The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G remains one of Samsung’s most ambitious Ultra-class phones, built around a large 6.9-inch AMOLED display, a 108 MP main camera, 5G connectivity, and a 5000 mAh battery. It was announced on February 11, 2020, and released on March 6, 2020, but its hardware profile still makes it relevant for buyers comparing older flagship phones against newer mid-range models.
This article focuses on the phone’s practical strengths and compromises rather than repeating the full specifications table. The key angle is value: the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G can still offer flagship materials, Samsung DeX, expandable storage, 8K video, and premium display quality, but buyers should pay close attention to chipset variant, battery condition, software support, and regional 5G band compatibility.
Full Specifications
Network
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA | |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 – SM-G988B |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 – SM-G988U | |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 – SM-G988B |
| 2, 5, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave – SM-G988U | |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G (5+ Gbps DL) |
Launch
| Announced | 2020, February 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, March 06 |
Body
| Dimensions | 166.9 x 76 x 8.8 mm (6.57 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) |
| Weight | 222 g (7.83 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
Display
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1400 nits (peak) |
| Size | 6.9 inches, 114.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~511 ppi density) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| 120Hz@FHD/60Hz@QHD refresh rate |
Platform
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) – GlobalQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) – USA |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2×2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) – GlobalOcta-core (1×2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3×2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) – USA |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 – GlobalAdreno 650 – USA |
Memory
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| UFS 3.0 |
Main Camera
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/3.5, 103mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 4x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, f/1.0, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS |
Selfie camera
| Single | 40 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.7µm, PDAF |
| Features | HDR |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
Sound
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| High-bitrate audio support Tuned by AKG |
Comms
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| NFC | Yes |
| Radio | FM radio (Snapdragon model only; market/operator dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
Features
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) ANT+ |
Battery
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless |
Misc
| Colors | Cosmic Grey, Cosmic Black, Cloud White |
| Models | SM-G988, SM-G988U, SM-G988U1, SM-G9880, SM-G988B/DS, SM-G988N, SM-G988B, SM-G988W, SCG03 |
| SAR | 0.94 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) |
| Price | $ 209.01 / £ 189.00 / € 229.00 |
Our Tests
| Performance | AnTuTu: 415976 (v7), 514485 (v8) GeekBench: 12191 (v4.4), 2697 (v5.1) GFXBench: 21fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
| Display | 894 nits max brightness (measured) |
| Camera | Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | -23.2 LUFS (Very good) |
| Battery (old) | Endurance rating 87h |
Price and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G offers a compelling combination of features and performance. While the base price is around €229, the actual cost may vary depending on your location and retailer. Below, you’ll find the approximate price of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G converted into various currencies. Please note that these are estimates based on recent exchange rates as of August 17, 2026 and may not reflect the exact price you’ll find at a retailer.
- United States: $265
- Japan: ¥42,191
- United Kingdom: £196
- Australia: A$374
- Canada: C$368
- Taiwan: NT$8,479
- Denmark: kr1.712
- Saudi Arabia: ﷼994
- South Korea: ₩374,875
- Germany: €229
- Brazil: R$1.374
- Vietnam: ₫6.906.987
- Kenya: KSh 34,238
- India: ₹25,288
- Indonesia: Rp 4.718.742
- Nigeria: ₦360,130
- Pakistan: ₨73,570
- Philippines: ₱16,277
- Bangladesh: ৳৩২,৫১৮
Value in Today’s Market
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is best understood as a former flagship that now competes mainly through hardware value. Its raw launch positioning was clearly premium, with a glass-and-aluminum build, large high-resolution display, advanced camera hardware, stereo speakers, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and 5G support. In the current used or refurbished market, the quoted source price range places it closer to many modern mid-range phones, which changes the buying equation.
That value is strongest for users who care about display quality, camera flexibility, desktop-style Samsung DeX support, and storage expansion. Many current phones at similar prices omit microSD support, telephoto hardware, high-end USB speeds, or premium materials. The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G keeps those features, but it also brings the risks of an older battery, older software ceiling, and model-specific network support. It is not automatically the best budget flagship, but it is still an interesting one when condition and variant are verified carefully.
Design and Durability
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is a large and heavy phone, measuring 166.9 x 76 x 8.8 mm and weighing 222 g. That size gives it a commanding screen and battery footprint, but it also means one-handed use is not its strongest point. The build is properly flagship-grade, with Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and back plus an aluminum frame, giving it a more premium feel than plastic-backed mid-range alternatives.
Its IP68 rating is another important advantage, with dust-tight protection and water resistance rated for immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. As always with older phones, water resistance can weaken with age, repairs, or frame damage, so it should be treated as a useful safeguard rather than a guarantee. The SIM setup also depends on model and region, with Nano-SIM plus eSIM or dual Nano-SIM configurations listed in the source data.
Display Experience
The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is one of the strongest reasons to consider this phone. It offers a 1440 x 3200 resolution, HDR10+ support, a tall 20:9 aspect ratio, and a very sharp density of about 511 ppi. The source data also lists 1400 nits peak brightness, while measured testing reports 894 nits maximum brightness, which remains strong for outdoor readability.
The main compromise is how the refresh rate works. The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G supports 120 Hz at FHD resolution, while QHD operation is limited to 60 Hz. That means users must choose between smoother motion and maximum sharpness. For most daily use, 120 Hz at FHD is likely the more pleasant setting, especially for scrolling, social apps, and general navigation. For video, reading, and static detail, QHD at 60 Hz still has value.
