1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | The Nova 12i is slightly taller and narrower, but the difference is minimal. Both are similarly sized for handling. |
| Weight | 192g | 199g | The Note20 5G is slightly lighter, which could be noticeable during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | The Note20 5G has a more durable screen, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size provides a similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Virtually the same sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 391 PPI | Virtually the same sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience, especially for multimedia consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Nova 12i's 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness values not available. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The Exynos 990 is significantly more powerful, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 515,090 | 289,000 | The Note20 5G offers significantly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Adreno 610 | The Mali-G77 MP11 provides superior graphics performance, resulting in better gaming and video editing capabilities. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.67" | The Nova 12i's 108MP sensor allows for more detailed photos and better cropping capabilities. The Note20 5G has a wider aperture which will preform slightly better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | The Note20 5G offers optical zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects without significant quality loss. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | The Note20 5G allows for capturing wider scenes, such as landscapes or group photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2" | 8MP, f/2.0 | The Note20 5G captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The Note20 5G offers significantly higher video recording capabilities for professional-grade content creation. |
| Features | OIS, Laser AF | PDAF | Note20 offers superior stabilization and focusing. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | The Nova 12i is likely to provide longer battery life, especially with its less power-hungry chipset and display. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | The Nova 12i charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (Fast, 9W Reverse) | No | The Note20 5G offers the convenience of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for accessories. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 13) | Unknown | Software support on the Nova 12i is unknown. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Note20 supports newer Wi-Fi for faster speeds. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | Note20 offers the flexibility of using an eSIM. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Adequate storage for most users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Users needing more storage are out of luck. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Under Display | Side-Mounted | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are usually faster and more reliable. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 990 chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Better Display: The AMOLED display provides superior color accuracy, contrast, and deeper blacks.
- More Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of telephoto and ultrawide lenses expands photographic capabilities.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and Samsung ecosystem integration provide additional convenience.
- Better Video Recording: Capable of recording in up to 8k.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and eSIM.
Huawei nova 12i Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life for extended usage.
- Faster Charging: Replenishes battery quicker.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main camera offers better detail and cropping capability.
- Newer Device: Launched almost 4 years after the Note 20.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient than under-display sensors.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Note20 5G: Older device, smaller battery capacity, may have shorter battery life.
- Nova 12i: Weaker performance chipset, basic IPS LCD screen, no ultrawide or telephoto lens, unknown software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, photographers, and those who value a premium display and a versatile camera system. Users deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with high graphics settings.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Multitasking between demanding apps.
- Enjoying immersive multimedia content.
- Those that need to be able to use eSIMs.
- Price-to-Value: Only worth it if you can get it used for a very good price.
Huawei nova 12i:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and camera resolution for social media, and want a newer device.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday social media usage.
- Taking photos in well-lit conditions.
- Prolonged use without frequent charging.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for budget users given the main camera resolution and fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Note20 5G should only be considered if you can get it at a very low price point.
- How important is performance and gaming? If gaming and demanding applications are essential, the Note20 5G is the better choice.
- How important is Battery Life? The Nova 12i will provide better battery life than the Note 20.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile gamer with a limited budget: If you can find it for a very good price, the Note20 5G would be the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Social media user needing long battery life: The Nova 12i would be more suitable.
- Scenario 3: User seeking a premium display and versatile camera: The Note20 5G is the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G, but only if it was significantly cheaper than the Huawei Nova 12i. While it's an older device, its superior performance, AMOLED display, and more versatile camera system would provide a better overall user experience for my needs. I value performance and the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos, and the Note20 5G delivers on those fronts. I would be willing to compromise on battery life and charging speed for these advantages, and the support for eSIM cards is a bonus.
