Galaxy Note 10 Plus vs Note 20 Ultra: Which Reigns?
Struggling to decide between the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus and the Note 20 Ultra? You’re not alone. Both phones represent the pinnacle of Samsung’s Note series, packed with features and power. This comparison dives deep to help you make the right choice for your needs and budget.
The Galaxy Note 10 Plus, while older, remains a formidable contender. It boasts a stunning display and a refined design that still turns heads. However, the Note 20 Ultra ups the ante with cutting-edge technology and enhanced performance, promising a superior experience.
We’ll examine key aspects like design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. Whether you’re a long-time Note enthusiast or new to the stylus-toting world, this comparison of the galaxy note 10 plus vs note 20 ultra will provide valuable insights to inform your decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Galaxy Note 10 Plus | Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.8 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3040 pixels | 1440 x 3200 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855/Exynos 9825 | Snapdragon 865+/Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB/16GB |
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 16MP + ToF | 108MP + 12MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 4300 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| S Pen | Bluetooth, Air actions | Bluetooth, Air actions, Lower latency |
| 5G | Optional | Yes |
| Release Year | 2019 | 2020 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Galaxy Note 10 Plus: Features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. However, it lacks the 120Hz refresh rate found in the Note 20 Ultra.
- Note 20 Ultra: Boasts a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels. This results in smoother scrolling and animations. The display is brighter and offers improved color accuracy compared to the Note 10 Plus.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Processor
- Galaxy Note 10 Plus: Utilizes either a Snapdragon 855 (US) or Exynos 9825 (International) processor, both providing strong performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Performance is still good, but it’s older technology.
- Note 20 Ultra: Equipped with either a Snapdragon 865+ (US) or Exynos 990 (International) processor. These processors offer significant performance improvements, particularly in graphics-intensive applications and multitasking.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Camera System
- Galaxy Note 10 Plus: Features a versatile triple-lens rear camera system with a 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultrawide lens. Offers good image quality in various lighting conditions. However, it lacks some of the advanced features and zoom capabilities of the Note 20 Ultra.
- Note 20 Ultra: Boasts a more advanced camera system, including a 108MP main, 12MP periscope telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, and a laser autofocus system. It offers significantly improved zoom capabilities and image quality, especially in low light.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
S Pen
- Galaxy Note 10 Plus: The S Pen offers a comfortable grip and features air gestures. The latency is decent.
- Note 20 Ultra: The S Pen has significantly reduced latency (9ms) and new features like air actions.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Battery
- Galaxy Note 10 Plus: Comes with a 4300mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are competitive, but not as fast as the Note 20 Ultra.
- Note 20 Ultra: Includes a 4500mAh battery. Offers similar battery life with the Note 10 Plus with the added benefits of fast charging and optimized software.
- Winner: Note 20 Ultra
Design
- Galaxy Note 10 Plus: Features a sleek and premium design with a glass back and metal frame. It’s a visually appealing device with a comfortable in-hand feel.
- Note 20 Ultra: Maintains a premium design, but with a boxier shape and larger camera bump. The finish and materials used are slightly different.
- Winner: Tie
Storage & RAM
- Galaxy Note 10 Plus: Available with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage with microSD card support. Offers ample storage options for most users.
- Note 20 Ultra: Offers similar RAM and storage configurations to the Note 10 Plus, still with microSD card support.
- Winner: Tie
Price & Availability
- Galaxy Note 10 Plus: Generally available at lower prices on the used market.
- Note 20 Ultra: Typically more expensive.
- Winner: Galaxy Note 10 Plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Note 20 Ultra |
| Performance | Note 20 Ultra |
| Camera | Note 20 Ultra |
| Battery Life | Note 20 Ultra |
| S Pen | Note 20 Ultra |
| Value | Galaxy Note 10 Plus |
What They Have in Common
- S Pen: Both phones feature the iconic S Pen stylus, offering precise control and various productivity features.
- Amoled Display: Both devices boast vibrant and immersive AMOLED displays, delivering rich colors and deep blacks.
- Wireless Charging: Both support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, offering peace of mind.
- Samsung Ecosystem: Both seamlessly integrate with the broader Samsung ecosystem, including DeX and SmartThings.
Galaxy Note 10 Plus Vs Note 20 Ultra Buying Guide
Performance Showdown
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra boasts a significantly more powerful processor than the Note 10 Plus, offering a noticeable performance leap. The Note 20 Ultra handles demanding tasks, such as gaming and video editing, with greater ease and efficiency, thanks to its newer chipset. The Note 10 Plus, while still capable, may show signs of slowdown or lag in comparison. The Note 20 Ultra’s enhanced RAM options further contribute to its superior multitasking capabilities, offering a smoother user experience.
