Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 Ultra
Starting at
£269.45£1,199.99 new
iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 13?
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 13 starts at £249.06, £20.39 less than the Galaxy S20 Ultra. The iPhone 13 is the newer model, released in 2021.
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- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3240 mAh.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 specs
The Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 13 offer distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The Galaxy S20 Ultra features a larger and higher resolution screen with a faster refresh rate, a bigger battery, and more RAM, which suits users who want a spacious display and multitasking power. The iPhone 13 has a smaller, lighter design with 5G support and multiple storage options, fitting those who prioritise network speed and varied storage capacities. Camera capabilities differ greatly, with the Galaxy focusing on high megapixel counts while the iPhone 13 balances that with a simpler setup. Both devices are unlocked for flexible carrier use, but the Galaxy supports dual physical SIM cards and expandable storage, while the iPhone uses a physical SIM and eSIM without a memory card slot.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 price
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Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system shape daily use and longevity. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a larger battery and runs Android, while the iPhone 13 uses iOS 15 and a smaller battery. These differences matter for how long each device lasts on a charge and the type of software experience you prefer.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which provides more capacity for longer usage between charges. This suits users who want extended screen time or use power-hungry apps. The iPhone 13 has a 3240 mAh battery, which fits well for everyday use and typical daily routines where frequent charging is less of a concern.
Operating System
The Galaxy S20 Ultra runs on Android, offering flexibility and customisation options for users familiar with that platform. The iPhone 13 operates on iOS 15, providing a smooth and consistent experience for those who prefer Apple's ecosystem and software features.
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Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 performance
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Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 screen
Screen size, resolution, and refresh rate affect how you experience media and interact with your device. The Galaxy S20 Ultra offers a larger, sharper, and smoother display, while the iPhone 13 presents a smaller screen with good resolution and OLED technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a 6.9 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a resolution of 1440 by 3200 pixels, making it ideal for watching videos or reading with more detail and space. The iPhone 13's 6.1 inch OLED screen at 1170 by 2532 pixels provides a compact but sharp display suited to those who prefer a smaller phone for easier one-handed use.
Refresh Rate
With a 120 Hz refresh rate, the Galaxy S20 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations, which enhances the experience for gaming and browsing. The iPhone 13's 60 Hz refresh rate delivers standard smoothness suitable for everyday use and video playback without the higher frame rate effects.
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Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 camera
Camera resolution is a key factor for photography and video calls. The Galaxy S20 Ultra offers high megapixel counts on both front and main cameras, while the iPhone 13 maintains lower but consistent megapixels for straightforward photo capture.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S20 Ultra features a 108 megapixel main camera, which captures images with a great level of detail, suitable for users who want high-resolution photos for cropping or large prints. The iPhone 13 has a 12 megapixel main camera that balances quality and simplicity for everyday photography.
Front Camera
With a 40 megapixel front camera, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is well suited for detailed selfies and video calls that benefit from higher resolution. The iPhone 13's 12 megapixel front camera provides clear images for typical selfie and video chat needs.
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Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 size and design
Several other differences affect how each phone fits your lifestyle, such as network support, size, storage, and connectivity options.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 13 supports 5G, offering faster network speeds where available. The Galaxy S20 Ultra supports 4G, which remains sufficient for many users but does not provide 5G connectivity.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, giving you flexibility in how much data you can keep. The Galaxy S20 Ultra offers 128GB storage and also includes a microSDXC card slot, allowing you to expand storage with a memory card if needed.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S20 Ultra supports dual physical SIM cards, suitable for people who want to manage two mobile numbers with physical cards. The iPhone 13 uses one physical SIM and an eSIM, which can be convenient for switching plans without swapping cards.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S20 Ultra is larger and heavier at 166.9 mm tall, 76 mm wide, 8.8 mm deep, and 222 g. The iPhone 13 is more compact and lighter, measuring 146.7 mm by 71.5 mm by 7.7 mm and weighing 174 g, which suits users who prefer a smaller, easier-to-handle phone.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S20 Ultra uses a USB-C connector, common for many modern devices and accessories. The iPhone 13 has a Lightning connector, which is standard for Apple devices and accessories.
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Galaxy S20 Ultra or iPhone 13: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3240 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £249.06, £20.39 less than the Galaxy S20 Ultra
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025)
- you want 5G
What our customers say
Customers who buy the Galaxy S20 Ultra often praise its condition, camera quality, and battery life. Many find it works well after setup and appreciate the large screen and speed. Some mention the phone looks brand new and performs as expected. A few note minor issues like leftover data or screen problems, but overall users are happy with the phone's performance and value.
Buyers of the iPhone 13 highlight its excellent condition, battery health, and reliable performance. Many say the phone looks like new and runs smoothly, with easy setup and a pleasing size. The iPhone 13 suits those who appreciate a straightforward experience and consistent operation. Some mention getting a new battery fitted, which helps the phone feel like new. A small number report issues with network connection but most find the phone dependable.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra fits users who want a larger display, higher megapixel cameras, and expandable storage. In contrast, the iPhone 13 suits buyers who prefer a lighter, smaller phone with 5G support and multiple storage capacities. Both devices receive positive feedback for condition and reliability when refurbished.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 FAQs
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3240 mAh.
The iPhone 13 is cheaper refurbished, from £249.06 compared with £269.45 for the Galaxy S20 Ultra.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3240 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 Ultra ended in Mar 2025. The iPhone 13 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 Ultra comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 13 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
