Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G vs. Huawei nova Y90
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | Very similar size. The nova Y90 is slightly taller and narrower, but the difference is negligible in hand. |
| Weight | 192g | 195g | Virtually identical weight. Both feel substantial, but not overly heavy. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | The Note20 5G's screen is significantly more resistant to scratches and cracks, offering better long-term durability. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size; both are suitable for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Virtually identical sharpness. Both displays look crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making the Note20 5G's display more visually appealing. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The nova Y90's 90Hz refresh rate results in slightly smoother scrolling and animations, but the difference isn't dramatic. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. The Note20 likely gets significantly brighter |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The Note20 5G's Exynos 990 is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 515,090 | 249,000 | The Note20 5G's more than double the score indicates a far superior user experience, particularly for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Adreno 610 | The Mali-G77 MP11 offers significantly better graphics performance, allowing the Note20 5G to handle graphically intensive games more smoothly. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB | Both phones can have up to 8GB of RAM, however the Note20's RAM is paired with a much faster processor which makes it superior for gaming and multitasking. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | While the nova Y90 has a higher megapixel count, the Note20 5G's sensor size and processing likely result in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | The Note20 5G offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for detailed photos at a distance. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | The Note20 5G can capture wider scenes, making it suitable for landscapes and group photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Both phones take similar selfie photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The Note20 5G is capable of recording professional-quality video, while the nova Y90 is limited to Full HD. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | The nova Y90 should offer longer battery life under similar usage conditions due to its larger battery. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | 40W Fast Charging | The nova Y90 charges faster, but the Note20 5G offers the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 13) | Android ? | The Note20 5G runs Android 10, but is upgradable to 13 and has access to the Google Play Store and services. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for smoother multitasking, gaming, and app loading.
- Better Display: AMOLED screen offers better contrast, colors, and viewing angles.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes telephoto and ultrawide lenses, and supports 8K video recording.
- Wireless Charging: Offers wireless and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM support
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 screen protection
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus
Practical Implications: The Note20 5G is a better choice for users who value performance, display quality, and camera versatility. It's suitable for gaming, media consumption, and photography.
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Charges faster with 40W.
- Newer Device: Released almost a year later
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Provides basic biometric security
Practical Implications: The nova Y90 is a better choice for users who prioritize battery life and faster charging.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Choosing the Note20 5G means sacrificing some battery life and faster charging.
- Choosing the nova Y90 means sacrificing performance, display quality, and camera versatility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Demanding games run smoother on the Note20 5G.
- Content Creators: The 8K video recording and versatile camera system make it suitable for creating high-quality content.
- Power Users: The faster processor and ample RAM ensure smooth multitasking and app loading.
- Media Consumers: The AMOLED display enhances the viewing experience.
Huawei nova Y90 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: The nova Y90 is likely more affordable.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: The larger battery ensures all-day usage.
- Users Needing Fast Charging: The 40W charging quickly replenishes the battery.
Specific Use Cases:
- Note20 5G: Playing graphics-intensive games, recording 4K/8K videos, editing photos/videos, watching movies in high quality.
- nova Y90: All-day use without needing to recharge frequently, quick top-ups during the day.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for my daily tasks and gaming? If performance is crucial, the Note20 5G is the clear winner.
- How important is battery life? If you prioritize long battery life, the nova Y90 is the better choice.
- What is my budget? If budget is a major concern, the nova Y90 is more affordable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile gamer on a moderate budget: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G
- Scenario 2: User needing a reliable phone for everyday tasks with long battery life: Huawei nova Y90
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G. While the Huawei nova Y90 has a larger battery and faster charging, the overall experience offered by the Note20 5G is superior. The significantly better performance, display quality, and camera versatility outweigh the battery advantages for my personal use case, which involves frequent multitasking, media consumption, and occasional gaming. The improved screen durability is also a big plus.