Display and Design Differences
The Note 20 Ultra features a larger and more vibrant display with a dynamic refresh rate, providing a smoother scrolling experience. The design also sees some changes, with the Note 20 Ultra adopting a more angular, modern aesthetic, while the Note 10 Plus retains a more rounded, classic look. Both phones offer stunning displays, but the Note 20 Ultra’s improvements in both display quality and design elevate the viewing experience, making it more immersive and visually appealing.
Camera Capabilities Comparison
The camera systems on both phones are impressive, but the Note 20 Ultra takes the lead with its enhanced features and improved sensors. It offers a higher megapixel count, improved zoom capabilities, and features like 8K video recording. The Note 10 Plus has a great camera, but the Note 20 Ultra provides superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The Note 20 Ultra’s ability to capture more detail and offer advanced features makes it the winner in this category.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
The Note 20 Ultra generally offers slightly better battery life, though it varies based on usage. It also supports faster charging speeds, allowing for quicker replenishment of the battery. The Note 10 Plus has a decent battery life, but it may require more frequent charging. The Note 20 Ultra’s improvements in battery efficiency and charging speed provide a more convenient experience for users, especially those who are constantly on the go.
S Pen Functionality and Features
Both phones come with an S Pen, but the Note 20 Ultra offers improvements in latency, making the writing experience feel even more responsive and natural. The Note 20 Ultra’s S Pen also introduces new air gestures and other features, enhancing the overall functionality and productivity. The Note 10 Plus’s S Pen is still very capable, but the enhancements in the Note 20 Ultra’s S Pen make it a more enjoyable tool for note-taking, drawing, and navigation.
Price and Value Analysis
The Galaxy Note 10 Plus is now available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. While the Note 20 Ultra offers significant upgrades, its higher price reflects its advanced features and performance. Consider your budget and priorities when deciding. If you’re seeking the latest technology and are willing to pay a premium, the Note 20 Ultra is the better choice. If you’re looking for great value and still want a premium experience, the Note 10 Plus is a solid option.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Galaxy Note 10 Plus If…
- You want a premium phone at a potentially lower price point.
- You value a slightly more compact design.
- You are satisfied with the performance of the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9825.
- You don’t need the latest camera technology.
Buy Note 20 Ultra If…
- You desire the best possible performance and features.
- You prioritize the latest camera technology and improved zoom capabilities.
- You want a display with a higher refresh rate.
- You want future-proofing with 5G connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The Note 20 Ultra has a much more powerful processor. It handles demanding tasks with greater ease, offering a significantly smoother performance compared to the Note 10 Plus. The Note 20 Ultra’s superior chip allows for faster app loading, better multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience, particularly noticeable in gaming and video editing.
How does the camera compare between the two phones?
The Note 20 Ultra has a more advanced camera system with a higher megapixel count, improved zoom capabilities, and features like 8K video recording. The Note 10 Plus has a great camera, but the Note 20 Ultra provides superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions, and offers more versatile shooting options.
Is the display significantly different?
Yes, the Note 20 Ultra features a larger and more vibrant display with a dynamic refresh rate. This translates to a smoother scrolling experience and more immersive viewing. The Note 10 Plus has a great display, but the Note 20 Ultra’s is superior in terms of smoothness and visual fidelity.
What about battery life and charging?
The Note 20 Ultra generally offers slightly better battery life and supports faster charging speeds. The Note 10 Plus has a decent battery, but the Note 20 Ultra’s improvements in battery efficiency and charging speed provide a more convenient experience, particularly for heavy users.
How has the S Pen improved in the Note 20 Ultra?
The Note 20 Ultra’s S Pen has reduced latency, making the writing experience feel more responsive and natural. It also introduces new air gestures and enhanced features, adding to its functionality. The Note 10 Plus’s S Pen is still great, but the Note 20 Ultra’s S Pen is enhanced.
Which phone is a better value for the money?
The Galaxy Note 10 Plus is now available at a lower price, making it a better value for budget-conscious consumers. The Note 20 Ultra offers enhanced features and performance, at a higher price. The best value depends on your budget and desired features.
Which phone is better overall?
The Note 20 Ultra is the better phone overall, offering superior performance, camera capabilities, and display quality. However, the Note 10 Plus remains a strong contender, especially considering its lower price point and still-excellent features.
Final Verdict
While the Galaxy Note 10 Plus remains a capable device, the Note 20 Ultra offers significant improvements across the board. From the display and performance to the camera and S Pen, the Note 20 Ultra delivers a more premium and enhanced experience. The Note 20 Ultra’s advanced features and performance make it the clear winner in this comparison.
Winner: Galaxy Note 20 Ultra