Samsung Galaxy Note 20 vs Note 20 Ultra: Which Wins?
Struggling to decide between the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and the Note 20 Ultra? You’re not alone. Both phones offer premium features and the iconic S Pen, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comparison dives deep to help you make the right choice.
The Note series has always been about pushing boundaries, and both devices exemplify this. From stunning displays to powerful performance, Samsung packed a lot into these phones. We’ll explore the key differences in design, display, camera, performance, and battery life.
Whether you prioritize a sleek design and a more affordable price point with the Samsung Galaxy Note 20, or crave the ultimate flagship experience with the Note 20 Ultra, this guide will provide the insights you need. Get ready to discover which Note 20 model reigns supreme!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Note 20 | Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Display Technology | Super AMOLED Plus | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels | 3200 x 1440 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Internal Storage | 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 108MP + 12MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Battery Capacity | 4300 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| S Pen | Yes | Yes |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20: Features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 60Hz refresh rate. It offers vibrant colors and good brightness, but the lower refresh rate compared to the Ultra may be noticeable for some users.
- Note 20 Ultra: Boasts a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The higher refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations. Also has a slightly larger display, but might be difficult for some to hold.
- Winner: Ultra
Processor
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20: Equipped with either a Snapdragon 865+ (US) or Exynos 990 (International) processor. Offers excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming, but may experience some throttling under heavy loads.
- Note 20 Ultra: Also uses a Snapdragon 865+ (US) or Exynos 990 (International) processor. Delivers the same high level of performance as the standard Note 20, with slightly better thermal management due to the larger chassis.
- Winner: Tie
RAM and Storage
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20: Comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Sufficient for most users, but the lack of a microSD card slot for storage expansion is a drawback.
- Note 20 Ultra: Offers 12GB of RAM and either 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, with microSD card support. The extra RAM provides better multitasking capabilities, and the expandable storage offers greater flexibility.
- Winner: Ultra
Cameras
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20: Features a triple-lens rear camera system with a 12MP primary, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lens. The telephoto lens offers 3x hybrid zoom.
- Note 20 Ultra: Includes a more advanced triple-lens system with a 108MP primary, 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto lens. Offers 5x optical zoom and up to 50x digital zoom, along with enhanced image processing capabilities.
- Winner: Ultra
S Pen
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20: Includes the S Pen stylus with a latency of 26ms. Offers the same core S Pen features as the Ultra, but the slightly slower latency might be noticeable for some users.
- Note 20 Ultra: Comes with an improved S Pen with a latency of 9ms, providing a more responsive and natural writing experience. The lower latency makes it feel more like writing with a real pen.
- Winner: Ultra
Battery
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20: Packs a 4300mAh battery. Offers all-day battery life for moderate use, but heavy users might need to recharge before the end of the day.
- Note 20 Ultra: Equipped with a 4500mAh battery. Provides slightly better battery life compared to the standard Note 20, but the higher refresh rate display can still impact battery performance.
- Winner: Tie
Design and Build
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20: Features a plastic back with a flat display. While still premium-feeling, the plastic back might not feel as luxurious as glass.
- Note 20 Ultra: Boasts a glass back and a more premium design with a curved display. Offers a more sophisticated look and feel, but also makes the phone more susceptible to fingerprints.
- Winner: Ultra
Price
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20: Generally offered at a lower price point than the Ultra. A more budget-friendly option for those who want a Note experience without breaking the bank.
- Note 20 Ultra: Commands a higher price tag due to its advanced features and premium build. A better value for those who want the best possible Note experience.
- Winner: Note 20
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Note 20 Ultra |
| Performance | Tie |
| Camera | Note 20 Ultra |
| Battery Life | Note 20 Ultra |
| Design | Tie |
| Value | Note 20 |
What They Have in Common:
- S Pen: Both phones feature the iconic S Pen, offering precise control for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the interface. The S Pen provides a similar latency and experience on both devices.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download and upload speeds where available. This allows users to stream content, play games, and video conference seamlessly.
- Powerful Processors: Both phones are equipped with either a Snapdragon 865+ or Exynos 990 processor (depending on the region), ensuring smooth performance for demanding tasks and multitasking. They both handle resource-intensive apps with ease.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to top up the battery without the need for cables. They also support reverse wireless charging to charge other devices.
- Samsung Dex: Both phones support Samsung DeX, allowing users to connect to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for a desktop-like experience. This feature enhances productivity by enabling a larger workspace.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Vs Note 20 Ultra Buying Guide
Display and Design
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 features a 6.7-inch display, while the Note 20 Ultra boasts a larger 6.9-inch screen. Both offer vibrant AMOLED technology, but the Note 20 Ultra takes it further with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. The Note 20 is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Design-wise, both phones share a similar aesthetic, with a rectangular form factor and a distinctive camera bump. Materials used also differ slightly, with the Ultra employing more premium glass and metal.
