Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs Note 20: Which Note Reigns?
Looking for the ultimate productivity powerhouse? The Samsung Galaxy Note series has long been the gold standard for those who demand more from their smartphones. But with two titans vying for the top spot, choosing between the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the Note 20 can feel like a tough call.
This in-depth comparison dives into every aspect of these flagship phones, from their stunning displays and powerful processors to their versatile camera systems and innovative S Pens. We’ll explore the key differences and similarities, helping you determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
Get ready to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of each phone, and discover whether the premium features of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra justify its higher price tag, or if the Note 20 offers a more compelling value proposition. Let the battle of the Notes begin!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Note 20 Ultra | Note 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.9 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED Plus |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3088 pixels | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB + microSD | 128GB / 256GB + microSD |
| Main Camera | 108MP + 12MP + 12MP | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Battery Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| S Pen | Included, improved latency | Included |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Features a stunning 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth scrolling and visuals. It also has a higher resolution. Pros: Superior visual experience. Cons: Higher power consumption.
- Note 20: Sports a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 60Hz refresh rate. While still vibrant, it lacks the ultra’s fluidity and resolution. Pros: More power efficient. Cons: Less smooth scrolling and lower resolution.
- Winner: Ultra
Camera System
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Boasts a versatile triple-lens rear camera system headlined by a 108MP wide-angle lens, along with a periscope telephoto lens offering impressive optical zoom. Pros: Exceptional image quality and zoom capabilities. Cons: Bulky camera bump.
- Note 20: Comes with a triple-lens rear camera system, including a 12MP main lens, but lacks the telephoto zoom capabilities of the Ultra. Pros: Still capable camera system. Cons: Reduced zoom range.
- Winner: Ultra
S Pen
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Offers a significantly improved S Pen with lower latency (9ms), making it feel more responsive and natural for writing and drawing. Pros: Enhanced S Pen experience. Cons: None significant.
- Note 20: Includes the S Pen, but with slightly higher latency than the Ultra. Pros: Still a functional S Pen. Cons: Slightly less responsive feel.
- Winner: Ultra
Processor
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Powered by the latest Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990 processor (depending on the region), offering top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming. Pros: Blazing fast performance. Cons: Can get hot under heavy loads.
- Note 20: Equipped with the same Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990 processor, providing excellent performance, though potentially slightly less optimized due to differences in other components. Pros: Powerful performance. Cons: Similar thermal concerns.
- Winner: Tie
RAM and Storage
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Comes with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for files. Pros: More RAM and storage options. Cons: Higher cost.
- Note 20: Offers 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. Pros: Still sufficient RAM and storage for most users. Cons: Less storage and RAM compared to Ultra.
- Winner: Ultra
Design and Build
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Features a premium design with a glass back and stainless steel frame, offering a more luxurious feel. Pros: Premium materials and design. Cons: More prone to fingerprints.
- Note 20: Has a plastic back, offering a more durable but less premium feel. Pros: More durable. Cons: Less premium feel.
- Winner: Ultra
Battery Life
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Packs a 4500mAh battery, which provides decent battery life, but can be impacted by the power-hungry display. Pros: Reasonable battery life. Cons: Can drain quickly with heavy use.
- Note 20: Features a smaller 4300mAh battery, which may result in shorter battery life compared to the Ultra. Pros: None significant. Cons: Shorter battery life.
- Winner: Ultra
Price
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Launched at a higher price point, reflecting its premium features and components. Pros: Offers top-of-the-line features. Cons: More expensive.
- Note 20: Was available at a lower price, making it a more accessible option. Pros: More affordable. Cons: Compromises made to reach the lower price.
- Winner: Note 20
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | galaxy note 20 ultra |
| Camera | galaxy note 20 ultra |
| Performance | Tie |
| Battery Life | galaxy note 20 ultra (Slightly) |
| Design | galaxy note 20 ultra |
| Value | note 20 |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both phones are powered by the same Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990 processor, ensuring similar performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and Note 20 support 5G, providing access to the latest mobile network speeds.
- S Pen: Both devices include the iconic S Pen stylus, offering a similar note-taking and creative experience.
- Front Camera: Both phones share the same 10MP front-facing camera, producing similar quality selfies and video calls.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Water Resistance: Both phones have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, offering peace of mind.
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Vs Note 20 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra boasts a premium design with a larger, more durable build. It features a stainless steel frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, offering superior scratch resistance and a more luxurious feel. The Note 20, on the other hand, utilizes a plastic back and aluminum frame, making it lighter but less resistant to scratches and overall impacts. The Ultra’s larger display also contributes to a more immersive experience.
