Other Just Tried The Samsung S20 Ultra at Best Buy

[ruslan120]

Consistent iPhone user here.

Every few years I give the newest Android model a try and see if the user experience has caught up. Starting with the G1, then another Android when the 4S was out, and a Xiaomi when the 7 was out. I was never fully sold but it definitely improved with each model.

In terms of hardware, the Ultra is an experience. I definitely recommend going to a store to try one out. The display alone made want to buy one. Camera was decent but it has the Android look, to put it simply. (Different sharpness, the exposure seems odd, skin tones looked odd IMO, etc)

The software is much more fine grained allowing for more control, and it feels like interactions are more “manual.” Different polishes are missing, eg I tried going to YouTube and pulling up the controls seemed less... “easy?”

I’ve decided to stick to iOS for its polish, but after using the S20 it feels like something’s missing on the iPhone (90-120Hz). The user interface is less smooth on iOS but more streamlined.

(That’s all, and thanks for reading. Just an Apple fanboys opinion)

 

[BigMcGuire]

Have to comment - your videos are pretty cool - thanks.

I have yet to go try out an S20 - usually try to borrow a friend's phone for a few hours but I don't have anyone updating to this that I know. These phones are getting insanely expensive.

You've got a new subscriber.

 

[now i see it]

I don't think it's the hardware that matters. Pick up any Andoid phone and play with it for a while and soon you'll see that (putting it nicely) Android is an acquired taste. Like raw squid.

 

[ruslan120]

I don't think it's the hardware that matters. Pick up any Andoid phone and play with it for a while and soon you'll see that (putting it nicely) Android is an acquired taste. Like raw squid.

That’s a bit harsh, no? While not for us some might like the increased level of control / input on interactions.

 

[bobsamm]

Wolf in sheep's clothing.

 

[dontwalkhand]

I would never get an Android device to begin with. I would not want to lose the integrations with my Apple Watch, Homekit devices, Macs, and much more. I never understood why we even need to compare Android devices to the iPhone to begin with as most of us are also in the same boat, especially here on Macrumors.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Consistent iPhone user here.

Every few years I give the newest Android model a try and see if the user experience has caught up. Starting with the G1, then another Android when the 4S was out, and a Xiaomi when the 7 was out. I was never fully sold but it definitely improved with each model.

In terms of hardware, the Ultra is an experience. I definitely recommend going to a store to try one out. The display alone made want to buy one. Camera was decent but it has the Android look, to put it simply. (Different sharpness, the exposure seems odd, skin tones looked odd IMO, etc)

The software is much more fine grained allowing for more control, and it feels like interactions are more “manual.” Different polishes are missing, eg I tried going to YouTube and pulling up the controls seemed less... “easy?”

I’ve decided to stick to iOS for its polish, but after using the S20 it feels like something’s missing on the iPhone (90-120Hz). The user interface is less smooth on iOS but more streamlined.

(That’s all, and thanks for reading. Just an Apple fanboys opinion)

its good to see what’s on the other side, and you’ve realized the grass isn’t always greener. I’ve done my far share as well ... Galaxy III,V, Sony Xperia Z5 lasted the longest and the Z5 Compact.

MKHDs full review of the 20 Ultra shocked him even - a hard pass:

120hz is nice but not at full resolution.
Bokeh is marred by blurring of the item in focus (unpolished camera software).
100x Zoom has its use but horrible for picture clarity (ideally not meant for pictures but just as a binocular lol).

another ‘content creator’ (I loathe this term because they’re not artists) showed oddities in apps supporting 120hz at the supported resolution yet frames droppedon a few games which was odd yet didn’t on the Razer Phone2. This just mares the experience.

for camera features and screen fit and finish of features offered, in Android is always first go with Sony. Xperia 1 Mark II looks really refined and no oversaturated OLED screen. (Yeah yeah I know the benefits but it’s still a bit harsh for my old eyes atm until I get new lenses for my eyes; includes any iPhone X or higher with OLED for me).

the hardware has revolved and camera improvements no doubt have challenge Apple to bring their A game in a new shroud this year! I’m glad for it.

seems that too often cameras more than ever are the key selling point of smartphones, now more than ever.

personally for me, I don’t have the shutter bug, nor the creative mind to see the need for a great shot nor have that much free time to really get something intuitively creative for me personally. I want the new silicon, new shell, storageetc but I don’t need the ace/Pro camera.

again Android just has that look n in-polished feel from the menu layout legibility in the font to the overall UI experience and that horrible file system Layout and duplicate sub-folders that’s confusing and unnecessary. I still don’t see nor wish to use a smartphone like a computer, I’d like a subsection of it to be a computer in the right user context and use case (think Dex but with iPadOS or full macOS) with the right connections.

