Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs. S21 Ultra: Comparing Specs and Features

 Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs. S21 Ultra: Comparing Specs and Features

When it comes to premium smartphones, Samsung consistently delivers cutting-edge technology with its flagship devices. Two of its most advanced models are the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Both phones offer top-tier specifications, powerful performance, and high-end features, but they cater to slightly different audiences. This article will compare the specs and features of these two devices to help you decide which one suits your needs better.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the Galaxy S21 Ultra both exude luxury with their premium build quality, but they have distinct designs.

• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: The Note 20 Ultra features a sleek, boxy design with squared-off edges. It’s equipped with Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, along with a stainless steel frame. The device has a large 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a centered punch-hole camera. The iconic feature of the Note series, the S Pen, is housed inside the phone, making it ideal for users who enjoy stylus-based productivity.

• Galaxy S21 Ultra: The S21 Ultra takes a more modern design approach with a curved back and rounded corners. The rear camera module seamlessly blends into the device's frame, offering a smoother, more futuristic look. It also uses Gorilla Glass Victus but sports an aluminum frame. The display on the S21 Ultra is slightly smaller at 6.8 inches, but it boasts Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology with 120Hz refresh rate at full resolution, making it one of the best displays on the market.

Verdict: Both phones are visually stunning, but the Note 20 Ultra is the better choice for those who prefer a more angular, professional look, while the S21 Ultra is more futuristic and sleek.

Display

Samsung is known for its outstanding displays, and these two devices are no exception.

• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: The Note 20 Ultra offers a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, one key difference is that you can either choose to have the 120Hz refresh rate or the WQHD+ resolution (3200x1440), but not both simultaneously. This trade-off is somewhat limiting for users who want to experience both smooth scrolling and the best display clarity.

• Galaxy S21 Ultra: The S21 Ultra’s 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display takes it a step further by allowing 120Hz at the full WQHD+ resolution (3200x1440), giving users the best of both worlds. The brightness levels are also higher on the S21 Ultra, making it more visible under direct sunlight.

Verdict: The S21 Ultra edges out the Note 20 Ultra in the display department due to its ability to support 120Hz at maximum resolution and better brightness.

Performance and Processing Power

Both phones are equipped with the latest chipsets from Qualcomm and Exynos depending on the region, but the S21 Ultra benefits from a newer generation of processors.

• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: The Note 20 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ in the US and Exynos 990 for global markets. While these are high-performance chipsets, they are from the 2020 generation, making them slightly less powerful compared to newer processors.

• Galaxy S21 Ultra: The S21 Ultra, being a 2021 model, uses the more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, depending on the region. These newer processors offer significant improvements in both CPU and GPU performance. They’re faster, more power-efficient, and better optimized for gaming and multitasking.

Verdict: In terms of raw performance, the S21 Ultra is clearly ahead due to its newer and more powerful chipsets.

Camera System

Samsung has placed great emphasis on camera capabilities for both models, but there are key differences.

• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: The Note 20 Ultra features a 108 MP main sensor, a 12 MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultra-wide lens. It supports up to 50x digital zoom and 8K video recording. The camera system is highly capable and versatile, but it lacks some of the more advanced features found on the S21 Ultra.

• Galaxy S21 Ultra: The S21 Ultra’s camera setup is one of the most advanced on any smartphone. It also features a 108 MP main sensor, but it comes with two telephoto lenses — one for 3x zoom and the other for 10x optical zoom, enabling 100x Space Zoom. The ultra-wide camera is also 12 MP, but with additional software optimizations. Moreover, the S21 Ultra introduces laser autofocus, reducing focus-hunting issues that were occasionally present on the Note 20 Ultra.

Verdict: The S21 Ultra has a more advanced and flexible camera system, particularly with its dual telephoto lenses and better autofocus capabilities.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a critical factor for most users, and both devices offer long-lasting performance with slight differences in capacity and features.

• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: The Note 20 Ultra comes with a 4500 mAh battery. While it supports 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, the fast charging speed isn’t as impressive compared to competitors.

• Galaxy S21 Ultra: The S21 Ultra packs a larger 5000 mAh battery. It also supports 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, but the real improvement lies in the power efficiency brought by the Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100 chipsets, which help extend the battery life despite the more power-hungry features.

Verdict: The S21 Ultra wins this round with a larger battery and better power efficiency, resulting in longer overall battery life.

S Pen Support

A key differentiator between the two devices is the S Pen.

• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: The S Pen is the hallmark of the Note series. It is integrated into the phone, allowing users to take notes, draw, and navigate the interface with added precision. The latency of the S Pen on the Note 20 Ultra is just 9ms, making it feel as close to writing on paper as possible.

• Galaxy S21 Ultra: While the S21 Ultra supports the S Pen, it does not come with one, and there is no dedicated slot for it in the device. Users must purchase the S Pen separately, and it is less convenient to carry around. Additionally, the S Pen on the S21 Ultra has a slightly higher latency at 26ms compared to the Note 20 Ultra.

Verdict: If the S Pen is an essential feature for you, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the better choice due to its integrated stylus and lower latency.

Software and Features

Both phones run Samsung's One UI based on Android, with similar features and software experiences, including DeX mode for a desktop-like interface and 5G support. However, the S21 Ultra benefits from longer software support as it’s a newer model.

Verdict: The S21 Ultra will likely receive updates for a longer period, making it the better choice for future-proofing.

Price

At the time of their respective launches, both phones were priced as premium flagship devices. However, given the release dates:

• The Note 20 Ultra (2020) is now more affordable, with prices dropping as newer models have been released.
• The S21 Ultra (2021) still commands a higher price, but it offers more advanced technology and features.

Verdict: The Note 20 Ultra is the more budget-friendly option at this point, while the S21 Ultra justifies its higher price with newer technology.

Conclusion

Both the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the S21 Ultra are incredible devices that cater to different user needs. If you’re looking for a phone with an integrated S Pen and a more affordable price, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a solid choice. However, if you want the latest in camera technology, better performance, and future-proof features, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the clear winner.

Ultimately, your decision should come down to what features matter most to you—whether it’s the stylus and note-taking capabilities of the Note 20 Ultra or the superior camera and processing power of the S21 Ultra.