Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G vs Oppo Reno5 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 21, 2020 January 7, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 100.86 cm³ 92.26 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.49 "/g 3.74 "/g
Weight 192 g 172 g
Height 161.6 mm 159.1 mm
Width 75.2 mm 73.4 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Mystic Green
  • Mystic Bronze
  • Mystic Gray
  • Mystic Red
  • Mystic Blue
  • Starry Black
  • Galactic Silver
  • Azure Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.43 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.2 % 85.5 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 409 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 430 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 750 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 95.79 mAh/in² 104.00 mAh/in²
Battery Density 42.63 mAh/cm³ 46.61 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 4300 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Global Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
GPU Mali-G77 MP11 - Global Adreno 620

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 5GOppo Reno5 5GPractical Impact
Dimensions161.6 × 75.2 × 8.3 mm159.1 × 73.4 × 7.9 mmNote20 is slightly larger; Reno5 is more pocketable.
Weight192g172gReno5 is noticeably lighter, improving comfort during extended use.

Display

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GOppo Reno5 5GPractical Impact
Size6.7"6.43"Note20 offers a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Identical sharpness; no noticeable difference in clarity.
PPI393409Essentially identical pixel density - both screens are very sharp.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDVibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzReno5 offers smoother scrolling and animations, leading to a more fluid user experience.
Brightness0 nits750 nitsReno5 is easier to view under direct sunlight, enhancing outdoor usability.

Performance

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GOppo Reno5 5GPractical Impact
ChipsetExynos 990 (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Note20's Exynos 990 offers significantly higher processing power for demanding tasks and gaming.
AnTuTu Score515,090325,000Note20 provides a noticeably faster and smoother experience, especially for gaming and multitasking.
GPUMali-G77 MP11Adreno 620Note20's GPU handles graphically intensive games and applications better.

Camera

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GOppo Reno5 5GPractical Impact
Main Camera12MP, f/1.864MP, f/1.7Reno5's higher resolution sensor captures more detail in good lighting, but Note20 might perform better in low light due to larger pixel size after binning.
Selfie Camera10MP, f/2.032MP, f/2.4Reno5 captures more detailed selfies. Note20's wider aperture potentially allows for better low-light performance.
Telephoto Lens64MP, f/2.0NoneNote20 provides optical zoom capabilities, allowing for detailed zoomed-in shots.
Wide Angle Lens12MP, f/2.2NoneNote20 can capture wider scenes, useful for landscapes and group photos.
Macro LensNone2MP, f/2.4Reno5 allows for close-up shots of small objects, but the low resolution limits detail.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@24fpsUp to 4K@30fpsNote20 captures higher-resolution video, offering more flexibility for editing and cropping.

Battery

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GOppo Reno5 5GPractical Impact
Capacity4300mAh4300mAhSimilar battery life under typical usage.
Charging25W Fast Charging65W Fast ChargingReno5 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime.
Wireless ChargingYes (15W)NoNote20 offers convenient wireless charging.

Software

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GOppo Reno5 5GPractical Impact
OSAndroid 10 (upgradable to 13)Android 11 (upgradable to 12)Note20 has better long-term software support, potentially receiving more features and security updates.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:

  • Significantly more powerful processor (Exynos 990): Enables smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
  • Superior camera system: Offers telephoto and ultrawide lenses for greater versatility.
  • 8K video recording: Provides higher-resolution video capture for professional use.
  • Wireless charging: Adds convenience for charging at home or in the office.
  • eSIM support: Allows for easier switching between carriers.
  • Barometer: Useful for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals.
  • Better Long-Term Software Support: Can be upgraded to Android 13.

Oppo Reno5 5G Advantages:

  • Lighter and more compact design: Easier to carry and use one-handed.
  • Smoother 90Hz display: Improves the fluidity of scrolling and animations.
  • Significantly faster charging (65W): Reduces charging time substantially.
  • Higher resolution front camera: Better detail in selfies.
  • Stereo Speakers: More immersive sound experience.

Trade-offs:

  • Note20 trades a smoother display and faster charging for significantly higher performance and a more versatile camera system.
  • Reno5 prioritizes portability, display smoothness, and rapid charging over raw processing power and advanced camera features.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G is ideal for:

  • Power users: Those who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, and demanding applications.
  • Photography enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera systems with telephoto and ultrawide lenses.
  • Professionals: Those who need 8K video recording capabilities.
  • Users invested in the Samsung ecosystem: People who value software features unique to Samsung (like DeX) and prefer Samsung's One UI.

Oppo Reno5 5G is ideal for:

  • Everyday users: Those who prioritize a lightweight, pocketable device with a smooth display and fast charging.
  • Social media enthusiasts: Users who frequently take selfies and share content online.
  • Budget-conscious consumers: Those seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience at a more affordable price point.

4. Decision Framework

Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:

  1. How important is processing power? If you frequently play demanding games, edit videos, or run resource-intensive applications, the Note20's Exynos 990 is the better choice.
  2. What are your camera priorities? If you need telephoto and ultrawide lenses for versatile photography, the Note20 is superior. If you mainly take selfies, the Reno5's higher-resolution front camera might be more appealing.
  3. Do you value portability and convenience? If you prefer a lighter, more pocketable device with faster charging, the Reno5 is the better option.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Note20 for its superior processing power and GPU.
  • Scenario 2: Travel Photographer: Choose the Note20 for its versatile camera system with telephoto and ultrawide lenses.
  • Scenario 3: Social Media Creator: Choose the Reno5 for its high-resolution front camera and smooth display for content consumption.
  • Scenario 4: Everyday User on a Budget: Choose the Reno5 for its balance of features and affordable price.

Which phone would I choose?

I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G. While I appreciate the Oppo Reno5 5G's lighter design, faster charging, and smoother display, the Note20's significantly more powerful processor and versatile camera system are more important to me. As someone who frequently multitasks, edits photos, and occasionally plays games, the Note20's superior performance would make a noticeable difference in my daily usage. The inclusion of telephoto and ultrawide lenses, as well as the 8k video recording, give me the flexibility to capture a wider range of shots and create high-quality video content. Ultimately, the Note20 offers a more well-rounded experience for my specific needs, outweighing the benefits of the Reno5.

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
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.