The Note 20 Ultra’s design also incorporates a more refined camera bump, contributing to a more modern aesthetic. The differences are not only material but also the feel in the hand. The Note 20 Ultra offers a greater sense of premium quality.
Display and Visuals
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra shines with its larger 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. This feature is adaptive, conserving battery life when high refresh rates aren’t needed. The Note 20 features a smaller 6.7-inch display, also AMOLED, but the 120Hz refresh rate is limited to FHD+ resolution, unlike the Ultra.
The Ultra’s display is brighter and more vibrant, delivering a superior viewing experience, particularly in direct sunlight. The Note 20’s display is still excellent, but the Ultra provides a noticeable upgrade in both size and overall visual quality.
Performance and Processing Power
Both phones deliver excellent performance, but the Note 20 Ultra has a slight edge due to its more advanced specifications. Both devices are powered by either a Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990 processor, depending on the region. The Note 20 Ultra typically comes with more RAM (12GB) compared to the Note 20 (8GB), leading to smoother multitasking and handling of demanding applications and games.
The Ultra also benefits from a more efficient cooling system, maintaining peak performance for longer durations. The Note 20 is still a powerful phone, but the Ultra offers a more refined and enduring performance experience.
Camera Capabilities
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra boasts a significantly more advanced camera system. It includes a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and up to 50x Space Zoom. The Note 20 features a less complex camera setup with a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom.
The Ultra provides superior low-light performance, greater zoom capabilities, and more detailed image capture. Video recording capabilities are also enhanced on the Ultra, offering features like 8K video recording and improved stabilization.
S Pen Functionality
Both phones feature the iconic S Pen, enhancing productivity and creativity. The Note 20 Ultra’s S Pen offers a reduced latency of 9ms, providing a more natural and responsive writing experience. This is a noticeable improvement, making it feel more like writing with a real pen. The Note 20’s S Pen still provides excellent functionality.
Both phones support a range of S Pen features, including note-taking, drawing, and remote control capabilities. The improved latency on the Ultra gives it a slight edge for serious users of the S Pen.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a larger 4,500mAh battery compared to the Note 20’s 4,300mAh battery. The Ultra also benefits from more efficient display technology, which can help extend battery life. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging.
Battery life is generally good on both devices, but the Ultra typically offers longer usage times, especially with its adaptive refresh rate. The charging speeds are comparable, ensuring both phones can be quickly replenished.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy galaxy note 20 ultra If…
- You want the best possible display quality with a higher resolution and refresh rate.
- You prioritize having the best camera system with a periscope zoom lens.
- You need more internal storage and the option to expand it with a microSD card.
- You want the most premium build and design.
Buy note 20 If…
- You want a more compact and slightly lighter phone.
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You are satisfied with a great all-around phone without the absolute top-of-the-line specs.
- You still want the S Pen experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in design?
The Note 20 Ultra features a premium design with a stainless steel frame and Gorilla Glass Victus, offering superior durability and a luxurious feel. The Note 20 uses a plastic back and aluminum frame, making it lighter but less resistant to scratches.
How does the display quality compare?
The Note 20 Ultra has a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a superior viewing experience. The Note 20 has a 6.7-inch display, also AMOLED, but the 120Hz refresh rate is limited to FHD+ resolution.
Which phone has a better camera?
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra boasts a significantly more advanced camera system with a 108MP main sensor and enhanced zoom capabilities. The Note 20 has a less complex setup, offering solid performance but lacking the Ultra’s versatility.
What about S Pen latency?
The Note 20 Ultra’s S Pen offers a reduced latency of 9ms, providing a more natural and responsive writing experience. This offers a more seamless feel. The Note 20’s S Pen remains competent, but the Ultra offers the edge.
How does performance differ?
The Note 20 Ultra has a slight edge due to more RAM (12GB) and a more efficient cooling system. Both use similar processors. The Ultra generally handles demanding tasks more smoothly and maintains peak performance for longer durations.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Note 20 Ultra has a larger 4,500mAh battery compared to the Note 20’s 4,300mAh battery, and it benefits from more efficient display technology. The Ultra typically offers longer usage times, especially with its adaptive refresh rate.
Is the Note 20 Ultra worth the extra cost?
Whether the Note 20 Ultra is worth the extra cost depends on your needs. If you value a premium design, superior camera, a better display, and more RAM, the Ultra is a worthwhile investment. If budget is a major concern, the Note 20 remains a strong contender.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra emerges as the superior device, boasting a premium design, a more advanced camera system, a brighter display with adaptive refresh rate, and enhanced S Pen functionality. While the Note 20 remains a capable phone, the Ultra offers a more refined and feature-rich experience. The Note 20 Ultra is the better choice.
Winner: Galaxy Note 20 Ultra