Screen size
6.9 in
Screen size
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Smartphone - Review and opinions
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Refresh rate
Quick verdict
Is the Galaxy S20 Ultra still a sensible camera-led buy, or does its ambitious zoom come at too much cost in everyday practicality? Its 108MP main camera, 48MP telephoto camera and 40MP front camera give photography a clear role, while 12GB RAM and 5G support a capable primary-phone setup. The catch is the combination of a very large 6.9-inch screen and mixed reports of battery life and breakages: this suits buyers who want a big-screen camera phone, not anyone prioritising easy one-handed use or proven toughness.
Choose it for its high-resolution camera system, 120Hz display and generous memory; skip it if dependable all-day battery life or durability is your deciding factor. The 5,000mAh battery is substantial, but charging speed is not specified and reported endurance varies, so this is not the clearest choice for long days away from a charger.
| Screen size | 6.9 inches |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 S5E9830 |
| RAM | 12 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
Large, detailed display
The 6.9-inch screen and 3200 × 1400 resolution give reading, video and photo review plenty of space.
A 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smoother, but the large format is a poor match for compact-phone comfort.
Camera range beyond the headline
The 108MP wide, 48MP telephoto and 40MP front cameras make photography a genuine part of the phone’s appeal.
Samsung advertises 100x Space Zoom and 8K video; those headline capabilities do not establish how consistently distant shots or handheld footage will look in everyday use.
Memory for everyday multitasking
With 12GB RAM and an Exynos 990 processor, the phone has a substantial memory allocation for switching between apps, messaging and media.
The 128GB storage is less generous for a camera-heavy routine, although the manufacturer describes microSD expansion as available separately.
Performance and experience
On a commute, moving between messages, maps and streaming, the 6.9-inch display gives content room to breathe, while 120Hz scrolling is a noticeable advantage for feeds and navigation. Its size is the trade-off: this is a phone for two-handed use and a roomy pocket or bag, rather than quick one-handed checks. The 3200 × 1400 resolution works out at about 516 pixels per inch, keeping text and photos finely detailed.
For a day of calls, navigation and photography, the 5,000mAh battery offers useful capacity, but it is not a guarantee of a charger-free evening. Reports range from nearly two days to needing one or two charges a day, and no charging wattage is stated. If your routine involves long stretches away from a socket, that uncertainty matters more than the headline capacity.
At a café or on a family outing, the 108MP wide camera, 48MP telephoto and 40MP front camera give you several clear reasons to reach for the phone for photos and video calls. The advertised 100x Space Zoom is an ambitious reach, not a promise of equally useful detail at every zoom level; the practical appeal is the flexibility to frame distant subjects as well as everyday scenes. The front camera’s high resolution also suits buyers who take frequent selfies, though video stabilisation details are not provided.
Pros
- High-resolution camera system spanning wide, telephoto and front cameras
- 120Hz, 3200 × 1400 display for smooth scrolling and detailed viewing
- 12GB RAM and 5G support for a capable everyday setup.
Cons
- Large 6.9-inch size is awkward for buyers who want compact, one-handed use
- battery-life reports vary despite the 5,000mAh capacity
- screen and camera-lens breakage are reported, with no confirmed IP rating here.
Community
User reviews
Camera quality, speed and the smooth display are common reasons for enthusiasm, while battery life divides opinion. Reports of screen or camera-lens breakage add a practical caution: a large camera phone may suit you well, but it is not the obvious choice for rough handling or a routine with little access to charging.
★
★
★
★
★
I moved my data from an S9 over Wi-Fi without trouble, and the 120Hz display felt exceptionally smooth.
Comparison
| Attribute | Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Current | Nothing | Nothing Phone 256GB | XIAOMI Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £320.00 | Out of stock | Out of stock | Out of stock |
| Screen size | 6.9 inches | 6.78 inch | 6.77 inches | 6.83 inches |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | - |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB | 256 GB | 512 GB |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5080 mAh | 5000 mAh | 6580mAh |
| Chipset | Exynos 990 S5E9830 | MediaTek Dimensity 9000 | Snapdragon | MediaTek Dimensity 7400-Ultra |
| Editorial score | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
Against the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G, the S20 Ultra is the camera-led route: its stated 108MP wide, 48MP telephoto and 40MP front cameras contrast with the A26’s known 8GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration. Choose the S20 Ultra for its camera range and 120Hz screen; the A26 is the more logical fit if its larger storage allowance matters more than this phone’s camera emphasis.
The Nothing (4a) is another alternative for buyers comparing large-screen Android phones; the known configuration includes 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, with a listed MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset. The S20 Ultra instead offers 12GB RAM, 5G and a multi-camera system with 100x advertised Space Zoom. Choose Samsung for that camera-led feature set, but favour a clearer alternative if battery consistency and durability matter more than zoom reach.
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Is the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphone worth it?
The Galaxy S20 Ultra remains a distinctive option for someone who wants a large, high-refresh display and a camera system with unusually ambitious zoom claims. Its 12GB RAM, 5G and 5,000mAh battery round out a capable daily-phone profile; check the current offer against newer alternatives before choosing it. Skip it if compact handling, dependable long-day endurance or confidence under rough use comes first. Battery experiences vary, and reports of broken screens and camera lenses make durability a meaningful reservation; for those priorities, a more clearly suited alternative is the safer route.
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FAQ
Is the Galaxy S20 Ultra suitable as a primary phone in 2026?
It has 12GB RAM, 5G, 128GB storage and a 120Hz display, but variable battery reports make it a less reassuring choice for long days away from charging.
Is 100x Space Zoom a reason to buy it?
It is a distinctive advertised feature alongside the 108MP wide and 48MP telephoto cameras, but buyers should prioritise the overall camera range rather than assume every extreme-zoom image will be equally useful.
Review published on