Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra was built as a device to increase the boundaries of flagship performance with a huge 6.9-inch 120Hz screen, daring 108MP camera, and large 5,000mAh battery. This is an infographic highlighting a quick view of the main features of the device that still delineate the Samsung S20 Ultra experience in 2026.

Why the S20 Ultra still matters 

The S20 Ultra is one flagship model that bet on sensor size, zoom ambition, and battery scale. Even with its software lifecycle ended, the hardware still offers capabilities that might be compelling for newer buyers: a large high-quality display, long battery endurance when tuned, and a sensor built for experimentation. This makes the S20 Ultra a useful tool for photographers who stress cropping plasticity and creative zoom shots, despite the AF and processing being more variable than modern flagships.

Quick specs snapshot 

Display: 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, up to 120Hz, QHD+ (3200×1440).

• Main camera: 108MP primary (pixel-binned default), 12MP ultrawide, 48MP tele (Space Zoom up to 100x).
• Battery: 5,000 mAh; supports perturbed charging up to 45W (with compatible charger).
• Chipsets: Snapdragon 865 (many markets) / Exynos 990 (some regions).
• Release: Announced Feb 11–12, 2020; sold from March 2020.
• Support status (2026): Official mainstream updates largely concluded; last widely pushed standard security update was in March 2026 for many devices. Carrier-carried one-off fixes occasionally appeared.

Design & display  

Both devices feature screens that are meant to be Samsung’s largest statement in 2020, as they have big, curved 6.9-inch screens with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, along with their frame made of metal and rear panel made of glass. While their screens are great and perfect for viewing videos or gaming, due to their size and mass (~220g, depending on the case), it may not make sense to use them one-handed.

Practical design notes

• The camera island is disconcert and uses a case with a raised lip to protect lenses and reduce wobble on flat surfaces.
• If you dislike heavy phones, try a thin bumper or a finger loop to improve grip rather than adding a bulky case.
• Curved glass edges look premium but are more likely to show accidental touches; a good screen protector helps usability.

Performance & chipsets  

In 2026, the Snapdragon 865 version of the S20 Ultra will still be really good for web browsing using applications and watching videos. The Exynos 990 version of the S20 Ultra used to get hotter and use a little power when it was doing things hard. The difference is really noticeable when you have been playing games for a while or when you have been running many tests. For things you do every day, the Snapdragon 865 version of the S20 Ultra and the Exynos 990 version of the S20 Ultra will be alright. The Snapdragon 865 rendition of the S20 Ultra and the Exynos 990 version of the S20 Ultra are not as good when it comes to playing really hard games or doing things that need a lot of artificial intelligence when you compare them with other new flagships that have new processors.

Tip: If you want top-notch performance and thermals for a GPU, you can look for Snapdragon-based Snapdragon SKUs as well for your purchase, especially if buying second-hand.

Camera deep dive  

The camera setup was also another important aspect for S20 Ultra because it allowed for a huge amount of cropping leeway with a 108MP camera sensor. However, most images taken are usually 12MP with lower levels of noise and faster processing. Hybrid Zooms up to 100x were also possible due to the telephoto and periscope setup used, though image quality does deteriorate quickly beyond a certain limit.

When to shoot 108MP vs 12MP

• 12MP (default): Use this for most situations. It’s faster to process, produces cleaner images with less noise, and generally produces more reliable autofocus behavior.
• 108MP: Use when you need to crop heavily or capture maximum detail for desktop editing. Files are large (many MB each), processing is slower, and autofocus/handshake sensitivity increases.

Zoom reality check

• Up to ~4–10x: Usually useful. You can get usable shots if you hold steady or use stabilization.
• 10–30x: Possible with a tripod or very invariable hands; expect noise and lower fine detail but occasionally usable creative results.
• Beyond ~30x (advertised 100x): Mostly for novelty and composition exploration  don’t expect high-fidelity detail.

Autofocus history & what buyers must test

Upon launch, the S20 Ultra faced well-publicized autofocus problems, including hunting and slow autofocusing. Samsung has applied several software updates addressing many of these. However, it has to be kept in mind that the results can vary depending on the region, version, and even manufacturing variations/repairs.

In-person AF tests for used purchases

• Do close macro shots to validate focus lock time and stability.
• Take multiple daylight portraits with subjects moving slowly toward/away from the camera; check whether AF keeps lock on faces.
• Test a 10x zoom shot handheld and then again on a tripod to compare sharpness and AF reliability.
• Try Night mode to see whether AF locks quickly in low light.

Camera troubleshooting  

If you encounter AF or image quality problems, try these practical fixes before assuming hardware failure:

1. Cleaning the lens  fingerprints, dust, or millimeter-level debris on any lens element can disturb focus and image quality.
2. Update firmware  check the latest carrier or Samsung firmware for your model; some fixes have been delivered as firmware updates.
3. Disable Scene Optimizer and beauty filters  these distilling features can change texture and may mask real focus behavior.
4. Use Pro mode to pick a single AF point and manual exposure where appropriate to reduce processing interference.
5. For low-light AF issues  use Night mode or a tripod; if AF still hunts, restart the camera app and reboot the phone and retest.

