1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.6 × 75.2 × 8.3 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Note 20 5G is slightly wider, Realme 12 Pro is thicker. Overall, similar in-hand feel. |
| Weight | 192g | 190g | Virtually indistinguishable in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen real estate for viewing content. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Visually similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 393 | 394 | No noticeable difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro will offer noticeably smoother scrolling, gaming, and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 12 Pro is significantly easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. Note: Samsung brightness is missing and should be researched for accurate comparison |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Note 20 5G likely more resistant to scratches and cracks. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro's Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offers a more efficient architecture, potentially leading to better battery life and sustained performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 515,090 | 574,000 | Realme 12 Pro is slightly faster in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Adreno 710 | Adreno 710 in the Realme 12 Pro is generally more efficient, but the Mali-G77 MP11 in the Note 20 5G may have slightly higher peak graphical performance (needs further testing). |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 12 Pro with 12GB RAM will handle multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro captures more detail in good lighting, but Note 20 5G's larger sensor may perform better in low light. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" | Note 20 5G offers higher resolution zoom capabilities, but image quality depends on processing. |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | Note 20 5G offers ultrawide photography. |
| Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Realme 12 Pro can take close-up macro shots. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12 Pro captures more detailed selfies, Note 20 5G is better in low light |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Note 20 5G can record higher resolution video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro likely lasts significantly longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Realme 12 Pro charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (15W) | No | Note 20 5G can be charged wirelessly. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes (9W) | No | Note 20 5G can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (up to 13) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro has a more modern operating system. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro has newer Bluetooth for potentially better efficiency and audio codec support (LDAC, SBC, AAC in addition to AptX). |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Note 20 5G offers the flexibility of an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Realme 12 Pro offers more storage space, especially at the higher end. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Realme 12 Pro has a slightly more well-rounded audio experience with stereo speakers and hi-res audio support. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:
- 8K Video Recording: Offers professional-grade video resolution, suitable for content creators.
- Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: Convenient for users who prefer cable-free charging and the ability to charge other devices.
- Ultrawide Lens: Provides more versatility in photography.
- eSIM Support: Easier switching between carriers when traveling.
- Better Screen Protection: Has Corning Gorilla Glass 6, which should prevent scratches and breakage better than unknown screen protection
Realme 12 Pro Advantages:
- 120Hz Display: Provides a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Faster Charging: Quickly replenishes battery, minimizing downtime.
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Newer OS: Benefits from the latest Android features and security updates.
- More Storage Options: Provides more space for apps, media, and files.
- Slightly Better Performance: Marginally better performance
- Macro Lens: Allows users to take close-up photos
Trade-offs:
- Note20 5G trades battery life and refresh rate for wireless charging and a ultrawide lens.
- Realme 12 Pro loses wireless charging and ultrawide lens for longer battery life, faster charging, and a smoother display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Ideal User:
- Content Creators: Benefit from 8K video recording and versatile camera system.
- Users Prioritizing Wireless Charging: Appreciate the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Travelers: Benefit from eSIM.
Use Cases:
- Filming high-resolution videos for YouTube or other platforms.
- Wirelessly charging earbuds or other accessories on the go.
- Taking ultrawide landscape or group photos.
Realme 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Benefit from longer battery life and faster charging.
- Gamers: Appreciate the smoother 120Hz display.
- Users Prioritizing a Modern OS: Want the latest Android features and security updates.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games without worrying about battery drain.
- Quickly charging the phone during a short break.
- Enjoying smoother scrolling and animations throughout the user interface.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions:
- How important is battery life and charging speed? If you need all-day battery and fast charging, the Realme 12 Pro is better.
- Do you value wireless charging and the ultrawide lens? If so, the Note20 5G is better.
- How important is a modern OS and long-term software support? The Realme 12 Pro has a significant advantage here.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Traveler/Content Creator: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G (eSIM, 8k video)
- Gamer/Everyday User: Realme 12 Pro (120Hz, better battery)
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 12 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G has some appealing features like 8K video and wireless charging, the Realme 12 Pro's 120Hz display and larger battery capacity would significantly improve my daily user experience. I also value having a more recent version of Android for security and feature updates. The slightly better performance and faster charging are also nice bonuses. While I would miss the ultrawide lens, the improved battery life and smoother display would be worth the trade-off for my personal use case. The improved screen protection of the Note 20 5G is a factor, but can be offset with a good screen protector.
