Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Holds Unique Place in Tech History

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra remains a landmark device five years after its launch. It was the first Galaxy S Ultra model and featured revolutionary camera technology. This phone also carries a unique distinction in Samsung’s chipset history.

It marks the final time a Galaxy S phone used a custom CPU core designed by Samsung. This detail makes the device a collector’s piece for mobile tech enthusiasts. According to Reuters, Samsung’s chip division shifted strategies shortly after this phone’s release.

The Legacy of the Mongoose M5 CPU Core

Samsung’s Exynos division developed custom CPU cores under the Mongoose brand. The Galaxy S20 Ultra was powered by the Mongoose M5 core inside the Exynos 990 chipset. This was Samsung’s last attempt at using its own custom CPU design.

The Exynos 990 chip faced criticism for performance and efficiency issues. Despite these problems, the M5 core represents a significant technological endeavor. It showcased Samsung’s ambition to compete with Apple’s custom silicon.

This chip also powered the final Note series device, the Note 20 Ultra. Thus, the Mongoose M5 core bookends two important Samsung product lines. Its legacy is tied to both beginnings and endings in Samsung’s history.

Why Samsung Abandoned Custom CPU Cores

Developing competitive custom CPU cores proved extremely challenging. The technical hurdles and development costs were substantial. Samsung decided to pivot to using more standardized ARM designs in subsequent chips.

This strategic shift allowed Samsung to focus on other aspects of chip design. Newer Exynos processors have shown improved performance and efficiency. They no longer carry the baggage of the Exynos 990 era.

The Galaxy S20 Ultra now stands as a testament to a different technological approach. It represents both Samsung’s ambitions and the practical realities of chip development. For collectors, it remains a fascinating chapter in mobile history.

The Galaxy S20 Ultra’s place in smartphone history is secure. Its unique hardware ensures it will be remembered long after newer models fade. This device captures a pivotal moment in Samsung’s technological evolution.

Dropping this nugget your way

What made the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s processor special?

It featured Samsung’s last custom CPU core, the Mongoose M5. This was developed in-house by Samsung’s chip division. No Galaxy S phone since has used a custom Samsung CPU core.

Was the Exynos 990 chip considered good?

The Exynos 990 received mixed reviews upon release. It was criticized for overheating and battery efficiency issues. However, it represented Samsung’s ambitious push into custom silicon.

How long did Samsung support the Galaxy S20 Ultra?

Samsung provided software support for the S20 Ultra until early 2024. The device received four major Android OS updates. This matched Samsung’s update policy for flagship devices at the time.

What was the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s standout feature?

Its 100x “Space Zoom” camera was the most marketed feature. It also introduced the 108MP main sensor to the Galaxy lineup. The phone established the design language for future Ultra models.

Why did Samsung stop making custom CPU cores?

The development costs and technical challenges were significant. Samsung found better value using ARM’s reference designs. This allowed them to focus resources on other chip components.