👍 Pros
- Stellar 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display remains exceptional.
- Versatile camera system with 108MP main and 10x hybrid zoom.
- Robust build quality with Gorilla Glass 6 front and back.
- Large 5000 mAh battery still offers decent longevity.
- MicroSDXC expansion available (shared slot).
👎 Cons
- Exynos 990 variant shows noticeable performance degradation in 2026.
- Update cycle ended with Android 13, missing newer OS features.
- Chunky dimensions and significant weight impact ergonomics.
- 45W wired charging is slow by 2026 standards.
- Thermal management can be an issue under heavy load.
Expert Review & Rating
Quick Overview
Back in 2020, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra landed with a bang, a true titan aiming to outmuscle its iPhone and Google Pixel rivals with sheer spec sheet dominance. It was a statement piece, a no-compromise device for those who wanted the absolute bleeding edge. Fast forward to 2026, and while the shine has naturally dulled compared to today’s flagships, this device still holds some surprising punches, even if its age is showing in certain crucial areas. It’s no longer battling the latest and greatest, but rather carving out a niche for value-conscious buyers.
The Best Features
The display on the S20 Ultra remains an absolute stunner. That 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, with its 120Hz refresh rate and peak 1400 nits brightness, still delivers an incredibly immersive and vibrant viewing experience. Scrolling is buttery smooth, and colors pop with Samsung’s signature vibrancy. For media consumption, it’s still top-tier. Then there’s the camera system. The 108MP main sensor, combined with the 48MP periscope telephoto offering 10x hybrid zoom, was groundbreaking. Even today, in good lighting, it can capture incredibly detailed shots, and that zoom capability still impresses. The versatility of having a dedicated ultrawide and the ability to shoot 8K video gives it a creative edge that many newer mid-range phones lack. The premium build, with Gorilla Glass 6 front and back, also means it feels robust and well-made in hand, a testament to its flagship origins.
Performance & Daily Usage
Performance in 2026 is a mixed bag. The Snapdragon 865 variant still holds up reasonably well for everyday tasks. Apps launch quickly. UI navigation feels responsive. Gaming, however, pushes it. Thermal management can be an issue under sustained load, leading to throttling. The Exynos 990 version, unfortunately, shows its age more acutely. It can feel sluggish. Multitasking with many apps open can introduce stutters. Software updates ceased at Android 13, meaning you’re missing out on features and security patches from the last few Android iterations. One UI 5, while functional, feels dated compared to One UI 8 or 9.
The Compromises
The S20 Ultra’s biggest compromise is its sheer size and weight. At 220 grams and nearly 9mm thick, it’s a brick. One-handed use is a struggle. Pocketability is non-existent for many. The battery life, while a large 5000 mAh, has degraded over time. Plus, the 45W charging, while fast for 2020, is pedestrian in 2026 when 100W+ solutions are common. This means longer charge times than you’d expect from a modern device. The Exynos 990’s long-term performance and efficiency, especially compared to its Snapdragon counterpart, was a significant flaw from day one that has only become more pronounced. Finally, the software support ending at Android 13 means a lack of future-proofing and potentially greater security risks as time goes on.
Is It Worth Buying?
In 2026, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is a tricky recommendation. If you can find the Snapdragon variant at an incredibly low price, particularly for its excellent display and versatile camera, it might be a decent secondary device for media consumption or photography. However, for a primary phone in 2026, its aging processor (especially Exynos), lack of current software updates, and bulky form factor make it a hard sell. You’d be better off looking at a newer mid-range phone like a current-gen Pixel A-series or a budget Samsung Galaxy A-series for better long-term software support and often superior overall performance for daily tasks, even if they lack the S20 Ultra’s premium build or zoom capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the S20 Ultra still holds its own remarkably well. While newer phones might offer slightly higher peak brightness or adaptive refresh rates down to 1Hz, the S20 Ultra's panel remains incredibly fluid and vibrant for everyday use, making it a standout feature even today.
While technically 'usable,' the Exynos 990 variant of the S20 Ultra will show noticeable performance degradation in 2026. For light tasks like browsing and messaging it's fine, but for heavy multitasking, demanding apps, or gaming, you'll experience stutters, slower load times, and potential thermal throttling. The Snapdragon 865 version performs significantly better.
As of 2026, finding official Samsung replacement parts for the S20 Ultra, especially components like the display or battery, can be challenging and expensive. Third-party parts might be available, but their quality can vary significantly, impacting the phone's longevity and performance post-repair.