Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G vs Motorola Moto G23 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 21, 2020 January 24, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 100.86 cm³ 99.66 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.49 "/g 3.53 "/g
Weight 192 g 184.3 g
Height 161.6 mm 162.7 mm
Width 75.2 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Mystic Green
  • Mystic Bronze
  • Mystic Gray
  • Mystic Red
  • Mystic Blue
  • Pearl White
  • Steel Blue
  • Matte Charcoal

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 % 83.9 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 400 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 95.79 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 42.63 mAh/cm³ 50.17 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Global Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G77 MP11 - Global Mali-G52 MC2

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

Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G and Motorola Moto G23:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G23Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions161.6 × 75.2 × 8.3 mm162.7 × 74.7 × 8.2 mmNote20 5G is slightly wider and thinner. Moto G23 is taller. Differences are marginal, not significantly noticeable.
Weight192g184.3gMoto G23 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use.
Build Quality (Screen)Corning Gorilla Glass 6UnknownNote20 5G offers better screen protection against scratches and drops.

| Display | | | | | Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | Note20 5G provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. | | Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Note20 5G's display is significantly sharper, with finer details and clearer text. | | PPI | 393 | 270 | Note20 5G has much higher pixel density for sharper images and text. | | Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Note20 5G offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience. | | Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Moto G23 provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, though the difference may not be drastic. | | Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness cannot be compared as no nits were provided. |

| Performance | | | | | Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Note20 5G's chipset is significantly faster and more efficient, leading to smoother performance in demanding tasks. | | AnTuTu Score | 515,090 | 225,154 | Note20 5G offers much better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. | | GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Note20 5G has a more powerful GPU, better suited for graphics-intensive applications and gaming. | | RAM | 8GB | 4GB or 8GB | The Note20 5G consistently offers 8GB of RAM, which is better for multitasking. |

| Camera | | | | | Standard Lens | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Moto G23 has a higher resolution sensor, but the Note20 5G may have better image processing and larger pixel size, impacting low-light performance. | | Telephoto Lens | 64MP (f/2.0) | None | Note20 5G offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for better zoomed-in photos without significant quality loss. | | Wide Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Note20 5G captures wider, more detailed scenes. | | Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Moto G23 can take close-up photos of small objects, a feature missing from the Note20 5G. | | Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Note20 5G can record much higher resolution videos, offering greater detail and flexibility in post-processing. |

| Battery | | | | | Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G23 likely provides longer battery life due to its larger capacity. | | Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Moto G23 charges slightly faster. | | Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | Note20 5G supports convenient wireless charging and can also charge other devices wirelessly. |

| Software & Connectivity | | | | | OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Moto G23 has a more modern operating system out of the box. | | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Note20 5G supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connections. | | Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Moto G23 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, but practical differences may be minimal. | | SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | Note20 5G offers more flexibility with eSIM support. |

| Other | | | | | Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Note20 5G offers more internal storage. | | Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. | | Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Moto G23 has a slight edge in audio features (by a small margin) offering enhanced spatial audio, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture; | | Security | Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Moto G23 features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor | | Sensors | Barometer, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity | Note20 5G includes additional environmental sensors (Barometer). |

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher resolution, and pixel density offer a significantly better viewing experience.
    • Practical Impact: More enjoyable media consumption, clearer text, and more vibrant colors.
  • Higher Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU enable smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
    • Practical Impact: Less lag, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive user interface.
  • Better Camera System: Telephoto lens, wider wide-angle lens, and 8K video recording provide greater versatility and higher-quality photos and videos.
    • Practical Impact: Ability to capture detailed zoomed-in shots, wider landscapes, and professional-grade videos.
  • Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers convenient charging options.
    • Practical Impact: Easy wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices on the go.

Motorola Moto G23 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Provides longer battery life for extended use.
    • Practical Impact: Less frequent charging and greater peace of mind during long days.
  • Higher Refresh Rate Display: Offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations.
    • Practical Impact: A more fluid user experience, although the difference may not be drastic.
  • More Recent Android Version: Ships with Android 13, ensuring the latest features and security updates.
    • Practical Impact: Access to the newest Android features and a longer software support lifespan.
  • Stereo Speakers: Enhanced spatial audio, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Choosing the Note20 5G means sacrificing battery life and a more up-to-date Android version for significantly better display, performance, and camera capabilities.
  • Choosing the Moto G23 means prioritizing battery life, a more modern OS, and slightly smoother scrolling over display quality, processing power, and camera versatility.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Ideal Users:

  • Media Enthusiasts: Those who frequently watch videos, browse photos, or play games will appreciate the superior display quality.
  • Power Users: Individuals who demand smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and responsive performance.
  • Photography/Videography Buffs: Users who value high-quality photos and videos with versatile shooting options.

Specific Use Cases for Note20 5G:

  • Streaming high-resolution videos on the go.
  • Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
  • Capturing detailed photos and videos of travel experiences.
  • Using productivity apps and multitasking without lag.

Motorola Moto G23 Ideal Users:

  • Budget-Conscious Consumers: Seeking a reliable smartphone with essential features at an affordable price.
  • Everyday Users: Those who prioritize battery life and a simple, user-friendly experience.
  • Users who prefer newer OS: Those who want the latest OS for security purposes

Specific Use Cases for Moto G23:

  • Extended usage without frequent charging.
  • Basic social media browsing and communication.
  • Casual photography and video recording.
  • Daily tasks and productivity without demanding performance requirements.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

The Moto G23 likely offers a better price-to-value ratio for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a modern OS. However, the Note20 5G provides a far superior overall experience for those willing to pay more for a better display, performance, and camera system.

4. Decision Framework

Here are 3 key questions for buyers to consider:

  1. What is my budget? The Note20 5G, despite being older, would likely be more expensive than the Moto G23.
  2. How important is display quality and performance? If you prioritize a vibrant display, smooth performance, and versatile camera capabilities, the Note20 5G is the clear choice.
  3. How important is battery life and having the latest Android version? If you value extended battery life and a modern operating system, the Moto G23 is more suitable.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Gaming: Choose the Note20 5G for its superior display and performance.
  • Scenario 2: Everyday Use & Long Battery Life: Choose the Moto G23 for its larger battery and modern OS.
  • Scenario 3: Photography on a Budget: The Note20 5G provides significantly better camera capabilities.

My Choice

If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G, even though it is an older device. While the Motorola Moto G23 offers a larger battery and a more recent Android version, the Note20 5G's superior display quality, significantly better performance, and much more versatile camera system outweigh those advantages for my personal use case.

I prioritize a great display for media consumption and find the telephoto lens and 8K video recording capabilities highly valuable. While battery life is important, I'm willing to sacrifice some endurance for a better overall experience. While the Moto G23 stereo speakers and audio features sound like a good edition, it isn't enough to sway my opinion from the Note20 5G's superior features.

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.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.