Galaxy S20 Ultra • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, released in February 2020, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, launched in January 2021, represent two generations of Samsung's top-tier smartphone offerings. While both devices aim to deliver a premium Android experience with large displays and advanced camera systems, the S21 Ultra introduces refinements in display technology, camera capabilities, and connectivity, alongside the notable addition of S Pen support.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support play a significant role.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 Ultra was released in February 2020, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G followed in January 2021. This one-year difference means the S21 Ultra will generally receive software updates for a longer period.
• OS Support: The Galaxy S20 Ultra launched with Android 10 and is expected to receive major Android updates up to Android 13. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, starting with Android 11, is anticipated to receive updates up to Android 15, offering an additional year of software longevity.
• Repairability: Both devices present challenges for repair. The S20 Ultra received an iFixit repairability score of 3 out of 10, primarily due to strong adhesives and a glued-down battery. The S21 Ultra 5G also scored 3 out of 10 from iFixit, facing similar difficulties with adhesive and glass construction.

Both the Galaxy S20 Ultra and S21 Ultra 5G are equipped with powerful internal components designed for demanding tasks, though the newer model brings generational improvements.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 Ultra features a processor capable of handling intensive applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G incorporates a newer generation processor, providing enhanced speed and greater energy efficiency, which translates to even smoother performance for demanding apps and gaming.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both models offer substantial RAM options, typically 12GB or 16GB, ensuring efficient multitasking and app management. Storage configurations range from 128GB to 512GB, providing ample space for applications, media, and files.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices are powered by a 5000mAh battery. The S21 Ultra 5G's more efficient processor and adaptive refresh rate display contribute to optimized battery usage, often resulting in consistent performance throughout a full day of typical use.

The display experience is a highlight for both Ultra models, offering large, vibrant panels, but the S21 Ultra 5G introduces key advancements.

• Display Technology and Size: Both phones feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The S20 Ultra has a 6.9-inch screen, while the S21 Ultra 5G has a slightly smaller 6.8-inch display. Both offer a sharp 3200x1440 pixel resolution.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The S20 Ultra supports a 120Hz refresh rate, but only at Full HD+ resolution. The S21 Ultra 5G improves upon this by offering an adaptive refresh rate (10-120Hz) that can operate at the full Quad HD+ resolution, providing a smoother visual experience without compromising clarity. The S21 Ultra also boasts a higher peak brightness of 1500 nits compared to the S20 Ultra's 1342 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility.
• Durability: The S20 Ultra uses Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for screen protection. The S21 Ultra 5G features the tougher Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, offering improved scratch and drop resistance.

Both devices feature advanced camera systems, but the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G brings significant enhancements, particularly in zoom capabilities and autofocus reliability.

• Main Camera: Both phones are equipped with a 108MP main sensor. The S20 Ultra initially faced autofocus issues with its main sensor, which were largely addressed in the S21 Ultra 5G through an improved sensor and the addition of a laser autofocus system.
• Zoom Capabilities: The S20 Ultra features a 48MP telephoto lens with 10x hybrid optic zoom and up to 100x digital 'Space Zoom'. While impressive on paper, the 100x zoom often resulted in soft, less usable images. The S21 Ultra 5G introduces a dual telephoto system with two 10MP lenses, offering dedicated 3x and 10x optical zoom, which provides more consistent and higher-quality zoomed images, even at higher magnifications.
• Video and Other Features: Both models support 8K video recording. The S21 Ultra 5G also offers features like Director's View for video recording and improved low-light performance. The front-facing cameras on both are 40MP, capable of capturing detailed selfies.