Display Face-Off: Note 20 Ultra vs S21 Plus – Which Screen Captivates?
What To Know
- The S Pen is the defining feature of the Note series, and the Note 20 Ultra takes it to new heights.
- The S Pen on the Note 20 Ultra has improved latency and precision, making it more responsive and natural to use for writing, drawing, and controlling the device.
- However, the Note 20 Ultra has the advantage of being eligible for Samsung’s DeX mode, which allows you to connect your phone to an external display and use it as a desktop computer.
The Samsung Note series has long been the king of productivity-focused smartphones, while the S series has reigned supreme in the world of premium flagships. With the release of the Samsung Note 20 Ultra and the S21 Plus, the battle for Note dominance has reached a fever pitch. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two powerhouses to determine which one is the ultimate choice for power users.
Design and Build Quality
The Note 20 Ultra boasts a sleek and refined design with a premium glass and metal construction. Its large 6.9-inch display curves gracefully around the edges, creating an immersive viewing experience. The S21 Plus, on the other hand, features a more compact 6.7-inch flat display with a sleek polycarbonate back. While both devices offer excellent build quality, the Note 20 Ultra’s premium materials give it a slight edge in terms of durability and aesthetics.
Display
The Note 20 Ultra’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is a marvel of engineering. It offers a stunning resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and support for HDR10+. The S21 Plus’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is equally impressive, with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. However, the Note 20 Ultra’s larger display and higher resolution make it the better choice for content consumption and multitasking.
Performance
Both the Note 20 Ultra and the S21 Plus are powered by the blazing-fast Snapdragon 865+ processor, which delivers exceptional performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. However, the Note 20 Ultra has the advantage of offering up to 12GB of RAM, while the S21 Plus is capped at 8GB. This additional RAM gives the Note 20 Ultra a slight edge in handling heavy workloads and multitasking.
Battery Life
The Note 20 Ultra houses a massive 4500mAh battery, while the S21 Plus has a slightly smaller 4800mAh battery. Despite the smaller battery, the S21 Plus boasts improved power efficiency thanks to its more efficient processor and display. In real-world usage, both devices offer excellent battery life that can easily last a full day with moderate to heavy use.
Camera
The Note 20 Ultra and the S21 Plus both feature impressive camera systems, but there are some key differences. The Note 20 Ultra has a triple-lens rear camera setup with a 108MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The S21 Plus has a triple-lens rear camera setup with a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom.
In terms of image quality, both devices capture excellent photos and videos with vibrant colors, sharp details, and accurate exposure. However, the Note 20 Ultra’s higher-resolution main lens and superior telephoto lens give it a slight edge in capturing detailed images and zooming in on distant objects.
S Pen
The S Pen is the defining feature of the Note series, and the Note 20 Ultra takes it to new heights. The S Pen on the Note 20 Ultra has improved latency and precision, making it more responsive and natural to use for writing, drawing, and controlling the device. The S21 Plus does not support the S Pen, so if stylus functionality is important to you, the Note 20 Ultra is the clear choice.
Software
Both the Note 20 Ultra and the S21 Plus run on Samsung’s One UI 3.1 based on Android 11. One UI 3.1 offers a wide range of features and customizations, including improved multitasking capabilities, a redesigned notification panel, and a host of new camera features. However, the Note 20 Ultra has the advantage of being eligible for Samsung’s DeX mode, which allows you to connect your phone to an external display and use it as a desktop computer.
Which One is Right for You?
The Samsung Note 20 Ultra and the S21 Plus are both exceptional smartphones that offer a premium experience. The Note 20 Ultra is the better choice for power users who prioritize a large display, high-resolution camera, S Pen functionality, and expandable storage. The S21 Plus is a more compact and affordable option that still offers excellent performance, a great camera, and a long-lasting battery.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the ultimate productivity powerhouse with the best display, camera, and S Pen experience, the Note 20 Ultra is the way to go. If you prefer a more compact and affordable option that still offers a premium experience, the S21 Plus is an excellent choice.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The Note 20 Ultra has a larger, higher-resolution display with a higher refresh rate, making it the better choice for content consumption and multitasking.
Q: Which device has a better camera?
A: Both devices offer excellent cameras, but the Note 20 Ultra has a higher-resolution main lens and a superior telephoto lens, giving it a slight edge in image quality and zoom capabilities.
Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: In real-world usage, both devices offer excellent battery life that can easily last a full day with moderate to heavy use. However, the S21 Plus has slightly better power efficiency thanks to its more efficient processor and display.
Q: Which device supports the S Pen?
A: Only the Note 20 Ultra supports the S Pen.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The S21 Plus is more affordable than the Note 20 Ultra.
