1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm | 166.3 x 76 x 7.8 mm | Note20 is slightly shorter and thicker, G35 is taller and thinner. Minor difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 192g | 188g | Negligible difference in weight. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Note20 offers better scratch resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.72" | Essentially the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 393 | 392 | Negligible difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Note20 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for media consumption and dark mode use. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | G35 has smoother scrolling and animations. More responsive feel, especially in games and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | G35 is significantly brighter and much easier to see in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Note20 is faster for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 515,090 | 423,297 | Note20 performs better in benchmarks, indicating snappier overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Mali-G57 MP4 | Note20 has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance in games and graphically intensive applications. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB or 8 GB | Note20 and 8GB version of G35 allow for smoother multitasking and running more apps in the background. 4GB version of G35 may struggle with heavy multitasking. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | G35 captures more detail in good lighting, Note20 handles low light better due to larger sensor size. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2 | Note20 ultrawide captures more detailed ultrawide photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | Note20 has optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed-in photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.45 | G35 captures more detailed selfies, Note20 has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Note20 can record higher resolution videos. |
| Stabilization | OIS, EIS | EIS | Note20 provides better video stabilization with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | G35 offers longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Note20 charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (15W) | No | Note20 can be charged wirelessly. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes (9W) | No | Note20 can wirelessly charge other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | G35 has the latest Android version, and is likely to receive more future updates. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Note20 supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and better network performance with Wi-Fi 6. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors.
- Better Performance: Faster chipset and GPU result in smoother multitasking and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers telephoto lens, OIS, and 8K video recording capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Supports wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 offers better screen protection.
Practical Implications:
- The Note20 is better suited for users who prioritize display quality, performance, and camera features.
- Wireless charging adds convenience.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display provides smoother scrolling and animations.
- Brighter Display: 1000 nits brightness ensures better outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life.
- Latest Android OS: Comes with Android 14.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Typically faster and more convenient than in-display sensors.
Practical Implications:
- The G35 is ideal for users who prioritize battery life, a smooth display experience, and outdoor visibility.
- Newer OS provides access to the latest features and security updates.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Note20: Older Android version, shorter battery life, and no expandable storage.
- G35: Lower performance, inferior camera system (no telephoto lens, no OIS), and IPS LCD display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, photographers, videographers, and those who value display quality.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Video editing
- High-quality photo and video capture
- Media consumption (movies, streaming)
Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers, students, and those who prioritize battery life and a smooth display experience.
- Use Cases:
- Daily social media browsing
- Basic photography
- Long-lasting battery for all-day use
- Outdoor usage
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Note20 (when new) was a premium phone with a corresponding price tag. Its value now depends on its current price relative to its capabilities compared to newer mid-range phones.
- The G35 offers excellent value for its price, providing a smooth display and long battery life at an affordable cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The G35 is the clear choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- What are your primary use cases? Do you need a powerful camera, fast performance, and a vibrant display (Note20)? Or do you prioritize battery life, a smooth display, and outdoor visibility (G35)?
- How important is software support? The G35 has a newer Android version and is likely to receive more updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Note20 for its better camera system with telephoto lens, OIS, and 8K video recording.
- Scenario 2: All-Day Battery Life Needed: Choose the G35 for its larger battery.
- Scenario 3: Gaming and Performance are Key: Choose the Note20 for its faster chipset and GPU.
- Scenario 4: Tight Budget: Choose the G35 for its excellent value and smooth display.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G. Although it is an older device and the battery capacity is smaller, the superior AMOLED display, significantly better performance, and a more versatile camera system with features like optical zoom and 8K video recording are features that I highly value. Even though the Motorola Moto G35 has a higher refresh rate and a larger battery, the overall experience on the Note20 would be much better.
