Should I Buy a Note 20 Ultra or S21 Series?

[jimd1050]

I'm having this same reservation too. I'm think the S21 Ultra will cost more. I don't think I'd mind the squared corners if it we're just a little bit smaller. I want the Note 20 ultra features but in about 6.2 to 6.4" size. I'm sure I'll end up with the N20U over the S21U just because of the discount my employer is giving me on the Note.

I just watched the "Unpacked Event" (after the fact on YouTube) and I'm impressed, even as a diehard Note user! That Camera is something... they're also offering TWO S-Pens, one now and a "Pro" version later this year that has all the features of our S-pen (which begs the question, what exactly does the cheaper one do? Sounds like it just writes like the earlier Notes with no bluetooth stuff!)! Base price was $1199 but they didn't show memory specs in the video... (or I didn't watch the entire thing)

 

[Blues Fan]

I just watched the "Unpacked Event" (after the fact on YouTube) and I'm impressed, even as a diehard Note user! That Camera is something... they're also offering TWO S-Pens, one now and a "Pro" version later this year that has all the features of our S-pen (which begs the question, what exactly does the cheaper one do? Sounds like it just writes like the earlier Notes with no bluetooth stuff!)! Base price was $1199 but they didn't show memory specs in the video... (or I didn't watch the entire thing)

If that big price tag is the case with this for only a basic Spen then why not just wait until August and get the actual Note phone with full functions instead of buying a neutered spen with S21? When the better Spen comes out then the Note will be out.

 

[bkeaver]

I've just pre-ordered and trading my n20 ultra in. I don't use the spen ever so that isn't a big deal to me.

 

[jimd1050]

If that big price tag is the case with this for only a basic Spen then why not just wait until August and get the actual Note phone with full functions instead of buying a neutered spen with S21? When the better Spen comes out then the Note will be out.

That's without the S-Pen... either one is and "Option"!!! And I'm still not sure there's going to be a Note 21 yet, are you... I sure hope so but... (and btw, congrats on Torey Krug, dammit - you got a great D-Man!)

 

[AspenQn]

After watching the Unpacked Event yesterday and weighing all various factors, I ended up ordering the Note 20 Ultra. Like the thinner square body and camera specs are plenty in this phone. After all I am purchasing a phone wirh a great camera and not other way around. Also able to use extra Whitestone Dome screen protector my husband has from his N20U and all the cases I wanted are avail now with no waiting. On top of all of that got a great deal with my trade in and various promo discounts so I feel like I got a WIN-WIN.

 

[bassplayrguy]

I just read this on a web article. Samsung appears to be taking big step backward, not to mention there is already talk about adding 3-4 additional colors months after launch and no guarantee of what each market will get.

Looking at the current economic challenges that people are facing, Samsung has decided to allocate 60% of the whole Galaxy S21 series production to the Galaxy S21 (base model). This means that Samsung is expecting the Galaxy S21 to be the most popular phone in the series. The company has reportedly removed the charger and earphones from the box, used plastic back instead of glass, and reduced the screen resolution from QHD+ to Full HD+ to lower the prices.

I am definitely going with a N20U. Question is do I wait to see if Note pricing will drop or wait for Rakuten 10% off cash back....

It really depends on the pen. If you use it or would use it, the Note line is amazing and does everything. For the money right now the Note is a way better buy.

 

[felloffthetruck]

If I didn't think there would be a Note 21 Ultra coming later this year I would be all over that flat black Ultra.

That thing is HOTT !

 

[buzzy3970]

The matte is gorgeous. Looks wise the thing is hot, but IDK if I want to pull the trigger. Really want to know if a note is coming this year and if they've moved up production of it as well.

If I didn't think there would be a Note 21 Ultra coming later this year I would be all over that flat black Ultra.

That thing is HOTT !

 

[rsmin]

I agree that mat black looks nice. The only tempting thing is t-mobile offering up to $800 bill credit AND $200 Samsung credit if you pre-order with applicable trade in. Apparently they will give me that on my LG V60 that I was thinking of selling anyway? Currently back using my Note 10 plus right now. I sure like my spen built in the phone but if you get the case with the spen holder it doesn't seem too bad. The only reason I gave up on the LG v60 was the stylus not being stored in phone or case. But DO love that mat black

 

[larry1014]

No Sd card is a one reason I wouldn't want a S21. The 10 optical zoom is nice but I like my Note 20Ultra.

