Reviews |Samsung unveils Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra smartphones

Samsung unveils Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra smartphones

Samsung's new Galaxy S20 range brings 8K video and Space Zoom functionality

Samsung unveils Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra smartphones
News

Samsung has unveiled its new range of flagship smartphones, introducing the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ and top-end Galaxy S20 Ultra.

A completely revamped camera system bringing 8K video and a hybrid optical zoom is at the heart of the Samsung Galaxy S20 phones, with the Ultra offering a 108-megapixel rear camera.

Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra camera technology

At the bottom of the new range, the Samsung Galaxy S20 offers a triple camera setup that is comprised of a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and a telephoto camera offering 64-megapixel resolution.

The Galaxy S20+ sits in the middle of the trio and offers a quad camera array. This comprises the same three cameras as the S20 but adds a depth vision camera to the mix.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is the top-end model and offers a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, 108-megapixel wide-angle camera, 48-megapixel telephoto camera and a depth vision camera.

On the front of each phone, the S20 Ultra features a 40MP selfie camera, while the other two have 10-megapixel versions.

What’s more, Samsung says the S20 Ultra uses nona-binning technology which effectively combines 9 pixels into one in order to create larger pixels. These larger pixels capture more light, producing crisper images in low light, Samsung says.

8K Video

For the first time, Samsung’s new Galaxy phones offer 8K video recording, as well as 4K, Full HD and HD. 8K video can be cast on to Samsung’s 8K TVs or uploaded directly to YouTube.

There’s also a new 8K Video Snap mode in which users can film a short clip and the phone will select your best frames from the footage and turn them into a 33-megapixel high-resolution image.

Another upgrade to videography on the Samsung Galaxy S20 phones is that users can now film in Pro Mode. This means you have access to all of the same controls that you would with a DSLR.

Samsung has also improved its Super Steady stabilisation and added a Night Hyperlapse mode.

Space Zoom

Space Zoom is Samsung’s new combination of hybrid optical zoom and AI-powered digital zoom. The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra offers a staggering 100x Space Zoom, while the S20+ and S20 offer 30x. The Ultra also has a new sideways mounted zoom lens.

Quick Crop also allows you to zoom in without losing information to maintain image quality.

Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra size and weight.

  • The Samsung Galaxy S20 measures 151.7×69.1×7.9mm and weighs 163g
  • The Samsung Galaxy S20+ measures 161.9×73.7×7.8mm and weighs 186g
  • The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra measures 166.9x76x8.8mm and weighs 220g

The Galaxy S20 offers a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, the S20+ 6.7 inches and the S20 Ultra display is 6.9 inches.

Battery & Storage

The Galaxy S20 series comes with a 25W fast charger, while the S20 Ultra supports 45W Super Fast charging as well.

The Galaxy S20 series phones come equipped with internal storage as standard: 128GB for the S20 and S20+; 128GB and 512GB for S20 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S20 series Price

The Samsung Galaxy S20 price tag begins at £799 and rises accordingly:

  • Galaxy S20 at £799, Galaxy S20 5G at £899
  • Galaxy S20+ 5G at £999
  • Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G 128GB at £1199, Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G 512GB £1399