Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G

Revisiting a Titan: My Time with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G

I recently spent a significant amount of time revisiting the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, a phone that, even years after its release, still commands attention. Coming in at what was then a premium price point, it targeted the user who wanted absolutely everything in a smartphone. After putting it through its paces, I have a fresh perspective on this ambitious device and its place in mobile history.

The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G landed at a pivotal moment. Samsung was firmly entrenched as a top-tier Android manufacturer, and the Ultra variant signaled a clear intent to push the boundaries of what a smartphone could be. This wasn't just an incremental upgrade; it was a statement. The "medium price" tag, as the previous reviewer noted, was certainly a point of contention, positioning it against formidable rivals and setting high expectations for its performance and features.

Holding the S20 Ultra, the first thing you notice is its sheer presence. This is a large phone, no question about it. The 6.9-inch display makes for a substantial footprint, and at 222 grams, it carries a noticeable heft. While some might find it unwieldy, particularly for single-handed use, I came to appreciate the solid, premium feel. The construction exudes quality, with a reassuring weight that speaks to the robust materials used. While perhaps not the most pocketable device, the trade-off was a sense of durability and a device that felt like it could withstand the rigors of daily life.

The display is undoubtedly one of the S20 Ultra's standout features. That expansive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is simply stunning. The 120Hz refresh rate delivers incredibly smooth scrolling and animations, making everything from navigating menus to browsing the web a fluid experience. The HDR10+ certification ensures vibrant and accurate colors, making media consumption a true joy. I found the brightness levels to be excellent, easily cutting through glare even in direct sunlight. Whether watching videos, browsing photos, or diving into graphically intensive games, the display consistently delivered an immersive and visually rich experience.

Under the hood, the Exynos 990 chipset (in the global variant I tested) proved more than capable of handling any task I threw at it. Throughout my testing, which included demanding gaming sessions and heavy multitasking, the phone remained responsive and lag-free. Games ran smoothly at high settings, and switching between numerous apps was seamless. While pushing the phone hard for extended periods, I did observe some warmth, but the thermal management seemed effective enough to prevent any significant performance throttling.

The camera system on the Galaxy S20 Ultra was, and still is, a major talking point. The sheer number of megapixels and lenses can initially feel overwhelming, but the results speak for themselves. The 108MP primary sensor captures an incredible level of detail, allowing for significant cropping without losing clarity. Like the previous reviewer, I was particularly impressed with its performance in good lighting conditions, delivering vibrant and sharp images. The telephoto lens, boasting a 10x hybrid optical zoom, offers impressive reach. While the 100x "Space Zoom" is more of a novelty, the practical zoom levels provide a significant advantage when capturing distant subjects. The ultra-wide lens is also a valuable addition, allowing for expansive landscape shots and creative perspectives. Video recording is equally impressive, with the ability to shoot up to 8K resolution, though 4K at 60fps with its excellent stabilization proved to be the sweet spot for most scenarios. Comparing it to other flagships of its time, the S20 Ultra held its own, and in some areas, like sheer detail capture, even surpassed them.

Battery life is always a crucial factor, and the S20 Ultra's 5000mAh cell generally delivered a full day of usage for me. More intensive use, involving prolonged gaming or video streaming, would necessitate a top-up by evening. The inclusion of 45W fast charging is a welcome feature, significantly reducing downtime when the battery does run low. I also found the wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities to be convenient additions, particularly for charging accessories on the go.

The software experience on the S20 Ultra, running Samsung's One UI, is generally polished and feature-rich. Navigating the interface is intuitive, and the abundance of customization options allows users to tailor the phone to their preferences. While some may find the sheer number of features overwhelming, they offer a depth of functionality that power users appreciate. Samsung's commitment to software updates for this device, extending beyond the initial promise, is commendable and ensures longevity.

Evaluating the value of the Galaxy S20 Ultra now requires some context. At its original launch price, it was undoubtedly a significant investment. However, considering the cutting-edge technology packed within – the advanced camera system, the stunning display, and the powerful performance – it offered a flagship experience. For users who prioritize these features and are comfortable with a larger device, the S20 Ultra was a compelling option. Those who prioritize portability or are on a tighter budget might find more suitable alternatives. Compared to contemporary devices, it held its ground remarkably well, especially in areas like camera versatility and display quality.

In conclusion, my time with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G served as a reminder of its ambition and technical prowess. It's a phone that aimed for the top and, in many respects, achieved it. While its size and original price point might have been deterrents for some, the S20 Ultra delivered a truly premium experience with a standout camera system, a breathtaking display, and robust performance. For those who desired the best of Android at the time and weren't afraid of a substantial device, the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G was, and in many ways still is, a force to be reckoned with. It's a testament to Samsung's innovation and a phone that undoubtedly left its mark on the mobile landscape.