Apple iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 3, 2017 August 21, 2020
Release Year 2017 2020

Physical

Volume 78.4 cm³ 103.05 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.32 "/g
Weight 174 g 208 g
Height 143.6 mm 164.8 mm
Width 70.9 mm 77.2 mm
Thickness 7.7 mm 8.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Space Gray
  • Silver
  • Mystic Bronze
  • Mystic Black
  • Mystic White

Display

Screen Size 5.8 " 6.9 "
Resolution 1125 x 2436 1440 x 3088
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 92.5 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 496 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 80.74 mAh/in² 94.52 mAh/in²
Battery Density 34.64 mAh/cm³ 43.67 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2716 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global
CPU Hexa-core 2.39 GHz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Global
GPU Apple GPU (three-core graphics) Mali-G77 MP11 - Global

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 11.1.1 10
Maximum OS Version 16.7.7 13

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-centric comparison of the Apple iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G. We'll go beyond the specs and explore how these devices fit into our daily lives.

The Tale of Two Titans: iPhone X vs. Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G

Imagine two distinct universes, each offering a unique experience. On one side, we have the Apple iPhone X, a pioneer of its time, sleek and elegant, introducing us to a future of seamless interaction. On the other, the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, a powerhouse of innovation, brimming with features designed for the ultimate productivity and creative expression.

1. Design and Usability: A User-Centric Matrix

CategoryApple iPhone XSamsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5GUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignMinimalist, intuitive iOS, familiar ecosystemFeature-rich One UI, highly customizable AndroidiPhone X offers simplicity for Apple devotees; Note20 Ultra 5G caters to those who enjoy fine-tuning.
Interaction FlowSmooth transitions, gestural navigationS Pen integration, multi-window capabilitiesiPhone X's gestures feel natural, while Note20 Ultra 5G enables productive multitasking.
AccessibilityRobust iOS accessibility suiteComprehensive accessibility options, S Pen enhancementsBoth strive for inclusion, but Note20 Ultra 5G's S Pen is a boon for users needing precision.
Design ErgonomicsCompact, lighter, suitable for single-hand useLarger, heavier, designed for immersive experiencesiPhone X offers a more comfortable grip for everyday tasks; Note20 Ultra 5G leans towards immersive experiences.

Story Time: Picture yourself walking through a crowded city. The iPhone X, compact and light, fits effortlessly into your hand, allowing you to navigate with ease. Now, imagine sitting at your desk, the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G’s expansive screen and S Pen enabling you to sketch ideas and juggle multiple tasks with flair. These devices aren't just tools; they're tailored experiences.

2. Feature Exploration: Stories in Technology

The Display: The iPhone X wowed us with its OLED display, vibrant and sharp. But the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G takes it a step further with its AMOLED screen and 120Hz refresh rate. Imagine watching a fast-paced action movie; the Note20 Ultra 5G makes every motion smooth, while the iPhone X gives you a crisp, though less fluid viewing experience.

The Camera: The iPhone X captured memories with its dual-lens setup, offering great portrait shots. The Note20 Ultra 5G? It's like having a professional camera studio in your pocket. Its 108MP main sensor, paired with a telephoto and wide-angle lens, lets you capture stunning, highly detailed images and videos. Picture yourself at a family gathering; the Note20 Ultra 5G lets you zoom in without losing detail, while the iPhone X gives you reliable but less varied shots.

The Battery: The iPhone X could get you through a day of moderate use, but the Note20 Ultra 5G, with its larger battery and fast-charging capabilities, keeps going. Imagine a busy travel day; the Note20 Ultra 5G can handle the travel, the navigation, and the endless emails, while the iPhone X might need a recharge mid-day. The Note20 also lets you share battery wirelessly; a real lifesaver.

The Performance: The iPhone X, with its A11 Bionic chip, was lightning-fast, handling everything from games to productivity apps. The Note20 Ultra 5G's Exynos chip, while newer, offers marginal performance gains. Imagine you are switching between a graphic intense game and many productivity apps; while the Samsung Note 20 performs better, the iPhone X handles them flawlessly too.

Software: The iPhone X offered the intuitive iOS experience, while the Note20 Ultra 5G's Android experience provided greater customization. If you prefer a more curated environment, Apple is for you. If you like tinkering with the settings and widgets, then the Note is the answer.

Connectivity The Samsung Note20 Ultra has additional connectivity features, including WiFi 6, while the iPhone X still uses older Wifi technology. Both use Bluetooth 5.0 LE technology, but the Samsung provides more comprehensive connectivity. The Note20 also supports more satellite systems, including BeiDou and Galileo, offering more accurate location data.

Storage: The Samsung offers 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, while the Apple iPhone X had only 64GB or 256GB of storage space. Also, the Samsung Note20 Ultra offers 8GB or 12 GB of RAM, making it a multitasking beast.

3. Inclusive Tech Evaluation: Considering Everyone

  • For the visually impaired: Both offer excellent accessibility features, but the Note20 Ultra 5G’s S Pen could be a game-changer. The iPhone X's smaller size might be easier to handle, while the Note's larger screen can be easier to view.
  • For the budget-conscious: The iPhone X has a lower price, while the Note20 Ultra 5G is more expensive and caters towards people who appreciate cutting-edge tech.
  • For the tech novice: The iPhone X's straightforward iOS might be easier to navigate for someone less familiar with tech, while the Note20 Ultra 5G's Android might be more overwhelming for a novice user.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework: Choosing Your Experience

  • Priority 1: Smoothness and Simplicity – The iPhone X provides a streamlined iOS experience, perfect for users who like simplicity.
  • Priority 2: Cutting-Edge Tech & Productivity – The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G offers a more advanced features and productivity-focused design, ideal for tech-savvy users.
  • Priority 3: Creative Expression & Versatility – The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, with its S Pen and advanced camera features, excels for creative individuals.

My Choice and Why

If I had to choose one, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G. Here's why:

As a technology communications specialist, I need a device that can keep up with my fast-paced, multi-faceted world. While the iPhone X is elegant, the Note20 Ultra 5G’s larger display, advanced camera, and S Pen are critical tools for my day-to-day work and content creation. Also, the battery and fast charging are important features when I am on the go. The Note20 Ultra 5G isn't just a phone; it's a mobile office, a creative studio, and a powerful communication hub, all in one sleek package.

While the iPhone X is a great device for its time, the Note20 Ultra 5G, with its latest tech and design features, would be my choice for the ultimate user experience. It's designed for someone who wants to push the boundaries of what a mobile device can do.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.