I feel like Samsung owes us some answers - S20 Ultra

[GrooveRite]

Seriously return it if you are not happy. Let these companies know if they want top dollar they need to provide a top product! Not a product that is semi or half-a$$ed.

 

[durandetto]

I personally am not having the jumpy auto focus issue, the camera just all around sucks. Every image is blurry except for small area due to excessive bokeh. It's virtually unusable to me and my main use is the camera.

If the camera is the main use then why not buy a standalone DSLR? Text messages and internet is my main use with the camera being secondary. I'm not saying the camera is great, but it works more than not. Obviously for $1600 I expect it to be better than good and Samsung better fix the software issues. If a camera was that important for my day to day life I would definitely have an actual camera with legit optical zoom.

 

[galaxyfive]

Considering we spent 1400 on a phone that has incomplete camera software, on the basis that the camera may or may not be fixed eventually. And to what degree? Software can't totally make up for a hardware flaw.

And what about 1440p w 120 hz refresh rate? Coming or not? I feel like I deserve some answers before my return period ends and if I don't get them I will be returning the phone.

I do love the phone but the camera is virtually unacceptable by my standards.. if it was a $1000 phone maybe, but not at this price point.

I don't want to appear harsh but in ANY transaction it's buyer beware... notwithstanding, Samsung and all other brand devices put a lot of time, research and effort into providing the customer with something of value. Value for dollar? Maybe, maybe not. But I doubt Samsung is going to ring you up anytime soon to apologize.

 

[Mike Dee]

Considering we spent 1400 on a phone that has incomplete camera software, on the basis that the camera may or may not be fixed eventually. And to what degree? Software can't totally make up for a hardware flaw.

And what about 1440p w 120 hz refresh rate? Coming or not? I feel like I deserve some answers before my return period ends and if I don't get them I will be returning the phone.

I do love the phone but the camera is virtually unacceptable by my standards.. if it was a $1000 phone maybe, but not at this price point.

If a camera is not acceptable at 1400 it's not acceptable at 1000 either.

 

[ThrottleJohnny]

Cameras w/ smartphones attached

 

[donm527]

Not true. I’ve seen reviews where the S10 and S10+ have been reviewed and said they take good pics... most really saying the + is the best choice of the three because your not getting much more camera for the buck with the ultra.

So... for $1000, everything else top spec, the camera being as good or marginally better than last years is worth $1000... and the plus can too.

A $1400 phone with the main selling point is the camera... and that it is bold enough to say this phone “will change photography”... better be a whole leap better than any other phone in the market. It definitely should be a significant leap over it two smaller siblings. But in review over and over... it’s just marginally better.

The YouTuber that compared blind tested the s20 ultra vs s20+ vs Note 10+... the Note 10+won??

The various reviewers have no reservations in praising and strongly implying the plus is the best phone. The ultra, they can’t gush the same way to say it’s worth $1400.

I think the reviewers are saying in a $1000 and $1200 phone your getting a camera that befits a $1000 $1200 phone. The ultra... question mark if your getting a camera befitting a $1400 price tag. Haven’t seen any reviews that said “it changes photography.”

If a camera is not acceptable at 1400 it's not acceptable at 1000 either.

 

[donm527]

Adding the video I referenced. Honestly, watching the video, I almost agreed and picked the same pics they choose in each comparison. Did you also not see and agree?

I am really really hoping they don’t put this setup in the Note 20. A smaller setup and optimized for 10x optical and 30x hybrid... improved over the current Ultra 10x/30x with all other flaws fixed and that would probably give the iPhone 12 a run for their money because I predict that 12 Pro will be better than the 11 Pro.

https://youtu.be/SXkHS2dSzWA

 

[ThrottleJohnny]

Not true. I’ve seen reviews where the S10 and S10+ have been reviewed and said they take good pics... most really saying the + is the best choice of the three because your not getting much more camera for the buck with the ultra.

So... for $1000, everything else top spec, the camera being as good or marginally better than last years is worth $1000... and the plus can too.

A $1400 phone with the main selling point is the camera... and that it is bold enough to say this phone “will change photography”... better be a whole leap better than any other phone in the market. It definitely should be a significant leap over it two smaller siblings. But in review over and over... it’s just marginally better.

The YouTuber that compared blind tested the s20 ultra vs s20+ vs Note 10+... the Note 10+won??

