As flagship devices from Samsung’s Galaxy S series, the S10 Plus (2019) and S20 Ultra (2020) represent pivotal moments in mobile innovation. While both were groundbreaking in their time, the question arises for current S10 Plus owners: Is upgrading to the S20 Ultra still a smart move in 2025? With newer models like the S23 and S24 already on the market, the S20 Ultra may seem outdated—but for budget-conscious users or those holding onto aging hardware, it remains a viable consideration. This analysis breaks down key differences in performance, camera capabilities, display, software support, and real-world usability to determine whether the upgrade delivers meaningful value today.
Performance and Hardware: A Clear Generational Leap
The S10 Plus launched with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820, depending on region—both solid chipsets for their era. The S20 Ultra stepped up significantly with the Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990), offering improved CPU efficiency, faster GPU rendering, and better AI processing. In practical terms, this translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and enhanced gaming performance even by 2025 standards.
RAM configurations also differ: the S10 Plus maxed out at 12GB, while the S20 Ultra offered up to 16GB in select markets. Storage options evolved too, with the S20 Ultra supporting UFS 3.0 compared to the S10 Plus’s UFS 2.1, resulting in faster read/write speeds crucial for large file transfers and app installations.
Display and Design: Brighter, Bigger, and More Future-Proof
Both phones feature curved AMOLED displays, but the S20 Ultra brings major improvements. Its 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, a significant leap from the S10 Plus’s 6.4-inch screen capped at 60Hz. The higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations, and gaming feel dramatically smoother—an advantage that remains relevant in 2025 as high-refresh content becomes standard.
Brightness levels also increased, with the S20 Ultra reaching up to 1500 nits peak brightness versus the S10 Plus’s 1200 nits. This difference enhances outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight. Additionally, the S20 Ultra introduced HDR10+ certification and improved color accuracy, making it a better choice for media consumption.
Design-wise, the S20 Ultra is larger and heavier (220g vs. 198g), which may deter users seeking a compact device. However, its IP68 rating is identical, ensuring equal durability against dust and water.
Camera Comparison: From Great to Flagship-Caliber
The S10 Plus featured a capable triple-camera system: 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. It delivered strong dynamic range and accurate colors, particularly in daylight. The S20 Ultra, however, redefined mobile photography with its 108MP main sensor, periscope-style 100x Space Zoom, and laser autofocus system.
In real-world use, the 108MP mode captures extraordinary detail when lighting is optimal, though default 12MP pixel-binning produces more consistent results. Night mode has also improved, leveraging multi-frame processing for cleaner low-light shots. Video recording jumps from 4K@60fps on the S10 Plus to 8K@24fps on the S20 Ultra—a niche feature in 2025 but still impressive for future-proofing.
“Even five years later, the S20 Ultra’s zoom capability sets it apart. For travel or wildlife photography, that 100x zoom can capture moments no other phone in its class could.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Samsung S10 Plus | Samsung S20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2019 | 2020 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 12GB / 16GB |
| Storage | UFS 2.1 (128GB–1TB) | UFS 3.0 (128GB–512GB) |
| Display | 6.4\" AMOLED, 60Hz | 6.9\" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP + 12MP + 16MP | 108MP + 48MP + 12MP + ToF |
| Zoom | 2x optical | 10x hybrid, 100x digital |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 60fps |
| Battery | 4,100 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 15W wired, 12W wireless | 45W wired, 15W wireless, reverse wireless |
| Software Support (End of Life) | Android 12 (Security updates ended) | Android 13 (Extended security until mid-2025) |
Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Impact
The S20 Ultra’s 5,000mAh battery is nearly 22% larger than the S10 Plus’s 4,100mAh unit. Combined with more efficient power management and adaptive refresh rate technology, this results in consistently longer usage times—often stretching into a second day with moderate use. Users transitioning from the S10 Plus often report needing to charge less frequently, a major quality-of-life improvement.
Charging speeds have also advanced. While the S10 Plus supports 15W fast charging, the S20 Ultra officially supports 45W (though sold without a compatible charger). Wireless charging increases from 12W to 15W, and reverse wireless charging allows the S20 Ultra to power accessories like earbuds or smartwatches—a small but useful addition.
Software and Long-Term Usability in 2025
This is where the decision becomes nuanced. As of 2025, neither device receives major OS updates. The S10 Plus topped out at Android 12, while the S20 Ultra reached Android 13. Security patches are limited: the S20 Ultra may receive occasional updates through mid-2025, whereas the S10 Plus is fully unsupported.
App compatibility remains mostly intact, but emerging apps optimized for Android 14+ features may begin to lag or lack functionality. Google services like Messages, Gmail, and Maps continue to work well, but future AI-driven tools may not run efficiently on older hardware.
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision
Sarah has used her S10 Plus since 2019. By late 2024, she noticed slower app loading, reduced battery life (down to 5 hours screen-on time), and occasional crashes in social media apps. She considered buying a new S24 but found it overpriced for her needs. Instead, she purchased a refurbished S20 Ultra for $280.
The impact was immediate: her screen felt smoother, photos were sharper (especially zoomed shots during family trips), and the larger battery lasted through full workdays. Though she missed some modern AI features, the performance boost and camera gains made the upgrade worthwhile. “It feels like a new phone,” she said. “For less than half the price of a new flagship, I got three more years of reliable use.”
Upgrade Checklist: Is the S20 Ultra Right for You?
- Evaluate current pain points: Is your S10 Plus slow, crashing, or struggling with battery?
- Assess camera needs: Do you value zoom, night mode, or high-resolution photography?
- Check software reliance: Are you dependent on secure apps requiring recent Android versions?
- Consider budget: Can you find an S20 Ultra at a steep discount (refurbished or used)?
- Test real-world usage: Try the S20 Ultra in person if possible—its size and weight are substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the S20 Ultra still supported in 2025?
Limited security updates may be available until mid-2025, primarily for critical vulnerabilities. No further OS upgrades will be released. While functional, it's nearing end-of-life.
Can the S20 Ultra run modern games smoothly?
Yes, most games including Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile run well at medium to high settings. The Snapdragon 865 remains capable, though thermal throttling can occur during extended sessions.
Is the 100x zoom actually usable?
Under ideal conditions—tripod, good light, minimal movement—the 100x zoom can produce recognizable images. However, it's more of a novelty; 10x hybrid zoom offers the best balance of clarity and usability.
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
For most S10 Plus users still relying on their device in 2025, upgrading to the S20 Ultra is a reasonable middle ground—provided it’s acquired at a discounted price. The improvements in display smoothness, camera versatility, battery endurance, and overall responsiveness deliver tangible benefits over a five-year-old flagship.
However, if you prioritize long-term software support, cutting-edge AI features, or 5G performance beyond what the S20 Ultra offers, investing in a newer model like the S23 or S24 would be more future-proof. But for those seeking maximum value without breaking the bank, the S20 Ultra remains a compelling step up from the S10 Plus.
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