The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G SM-N986U is a powerhouse device that seamlessly combines cutting-edge technology, innovative features, and a sleek design.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you'll notice about the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G is its premium design. With a glass back and stainless steel frame, it exudes sophistication. The Mystic Bronze finish, in particular, stands out with its matte texture, which not only looks elegant but also resists fingerprints.
The device measures 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm and weighs 208 grams. While it’s not the lightest phone on the market, the weight adds to its premium feel. The massive 6.9-inch display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, making it more resistant to scratches and drops.
Display
The Note 20 Ultra features a stunning 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels. With HDR10+ support and a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and buttery-smooth scrolling. The adaptive refresh rate ensures that the phone optimizes power consumption by adjusting the refresh rate based on the content displayed.
The edge-to-edge display with minimal bezels and a tiny punch-hole camera ensures an immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for watching videos, gaming, or multitasking.
Performance
Under the hood, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor (in the US version, including the SM-N986U). Paired with 12GB of RAM, the phone delivers exceptional performance, handling everything from intensive gaming to multitasking with ease.
The 128GB internal storage is sufficient for most users, but for those who need more space, the device supports microSD cards up to 1TB. The UFS 3.1 storage ensures fast read and write speeds, enhancing overall performance.
5G Connectivity
As the name suggests, the Note 20 Ultra supports 5G connectivity, providing blazing-fast internet speeds. Whether you're streaming 4K videos, downloading large files, or engaging in video calls, the 5G capability ensures a seamless experience. The device is compatible with both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G bands, making it future-proof.
Camera Performance
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra boasts a versatile triple-camera setup:
- 108 MP Wide Camera: Delivers stunning detail and clarity, even in low-light conditions.
- 12 MP Periscope Telephoto Camera: Offers 5x optical zoom and up to 50x digital zoom, enabling you to capture distant subjects with ease.
- 12 MP Ultra-Wide Camera: Perfect for landscape shots and group photos.
The device also supports 8K video recording, providing unparalleled video quality. Features like Super Steady mode and Pro Video mode ensure smooth and professional-grade videos. The 10 MP front-facing camera captures sharp and vibrant selfies, making it a great choice for content creators and vloggers.
S Pen and Productivity Features
With a latency of just 9ms, the S Pen offers a pen-to-paper-like experience. It’s perfect for taking notes, sketching, or navigating the device.
Features like Air Actions allow you to control the phone remotely with gestures, while Samsung Notes lets you sync notes across devices seamlessly. The integration with Microsoft Office apps enhances productivity, making the Note 20 Ultra a great tool for professionals.
Battery Life
The Note 20 Ultra is equipped with a 4500mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life under moderate usage. The device supports 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. While the charging speed is not the fastest compared to competitors, it’s still adequate for most users.
The adaptive power-saving mode and efficient processor help optimize battery life, ensuring you get the most out of your device.
Software
The phone runs on Samsung’s One UI 2.5 (upgradable to later versions) based on Android 10. Features like Edge Panels, Samsung DeX, and Link to Windows enhance the overall experience, offering versatility and convenience.
Gaming Experience
With the Snapdragon 865+ processor, Adreno 650 GPU, and a 120Hz display, the Note 20 Ultra is a gaming beast. Games run smoothly with minimal lag, and the large screen ensures an immersive experience. The Game Booster feature optimizes performance and provides tools like screen recording and performance monitoring.
Audio Quality
The stereo speakers tuned by AKG deliver rich and balanced audio. While the device lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, the inclusion of USB-C earphones and support for high-quality wireless audio codecs like LDAC and aptX make up for it.
Durability and Water Resistance
The Gorilla Glass Victus adds an extra layer of durability, making the phone resistant to everyday wear and tear.
Specification Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Design | Glass back, stainless steel frame, Mystic Bronze finish |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm |
| Weight | 208 grams |
| Display | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1440 x 3088 pixels, HDR10+, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB (expandable up to 1TB via microSD) |
| Rear Cameras | 108 MP wide, 12 MP periscope telephoto, 12 MP ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | 10 MP |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K |
| Battery | 4500mAh, 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging |
| Connectivity | 5G (sub-6GHz and mmWave), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Operating System | Android 10 with One UI 2.5 |
| Audio | Stereo speakers tuned by AKG, no 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Water Resistance | IP68-rated |
| S Pen Latency | 9ms |
| Colors | Mystic Bronze and other variants |
Price and Value
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a premium device, and its price reflects that. Originally priced at $850, the device is now available for $329.99 in Condition. While it may not be the most affordable option, the features and performance justify the cost for those who demand the best.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning design and build quality
- Exceptional display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Powerful performance and 5G connectivity
- Versatile camera system
- Enhanced S Pen functionality
- Robust productivity features
Cons:
- Expensive
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- Large size may not be comfortable for all users
- Battery life could be better
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G SM-N986U is a top-tier smartphone that excels in almost every aspect. From its breathtaking display and powerful performance to its versatile camera system and productivity features, it’s a device that caters to power users and professionals.
While its high price and large size may not appeal to everyone, those who value cutting-edge technology and premium quality will find the Note 20 Ultra worth the investment. Whether you're a creative professional, a gamer, or someone who simply wants the best smartphone experience, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is an excellent choice.