1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.6 × 75.2 × 8.3 mm | 161.7 × 73.9 × 8.2 mm | The Realme 11 Pro is slightly narrower, which may make it easier to hold for some users. The Note20 5G is slightly wider. |
| Weight | 192g | 183g | The Realme 11 Pro is lighter, which could be more comfortable during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | The Note20 5G offers better screen protection against scratches and drops, which is significant for long-term durability. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size means a similar viewing experience for both phones. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Virtually the same sharpness; negligible difference in daily use. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Realme 11 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 11 Pro offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Note20 5G brightness is unknown, which is a disadvantage |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | The Dimensity 7050 in the Realme 11 Pro, despite being a mid-range chip, offers competitive performance and efficiency compared to the Exynos 990. |
| AnTuTu Score | 515,090 | 540,800 | The Realme 11 Pro scores slightly higher, indicating slightly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Mali-G77 MP11 in the Note20 5G was a flagship GPU at its time, offering good gaming performance. The Mali-G68 MC4 in the Realme 11 Pro is a capable mid-range GPU suitable for most games. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | The Realme 11 Pro (12GB variant) allows for more efficient multitasking and smoother performance with demanding applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 100MP, f/1.75, 1/1.8" | Realme 11 Pro captures more detailed images in good lighting conditions due to the higher megapixel count. Note20 has bigger sensor pixel size |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | The Note20 5G offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed-in shots without significant quality loss. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | The Note20 5G can capture wider scenes, useful for landscapes and group photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.1" | Both phones can capture good selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The Note20 5G can record higher resolution videos, suitable for users who need professional-grade video. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | The Realme 11 Pro offers significantly longer battery life, allowing for more usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | The Realme 11 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (15W) | No | The Note20 5G offers convenient wireless charging. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | The Realme 11 Pro ships with a newer Android version and is likely to receive more future updates. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | The Realme 11 Pro offers a larger 512GB storage option for users with extensive media libraries. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The Realme 11 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with improved connectivity and efficiency. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:
- Versatile Camera System: Includes Telephoto, Ultrawide, and ToF 3D sensor lenses, offering more photographic flexibility.
- 8K Video Recording: Ability to record in 8K resolution, suitable for professional video creators.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers convenient charging options.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM for digital carrier switching
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Realme 11 Pro Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate Display (120Hz): Provides a smoother user experience.
- Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery Capacity: Longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging speeds.
- Newer Software: Ships with a more recent version of Android, ensuring longer software support.
- More Storage Options: Offers 512GB storage option
Significant Trade-offs:
- Note20 5G: Older processor, lower refresh rate display, smaller battery, slower charging compared to the Realme 11 Pro, and potentially limited future software updates.
- Realme 11 Pro: Lacks a telephoto and ultrawide lens, no wireless charging, and unknown screen protection
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with telephoto and ultrawide lenses.
- Video Content Creators: Those who need 8K video recording capabilities.
- Users Who Value Wireless Charging: Prefer the convenience of wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- Professional Photography: Capturing diverse shots with different lenses.
- High-Resolution Video Production: Recording 8K videos for professional projects.
- Travel Photography: Utilizing the telephoto and ultrawide lenses
Realme 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize battery life, fast charging, and a smooth display.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy streaming videos and playing games.
- Users seeking the latest software features: Those who want the newest Android version.
Use Cases:
- All-Day Use: Enjoying extended usage without needing to recharge frequently.
- Gaming: Experiencing smoother gameplay with the 120Hz refresh rate.
- Outdoor Use: Easily viewing the screen in bright sunlight.
- Long-Term Software Support: Access to the latest Android features and security updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you? If these are high priorities, the Realme 11 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you need a versatile camera system with telephoto and ultrawide lenses? If yes, the Note20 5G has the edge.
- How important is a smooth display experience and long-term software support? If these are key, the Realme 11 Pro is more suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you prioritize camera versatility and wireless charging above all else, and don't mind an older processor and slower refresh rate, the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G might be suitable.
- Scenario 2: If you value long battery life, fast charging, a smooth display, and the latest software, and don't need a telephoto or ultrawide lens, the Realme 11 Pro is the better option.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 11 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G has its strengths, particularly in camera versatility with its telephoto and ultrawide lenses and convenient features like wireless charging, the Realme 11 Pro offers a more compelling package for my daily needs. The 120Hz display provides a significantly smoother user experience, the larger battery and faster charging are invaluable for all-day use, and the newer software ensures longer-term support and features.
While I appreciate the advanced camera capabilities of the Note20 5G, I find that the improvements in display smoothness, battery life, and charging speed offered by the Realme 11 Pro are more impactful in my everyday usage. The primary camera on the Realme 11 Pro is also very capable, and I can live without the telephoto and ultrawide lenses for the trade-off of a better overall experience.
