Tech Talk

Is Galaxy S20 Ultra Worth Buying in 2025

Feb 25, 2025 Jonathan Sizemore

Overview of Galaxy S20 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, released in 2020, was a top-tier flagship that introduced groundbreaking features, including a 108MP camera, 100x Space Zoom, and a massive 6.9-inch 120Hz AMOLED display. Even in 2025, it remains a powerful and feature-rich smartphone, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, a Certified Refurbished Galaxy S20 Ultra is now available for under $200, with the lowest price recorded at $193. This makes it one of the most affordable flagship-level devices still receiving software updates from Samsung.

The S20 Ultra continues to receive quarterly security updates, ensuring strong software support compared to other older Android phones. For buyers seeking a flagship experience at an affordable price, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is a compelling option in 2025.

Full Specs

Specification	Details
Network	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch	Announced: February 11, 2020 Released: March 6, 2020
Body	Dimensions: 166.9 x 76 x 8.8 mm Weight: 222g Build: Gorilla Glass 6 front & back, aluminum frame Water Resistance: IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display	Size: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Resolution: 3200 x 1440 pixels (~511 ppi) Refresh Rate: 120Hz (FHD) / 60Hz (QHD) HDR10+ Support: Yes Protection: Gorilla Glass 6
Platform	OS: Originally Android 10, upgradable to Android 13 Chipset: Snapdragon 865 (USA) / Exynos 990 (Global) CPU: Octa-core GPU: Adreno 650 (Snapdragon) / Mali-G77 MP11 (Exynos)
Memory	Internal Storage: 128GB / 512GB RAM: 12GB / 16GB Expandable Storage: microSDXC (up to 1TB, uses shared SIM slot)
Main Camera	Quad Setup: - 108 MP (wide), f/1.8, PDAF, OIS - 48 MP (periscope telephoto), f/3.5, 4x optical zoom, 100x Space Zoom - 12 MP (ultrawide), f/2.2, Super Steady video - 0.3 MP TOF 3D depth sensor Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, HDR10+
Selfie Camera	Single: 40 MP, f/2.2 (wide), PDAF Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Battery	Capacity: 5000mAh Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2, 5G Support
Software Support	Quarterly security updates until at least 2026

For under $200, the Galaxy S20 Ultra remains one of the most feature-packed flagship devices available in 2025.

Performance in 2025

Even in 2025, the Galaxy S20 Ultra remains a strong performer, capable of handling gaming, multitasking, and media consumption with ease.

Chipset Performance

✅ Snapdragon 865 (USA) – A powerful, efficient processor with better thermal management and battery life.
✅ Exynos 990 (Global) – Slightly less efficient but still delivers flagship-level performance.

Everyday Performance – Fast and lag-free for multitasking, social media, and productivity apps.
Gaming – The Adreno 650 GPU (Snapdragon) and Mali-G77 GPU (Exynos) can still run high-end games like Call of Duty, Genshin Impact, and PUBG at high settings.
5G Connectivity – The S20 Ultra supports 5G, ensuring faster internet speeds for streaming and downloads.

Despite being five years old, the Snapdragon 865 and Exynos 990 still perform better than most budget and mid-range phones in 2025.

Display Quality

120Hz Refresh Rate – Provides smooth scrolling and fluid animations.
1440p Resolution – Offers sharp, vibrant visuals with HDR10+ support.
Super AMOLED Panel – Produces deep blacks and rich colors, outperforming LCD-based budget phones.

Even compared to newer mid-range models, the S20 Ultra’s display remains superior, making it an excellent choice for media consumption, gaming, and daily use.

Final Thoughts on Performance

For under $200, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra still offers:

✔ Powerful chipset for smooth performance
✔ One of the best displays on a smartphone
✔ A high-end camera system with 100x Space Zoom
✔ Long battery life with fast charging
✔ Ongoing security updates from Samsung

The Galaxy S20 Ultra is still a great buy in 2025, delivering flagship features at a budget price.