Performance and Processor
Both phones are powered by high-end processors, though the specific chipset varies by region (Snapdragon or Exynos). The Note 20 Ultra generally has a slight edge due to its increased RAM capacity, offering better multitasking capabilities. Both devices handle demanding tasks like gaming and video editing with ease. Day-to-day performance is snappy on both, but the Ultra’s enhanced specifications provide a marginal advantage when pushing the limits. The software experience is identical on both devices.
Camera Capabilities
The Note 20 Ultra’s camera system is a significant upgrade over the Note 20. The Ultra features a 108MP main sensor, along with a periscope telephoto lens offering impressive zoom capabilities. The Note 20 has a 12MP main sensor, a telephoto lens, and an ultrawide lens. While the Note 20 still takes excellent photos, the Ultra provides superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions and when zooming. Video recording capabilities are also enhanced on the Ultra.
S Pen Functionality
The S Pen experience is largely the same on both devices. Both phones include the S Pen stylus, allowing for note-taking, drawing, and remote control features. Latency is slightly improved on the Note 20 Ultra, resulting in a more responsive and natural writing experience. The core S Pen features, like Air Actions and handwriting-to-text conversion, are available on both models. The S Pen is a key differentiator for the Note series.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life varies slightly between the two devices. The Note 20 Ultra has a larger battery, which helps compensate for its higher refresh rate and more power-hungry components. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging. Battery performance will depend on usage habits, but the Ultra generally lasts longer. The charging speed and charging experience is very similar for both devices.
Price and Value
The Note 20 Ultra launched at a higher price point than the Note 20. The price difference reflects the Ultra’s superior features, including the larger display, enhanced camera system, and increased RAM. When considering value, it comes down to individual needs and budget. If you prioritize the best possible features and are willing to pay a premium, the Ultra is the better choice. If budget is a constraint, the Note 20 still offers a premium experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung galaxy note 20 If…
- You want a premium phone with flagship features at a slightly lower price point.
- You prefer a more compact design that’s easier to handle with one hand.
- You don’t need the absolute best camera system and are satisfied with excellent performance.
- You prioritize a balance between features and affordability.
Buy note 20 ultra If…
- You demand the best possible display quality and a higher refresh rate for smooth visuals.
- You want the most advanced camera system with superior zoom capabilities.
- You need a larger battery and more RAM for extended use and demanding tasks.
- You are willing to pay a premium for top-of-the-line specifications and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra?
The primary differences lie in the display, camera, and battery. The Note 20 Ultra boasts a larger screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a more advanced camera system with a 108MP sensor and periscope zoom, and a larger battery. These features contribute to a superior overall experience, though at a higher price.
Does the Note 20 Ultra have a better display than the Note 20?
Yes, the Note 20 Ultra has a superior display. It’s larger, with a 6.9-inch screen versus the Note 20’s 6.7-inch screen. It also features a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, offering a more immersive visual experience compared to the Note 20’s 60Hz.
Is the Note 20 Ultra camera significantly better?
Yes, the Note 20 Ultra’s camera is significantly better. It features a 108MP main sensor, a telephoto lens with impressive zoom capabilities, and enhanced low-light performance. This results in sharper, more detailed photos and videos compared to the Note 20’s camera system.
Do both phones support 5G?
Yes, both the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra offer 5G connectivity. The specific 5G bands supported may vary depending on the region and carrier. Both phones are designed to take advantage of the faster data speeds and lower latency offered by 5G networks.
How does the S Pen experience differ?
The S Pen experience is largely the same on both. The Note 20 Ultra has slightly improved latency, making writing feel a bit more natural. Both devices offer the same core S Pen features, including Air Actions, handwriting recognition, and note-taking functionality. The core experience is very similar.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Note 20 Ultra generally has better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. While usage varies, the Ultra’s larger battery helps it last longer, especially when using the 120Hz refresh rate. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging, but the Ultra can typically handle more demanding tasks.
Which phone is a better value?
The answer depends on individual needs and budget. The Note 20 offers a premium experience at a lower price point. The Note 20 Ultra provides superior features, but at a higher cost. The better value is relative to what the user values most: features or budget.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra both deliver premium experiences. The Note 20 provides a solid foundation, while the Note 20 Ultra elevates with its superior display, camera, and performance. The Ultra’s enhancements are significant, making it the more compelling choice for those seeking the best possible features and willing to pay a premium.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra