Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs. S21 Ultra: Comparing Specs

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs. S21 Ultra: Comparing Specs

The battle between the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra represents two of Samsung’s flagship devices, each boasting high-end features and cutting-edge technology. Released in 2020 and 2021 respectively, these devices push the boundaries of what smartphones can achieve. For users torn between these two models, this comparison will dive into their specifications, highlighting the key differences to help determine which is the better fit based on needs and preferences.

Design and Build

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra sports a distinctive boxy design that is characteristic of Samsung's Note series. It has a more professional, business-oriented look with sharp corners, and it incorporates the S Pen as one of its signature features. The body is made from Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, providing exceptional durability, and the phone is framed with stainless steel.

• Dimensions: 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm
• Weight: 208g
• Materials: Gorilla Glass Victus, stainless steel frame
• Colors: Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black, Mystic White

Galaxy S21 Ultra

The S21 Ultra takes on a slightly more curved design, with rounded edges and a sleeker feel. Like the Note 20 Ultra, it also uses Gorilla Glass Victus but has an aluminum frame. One of the standout design features of the S21 Ultra is its prominent camera bump on the back, which integrates seamlessly into the body.

• Dimensions: 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
• Weight: 228g
• Materials: Gorilla Glass Victus, aluminum frame
• Colors: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Titanium (limited), Phantom Navy (limited), Phantom Brown (limited)

Design Verdict:

If you prioritize a phone with a more professional and boxy appearance, the Note 20 Ultra is the better option. On the other hand, the curvier, more modern look of the S21 Ultra might appeal to those seeking a sleek, futuristic design.

Display

Both phones feature large and stunning displays, but there are some technical differences.

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

The Note 20 Ultra features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1440 x 3088 resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz. However, the 120Hz refresh rate is only available when the resolution is set to 1080p, meaning users have to choose between the smoothness of 120Hz and the higher resolution.

• Display size: 6.9 inches
• Resolution: 1440 x 3088 pixels
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz (at FHD resolution)
• HDR10+ support

Galaxy S21 Ultra

The S21 Ultra takes the display to the next level with a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, featuring a similar resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels. Where the S21 Ultra shines is its ability to support 120Hz at the full QHD+ resolution, giving users both high resolution and smoothness simultaneously.

• Display size: 6.8 inches
• Resolution: 1440 x 3200 pixels
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz (at QHD+ resolution)
• HDR10+ support

Display Verdict:

The S21 Ultra has a slight edge here with the ability to run 120Hz at full resolution, making it ideal for those who want both smoothness and top-tier clarity.

Camera System

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

The Note 20 Ultra comes equipped with a triple camera system, including a 108 MP main sensor, a 12 MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide camera. It also has laser autofocus to improve focusing speed, especially in low-light conditions.

• Main Camera: 108 MP, f/1.8
• Telephoto: 12 MP, 5x optical zoom, 50x digital zoom
• Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.2
• Front Camera: 10 MP, f/2.2

Galaxy S21 Ultra

The S21 Ultra features a more advanced quad-camera system. It also has a 108 MP main sensor, but what sets it apart is its dual telephoto lenses: a 10 MP 3x optical zoom and a 10 MP 10x optical zoom for much more versatile zooming capabilities. It also has a 40 MP front camera, making it one of the most powerful selfie cameras on the market.

• Main Camera: 108 MP, f/1.8
• Telephoto (3x): 10 MP, f/2.4
• Periscope Telephoto (10x): 10 MP, f/4.9
• Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.2
• Front Camera: 40 MP, f/2.2

Camera Verdict:

The S21 Ultra wins in terms of versatility and zooming capabilities. Its dual telephoto lenses and 40 MP selfie camera provide more flexibility and superior overall performance compared to the Note 20 Ultra.

Performance

Both devices are powered by top-tier processors, but the S21 Ultra benefits from newer technology.

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

The Note 20 Ultra is powered by either the Exynos 990 (international) or the Snapdragon 865+ (US) chipset. Both chipsets are powerful, ensuring smooth performance across tasks and demanding applications.

• Chipset: Exynos 990 (Global), Snapdragon 865+ (US)
• RAM: 8 GB / 12 GB
• Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB (expandable via microSD)
• Battery: 4,500mAh

Galaxy S21 Ultra

The S21 Ultra benefits from the newer Exynos 2100 (international) or Snapdragon 888 (US), offering improved efficiency and better performance. It also offers higher RAM options and faster 5G connectivity.

• Chipset: Exynos 2100 (Global), Snapdragon 888 (US)
• RAM: 12 GB / 16 GB
• Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB (no microSD support)
• Battery: 5,000mAh

Performance Verdict:

The S21 Ultra is the clear winner here, with its newer processors, higher RAM options, and larger battery, making it faster and more efficient than the Note 20 Ultra.

Battery Life and Charging

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

• Battery capacity: 4,500mAh
• Charging: 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging
• Reverse Wireless Charging: 4.5W

Galaxy S21 Ultra

• Battery capacity: 5,000mAh
• Charging: 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging
• Reverse Wireless Charging: 4.5W

Battery Verdict:

While both devices offer similar charging speeds, the S21 Ultra's larger battery ensures it lasts longer on a single charge, especially with power-hungry activities like gaming or 5G use.

S Pen Support

One of the defining features of the Note series is the S Pen, which comes included with the Note 20 Ultra and is built into the design for easy access. The S21 Ultra, while not including an S Pen by default, is the first S-series phone to support it, but the pen must be purchased separately and stored in a case, making the experience slightly less seamless.

S Pen Verdict:

For dedicated S Pen users, the Note 20 Ultra is the better choice due to the convenience of having the stylus built into the phone. However, if you're intrigued by the S Pen but don’t use it often, the S21 Ultra provides an optional stylus experience.

Pricing

Upon release, both phones were positioned as ultra-premium devices.

• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Starting at approximately $1,299.
• Galaxy S21 Ultra: Starting at approximately $1,199.

The S21 Ultra comes at a slightly lower price despite having newer technology, making it a more value-packed option.

Conclusion: Which One to Choose?

When comparing the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and Galaxy S21 Ultra, both devices excel in different areas. The Note 20 Ultra is ideal for users who prioritize the S Pen experience, prefer a more professional design, and value expandable storage. Meanwhile, the S21 Ultra offers superior performance, a better camera system, and longer battery life, all at a slightly more affordable price.

For those who want the latest and greatest in terms of technology and photography, the S21 Ultra is the clear winner. However, if you're deeply integrated into the Note ecosystem or rely heavily on the S Pen, the Note 20 Ultra still holds its ground as an excellent choice.