Today we have to talk about one of the best devices launched in recent months in the mobile device market, in this case, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The Korean brand has been surprising the sector for years with mobiles that are up-to-date in technology. An example, also very recent, is the Samsung Galaxy S20 , another device that meets all the expectations placed on the latest generation of smartphones. Thus, in the first part of this article, we will do a fairly general review of the features of the new Samsung Note.

Although, as we already know, new technologies advance by leaps and bounds and it is logical that companies begin to collaborate to offer unique services. This is the case of Microsoft and Samsung itself, who have worked so that this device has the most similar characteristics to that of a video console. To do this, they have introduced the possibility of using the Xbox Game Pass through an App on the mobile. In the second part of this text we will show you the operation of this system and the possibilities of use together with the Xbox wireless controller.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Features: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: we turned it into a game console!

Next we are going to do a little review of the characteristics of this mobile phone. Taking into account that it is one of the latest models of the brand, and that it has a fairly high price, we expect a device with unique features on the market.

Design, an impressive mobile in every way

After seeing the mobile, the first impression we have had has been very shocking, both in a good way and in a bad way. At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a striking mobile, with an elegant presence and with finishes of a quality to match. However, the sophistication that they seem to have wanted to implement also makes it a somewhat uncomfortable smartphone. The curved and straight lines alternate throughout the design and make it excessively serious. However, this does not have to be a problem, since it is a device designed for a more adult audience, like most Notes from the Samsung brand.

As for the finishes, it is a smooth device and, again, sophisticated. Compared to previous models of the brand, Samsung has made practical changes, such as a relocation of the side buttons, which are now on the right side. The S Pen has also changed its place, going to be in the lower left part, although this does not affect the use of the device excessively, it is just a matter of adapting. We must also talk about its size and weight, 77.2 x 164.8 x 8.1 mm (width x height x depth) and 208 grams, a standard device that is very comfortable.

But if there is something we wanted to highlight, it is the camera module (which we will talk about in the next section) from the point of view of its design. It should be appreciated that it is made of glass with a matte finish, because it makes it especially visually attractive. However, it is too exaggerated, it stands out too much and it takes the value of all the appeal of the mobile. But we know that this is a matter of taste, and if you are a person in whom elegance prevails, you will have your greatest ally in this model.

Screen and cameras

The technology of the screen is a very important point for this review. Our goal is to turn this phone into a portable console, so it is essential that the game looks good and is fluid. We are facing a 6.9-inch screen with Samsung’s Dynamic Amoled system, as well as a 3,088 x 1,440 resolution with a pixel density of 496. It is an amazing screen, but it does not represent any advance over the Note 20. It achieves the full screen effect thanks to the curvature of the frame and the distribution of the modules, but again there is no great change. We do not want to say that it is a bad screen, in fact, it is one of the best on the market, but we expected a broader bet.

 

In relation to the game, the device has the option to adapt to the needs of 144 Hz, so that the fluidity and technical aspects can stand out. However, as we will develop later, it has certain limitations that ruin part of the experience. However, it has the option of 60 Hz for a standard use that improves the fluidity in the day-to-day of any user.

As for the cameras, the main one is 108 megapixels with a medium sensor aperture of f / 8 and an OIS optical stabilizer. A 12 megapixel wide-angle sensor with which we can be very creative when creating images. Also a 12 megapixel telephoto lens with which to take photos from a great distance. Finally, as for the rear cameras, we must highlight the Auto Focus laser focus. Regarding the front camera, a general 10-megapixel sensor with which to take high-quality selfies will not be a complicated task. Next, we leave you a gallery of images testing the camera of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

Performance and operating system

An Exynos 990 processor and 12 GB of RAM is Samsung’s bet for its new Note. It’s enough? It is true that it is not a novelty compared to other high-end models of the brand, but it must be admitted that it is a great combination. It ensures great performance for a phone that is going to have to endure hours and hours of professional, creative or leisure use.

