Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G vs Realme GT Neo2 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 21, 2020 September 28, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 100.86 cm³ 111.13 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.49 "/g 3.31 "/g
Weight 192 g 199.8 g
Height 161.6 mm 162.9 mm
Width 75.2 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Mystic Green
  • Mystic Bronze
  • Mystic Gray
  • Mystic Red
  • Mystic Blue
  • Neo Black
  • Neo Blue
  • Neo Green

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.62 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.2 % 85.7 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 398 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1300 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 95.79 mAh/in² 114.09 mAh/in²
Battery Density 42.63 mAh/cm³ 44.99 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Global Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
GPU Mali-G77 MP11 - Global Adreno 650

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 13 12

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GRealme GT Neo2Practical Impact
Dimensions161.6 × 75.2 × 8.3 mm162.9 × 75.8 × 9 mmNote20 5G is slightly thinner and more compact, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use.
Weight192g199.8gNote20 5G is negligibly lighter, unlikely to be noticeable.
Build Quality (Screen Protection)Corning Gorilla Glass 6UnknownNote20 5G offers better protection against scratches and drops.

Display

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GRealme GT Neo2Practical Impact
Size6.7"6.62"Virtually identical screen size; negligible difference in viewing area.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Identical sharpness and clarity.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzGT Neo2 offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience.
Brightness0 nits1300 nitsGT Neo2 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.

Performance

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GRealme GT Neo2Practical Impact
ChipsetExynos 990 (7 nm+)Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Snapdragon 870 offers significantly better performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming.
AnTuTu Score515,090794,643GT Neo2 is noticeably faster in real-world use, especially with resource-intensive tasks.
GPUMali-G77 MP11Adreno 650Adreno 650 offers superior graphics performance, leading to smoother gameplay and faster rendering.

Camera

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GRealme GT Neo2Practical Impact
Main Camera12MP64MPGT Neo2 has the potential for more detailed shots in good lighting.
Telephoto LensYes (64MP)NoNote20 5G offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed-in photos.
Ultrawide Lens12MP8MPNote20 5G captures wider scenes with better detail.
Macro LensNoYes (2MP)GT Neo2 can take close-up photos of small objects.
Selfie Camera10MP16MPGT Neo2 produces slightly more detailed selfies.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@24fpsUp to 4K@60fpsNote20 5G allows for higher resolution video recording, useful for professional content creation.
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)YesNoNote20 5G produces smoother, less shaky videos and sharper low-light photos.

Battery

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GRealme GT Neo2Practical Impact
Capacity4300mAh5000mAhGT Neo2 offers longer battery life, especially with its more efficient chipset.
Charging25W65WGT Neo2 charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime.
Wireless ChargingYes (15W)NoNote20 5G offers the convenience of wireless charging.
Reverse Wireless ChargingYes (9W)NoNote20 5G can wirelessly charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches.

Other

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GRealme GT Neo2Practical Impact
Software (Initial)Android 10Android 11GT Neo2 launched with a slightly newer Android version.
Software (Max Version)Android 13Android 12Note20 5G got one extra major update.
Expandable StorageNoNoLimited to internal storage only.
eSIMYesNoNote20 5G allows for using a digital SIM card, useful for international travel.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5)GT Neo2 offers better GPS accuracy due to more satellite support.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:

  • Superior Camera System: Offers telephoto lens with optical zoom, better ultrawide lens, OIS for sharper photos and videos, and 8K video recording.
    • Practical Impact: More versatile photography capabilities, especially for zoomed-in shots, low-light performance, and professional-grade video.
  • Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Provides convenient charging options.
    • Practical Impact: Eliminates the need for cables and allows charging of other devices.
  • eSIM Support: Allows for using a digital SIM card.
    • Practical Impact: Useful for travelers who want to switch carriers easily.
  • Better Build Quality (Screen Protection): Corning Gorilla Glass 6 offers improved scratch and drop resistance.
    • Practical Impact: Greater peace of mind against accidental damage.
  • Barometer:
    • Practical Impact: Can be used to measure altitude and air pressure.

Realme GT Neo2 Advantages:

  • Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 870 chipset offers a substantial performance boost over the Exynos 990.
    • Practical Impact: Smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming experience.
  • Higher Refresh Rate Display (120Hz): Provides a smoother visual experience.
    • Practical Impact: More fluid scrolling, animations, and gaming.
  • Much Brighter Display (1300 nits): Ensures excellent outdoor visibility.
    • Practical Impact: Easier to see the screen in direct sunlight.
  • Larger Battery & Faster Charging (65W): Offers longer battery life and quicker charging times.
    • Practical Impact: Less frequent charging and reduced downtime.
  • Macro Lens:
    • Practical Impact: Allows for close-up photography.
  • More Accurate GPS:
    • Practical Impact: More reliable navigation.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Note20 5G sacrifices performance and battery life for a more versatile camera system and wireless charging capabilities.
  • GT Neo2 forgoes the premium features of the Note20 5G (wireless charging, telephoto lens) for superior performance and battery.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Ideal User:

  • Photography Enthusiasts: Prioritizes camera versatility, especially optical zoom and high-quality video recording.
  • Users Who Value Wireless Charging: Appreciates the convenience of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
  • Travelers: Benefits from eSIM support for easy carrier switching abroad.

Use Cases:

  • Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios (landscapes, portraits, zoomed-in shots).
  • Wirelessly charging earbuds or smartwatches on the go.
  • Using a local SIM card while traveling without physically swapping SIMs.

Realme GT Neo2 Ideal User:

  • Gamers: Demands smooth performance and a high refresh rate display.
  • Power Users: Needs long battery life and fast charging for intensive use.
  • Outdoor Users: Requires a bright display for visibility in sunlight.
  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Seeks the best performance and features for the price.

Use Cases:

  • Playing graphics-intensive games with smooth frame rates.
  • Using the phone heavily throughout the day without worrying about battery life.
  • Navigating outdoors in bright sunlight.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is camera versatility (optical zoom, OIS, 8K video)? If it's a top priority, the Note20 5G is a better choice.
  2. How much do I value performance and battery life? If these are critical, the GT Neo2 is the clear winner.
  3. What is my budget, and am I willing to trade premium features for performance? The GT Neo2 typically offers better value for money.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler & Photography Enthusiast: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G (eSIM, versatile camera).
  • Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer & Heavy User on a Budget: Realme GT Neo2 (performance, battery life, value).
  • Scenario 3: Casual User Who Prioritizes Camera Quality: Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G (better overall camera system).
  • Scenario 4: Outdoor Worker who needs to see his phone in the sunlight Realme GT Neo2 (brightness)

What I would choose and why!

Given my personal priorities, I would choose the Realme GT Neo2. While the camera system on the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G is appealing, the significantly better performance, higher refresh rate display, much brighter screen, and vastly superior battery life of the GT Neo2 are more crucial for my daily usage. I frequently play mobile games, watch videos, and use my phone outdoors, making the GT Neo2 a better fit for my needs. The faster charging is also a huge plus.

Therefore, I would opt for the Realme GT Neo2 due to its superior performance, display, and battery life, despite sacrificing the more versatile camera and wireless charging capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G.

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.

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  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.