1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Note20 5G is slightly wider, while Realme 12 Pro+ is a bit thicker. The difference is negligible for most users. |
| Weight | 192g | 196g | Virtually identical weight; neither will feel significantly heavier. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Note20 5G offers better scratch resistance and durability for the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size means similar viewing experience for content consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Insignificant resolution difference; both displays will appear equally sharp. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Impossible to determine which has better outdoor visibility or HDR performance without actual values. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more modern, efficient chipset. Expect better sustained performance and thermal management during demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 515,090 | 603,400 | Realme 12 Pro+ offers slightly better performance in demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Adreno 710 | Adreno 710 offers better compatibility and optimization for modern mobile games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Realme 12 Pro+ captures more detail and performs better in low light due to larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | No dedicated ultrawide | Note20 5G can capture wider scenes; Realme 12 Pro+ combines ultrawide with macro lens. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | Note20 5G has a slightly brighter aperture on telephoto lens and larger sensor, potentially better low-light zoom performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | Realme 12 Pro+ captures more detailed selfies, but Note20 5G has a wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Note20 5G offers higher resolution video for professional use. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ lasts longer on a single charge, especially with its more efficient chipset. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Realme 12 Pro+ charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, with reverse | No | Note20 5G can wirelessly charge and act as a wireless charging pad for other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:
- 8K Video Recording: Suitable for professional video creation.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Convenient for users with wireless charging accessories.
- eSIM Support: Allows for easy switching between carriers.
- Gorilla Glass 6: Superior screen protection.
- Ultrawide Lens: Dedicated ultrawide lens offers better wide-angle photography compared to a combined macro/ultrawide.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- 120Hz Display: Offers smoother user experience.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Improved battery life and quicker top-ups.
- More Modern Chipset: Better performance and efficiency.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Improved image quality.
- More RAM options: better multitasking, especially with 12 GB option.
- Newer Android Version: Longer software support (although the Note 20 has already received its last update).
Trade-offs:
- The Note20 5G has an older chipset and lower refresh rate display, but offers features like wireless charging and 8K video.
- The Realme 12 Pro+ lacks wireless charging and is missing a dedicated ultrawide camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G:
- Ideal User: Someone who values premium features like wireless charging, requires 8K video recording, and needs eSIM support.
- Use Cases: Professional video creation, frequent traveler needing multiple carrier options, user heavily invested in wireless charging ecosystem.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Ideal User: Someone prioritizing battery life, smooth display, and camera performance.
- Use Cases: Gaming, social media browsing, photography, and users who want longer battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is video recording quality (specifically 8K)? If it's critical, the Note20 5G is the better option.
- Is battery life and charging speed a priority? If so, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better choice.
- Do you need wireless charging or eSIM support? These features are only available on the Note20 5G.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Content Creator: If 8K video and wireless charging are important, choose the Note20 5G, but understand that the Realme 12 Pro+ will offer better main camera performance and longer battery life.
- For the Power User: The Realme 12 Pro+ with its faster processor, higher refresh rate, and larger battery is the superior choice.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: Without current pricing, it is hard to tell which phone is best for the budget conscious, though older phones like the Note 20 5G typically depreciate more quickly.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 12 Pro+. While the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G has some appealing features like wireless charging and 8K video, the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a more modern and well-rounded experience. The 120Hz display provides a noticeably smoother user interface, the larger battery and faster charging are significant advantages for daily use, and the more efficient chipset ensures better sustained performance. The primary camera is also an advantage, due to the larger sensor. The lack of wireless charging is a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits in other areas.