If problems persist after those steps, a physical inspection at an authorized repair center can verify lens alignment and module health.

Battery & the 120Hz tradeoff what tests 

The 5,000 mAh battery remains one of the strengths of the S20 Ultra in 2026, particularly if you use 60Hz and FHD+ resolution. However, if you use 120Hz, you will experience smoother screen refresh, though with sacrifice in battery life, as there is a considerable difference of several hours if you use 60 or 120 under similar conditions.

Practical battery advice

• If you want the maximum daily screen-on time, use FHD+ + 60Hz (or enable adaptive modes if you prefer some dynamic switching).
• Use Adaptive Battery and limit background apps for more efficiency.
• For fastest wired charging, use a 45W USB-C PD-compatible charger (not always incorporate with used devices).
• Check battery health (target ≥85% health for a long-term buy); many diagnostic apps or handset settings show charge cycles/health. If battery health is low, plan for a battery replacement cost.

Realistic expectation: At 120Hz and QHD+, you’ll get smoother UI and gaming but will sacrifice hours of runtime compared to 60Hz configurations  balance according to your priorities.

Software

By 2026, the S20 family was largely removed from Samsung’s primary update schedule: many devices received a final broadly distributed security patch in March 2026, and thereafter only the occasional carrier-specific patches appeared. In other words, the device is no longer receiving the same cadence of OS or security updates as other, newer Samsung flagship lines.

What that means for you

• No major OS upgrades: Don’t expect new Android major releases or platform feature additions from Samsung for this series behind what was already delivered.
• Security posture: Occasional carrier patches may appear, but you should not rely on consistent monthly security maintenance.
• If security matters: Prefer newer, actively supported phones or consider isolating sensitive tasks behind hardened apps or virtual private environments.

Should you buy an S20 Ultra in 2026? 

Buying used can be a great value play  but only if you follow a strict checklist to avoid common pitfalls. Below is a prioritized list of checks to do in person.

Hardware & camera checks

• Battery health ≥ 85%: Use phone settings or a diagnostic app to confirm, and ask about charging behavior.
• Autofocus test: Run the AF checklist above (daylight portraits, macro, zoom, Night mode).
• Camera module condition: Verify lenses have no micro-scratches, no wobble, and no signs of repair that indicate prior constituent replacement (which can affect AF calibration).
• Screen health: Examine for burn-in (static nav bars or bright persistent artifacts), dead pixels, and color uniformity. Check edges for lifting if the screen has been replaced.
• Physical damage: Inspect frame, corners, and rear glass for cracks. Water damage indicators (if visible in the SIM tray) are a red flag.
• Speakers & microphones: Test recordings and speaker output.

Network & warranty checks

• IMEI / ESN check: Confirm device is not blacklisted, stolen, or carrier-locked (unless you accept that lock).
• Warranty/repair records: Ask for receipts or service invoices  they help verify age and repair history.
• Accessories & packaging: Original charger/box and serial stickers help validate authenticity but aren’t mandatory.

Price bands 

• <$200  Often heavily used or with significant issues; only suitable if you plan repairs.
• $200–$350  Fair condition; expect superficial wear and possibly reduced battery life.
• $350–$550  Good condition: healthy battery, reliable camera, minor wear. Adjust upward in countries with higher used-phone value retention.

Common problems 

Autofocus hunting/shutter issues

Widely reported at launch. Samsung released firmware updates and processing changes that improved AF for many users, but results are discrepant across SoC variants and firmware builds.

Image smoothing / skin smoothing

Scene Optimizer and some beauty modes aggressively smooth skin and texture; disabling these features yields more natural results.

Battery degradation

Normal wear: large batteries decline with time. Replacing a worn battery is straightforward and restores a usable life  factor that factors into your purchase decision.

Pricing & market context (2026)

Used smartphone pricing varies widely by market, carrier lock status, and condition. As a rule of thumb:

• Check local marketplaces and compare several listings for S20 Ultra units in similar condition.
• Account for expected Battery Replacement Cost if the battery health is under 85%.
• If buying online, insist on return windows and verified seller protections.

Pros & cons 

Pros

• Huge, beautiful 6.9″ display  excellent for media and multitasking.
• Large 5,000 mAh battery  long runtimes when configured conservatively.
• High-resolution 108MP sensor  great for cropping and creative experiments.

Cons

• Official software updates largely ended in 2026.
• Camera autofocus and procedure consistency can vary across units.
• Large size and weight  not for one-handed or pocket-light users.

FAQs

Final verdict 

Samsung made a bold move with its Galaxy S20 Ultra that superintend to remain relevant today, even in 2026, with its Massive Screen, long battery life when upgraded properly, and a strong 108MP camera, making it a value-packed phone with potential, though it also proves that with software updates ending, it should be a restricted recommendation because its camera performance may not always be reliable on all devices.