Quick notes
- The Note 20 Ultra boasts a versatile triple-lens rear camera system, including a 108MP primary lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
- The S21 Plus has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 12MP primary lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
- Both the Note 20 Ultra and S21 Plus have excellent displays with 120Hz refresh rates, but the Note 20 Ultra has a slightly larger and higher-resolution display.
In the realm of smartphones, Samsung’s Note series and S series have long been the standard-bearers. The latest iterations, the Note 20 Ultra and the S21 Plus, both boast impressive features, but which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the specs, features, and performance of these two flagship devices to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display
The Note 20 Ultra exudes elegance with its sleek, rectangular body and polished metal frame. It features a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering an immersive and vibrant viewing experience.
The S21 Plus, on the other hand, has a more compact design with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a 120Hz refresh rate. Its rounded edges and matte finish give it a modern and sophisticated look.
Performance
Both the Note 20 Ultra and S21 Plus are powered by the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 888 processor, providing lightning-fast performance for demanding tasks and seamless multitasking. However, the S21 Plus has a slight edge in benchmarks due to its more recent release.
Camera
The Note 20 Ultra boasts a versatile triple-lens rear camera system, including a 108MP primary lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. It also features an impressive 10MP front-facing camera for stunning selfies.
The S21 Plus has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 12MP primary lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It also includes a 10MP front-facing camera. While the Note 20 Ultra offers a higher-resolution main lens, the S21 Plus’s telephoto lens provides more versatility for capturing distant objects.
Battery Life
The Note 20 Ultra has a large 4,500mAh battery, while the S21 Plus has a slightly smaller 4,800mAh battery. Both devices support fast charging and wireless charging, ensuring you can power up quickly when needed.
S Pen
The Note 20 Ultra’s signature feature is its S Pen stylus. It offers precise control and a wide range of productivity and creative tools, making it ideal for note-taking, sketching, and editing. The S21 Plus does not come with an S Pen, but it is compatible with the S Pen Pro, which is sold separately.
Price and Availability
The Samsung Note 20 Ultra was released in August 2020, while the S21 Plus was released in January 2021. The Note 20 Ultra has a starting price of $999, while the S21 Plus starts at $999. Both devices are widely available from major retailers and carriers.
The Bottom Line: The Best Choice for You
The Samsung Note 20 Ultra and S21 Plus are both exceptional smartphones with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Note 20 Ultra is the ideal choice for power users who value productivity, versatility, and a premium design. Its S Pen stylus adds unparalleled functionality, making it perfect for artists, students, and professionals.
The S21 Plus is a more compact and affordable option that offers a similar level of performance and a more modern design. Its triple-lens camera system is well-suited for most users, and its compatibility with the S Pen Pro provides additional flexibility.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize productivity, the Note 20 Ultra is the clear winner. If you prefer a more compact design and a lower price point, the S21 Plus is an excellent choice.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: Both the Note 20 Ultra and S21 Plus have excellent displays with 120Hz refresh rates, but the Note 20 Ultra has a slightly larger and higher-resolution display.
Q: Which camera system is superior?
A: The Note 20 Ultra has a higher-resolution main lens, while the S21 Plus has a more versatile telephoto lens. Ultimately, the best camera system depends on your individual shooting preferences.
Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The S21 Plus has a slightly larger battery, but both devices offer fast and wireless charging capabilities.