Samsung Note 20 Ultra: Plastic Or Glass?

is the note 20 ultra plastic

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra are a series of Android smartphones developed by Samsung Electronics. While the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra uses an extensive amount of glass in its design, the $1,000 Galaxy Note 20 uses a combination of plastic and metal, with the back piece made of plastic. Samsung refers to this as glasstic, a supposedly glass-like plastic that offers a better look and feel than traditional plastic. This decision has been controversial, with some users arguing that plastic should not be used on flagship smartphones, especially considering the price point of the Galaxy Note 20. However, others have praised the device's battery life and performance, despite the use of plastic.

Characteristics Values
Back panel material Reinforced polycarbonate, or "glasstic"
Frame material Anodized aluminum
Front display Infinity-O display with a circular punch hole for the front-facing camera
Rear camera Wide-angle, telephoto, and ultra-wide-angle
Front-facing camera 10 MP
Display resolution 1080 x 2400
Display refresh rate 60 Hz
Display size 6.7-inch
Battery life Long-lasting
Colour options Mystic Bronze, Mystic Green, Mystic Grey, Aura Red (exclusive to SK Telecom in South Korea), Prism Blue (sold in India)
Price USD 999

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 uses plastic, metal, and glasstic

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is an Android phablet smartphone developed by Samsung Electronics as part of their Galaxy Note series. The phone has a combination of plastic, metal, and glasstic components. The back of the phone is made of plastic, while the frame, sides, and buttons are made from metal. Samsung refers to the back panel as reinforced polycarbonate, which has a matte finish in colours such as Mystic Green, Bronze, Grey, and Black.

The use of plastic in the Galaxy Note 20 has been a controversial topic among buyers. While some appreciate the durability and the ability to hide unsightly smudges, most users expect a premium feel with glass on these expensive devices. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, the higher-end model, features an extensive amount of glass in its design, with Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back for improved scratch resistance.

The Galaxy Note 20, priced at $1,000, is marketed as a more affordable option compared to the Ultra model. Samsung opted for a combination of plastic and metal to keep costs down, allowing for a lower price point for buyers. Despite the use of plastic, the Galaxy Note 20 still offers impressive features such as a large 6.7-inch screen, a flat display, and long-lasting battery life.

The phone has received mixed reviews, with some praising the battery life, flat display, and camera quality, while others criticise the price and lack of premium features. The use of plastic, specifically, has been a point of contention, with some buyers expressing disappointment in the material choice for a $1,000 smartphone. However, others have come to appreciate the matte plastic back and the overall design of the phone.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 incorporates plastic, metal, and glasstic elements in its design. While the use of plastic has sparked debates among consumers, the phone still offers a range of features and a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from the higher-end Ultra model.

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The Ultra uses Gorilla Glass Victus

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the first smartphone to feature Gorilla Glass Victus, which succeeds Gorilla Glass 6. The glass is manufactured by Corning, which claims that it offers twice the scratch resistance of Gorilla Glass 6 and up to four times that of competitive aluminosilicate glasses. Corning also claims that the glass can survive 20 one-metre drops on average, compared to 15 for Gorilla Glass 6.

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was put to the test by YouTuber JerryRigEverything, who performed a durability test on the device. The results were impressive, with the phone surviving 11 face-down drops from five feet (1.5 metres) without a single crack on the screen. In another test, the phone was dropped from a height of one metre onto a concrete surface, landing on its back. The glass back panel cracked in the top left corner near the camera module, but the phone was still functional.

In further tests, the phone was dropped on its side and front from a height of 1.45 metres onto a steel surface. While the back of the phone sustained some damage, there were very few cracks on the front of the device. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was also put through ten consecutive drops from a height of 1.5 metres, and it fared surprisingly well, with minimal damage to its functionalities.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra's Gorilla Glass Victus has impressed in controlled drop tests, showing improved durability and scratch resistance compared to its predecessors.