The various reviewers have no reservations in praising and strongly implying the plus is the best phone. The ultra, they can’t gush the same way to say it’s worth $1400.

I think the reviewers are saying in a $1000 and $1200 phone your getting a camera that befits a $1000 $1200 phone. The ultra... question mark if your getting a camera befitting a $1400 price tag. Haven’t seen any reviews that said “it changes photography.”

The same guys tested the Ultra against the 11 pro and the Pixel 4. The Ultra held its own and almost beat both phones.

 

[donm527]

Saw it and most 11 Pro and Pixel comparisons have gone the same way... holds it own, better in some places where the hardware should make give it the advantage but places where the older phones can still hold there own... and the price for admission to a 11 Pro at $300-$400 less than the Ultra.

The same guys tested the Ultra against the 11 pro and the Pixel 4. The Ultra held its own and almost beat both phones.

 

[Mike Dee]

Not true. I’ve seen reviews where the S10 and S10+ have been reviewed and said they take good pics... most really saying the + is the best choice of the three because your not getting much more camera for the buck with the ultra.

So... for $1000, everything else top spec, the camera being as good or marginally better than last years is worth $1000... and the plus can too.

A $1400 phone with the main selling point is the camera... and that it is bold enough to say this phone “will change photography”... better be a whole leap better than any other phone in the market. It definitely should be a significant leap over it two smaller siblings. But in review over and over... it’s just marginally better.

The YouTuber that compared blind tested the s20 ultra vs s20+ vs Note 10+... the Note 10+won??

They reviewers have no reservations in praising and strongly implying the plus is the best phone. The ultra, they can’t gush the same way to say it’s worth $1400.

I think the reviewers are saying in a $1000 and $1200 phone your getting a camera that befits a $1000 $1200 phone. The ultra... question mark if your getting a camera befitting a $1400 price tag. Haven’t seen any reviews that said “it changes photography.”

Not true. I’ve seen reviews where the S10 and S10+ have been reviewed and said they take good pics... most really saying the + is the best choice of the three because your not getting much more camera for the buck with the ultra.

So... for $1000, everything else top spec, the camera being as good or marginally better than last years is worth $1000... and the plus can too.

A $1400 phone with the main selling point is the camera... and that it is bold enough to say this phone “will change photography”... better be a whole leap better than any other phone in the market. It definitely should be a significant leap over it two smaller siblings. But in review over and over... it’s just marginally better.

The YouTuber that compared blind tested the s20 ultra vs s20+ vs Note 10+... the Note 10+won??

They reviewers have no reservations in praising and strongly implying the plus is the best phone. The ultra, they can’t gush the same way to say it’s worth $1400.

I think the reviewers are saying in a $1000 and $1200 phone your getting a camera the befits a $1000 $1200 phone. The ultra... question mark if your getting a camera befitting a $1400 price tag. Haven’t seen any reviews that said “it changes photography.”

Not true???.....Not possible. I'm providing my point of view, not parroting what others are thinking or saying. And what I'm saying, because I said it is...." if a camera is not acceptable (to me), it's not acceptable whether it's 1400 or 1000. I'm not putting constraints based on price on what's acceptable.

As for the Youtubers, they're entertaining but they didn't explore the limits of all 3 devices. As for their blind tests I didn't agree with every choice they made and there were no real surprises.

 

[ThrottleJohnny]

Saw it and most 11 Pro and Pixel comparisons have gone the same way... holds it own, better in some places where the hardware should make give it the advantage but places where the older phones can still hold there own... and the price for admission to a 11 Pro at $300-$400 less than the Ultra.

But if the Ultra camera is so terrible, it shouldn't have even been close, especially against the 1,000 camera -God Pixel.

 

[donm527]

No one... at least not me and not a single review has said a terrible camera on the ultra...

It’s just not much better than the Ultras siblings... or worth the $200-300 premium over them. Or yes you can say it doesn’t outperform the Pixel... the s10 or plus would probably far just as well.

I’ve heard two you tubers (one being MKBHD) call the Ultra “top three camera”... I think that is pretty fair statement considering all the reviews so far.

The camera has not had the praises to say it “changes photography.” Maybe the update will?

But if the Ultra camera is so terrible, it shouldn't have even been close, especially against the 1,000 camera -God Pixel.

 

[Super Spartan]

Can someone explain how come only the Ultra has camera issues but not the +?

