with some charge to spare. However, heavier usage, particularly prolonged gaming or GPS navigation, would necessitate a top-up. The 45W fast charging support is a welcome feature, allowing for a significant charge in a relatively short amount of time. While not the absolute fastest charging speeds available today, it's still a substantial improvement over older standards. The inclusion of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging adds a layer of convenience, although the reverse wireless charging is best suited for topping up smaller devices like earbuds rather than fully charging another phone. Power management seems generally efficient, though some background apps can contribute to faster drain if not managed properly.

Software: A Familiar, Though Dated, Experience

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G launched with Android 10 and has since received updates, reaching Android 13. While it won't be receiving the latest Android updates, the One UI interface is still functional and familiar to Samsung users. The features are generally useful, though some might find the sheer volume of options overwhelming. The integration of the S Pen is seamless and adds a unique dimension to the user experience, particularly for note-taking, sketching, and navigation. While the update policy has concluded for this device, it still receives quarterly security updates, offering a degree of ongoing protection.

Value Analysis: Still a Compelling Option for Specific Needs

Even in 2024, the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G presents a compelling value proposition for a specific segment of users. If you prioritize a large, high-quality display for media consumption, value the versatility of the S Pen, and desire a capable camera system, the Note20 Ultra 5G, particularly at its current used or refurbished prices, remains a strong contender. However, those seeking the absolute latest processor performance, the most cutting-edge camera technology, or the longest software support might be better served by newer devices. Compared to similarly priced mid-range phones, the Note20 Ultra 5G offers a more premium build, a superior display, and a more versatile camera system. However, it lacks the extended software support of newer devices and might feel bulky to some.

Conclusion: A Powerful Legacy Device

The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is a phone that still holds up remarkably well. While it shows its age in certain areas, particularly processor performance and software support, its strengths – the stunning display, the versatile camera system, and the unique S Pen integration – remain significant selling points. I'd recommend this phone to users who prioritize a large-screen experience for media and productivity, appreciate the S Pen functionality, and are comfortable with purchasing a slightly older device at a potentially lower price point. If cutting-edge performance and future-proof software are paramount, then newer options might be a better fit. Ultimately, the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is a testament to Samsung's engineering prowess and remains a powerful and capable device even several years after its initial release.