I’ll continue to stick with iOS as a smartphone of choice. Because reliability and polish is key to me, along with trust in the security and longevity of support of future updates longer than my phone will survive. Glad you’ve seen the same reasons and choice.

 

[kamikazeeMC]

I'm the same, mainly an iPhone user but every now and then get an Android to change things up and to see how it has progressed. Having had 7 phones from each side, I always come crawling back to iOS after a short time (from weeks to a couple months) and stick with the iPhone the longest.

While the gap has gotten smaller, I find the UI/UX consistency on iOS better (though I feel it's slipping), app quality and in some cases being the one to receive new features first on iOS, little things like tapping the top of the screen to auto scroll to the top (though on Android you can scroll faster if you flick fast), swipe to go back which I prefer to reaching for a back button (I think I read Android was changing from the left hamburger menu and bringing this in?). I also find navigating around smoother, I tend to notice micro stutters on Android.

But as bored of iOS as I get, the phone is a tool that I perhaps spend too much time on, I can get things done quickly without any usability issues making me hate the phone. Which puts it above any hardware spec an Android phone can throw at me. I'm not in Apples ecosystem of services, but I do like the hardware link between my iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple TV work.

I don't mind Apple being late with hardware improvements, because their implementation is usually more refined.

I did play with the S20 ultra a few times in store and a longer period setting one up for my uncle. I can't wait for all the other manufactures to start using bigger sensors as we've been on ~1/2.55" for a while. 4x zoom is nice, though not a fan of digital zooming after but could live with the 10x. 120Hz is great, I love high refresh rates on my desktop but didn't miss it coming back to my phone, would prefer longer battery.

 

[bobsamm]

Samsung service is rubbish. The end.

 

[yui4]

Samsung service is rubbish. The end.

Customer service?

 

[alpi123]

Bokeh is marred by blurring of the item in focus (unpolished camera software).

This is a hardware limitation, the software can't fix it. Just like when you put a cheap iPhone lens on your phone, and you get the same "blurry" effect.

 

[Spinrite]

I think the issues that will limit fix possibilities for Samsung in software is that Samsung used extremely good camera sensors in the ultra but not so good optic glass lenses. They're not as good as apples.

 

[MacRazySwe]

Tried the Galaxy S20 the other day. Great hardware, felt really nice in hand despite the 6.1" format (unlike the iPhone 11). However, the software was classic Android/Samsung. Lagging animations, bloated skins et.c. Nothing has changed.

It was very much a throwback to my time with the Galaxy S4. When I had grown most tired of the iPhone and iOS, I switched, thinking the grass would be greener. It lasted for about a year before I was back on iOS.

As much as I do enjoy the competition and keeping up with new tech, Android isn't for me. At least I've tried it.

 

[tonybarnaby]

I don't think it's the hardware that matters. Pick up any Andoid phone and play with it for a while and soon you'll see that (putting it nicely) Android is an acquired taste. Like raw squid.

I disagree completely. A lot of people don’t WANT to enjoy Android. They go into it with this preconceived notion that Android is bad, and they nitpick it. The main difference I have seen is that you can not get iOS on a crappy phone. Android phones are ~$150 all the way up to $1400+. Too many people have only experienced a throwaway Android phone or one from years ago. No one can use a note 10+, OnePlus 7 pro or mate 30 pro and think it sucked. Preferring iOS is cool, but to say that Android is way behind iOS is short sighted. I prefer iOS now days, but android offers way more. You may not need or want what it offers, but you can do more with Android. You see these same arguments about one option being way worse than the other in politics and the old PC vs console debates. Many people think their choice is good and the other option is trash.

 

[m0sher]

Tried the Galaxy S20 the other day. Great hardware, felt really nice in hand despite the 6.1" format (unlike the iPhone 11). However, the software was classic Android/Samsung. Lagging animations, bloated skins et.c. Nothing has changed.

It was very much a throwback to my time with the Galaxy S4. When I had grown most tired of the iPhone and iOS, I switched, thinking the grass would be greener. It lasted for about a year before I was back on iOS.

As much as I do enjoy the competition and keeping up with new tech, Android isn't for me. At least I've tried it.

Sums up my experience as well. Grass is greener and then after I have it for a little while, I start to miss the the other.

1. I’m always impressed by Samsung’s beautiful displays mostly. When it boils down to it, the fluidity and my overall personal user experience, I prefer iOS.

2. On release day, Qualcomm snapdragon is approximately 1 1/2 years behind Apple’s bionic chips in benchmark comparison. In four years of having the phone, it makes a big difference when you pass it down to your kids like I do.

3. Customer service is a night and day difference from Samsung to Apple. Apple wins big here.

4. Having the latest greatest tech is fun unless they’re still trying to work out the quirks and fix bugs. I don’t want to beta test new features.

I like them to just work and be refined on release day, which (for the most part) is the Apple way of releasing products.

It wasn’t until this year that I’m finally done thinking about Android. (If it wasn’t was this thread on McRumors.) It’s the same every year.....I say “wow oooooh ahhhhh” and then realize all I just stated above and move on.

[Oct 2021 is my next iphone from current 11 PM. My sons X will be 4 years old by then. The cycle continues.]

 

[bobsamm]

Customer service?

after sales if you have a problem, nightmare lol.

 

[xCore]

I work at Carphone Warehouse in the UK and have been playing around with the ultra for the past two weeks, the camera and screen are great my only gripe is it's quite heavy.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I have the Pro Max and the Ultra.

So far I'm really liking the Ultra. My initial reaction to using 120hz was mehh, now after two full days I don't want to go back to 60hz. You really feel the difference as you go about your day, and stop looking for the difference. Even at resolution set to 1080, the display looks noticeable better and sharper vs the Pro Max.

Regular 5G reception is great, I'm getting reception at indoor places I never got before on any phone. I tested this out disabling 5G and sure enough no signal, toggle back to 5G and great signal again. The speed on regular 5G is just slightly above or about the same as 4G LTE. I passed a couple mmwave spots today and got to the 600s in download speed.

The camera has been excellent. And the zoom up to 30x is pretty much 99% usable. I barely have any focus issues. I do notice random delays in focus on smaller objects when going pass 5x zoom. But I haven't experienced nothing close to what others are claiming and posting. I'm enjoying using the 108mp shot and cropping out a new photo. I hope all manufacturers get on board with that.

Battery life so far seems just as good as my Pro Max. Can't tell yet if it's better or not. I'm pretty sure on 60hz, it's noticeable better.

Samsung and Microsoft are doing a good job with integration. Calls, texts, and notifications on my Windows 10 desktop whether my phone is on cell data or wifi, without any app being open. This is a big deal for Android and MS. 😂


I like the Pro Max and keeping it for a trade in for the next gen or two iPhone. My main gripe with the Pro Max is the reception. I've had plenty of iPhones over the past decade, but the Pro Max gives me the worst consistency of talk, data, and GPS connectivity. Wifi has never been an issue. The 7+ and 8+ never gave me issues, but it still had weaker signal strength compared to flagship Android phones. I'm not purchasing another iPhone with an intel modem. I would have kept using the Pro Max and waited for the Note 20 if I didn't have this issue. And yes, I did make a return for a new Pro Max only days after, and the same issue. As well as I see other complaints that mirror mines.

 

[ruslan120]

I have the Pro Max and the Ultra.

So far I'm really liking the Ultra. My initial reaction to using 120hz was mehh, now after two full days I don't want to go back to 60hz. You really feel the difference as you go about your day, and stop looking for the difference. Even at resolution set to 1080, the display looks noticeable better and sharper vs the Pro Max.

Regular 5G reception is great, I'm getting reception at indoor places I never got before on any phone. I tested this out disabling 5G and sure enough no signal, toggle back to 5G and great signal again. The speed on regular 5G is just slightly above or about the same as 4G LTE. I passed a couple mmwave spots today and got to the 600s in download speed.

The camera has been excellent. And the zoom up to 30x is pretty much 99% usable. I barely have any focus issues. I do notice random delays in focus on smaller objects when going pass 5x zoom. But I haven't experienced nothing close to what others are claiming and posting. I'm enjoying using the 108mp shot and cropping out a new photo. I hope all manufacturers get on board with that.

Battery life so far seems just as good as my Pro Max. Can't tell yet if it's better or not. I'm pretty sure on 60hz, it's noticeable better.

Samsung and Microsoft are doing a good job with integration. Calls, texts, and notifications on my Windows 10 desktop whether my phone is on cell data or wifi, without any app being open. This is a big deal for Android and MS. 😂


I like the Pro Max and keeping it for a trade in for the next gen or two iPhone. My main gripe with the Pro Max is the reception. I've had plenty of iPhones over the past decade, but the Pro Max gives me the worst consistency of talk, data, and GPS connectivity. Wifi has never been an issue. The 7+ and 8+ never gave me issues, but it still had weaker signal strength compared to flagship Android phones. I'm not purchasing another iPhone with an intel modem. I would have kept using the Pro Max and waited for the Note 20 if I didn't have this issue. And yes, I did make a return for a new Pro Max only days after, and the same issue. As well as I see other complaints that mirror mines.