The operating system is the latest model from the Korean company itself. One UI 2.5 is simple and intuitive and, in addition, it does not require the installation of third-party Apps, which is appreciated. It has everything necessary to comply with the claims that users had made on previous smartphones of the brand.

Internal memory, connectivity and battery

When it comes to internal memory, we’ve long abandoned low-storage cell phones. Even so, it is important to note that this device has 256 GB of base memory, which can be increased to 512 with an SD card. Keep in mind that this is a mobile for professional use and, now, also for entertainment with the Game Pass option that we are going to focus on now.

Connectivity is state of the art, unsurprisingly. Traditional connections, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, are accompanied by established novelties, such as NFC, or Samsung’s ANT +, which interacts very well with sports devices.

Finally, the 4500 mAh battery of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. It promises a very wide durability, which will vary depending on the use we make of the device, both at that moment and over time. However, the full charge takes just over an hour, so it will be difficult to run out of phone at a bad time.

The Xbox Game Pass on the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

One of the novelties that this device brings us is the collaboration with the Microsoft company. Specifically, Samsung has introduced the ability to download the Xbox Game Pass application. For those who do not know how this service works, it consists of access to a very wide catalog of video games from Microsoft itself, or other titles on which they have obtained their rights. To do this, users must pay a subscription of € 9.99 and have a device capable of playing and supporting said video games. This is where the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra comes in, which is specially prepared for this function. Next, we are going to talk about several highlights:

Assembly tutorial

In order to fully enjoy this service, there are several pieces that we must have. The first, the mobile phone, in addition, an Xbox controller with Bluetooth, and, in addition, an adapter to fit the first two. The preparation is quite simple; The first thing is to link the mobile and the controller through the wireless connection. To do this, we must turn on the remote and activate the Smartphone’s Bluetooth. Then you need to press the button on the top of the remote that is used to link the device. Finally, you have to activate the connection between both devices from the same mobile.

After this first step, it only remains to join the pieces. The first thing is to fit the adapter and the control, and although it costs a bit, it is a simple step and should remain with the shape that you will see in the next images. Finally, we slide the extender and place the mobile phone as centrally as possible. With this we can now enjoy the control of the smartphone through the controller and thus play the many games of the Game Pass.

Catalogue: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: we turned it into a game console!

Admittedly, it is very broad. Microsoft is a company that has its own titles of high quality and quite recognizable, such as Minecraft, PUBG, or the Halo and Forza sagas. But the thing does not stop there, since they have bought the rights to numerous individual titles and sagas that can also be played on this service. Resident Evil VII, Batman Arkham Night, Dishonored or Hollow Knight, very different games that are also available.

There is a very important factor that we must take into account, and it is the factor of saving in the cloud . This is the video game option of interest for use with the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, since we need a storage place for video game development. The catalog with this option is still very large and rich in titles, but it must be taken into account that not everyone will have this option.

The gameplay and its problems: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: we turned it into a game console!

When it comes to playing, we have noticed a series of drawbacks that we cannot let go of. We are talking about FPS drops and the screen sweeps that the device performs to recover a quality cap as soon as possible. This fact freezes the image for milliseconds, but in certain games that can make a difference. We did the test in a shooting video game, and aiming was very difficult at times. It is true that playing other titles that required less power, the experience was much more bearable and we enjoyed it a lot. It is comfortable, portable and with many possibilities, so this set of pieces can become a very viable option for those who want to enjoy the Xbox Game Pass without purchasing a console or a computer.

Availability and price of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: we turned it into a game console!

Is this device worth it as a portable console? The truth is yes. Not all games perform 100%, and some of them are not within the cloud save option. However, the catalog is very extensive and the service is quite affordable. If we want to invest in a quality mobile phone, which also serves to complete the leisure that video games can provide, this is a good combination. However, if you expect it to have the performance of a console or a PC, it is very possible that you will be disappointed with the final results. You should assess what your objectives are and the investment you can make. Here are some links to buy from different stores: