Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra remains a legendary powerhouse for South African buyers who want absolute “Ultra” tier features—like a massive 108MP camera, an incredible 100x Space Zoom, and a gorgeous, expansive display—at the price of a modern entry-level budget phone.

Here is what you need to know about tracking down a Galaxy S20 Ultra and navigating its pricing structure in South Africa.

The Price Tag: Ultimate Flagship Power on a Budget

With entry-level pricing kicking off right around ZAR 5,000, the Galaxy S20 Ultra offers jaw-dropping value for the sheer amount of hardware packed inside. For this baseline cost, you are generally looking at high-quality pre-owned or refurbished models in good physical condition. If you are hunting for a certified refurbished unit in immaculate, “like-new” condition with pristine battery health and minimal cosmetic wear, prices typically range from ZAR 5,500 to ZAR 7,500+.

Your final out-of-pocket cost will shift depending on a few key factors:

• Refurbishment Grade: Units are priced strictly on appearance (e.g., minor scratches on the metal frame vs. a completely flawless body).

• Storage Variants: Prices vary slightly depending on whether you secure the standard 128GB variant or track down the massive 512GB storage version.

• Regional Clearance Stock: Because this is a legacy ultra-flagship, physical stores in different provinces frequently run independent clearance drives to empty out remaining backroom inventory.

Where to Buy: South African Stockists

Since the S20 Ultra is an older top-tier flagship, you won’t find it brand new on the front tables of carrier shops. Instead, it is primarily available through online refurbishers, major retail clearance hubs, and flexible store-account channels.

1. Online Platforms & E-Commerce

Digital storefronts offer the most reliable stock consistency and color options for older premium flagships:

• Takealot: The primary destination for finding certified third-party cellular refurbishers who back their devices with standard customer return policies and warranties.

• Hi Online: The e-commerce gateway for the TFG group, which regularly features online-exclusive tech clearance specials.

2. Specialized Tech & Superstores

Excellent options if you want to walk into a brick-and-mortar outlet to inspect the device’s camera lenses or pair your purchase with nationwide rewards programs:

• HiFi Corp & Game: Renowned for their “open box” tech tables and localized clearance sections where older premium stock is heavily discounted for cash buyers.

• Makro: A great warehouse stop for tracking down remaining previous-generation inventory bundled with competitive tech deals.

• Cellucity & 4U: Specialist mall-based cellular stores that frequently handle high-quality corporate trade-ins, offering premium, thoroughly tested pre-owned flagships.

3. Retail & Clothing Accounts (Flexible Financing)

If you prefer to leverage an existing retail line of credit rather than paying the full cash amount upfront, the S20 Ultra is accessible across major retail groups:

• Foschini & Mr Price: Highly convenient if you want to use your active store clothing account card to split the balance over predictable monthly terms.

• PEP & Ackermans: While famous for budget prepaid devices, their larger central branches occasionally feature high-tier, pre-owned flagship devices on special deals.

4. Network Providers & Distribution Partners

While standard carrier contracts focus on the latest S-series generation, budget-focused contract upgrades and pre-owned deals pop up through:

• MTN

• Chatz Connect (Vodacom partner channel)

Pro Tip: The Galaxy S20 Ultra features a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display and a large, prominent rear camera module. Because replacement parts for the Ultra series are notoriously expensive, it is highly recommended to invest a portion of your savings into a premium, heavy-duty protective case and a tempered glass screen protector right away.