That’s great to hear that you’re having an awesome experience. Totally relatable with the reception on the max - occasional issues here too. (Thanks, Intel modems.)

Do you think you’ll get the iPhone 12 when it comes out, or are you sticking with the Ultra?

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Do you think you’ll get the iPhone 12 when it comes out, or are you sticking with the Ultra?

If it has a non intel modem, then yes. Otherwise, I'll wait for the 2021 model.

 

[ruslan120]

If it has a non intel modem, then yes. Otherwise, I'll wait for the 2021 model.

Same here.

Nicer cameras and a better screen would be a must as well.

 

[Wide opeN]

The gray silver is the only option to consider for the Ultra IMO.

The black is too much and offers zero contrast.

 

[Tsepz]

Consistent iPhone user here.

Every few years I give the newest Android model a try and see if the user experience has caught up. Starting with the G1, then another Android when the 4S was out, and a Xiaomi when the 7 was out. I was never fully sold but it definitely improved with each model.

In terms of hardware, the Ultra is an experience. I definitely recommend going to a store to try one out. The display alone made want to buy one. Camera was decent but it has the Android look, to put it simply. (Different sharpness, the exposure seems odd, skin tones looked odd IMO, etc)

The software is much more fine grained allowing for more control, and it feels like interactions are more “manual.” Different polishes are missing, eg I tried going to YouTube and pulling up the controls seemed less... “easy?”

I’ve decided to stick to iOS for its polish, but after using the S20 it feels like something’s missing on the iPhone (90-120Hz). The user interface is less smooth on iOS but more streamlined.

(That’s all, and thanks for reading. Just an Apple fanboys opinion)

This is incredibly spot on with my feelings. I also tried a S20 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip while I was at it.

The 120Hz screen of the Ultra is simply amazing, however after some time you realize it’s same old Android, which just a year ago I loved but as I have become more used to iOS’s polish I now I notice Androids inconsistencies all over the place.

Also it hits home that the S20 Ultra despite its crazy hardware:
1. The camera is not all that it’s hyped up to be, the iPhone 11 Pro still takes more consistently good shots and fantastic video
2. The S20 Ultra will only get 2 OS updates and be forgotten soon after
3. Apps like Instagram and Snapchat still don’t take full advantage of the android phone cameras, this grates me to no end, these Androids have amazing cameras (my P30 Pro is an absolute camera beast) yet many of these social media apps simply don’t have the proper APIs to extract their full capabilities.
4. The battery life simply won’t match my 11 Pro Max unless one compromises the 120Hz and keeps the resolution at 1080P
5. Ecosystem still not as thorough as apple’s.

Gone are the days where I simply bought for specs, a part of me excited by the S20 Ultra but I can see that it simply doesn’t completely fit my usage.

 

[pbonitati]

It's the same ole story I guess. Operating systems aside they do have nice hardware and I give props for some of the risks they are taking with design (foldables). I'm fortunate enough to have quite a line up of phones to rotate through. 11 Pro, S20 Plus, Z-Flip, Moto Razr, Pixel 4 and many other randoms. Right now I'm all jammed up with the Z-Flip and Pixel. I think the Pixel 4 hardware is not so great, but I do enjoy stock Android. They have some nifty features that I do actually use. Screen Call! Love it! Even if I mess with people sometimes with it lol. At the end of all this its essentially just an expensive hobby now, they all do the same crap for the most part. A good chunk of us including myself fall prey to slick marketing and God knows what else to get us to buy new every year.

* Im getting a 12 even w/o the marketing! LMAO

 

[Scream And Fly]

I don't think it's the hardware that matters. Pick up any Andoid phone and play with it for a while and soon you'll see that (putting it nicely) Android is an acquired taste. Like raw squid.

How ignorantly ridiculous that post is. Obviously you don’t know much about Android at all.

I use an iPad Pro and a Pixel 3XL everyday for work and both iOS and Android are very good and just as easy and enjoyable to use. The big difference in the experience is that Android allows nearly infinite ways to customize every single aspect of the user interface, and apps can change it altogether. I’d be happy to be able to rearrange and position icons on the home screen on my iPad. Heck, I’d love to be able to resize the icons with more than just two options. It’s funny really, when iPadOS was introduced it was universally praised for finally being able to (somewhat) take advantage of the iPad’s large screen, and yet it still doesn’t accomplish that task anywhere near where it should.

I would be curious about the fine details as to why Android is an ‘acquired taste’.