Performance and Chipset Variants
Performance depends heavily on region. The global model uses the Exynos 990 with Mali-G77 MP11 graphics, while the USA model uses the Snapdragon 865 5G with Adreno 650 graphics. Both were flagship platforms for their generation, but they do not behave identically in sustained performance, thermals, efficiency, and gaming workloads. Buyers comparing listings should check the exact model number rather than assuming every Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G performs the same.
The memory configuration remains generous: 128 GB with 12 GB RAM, 256 GB with 12 GB RAM, or 512 GB with 16 GB RAM, using UFS 3.0 storage. The microSDXC slot is valuable for media-heavy users, though it uses the shared SIM slot. Test figures in the source data show AnTuTu results of 415976 on v7 and 514485 on v8, plus GeekBench results of 12191 on v4.4 and 2697 on v5.1. Those scores are no longer cutting-edge, but they still describe a phone that can handle demanding everyday use.
Camera System
The camera system is ambitious and very distinctive. The rear setup includes a 108 MP wide camera with OIS, a 48 MP periscope telephoto camera with OIS, a 12 MP ultrawide camera, and a 0.3 MP TOF 3D depth sensor. The telephoto hardware supports 4x optical zoom and 10x hybrid zoom, making the phone more versatile than many modern mid-range devices that rely only on digital zoom.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G also records up to 8K video at 24 fps, 4K at 30 or 60 fps, and high-frame-rate 1080p and 720p modes. Features such as HDR10+ video, stereo sound recording, gyro-EIS, and OIS help keep it competitive for video capture. The 40 MP selfie camera is also unusually high resolution and supports 4K recording at 30 or 60 fps. The main caution is consistency: this generation pushed Samsung’s camera hardware aggressively, so real-world results can depend on lighting, focus behavior, and software processing.
Battery and Charging
The 5000 mAh battery is large, and the source test data lists an 87-hour endurance rating under the older test method. That makes sense for a phone with a big display and flagship chipset: battery life can be solid, but it is affected by 120 Hz use, 5G, camera recording, gaming, and the specific Exynos or Snapdragon variant. Since this is an older device, battery health is one of the most important buying checks.
Charging support is flexible. The phone supports 45W wired charging with PD3.0, 15W Qi wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. The reverse wireless feature is useful for earbuds or accessories, while wireless charging keeps the phone practical as a desk or bedside device. For used buyers, confirming that wired fast charging and wireless charging both work properly is worth doing before purchase.
Software and Everyday Features
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G launched with Android 10 and is listed as upgradable to Android 13 with One UI 5.1. That gives it a mature Samsung software experience, including Samsung DeX and Wireless DeX for desktop-style use on compatible displays. DeX is a meaningful advantage for users who want to connect the phone to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for light productivity.
The feature set is broad: an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, ANT+, NFC, stereo speakers, and AKG-tuned high-bitrate audio support are all included. There is no 3.5 mm headphone jack, so wired audio users will need USB-C audio or wireless headphones. USB Type-C 3.2 with OTG is a useful plus for storage, accessories, and data transfer.
Connectivity and Model Checks
Connectivity is one of the most important parts of this phone because the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G exists in several variants. The SM-G988B and SM-G988U listings have different LTE and 5G band support, with the US model adding mmWave bands 260 and 261 while the global model focuses on Sub-6 bands such as n77 and n78. That difference matters if the phone is imported or used on a carrier outside its original market.
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and USB-C 3.2 make the overall connectivity package strong. FM radio is listed only for the Snapdragon model and remains market or operator dependent, so it should not be assumed. Before buying, the safest approach is to match the exact model number, such as SM-G988U, SM-G988B, SM-G988B/DS, or SM-G988W, against the carrier bands needed in your region.
Who Should Buy It?
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G makes the most sense for buyers who want an affordable former flagship with a big premium display, strong zoom flexibility, expandable storage, wireless charging, IP68 protection, and Samsung DeX. It is especially appealing if the unit is in excellent condition, has a healthy battery, and matches the buyer’s local network bands.
It is less ideal for users who want the longest future software support, a compact phone, guaranteed all-day battery on an aged unit, or the latest computational photography improvements. Buyers comparing it with newer mid-range phones should weigh the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G’s stronger hardware extras against the newer phone’s likely battery freshness, warranty, and update window.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G still delivers a serious flagship specification package, especially in display quality, camera hardware, charging flexibility, storage options, and connectivity. Its age means buyers should be selective, but a clean unit with the right regional model can be a strong value. Recommended for users who want premium Samsung hardware at a lower price and are willing to check condition, battery health, and band support before buying.
References
- Samsung Mobile Press – Galaxy S20 Ultra Tech Specs – Official Samsung specification sheet covering display, cameras, dimensions, processor variants, memory, battery, charging, connectivity, sensors, audio, and video formats.
- Samsung Newsroom US – Introducing the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G – Official launch announcement with a Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G specifications table, useful for release context and original advertised specs.
- Samsung Business Support – Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G SM-G988U1 – Official Samsung support page for the unlocked US model, including model-specific full specs and manuals.
- FCC Equipment Authorization System (fcc.gov) – US regulator source for FCC filings, RF exposure/SAR, and wireless authorization details for Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G model variants such as SM-G988U.
- GSMArena – Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G – Established mobile specifications reference useful for cross-checking variants, bands, chipset details, release date, body materials, and feature summaries against official Samsung data.