Value for Money

As of 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra has dropped to under $200, with the lowest recorded price at $193, making it one of the most affordable flagship smartphones still receiving software updates.

At this price point, the S20 Ultra offers incredible value, especially when compared to newer budget and mid-range smartphones. Here’s why:

✅ Flagship-Level Hardware – The Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 chipset, 12GB RAM, and high-speed 5G connectivity ensure smooth performance even today.
✅ 120Hz AMOLED Display – Even many 2025 budget phones still use LCD panels with lower refresh rates, while the S20 Ultra boasts a high-end 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display.
✅ Powerful Camera System – The 108MP main camera, periscope zoom lens, and 8K video recording are features that even some newer phones lack.
✅ Battery Life & Charging – A 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging and wireless charging support makes it more convenient than most budget phones.
✅ Software Updates – Unlike other older Android devices that have lost support, the S20 Ultra still receives quarterly security updates from Samsung until at least 2026.

💰 For under $200, the Galaxy S20 Ultra outperforms many newer mid-range devices, making it an excellent value purchase in 2025.

Environmental Considerations

Choosing a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S20 Ultra is not just a great deal financially but also an eco-friendly decision. Buying a used smartphone helps reduce electronic waste and carbon emissions associated with manufacturing new devices.

🌱 Environmental Benefits of Buying a Used S20 Ultra:

♻️ Reduces E-Waste – Extends the phone’s life cycle, preventing it from ending up in landfills.
⚡ Lowers Carbon Footprint – Producing a new smartphone requires significant energy and raw materials, which are saved when buying used.
🔋 Supports Sustainable Tech Practices – Encourages the reuse and refurbishment of existing technology, reducing demand for resource-intensive smartphone production.

By choosing a refurbished S20 Ultra, buyers contribute to sustainability while still getting flagship performance at a fraction of the original price.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Galaxy S20 Ultra offers incredible value in 2025, there are a few limitations to consider before purchasing:

❌ No More Major Android Updates – The S20 Ultra is capped at Android 13 (One UI 5), meaning it will not receive Android 14 or beyond. However, security updates will continue until at least 2026.
❌ Exynos vs. Snapdragon Differences – The Snapdragon 865 version (USA) is more efficient and has better battery life than the Exynos 990 variant (Global), which runs hotter.
❌ Large & Heavy Build – The 6.9-inch screen and 222g weight may be too bulky for some users, especially those preferring compact devices.
❌ Battery Degradation – Since the phone is a few years old, battery health may vary on used models. Buying a certified refurbished version ensures the battery is still in good condition.
❌ 100x Space Zoom is Mostly a Gimmick – While 4x optical zoom is excellent, the 100x digital zoom is mostly for marketing and doesn’t produce usable images.

💡 Despite these drawbacks, the Galaxy S20 Ultra remains one of the best flagship phones available under $200, outperforming many modern budget devices.

Final Thoughts: Is the Galaxy S20 Ultra Worth Buying in 2025?

With flagship-tier performance, a high-end display, powerful cameras, and ongoing software support, the Galaxy S20 Ultra remains one of the best budget-friendly flagship smartphones in 2025.

✅ Pros:

✔ 6.9-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display – Still one of the best smartphone screens available today.
✔ Flagship-tier performance – The Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 chipset with 12GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking and gaming.
✔ Impressive camera system – The 108MP main camera and periscope zoom lens still hold up well in 2025.
✔ Strong battery life – 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging & wireless charging.
✔ 5G Connectivity – Faster speeds for streaming, browsing, and downloads.
✔ Ongoing software support – Quarterly security updates from Samsung through at least 2026.
✔ Certified Used/Refurbished models under $200 – A premium phone at a budget price.

❌ Cons:

✖ No Android updates beyond One UI 5 (Android 13).
✖ Exynos version is slightly less efficient than Snapdragon.
✖ Large and heavy – Not ideal for those who prefer compact phones.

📌 For budget-conscious buyers who want a premium Android experience at an unbeatable price, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S20 Ultra is a fantastic choice in 2025!