Samsung Galaxy Note20 series debuts in the UAE: here's what to expect

Note20 Ultra starts at Dh4,499, with expensive models priced at more than Dh5,200

Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra was launched globally on August 5. Courtesy Samsung

Sales of Samsung’s Galaxy Note20 series begin in the UAE today. The South Korean smartphone giant's new series offers two 5G-enabled devices –  Note20 and Note20 Ultra.

With longer-lasting batteries, a more fluid stylus, enhanced security and better syncing across devices, the new phones are expected to boost sales and add to Samsung's overall bottom line.

Technology commentators consider the Note20 Ultra to be one of the best Android phones available in the market.

The National had a first look at a Note20 Ultra before its local launch. Here is what to expect from Samsung's latest device:

A treat for big screen lovers

The Note20 Ultra is best described as a phablet – a phone-plus-tablet. Weighing only 208 grams, it comes with a 17.52-centimetre curved display. The 120Hz screen refresh rate is more advanced than the company’s first attempt – S20 series that was launched in February. Scrolling down the screen feels easy when adaptive motion smoothness setting is enabled.

How cool are the cameras?

Note20 Ultra has three cameras on the back – a 108MP wide-angle camera and two 12MP telephoto and ultra-wide cameras. Addressing one of the biggest issues with Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung has also added a laser sensor to adjust the focus on its own. For video lovers, the new phone’s 8K camera gives users access to ultra-high resolution and a professional quality video experience. Users can also try powerful pro video mode with pro-grade focus, audio, exposure and zoom speed controls.

How big is the battery?

A 4,500 milliampere hours battery promises enough juice to last for almost a day. With a super-fast charging feature, it can be charged by up to 50 per cent in just 30 minutes. Although, it is smaller than the S20 Ultra's 5,000-mAh battery, it performed well on the testing day.

There wasn't a major drain even after playing games for nearly an hour, navigating Google Maps for about two hours and making video and audio calls for more than an hour.

What about the bump caused by the camera?

It can be annoying for some users. Even when you put the phone on a smooth surface, the phone actually shakes when you use the stylus S Pen to write or draw something on the screen.

Though the curved display looks stylish sometimes it leads to unintentional clicks while holding the phone.

Is it time to upgrade?

Industry analysts say someone with a Note10+ should not be itching to upgrade.

"This year, it is more of an iteration than a massive jump … anybody who has a Note10+ has no compelling reason to upgrade to Ultra. But for somebody with an older Note, the new phone is a fantastic option," Abbas Ali, managing editor of TechRadar Middle East, told The National.

How much does the Note20 Ultra cost?

Its starting price in the UAE is set at Dh4,499 and prices can rise  beyond Dh5,200. Bookings started on August 5, when the device was launched globally. It also offers larger memory capacity - 8GB RAM to 12GB RAM and 128GB to 512GB of storage.