Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G vs Motorola Moto G (2023) - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 21, 2020 May 25, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 100.86 cm³ 103.32 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.49 "/g 3.44 "/g
Weight 192 g 189 g
Height 161.6 mm 164 mm
Width 75.2 mm 75 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Mystic Green
  • Mystic Bronze
  • Mystic Gray
  • Mystic Red
  • Mystic Blue
  • Ink Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.2 % 82.9 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 95.79 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 42.63 mAh/cm³ 48.39 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Global Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Mali-G77 MP11 - Global Adreno 619

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 13
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
Dimensions161.6 × 75.2 × 8.3 mm164 × 75 × 8.4 mmNote20 is slightly shorter and thinner. Minimal real-world difference.
Weight192g189gVirtually identical weight; negligible difference in hand.
Build Quality (Screen Protection)Corning Gorilla Glass 6UnknownNote20 offers better scratch and drop resistance for the display.

Display

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
Size6.7"6.5"Note20 offers slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1080x2400720x1600Note20 provides a significantly sharper and clearer image, especially noticeable with text and detailed graphics.
PPI393270Text and images on the Note20 will appear much crisper.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDNote20 offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzMoto G provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive in everyday use.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsUnable to compare; brightness data missing.

Performance

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
ChipsetExynos 990 (7 nm+)Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)Note20's chipset offers faster app loading and smoother multitasking for demanding apps and games.
AnTuTu Score515,090380,000Note20 has noticeably better overall performance.
GPUMali-G77 MP11Adreno 619Note20 has a more powerful GPU for graphically intensive tasks like gaming.
RAM8 GB4 GBNote20 can handle more apps running in the background and smoother switching between them.

Camera

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
Main Camera12MP, f/1.848MP, f/1.7Moto G may capture more detailed images in good lighting, but Note20's larger pixel size can help in low light. Real-world performance depends on image processing.
Telephoto Lens64MP, f/2.0NoneNote20 offers optical zoom capabilities for distant subjects.
Ultrawide Lens12MP, f/2.2NoneNote20 can capture wider scenes, useful for landscapes and group photos.
Macro LensNone2MP, f/2.4Moto G can take close-up shots of small objects.
Selfie Camera10MP, f/2.08MP, f/2.0Similar selfie camera performance.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@24fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsNote20 can record much higher resolution videos with stabilization features.

Battery

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
Capacity4300mAh5000mAhMoto G is likely to offer longer battery life, especially with its less power-hungry display.
Charging25W Fast Charging15W Fast ChargingNote20 charges faster.
Wireless ChargingYesNoNote20 supports convenient wireless charging.
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesNoNote20 can wirelessly charge other devices, like earbuds.

Other

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
WiFiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5Note20 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connections, provided your router supports it.
Bluetooth5.05.1Slightly newer Bluetooth version on Moto G, but practical difference is minimal.
OSAndroid 10 (Upgradable to 13)Android 13Moto G has a more up-to-date OS out of the box.
Storage Options128/256 GB128 GBNote20 can have double storage, helpful if you store lots of media.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports MicroSD cards.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:

  • Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, resulting in a much better viewing experience.
  • Better Performance: More powerful chipset and more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking and gaming.
  • Versatile Camera System: Telephoto and ultrawide lenses offer more shooting options; 8K video recording.
  • Wireless Charging: Convenient charging option.
  • Faster Charging: Charges faster with 25W.
  • Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 6 screen protection.

Practical Implications: The Note20 is better suited for users who prioritize display quality, performance, and camera versatility.

Motorola Moto G (2023) Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Likely longer battery life.
  • 120Hz Display: Smoother scrolling and animations.
  • Up-to-date Android: Comes with the latest Android version.
  • Macro Lens: Capable of taking close-up shots.
  • Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More advanced fingerprint sensor.

Practical Implications: The Moto G is better suited for users who prioritize battery life, a smooth display, and a modern Android version, all at a potentially lower price point.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Choosing the Note20 means sacrificing battery life and a 120Hz display for a superior display, performance, and camera system.
  • Choosing the Moto G means prioritizing battery life and display smoothness, at the expense of camera versatility, performance, and overall display quality.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G:

  • Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, media consumers.
  • Use Cases:
    • Watching high-resolution videos and playing graphics-intensive games.
    • Taking photos and videos in various scenarios, including zoomed-in shots and wide landscapes.
    • Multitasking with demanding apps.
    • Utilizing wireless charging for convenience.

Motorola Moto G (2023):

  • Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, students, those prioritizing battery life and a smooth display.
  • Use Cases:
    • Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
    • Watching videos and playing casual games.
    • Users who value long battery life between charges.
    • Macro photography.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Note20, being an older flagship, may offer excellent value on the used market.
  • The Moto G targets the budget segment, providing essential features at an affordable price.

4. Decision Framework

Consider these questions to guide your decision:

  1. What is your budget? The Moto G is likely more affordable, while the Note20, especially used, can be a great deal.
  2. What do you value most in a phone? Performance and display quality (Note20) vs. battery life and display smoothness (Moto G).
  3. How important is the camera to you? The Note20 offers a more versatile camera system with telephoto and ultrawide lenses.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming and Media Consumption: Choose the Note20 for its superior performance, display, and audio quality.
  • Scenario 2: All-Day Battery Life is Essential: Choose the Moto G for its larger battery.
  • Scenario 3: Budget is the Primary Concern: Choose the Moto G, as it offers good value for its price.

Conclusion - My Choice

If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G. While the Motorola Moto G (2023) offers a larger battery and a 120Hz display, the Note20's superior AMOLED display with higher resolution, significantly better performance, and more versatile camera system outweigh the benefits of the Moto G for my personal use case. The Note20 would offer a far better experience when consuming media, playing games, and taking photos.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.