 

[donm527]

Because the Ultra is using the Samsung 108mp sensor while the siblings are using the Sony sensors.

The Samsung sensor seems capable... I mean it's in the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro which tops the list of best cameras on dxomark... Xiaomi actually have two 108 mp cameras in the list ranked higher than the 11 Pro so the Ultra should also be able to rank higher. Maybe software update will resolve it.

Can someone explain how come only the Ultra has camera issues but not the +?

 

[subguy812]

I bought the Ultra mostly for the camera, even though I was aware of the issues with auto-focus etc. Anyone that bought the phone should have been aware of the reviews. It doesn't make sense to think you would receive a different result. My trade-in phone is the Pixel 4, with my daily phone being the Pixel 4XL. I figured worse case scenario, I would return the phone after trying it.

Once I received the phone, I realized the biggest camera issues were with auto-focus and macro focus. I tried to take a photo of a receipt close-up and the entire area of interest wasn't in focus, annoying. The camera does excel in other areas.

Once I began using the Ultra, I realized that overall, the Ultra was much more than a camera. That said buyers remorse kicked in and I factory reset the Ultra and printed the label to return the Ultra. Popped my sim into the Pixel 4XL and started to realize at that point, I liked the Ultra. With all discounts, out of pocket my Ultra was $680, someone would be hard pressed to find a handset at that price offering as much as Ultra.

Upon deciding to keep the Ultra, I drilled down into the camera. The camera, out of the box, is not point and shoot ready for all conditions and photos you encounter. I do hope the annoyances are fixed with updates. Granted I shouldn't have to necessarily find ways make the phone work for me. I manual focus in Pro mode if I have up close items to photograph, although the auto-focus has randomly decided to work more often than not recently.

It is a personal choice, what something is worth to one person and not another. I had to shift my thoughts from buying camera that I can communicate with to a handset with a camera. From a complete package standpoint, factoring in all factors, the S20 lineup appears to be top tier with out a doubt. If I had purchased any of the lineup I would have been equally happy for the features and usability. To avoid grief for myself I didn't bother inquiring about stepping down to a less expensive model.

 

[Mike Dee]

I bought the Ultra mostly for the camera, even though I was aware of the issues with auto-focus etc. Anyone that bought the phone should have been aware of the reviews. It doesn't make sense to think you would receive a different result. My trade-in phone is the Pixel 4, with my daily phone being the Pixel 4XL. I figured worse case scenario, I would return the phone after trying it.

Once I received the phone, I realized the biggest camera issues were with auto-focus and macro focus. I tried to take a photo of a receipt close-up and the entire area of interest wasn't in focus, annoying. The camera does excel in other areas.

Once I began using the Ultra, I realized that overall, the Ultra was much more than a camera. That said buyers remorse kicked in and I factory reset the Ultra and printed the label to return the Ultra. Popped my sim into the Pixel 4XL and started to realize at that point, I liked the Ultra. With all discounts, out of pocket my Ultra was $680, someone would be hard pressed to find a handset at that price offering as much as Ultra.

Upon deciding to keep the Ultra, I drilled down into the camera. The camera, out of the box, is not point and shoot ready for all conditions and photos you encounter. I do hope the annoyances are fixed with updates. Granted I shouldn't have to necessarily find ways make the phone work for me. I manual focus in Pro mode if I have up close items to photograph, although the auto-focus has randomly decided to work more often than not recently.

It is a personal choice, what something is worth to one person and not another. I had to shift my thoughts from buying camera that I can communicate with to a handset with a camera. From a complete package standpoint, factoring in all factors, the S20 lineup appears to be top tier with out a doubt. If I had purchased any of the lineup I would have been equally happy for the features and usability. To avoid grief for myself I didn't bother inquiring about stepping down to a less expensive model.

Which lens are you using for Macro?

 

[nitro2k1]

Adding the video I referenced. Honestly, watching the video, I almost agreed and picked the same pics they choose in each comparison. Did you also not see and agree?

I am really really hoping they don’t put this setup in the Note 20. A smaller setup and optimized for 10x optical and 30x hybrid... improved over the current Ultra 10x/30x with all other flaws fixed and that would probably give the iPhone 12 a run for their money because I predict that 12 Pro will be better than the 11 Pro.

https://youtu.be/SXkHS2dSzWA

I bought an S20 and compared the pics to my Note 10. Just like in the video, the Note 10 took better pics than the S20 in most situations. If someone is upgrading from a 10 series, they will most likely be underwhelmed by the camera system in the S20 series. The S20's are great cameras but not revolutionary by any stretch of the imagination. Samsung marketing at its finest.