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The plastic Note 20 is cheaper

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is made from a combination of plastic and metal. The back of the phone is plastic, while the frame, sides, and buttons are made from metal. This differs from the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, which has a glass and metal construction. The use of plastic in the Note 20 has been a point of contention for some buyers, as most premium smartphones have adopted glass or metal constructions. Despite this, the plastic construction of the Note 20 does offer some benefits. For example, the plastic back may be a better insulator than glass, and it adds to the device's durability when dropped. Additionally, the plastic construction has allowed Samsung to provide a sleek-looking Mystic Green colour option, which is not available on the Ultra model.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is priced at $1000, which is $300 cheaper than the top-tier Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. This price difference can be partly attributed to the use of plastic in the Note 20's construction. However, some buyers have expressed disappointment with the value offered by the Note 20 at this price point. The phone lacks some premium features, such as a high refresh rate screen and a curved display, which are available on competing devices in the same price range. Additionally, the positioning of the S Pen has been criticised as it can be blocked by the user's palm when writing.

Despite the criticisms, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 does have some standout features. The battery life of the device is exceptionally good, with users reporting that it can last up to 10 hours of screen-on time and 2-3 days without charging in normal use. The camera system of the Note 20 also performs well, with a 12 MP main camera, a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, and a 64 MP telephoto camera. The photos from the Note 20 look fantastic, with amazing dynamic range, great details, and colours that pop without looking fake. The device also supports 5G connectivity and has improved DeX features for remote connections to compatible devices.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is a "cheaper" alternative to the premium Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, thanks in part to its plastic construction. While it may not offer the same level of premium features as its Ultra counterpart, the Note 20 still has some impressive specifications and capabilities. The device delivers exceptional battery life, excellent camera performance, 5G connectivity, and improved software features, making it a competitive option in the smartphone market.

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The Ultra has a curved display

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is an Android phablet smartphone developed by Samsung Electronics as part of their Galaxy Note series. The Note 20 Ultra features a curved display, which is slightly curved at the edges of the screen. This design choice gives the device a ""wow" factor and sets it apart from the Galaxy Note 20, which has a flat display.

The Ultra's curved display offers a unique visual experience and enhances the overall aesthetics of the device. It also allows for a more immersive viewing experience, with minimal bezels and a tiny punch hole for the front-facing camera. This combination of features brings the Note 20 Ultra closer to a "full-screen display" design.

While some users appreciate the curved display, others may find it challenging to handle due to the reduced space for resting fingers. Additionally, the curved edges may pose compatibility issues with certain screen protectors and cases. Nevertheless, the curved display is a distinctive feature that contributes to the premium look and feel of the Note 20 Ultra.

In contrast to the Galaxy Note 20, which has a plastic back and a metal frame, the Note 20 Ultra features a glass and metal construction. The Ultra model utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, offering improved scratch resistance and durability. This combination of materials and the curved display elevate the Note 20 Ultra as the premium model in the Galaxy Note series.

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The plastic Note 20 has a better battery life

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is constructed from a combination of plastic and metal. The back of the phone is plastic, while the frame, sides, and buttons are made from metal. The plastic back gives the phone a leg up on the Note 20 Ultra, as it enables Samsung to offer a sleek-looking Mystic Green colour option. The plastic back is also a better insulator than glass and hides unsightly smudges, adding to the device's durability.

The Galaxy Note 20 has been criticized for its high price of $1,000, which is relatively expensive for a plastic phone. However, its battery life is stellar. One user even tried to drain the battery with over seven hours of screen-on time in one day, including GPS and standalone Android Auto use, and the phone didn't even flinch. It should be possible to break 10 hours of screen-on time with the Note 20, and users can regularly go 2-3 days without charging the phone with normal use. The 25W charging rate also tops the phone up quickly, and wireless charging is also an option.

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is constructed from Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, with an aluminium frame. The Ultra model is more expensive at $1,300, and its screen has a higher refresh rate than the standard Note 20. The Ultra model is aimed at die-hard Galaxy Note fans and power users, while the standard Note 20 has more ordinary appeal.

Despite the criticism of its price, the Galaxy Note 20's plastic construction has its advantages, including improved durability and insulation. The plastic back also enables Samsung to offer a wider range of colours. Most importantly, the plastic Note 20 has a better battery life, allowing users to go multiple days without charging.

Frequently asked questions

No, the Note 20 Ultra is not made of plastic. The back panel is made of reinforced polycarbonate, or Gorilla Glass Victus, depending on the source. The frame is made of stainless steel.

Yes, the standard Note 20 has a plastic back, though the frame and buttons are made of metal.

Samsung opted to build the Galaxy Note 20 out of a combination of plastic and metal to keep costs down.

Some reviewers have criticised the use of plastic on a $1000 phone. However, others have praised the device's battery life and durability, arguing that the plastic back is not an issue.

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