We tried out the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and here are a few reasons it is a phone we not only recommend but is definitely on our picks for one of the best gadgets at the moment.
A camera for the gods
The 108-megapixel camera is essential The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra’s camera is comfortably the most interesting part of the phone. And the zoom steals the spotlight. This telephoto camera has a mesmerising Tardis-like effect. Look at the lens and it appears to sink further into the case than the 8.8mm thickness would allow. It’s a periscope-style design, where most of the lens elements sit perpendicular to the phone’s back. This is why there’s a big seemingly blank part in the already huge camera lens housing.
Image quality is also great from 0.5x to 10x, and this is a contender for the best array of camera hardware seen in a phone to date. The main sensor is a 108MP Samsung S5KHM1. It is made for pixel binning, and takes 12-megapixel photos as standard: nine pixels on the sensor make one in the final image. But there is a 108MP mode that captures a lot more detail (not a given for these modes), and is worth using for pretty, well-lit holiday scenes. The ultra-wide camera is a genuine 12-megapixel sensor, but one with 1.4 micron sensor pixels for well above average native sensitivity and good dynamic range. Like the Galaxy S10 series, this ultra-wide is also used for a super-stabilised video mode with judder reduction to rival a GoPro Hero 8 Black.
The focal length versatility of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra’s video is arguably even more impressive than in its stills. Not only can you shoot video at any view from 0.5x to 20x, you can switch between 0.5x, 1x and 5x mid-shoot. The transition isn’t the smoothest, but the fact that Samsung manages to switch near-seamlessly between three cameras “live” is impressive.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra will even shoot 8K video. This mode uses a roughly 2x crop and, judging by the slightly wibbly reaction to motion, relies entirely on optical stabilisation for motion smoothing. Most of you will be better off with the 4K mode. But shoot from a tripod or use a phone gimbal like the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 (compatibility TBC) in decent lighting and the results are quite special.
Screen time
This phone's other big boasting point, a 120Hz screen. The screen refreshes at 60Hz as standard, and you have to wonder how many people will simply leave it like that, not realising the other option is there. (A 60Hz screen refreshes the on-screen image 60 times a second, a 120Hz one 120 times.)
The 120Hz refresh makes Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra’s menus scroll by more smoothly, and makes the phone seem faster, and faster to react, even if it is something of an optical illusion as response rates of the touchscreen and the display are separate entities. The touch layer of the S20 Ultra reacts 240 times a second, whether the display is set to 60Hz or 120Hz.
Battery life
The slim side view of the phone
The battery life on the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is one of the things we love about this device. We tested the battery life and it lasts over 12 hours. This is perfect given that these days for many devices the battery life doesn't manage our 8 to 5 lifestyle. What's even better about this phone is how fast the battery charges. In less than hour the phone is 100 percent charged. The super fast charging system on the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is definitely worth bragging about.
You can take your phone swimming or into the shower
The phone can be in water for 30 minutes
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra can withstand water for about 30 minutes in water as deep as 1.5m deep with no hassles. So whether you want to take those cool videos in water, or some shots while showering for the gram or just playing around with your phone in water, Galaxy S20 Ultra has got you covered.