 

[Mike Dee]

I bought an S20 and compared the pics to my Note 10. Just like in the video, the Note 10 took better pics than the S20 in most situations. If someone is upgrading from a 10 series, they will most likely be underwhelmed by the camera system in the S20 series. The S20's are great cameras but not revolutionary by any stretch of the imagination. Samsung marketing at its finest.

Well....there's more to love than just the camera but if the camera is the focal point it may be a questionable debate as to whether or not make the jump.

 

[donm527]

Well, that's cool if you are providing your point. I am saying not true and it's based on my point too. But I am using references to show the other models have capable cameras that seem to be on the same level as the Ultra without the gimmicky 100x zoom.

My view... I wanted to love the Ultra but I find the cameras not to live up to the Ultra name and the Ultra price... so my options?? I'm gonna wait for the Note 20 to see what they come out with and hope it's a better setup than the S20 Ultra.

But if my Note died tomorrow and I had to buy a new phone tomorrow what would I pick?? I was thinking about this last night and my answer right now would be... either a Note 10+ or an S20 +... because after seeing the reviews because, with what's available, they are still top cameras (look at DXOMARK).

Without the camera, the Ultra is a S20+ with a slightly smaller battery and screen... that's all. The Ultra is not living up to "Ultra" so the camera on the S20 and S20+ are as good as the Ultra... they probably hold their own that the Ultra ranked against the iPhone Pro and Pixel. My point of view.

Not true???.....Not possible. I'm providing my point of view, not parroting what others are thinking or saying. And what I'm saying, because I said it is...." if a camera is not acceptable (to me), it's not acceptable whether it's 1400 or 1000. I'm not putting constraints based on price on what's acceptable.

As for the Youtubers, they're entertaining but they didn't explore the limits of all 3 devices. As for their blind tests I didn't agree with every choice they made and there were no real surprises.

 

[Mike Dee]

Well, that's cool if you are providing your point. I am saying not true and it's based on my point too. But I am using references to show the other models have capable cameras that seem to be on the same level as the Ultra without the gimmicky 100x zoom.

My view... I wanted to love the Ultra but I find the cameras not to live up to the Ultra name and the Ultra price... so my options?? I'm gonna wait for the Note 20 to see what they come out with and hope it's a better setup than the S20 Ultra.

But if my Note died tomorrow and I had to buy a new phone tomorrow what would I pick?? I was thinking about this last night and my answer right now would be... either a Note 10+ or an S20 +... because after seeing the reviews because, with what's available, they are still top cameras (look at DXOMARK).

Without the camera, the Ultra is a S20+ with a slightly smaller battery and screen... that's all. The Ultra is not living up to "Ultra" so the camera on the S20 and S20+ are as good as the Ultra... they probably hold their own that the Ultra ranked against the iPhone Pro and Pixel. My point of view.

Well, that's cool if you are providing your point. I am saying not true and it's based on my point too. But I am using references to show the other models have capable cameras that seem to be on the same level as the Ultra without the gimmicky 100x zoom.

My view... I wanted to love the Ultra but I find the cameras not to live up to the Ultra name and the Ultra price... so my options?? I'm gonna wait for the Note 20 to see what they come out with and hope it's a better setup than the S20 Ultra.

But if my Note died tomorrow and I had to buy a new phone tomorrow what would I pick?? I was thinking about this last night and my answer right now would be... either a Note 10+ or an S20 +... because after seeing the reviews because, with what's available, they are still top cameras (look at DXOMARK).

Without the camera, the Ultra is a S20+ with a slightly smaller battery and screen... that's all. The Ultra is not living up to "Ultra" so the camera on the S20 and S20+ are as good as the Ultra... they probably hold their own that the Ultra ranked against the iPhone Pro and Pixel. My point of view.

All I'm saying is if a camera doesn't live up to my expectations, it doesn't live up to my expectations regardless of price. I can understand that some might find the Ultra more palatable at a lower price but that does not change the outcome except to put more money in someone's pocket.

As for living up to the name Ultra, that was never an expectation for me. It's just a name game and Samsung is just playing the same marketing game as Apple calling a device a Pro or Pro Max.