 

[rsmin]

No Sd card is a one reason I wouldn't want a S21. The 10 optical zoom is nice but I like my Note 20Ultra.

True

 

[KupKrazy]

Agree - no SD slot means it's DOA for me. Who knows if they do the same to the Note21Ultra (which I do believe will come out, even if it is the last one) but maybe that's how they differentiate. Can't tell what they're going to do anymore.

 

[neil74]

Camera and battery are the only reasons I can think of. The SD card is a shame, one of the final things that differentiated Samsung from the rest.

 

[pmjj]

S21 has no SD card, and does not support the Magnetic strip with Samsung pay anymore. I love my Note 20 Ultra...This may be my last note if no SD card support in new Note 21, if there is a Note 21 if not I will be holding on to this phone for awhile. lol...

 

[csfrankland]

Love this group! Great insight so far. So...advice needed. I ordered a Note 20 Ultra a week ago and after trading in my S10, the total came out to $500. With the S21 now available, I'm questioning whether I ought to return the S20 for the S21? Trying to figure out how big a deal it is to get the 120hz on the max resolution with the S21? I plan on streaming xbox games though the S20 or S20, so is this a big differentiator?

Thx all!

 

[kide#WN]

For gaming purposes only the S21 Ultra probably will be better considering it has a newer processor and 120 Hz screen refresh rate at full resolution.

 

[Gary02468]

With the S21 now available, I'm questioning whether I ought to return the S20 for the S21? Trying to figure out how big a deal it is to get the 120hz on the max resolution with the S21[.]

For me, 120Hz at WQHD was a secondary reason to upgrade from the Note20 Ultra to the S21 Ultra. The main reason was the camera improvement--especially 10x optical zoom. (I don't mind giving up older features such as MST and SD card; I haven't needed MST in a long time, and although I have an SD card and take lots of photos and videos, I'm using less than 128GB of internal & external storage combined; I rely mostly on cloud storage, so I should be fine with 256GB internal storage).

 

[jtwoodfield]

If it is of any help, I waited until the s21 phones were formally announced before making exactly that decision. Based on reality and not rumour. I ordered the Note 20 Ultra. Without hesitation.
1. In the real world, the modest chip upgrade will not be discernible to me. I do not play games on a phone or at all
2. What I would really miss is the S Pen in the silo. I think that the latest Android Central podcast utterly fails to recognise just how useful the pen is
3. I happen to prefer the square cornered design
4. I insist on Dual Sim with the option of an SD card. Other than following Apple and gouging the consumer, I cannot see why Samsung would want to dispense with the ability to slot in storage. Especially where there is dual SIM so the slot space is effectively there
5. The screen on the N20U is not slightly but appreciably bigger in area. Surely it is about time reviewers who nit pick over scores realised that it is screen area that counts. Not diagonal which tells you nothing much
6. The N20U will get Android 11 - in so far as there is much benefit
7. Because the N20U has been out a while it came it a lot cheaper. Clincher but only on top of the points above.

Actually, my other option would have been a Sony Xperia 1 MK II but, aside from not having DEX, I cannot stand the fact that in the normal camera app Sony are too indolent to update it and use the date in the file name. As I file photographs by date that little practical omission ruled it out. Shame as I like Sony design and they surely need the sales.

 

[csfrankland]

Salient points! I have had the Note 20 Ultra for a week now and I am absolutely hooked. It really is a beautiful piece of kit. With my trade in of the S10, I got it for $380, which is likely a better deal than anything I might get with the S21. Thanks all for the input. Now to find a suitable case...

 

[neil74]

If it is of any help, I waited until the s21 phones were formally announced before making exactly that decision. Based on reality and not rumour. I ordered the Note 20 Ultra. Without hesitation.

5. The screen on the N20U is not slightly but appreciably bigger in area. Surely it is about time reviewers who nit pick over scores realised that it is screen area that counts. Not diagonal which tells you nothing much

My pet hate, the diagonal measurement means far less than the actual screen area!