Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G vs Motorola Moto G30 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 21, 2020 March 17, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 100.86 cm³ 113.8 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.49 "/g 3.25 "/g
Weight 192 g 200 g
Height 161.6 mm 165.2 mm
Width 75.2 mm 75.7 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 9.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Mystic Green
  • Mystic Bronze
  • Mystic Gray
  • Mystic Red
  • Mystic Blue
  • Phantom Black (Dark Pearl)
  • Pastel Sky

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 % 81.6 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 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 43.94 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Global Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
GPU Mali-G77 MP11 - Global Adreno 610

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 13 12

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G30Practical Impact
Dimensions161.6 × 75.2 × 8.3 mm165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mmNote20 5G is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially easier to handle. G30 is taller and thicker.
Weight192g200gNote20 5G is marginally lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use.
Build Quality (Screen)Corning Gorilla Glass 6UnknownNote20 5G provides better scratch and drop protection for the display.

Display

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G30Practical Impact
Size6.7"6.5"Note20 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1080x2400720x1600Note20 5G's higher resolution results in a sharper, more detailed image, enhancing clarity for text and visuals.
PPI393269Note20 5G will have noticeably crisper text and images.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDNote20 5G offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for HDR content and overall viewing experience.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzMoto G30 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits

Performance

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G30Practical Impact
ChipsetExynos 990 (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Note20 5G's chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
AnTuTu Score515,090170,968Note20 5G provides a vastly superior user experience, especially for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
GPUMali-G77 MP11Adreno 610Note20 5G's GPU is significantly more powerful, leading to better graphics performance in games and other graphically intensive applications.
RAM8 GB4 GB or 6 GBNote20 5G handles more apps simultaneously without slowdowns and improves overall system responsiveness.

Camera

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G30Practical Impact
Main Camera12MP, f/1.864.4MP, f/1.7Moto G30 has a higher megapixel count, potentially capturing more detail in good lighting. Note20 5G has larger pixel size, helpful in low light.
Telephoto Lens64MP, f/2.0NoneNote20 5G allows for optical zoom, enabling clearer photos at a distance.
Ultrawide Lens12MP, f/2.28MP, f/2.2Note20 5G captures wider scenes with more detail and clarity.
Selfie Camera10MP, f/2.013MP, f/2.2Moto G30 selfie camera offers slightly higher resolution. Note20 5G offers wider aperture.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@24fpsUp to 1080p@60fpsNote20 5G allows for professional-grade video recording.
StabilizationOIS, EISNoneNote20 5G provides smoother, more stable video recording, especially in motion.

Battery

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G30Practical Impact
Capacity4300mAh5000mAhMoto G30 likely offers longer battery life, especially for users who heavily consume media or play games.
Charging25W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging15W Fast ChargingNote20 5G charges faster and offers convenient wireless charging capabilities.

Storage

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GMotorola Moto G30Practical Impact
Internal128GB/256GB64GB/128GBNote20 5G offers more storage space for apps, photos, and videos.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows for expandable storage.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for smoother multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
  • Better Display: AMOLED technology with higher resolution and pixel density for a more vibrant and sharper viewing experience.
  • Advanced Camera System: Includes telephoto lens, OIS, and 8K video recording for versatile and high-quality photography and videography.
  • Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Offers faster wired charging and convenient wireless charging capabilities.
  • Better Build Quality: Uses Gorilla Glass 6 for improved screen protection.

Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Provides longer battery life, suitable for users who prioritize endurance.
  • Higher Refresh Rate Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations.
  • Portrait and Macro Lens: Offers dedicated lenses for portrait and macro photography.
  • Newer OS at Launch: Launched with a newer Android version, although its update support is limited.
  • Lower Price: Generally more affordable, offering better value for budget-conscious buyers.

Trade-offs:

  • Choosing the Note20 5G means sacrificing battery life for significantly better performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
  • Opting for the Moto G30 means accepting slower performance, a lower-resolution display, and a less versatile camera in exchange for longer battery life and a lower price.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Ideal Users:

  • Power Users: Individuals who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
  • Content Creators: Users who need a versatile camera system with 8K video recording and optical zoom.
  • Media Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate a vibrant and sharp display for watching movies and playing games.
  • Professionals: People who value fast charging, wireless charging, and a premium build quality.

Use Cases:

  • Gaming: Playing graphically intensive games with smooth frame rates and detailed visuals.
  • Video Editing: Editing 4K/8K videos on the go with minimal lag.
  • Photography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios, including zoomed-in shots and low-light environments.
  • Productivity: Multitasking between numerous apps seamlessly.

Motorola Moto G30 Ideal Users:

  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals looking for an affordable smartphone with essential features.
  • Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone that can last through a full day of heavy use.
  • Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.

Use Cases:

  • Daily Communication: Making calls, sending texts, and using social media apps.
  • Media Consumption: Watching videos and listening to music with decent audio quality.
  • Casual Photography: Taking photos and videos for social media sharing.
  • Navigation: Using GPS for directions and location-based services.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What is your budget? The Moto G30 is significantly more affordable.
  2. How important is performance to you? If you play games or do demanding tasks, the Note20 5G is superior.
  3. Do you prioritize battery life or display quality? Moto G30 wins on battery; Note20 5G has a much better display.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: High-end Gaming & Content Creation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G.
  • Scenario 2: Long Battery Life on a Budget: Choose the Motorola Moto G30.
  • Scenario 3: Balanced Performance & Features: Neither phone perfectly balances all aspects. The Note20 5G offers a significant performance boost and better camera, while the Moto G30 prioritizes battery life and affordability.

Personal Choice

If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G. The vastly superior performance, significantly better display quality (AMOLED, higher resolution), and a more versatile camera system outweigh the Note20 5G's weaker battery life and lack of expandable storage. While the Moto G30 is a decent budget phone, the Note20 5G provides a noticeably more premium and enjoyable user experience. While battery life is important, the fast charging and occasional top-ups will mitigate any concerns. The improved performance will ensure the phone remains responsive and capable for a longer period.

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.