1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.6 × 75.2 × 8.3 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | Negligible difference in hand feel. Realme 12+ slightly taller, Note20 5G slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 192g | 190g | Virtually identical weight; won't feel significantly different in hand. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Note20 5G offers superior scratch and impact resistance for the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Near identical screen size, imperceptible difference for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and detail levels. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 395 PPI | Virtually identical pixel density - sharpness is the same |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good energy efficiency on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ provides noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is much more visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 12+ offers slightly better overall performance and efficiency due to the newer chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 515,090 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ is faster in benchmarks, translating to slightly smoother app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Note20 has a slightly better GPU, but the difference won't be significant for most users. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2" | Realme 12+ captures more detail in good lighting. Note20 has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Realme 12+ captures more detailed selfies. Note20 5G's wider aperture should allow for brighter selfies, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | Note20 5G has dedicated zoom capabilities. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Note20 5G captures wider and more detailed ultrawide photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12+ can take close-up macro shots, albeit with limited detail. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Note20 5G can record higher resolution videos. |
| Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser AF, Continuous shooting, RAW, Night Mode | Triple camera | Note20 5G provides more advanced camera features and versatility. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12+ offers significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Realme 12+ charges much faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging | None | Note20 5G can wirelessly charge and reverse-charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:
- More versatile camera system: Telephoto lens, higher resolution ultrawide, 8K video recording, advanced camera features (RAW, manual mode).
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging: Convenient for charging accessories or other devices.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 provides better protection.
- eSIM Support: Added flexibility with dual SIM options.
Practical Implications:
- Better for users who prioritize camera quality and versatility.
- Wireless charging provides added convenience.
- eSIM support is useful for international travel or managing multiple phone numbers.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Significantly longer battery life: 5000mAh vs 4300mAh.
- Much faster charging: 67W vs 25W.
- Smoother display: 120Hz refresh rate vs 60Hz.
- Brighter display: 2000 nits brightness improves outdoor visibility.
- Newer software: Comes with Android 14 out of the box and is slated to receive 3 major Android updates.
Practical Implications:
- Ideal for users who need all-day battery life and quick charging.
- Smoother display enhances the overall user experience, especially for gaming and scrolling.
- The display is great in sunlight.
- Newer software provides access to the latest features and security updates.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Note20 5G: Older chipset, lower refresh rate display, shorter battery life, slower charging.
- Realme 12+: Less versatile camera system, no wireless charging, unknown screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system, users who value wireless charging, and those who need eSIM support.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Wirelessly charging accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.
- Using an eSIM for international travel or a secondary phone number.
Realme 12+:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, a smooth display, and fast charging.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy smartphone users who need all-day battery life.
- Gamers who benefit from the 120Hz refresh rate.
- Outdoor users who need a bright and visible display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is battery life and charging speed? (Realme 12+ wins in this aspect)
- How much do I value camera versatility (telephoto, 8K video, RAW capture)? (Note20 5G wins in this aspect)
- Do I need wireless charging or eSIM support? (Note20 5G has these features)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: All-day battery is critical. Choose Realme 12+.
- Scenario 2: Photography is a primary use case. Choose Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G.
- Scenario 3: Value for money is most important. Realme 12+ offers more modern features at what is likely a lower price point considering the Note20 5G is older.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Realme 12+.
Here's why:
- Battery Life and Charging: As a heavy smartphone user, battery life is a major concern. The Realme 12+'s larger battery and significantly faster charging would make a real difference in my daily usage.
- Display Smoothness: The 120Hz display is a noticeable upgrade over 60Hz, making scrolling and animations feel much smoother.
- Brighter Display: The display being brighter helps with sunlight legibility.
- Software: The Note20 5G is already a few years old, so it's not getting new updates.
While I appreciate the Note20 5G's camera versatility and wireless charging, the Realme 12+'s advantages in battery, display, and charging speed are more critical for my personal use case. Also, the inclusion of the neweset software and guarenteed updates is a great addition. The newer chipset, which comes with the Realme 12+, also give this phone a slightly better advantage.
