The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, being the top model in Samsung's next flagship series, still won't offer 5G connectivity by default everywhere, just in case you'll want to save some extra cash before committing to another premium smartphone. That's according to a newly published certificates from the Federal Communications Commission mentioning several variants of what are believed to be the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Referring to Samsung devices identified as SM-N985F and SM-N986B, both in single- and dual-SIM variants, the attestation confirms an LTE-5G split across the entirety of the Galaxy Note 20 series.
While all variants of the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra sold in the U.S. will use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865+ chip with a built-in 5G modem called the Snapdragon X55M, some variants offered by Samsung will have that functionality disabled. The handset will obviously be sold in markets where 5G networks aren't live so offering 5G support there wouldn't really be necessary.
Galaxy S20 series had the LTE-5G split too
This mobile technology split also happened with the company's Galaxy S flagships this year. Even though the Galaxy S20 series was the first fully 5G enabled lineup from Samsung, it was still offered in LTE-only in countries where no 5G networks exist.
As a side note, today's certificates also confirm all Galaxy Note 20 models will feature Wi-Fi 6 support, which may actually mean something by the time these devices become available for purchase given how 802.11ax routers are finally becoming more widely available.
Based on the model numbers mentioned, the certificate also adds further credence to today's report about the Galaxy Note 20 line using the Snapdragon 865+ over Samsung's own Exynos 990 chip in its home country, further adding to the humiliation it's said to be enduring over that state of affairs.