Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 21, 2020 August 9, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 100.86 cm³ 110.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.49 "/g 3.17 "/g
Weight 192 g 205 g
Height 161.6 mm 164 mm
Width 75.2 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Mystic Green
  • Mystic Bronze
  • Mystic Gray
  • Mystic Red
  • Mystic Blue
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.2 % 82.1 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 95.79 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 42.63 mAh/cm³ 45.19 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global Exynos 850 (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Global Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G77 MP11 - Global Mali-G52

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 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho, focusing on practical impacts for users:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GSamsung Galaxy A12 NachoPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mmNote20 5G is slightly more compact and thinner, making it potentially more comfortable to hold and carry.
Weight192g205gNote20 5G is lighter, which could be noticeable during extended use.
Build Quality (Screen)Corning Gorilla Glass 6UnknownNote20 5G offers superior screen protection against scratches and impacts.
Display
Size6.7"6.5"Note20 5G provides a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1080x2400720x1600Note20 5G offers a much sharper and more detailed display, improving the visual experience for all content.
Pixel Density (PPI)393270Noticeably sharper text and images on the Note20 5G.
TechnologyAMOLEDPLS LCDNote20 5G has superior color accuracy, contrast and power efficiency, especially with dark mode.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth offer standard smoothness; no difference in scrolling or gaming.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsUnable to compare display visibility in bright conditions
Performance
ChipsetExynos 990 (7 nm+)Exynos 850 (8 nm)Note20 5G offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
AnTuTu Score515,090117,300Note20 5G apps launch and run significantly smoother.
GPUMali-G77 MP11Mali-G52Note20 5G handles graphically intensive games and applications much better.
RAM8 GB3/4/6 GBNote20 5G allows for smoother multitasking and keeps more apps open in the background.
Camera
Main Camera Resolution12MP48MPA12 Nacho captures more detail in well-lit conditions, but Note20 5G likely performs better in low light due to larger sensor and wider aperture.
Telephoto LensYes (64MP)NoNote20 5G offers optical zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects with greater clarity.
Ultrawide LensYes (12MP)Yes (5MP)Note20 5G captures wider scenes with greater detail and clarity.
Selfie Camera10MP8MPNote20 5G captures sharper and more detailed selfies.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@24fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsNote20 5G allows for professional-grade video recording with significantly higher resolution and features like HDR, OIS and EIS.
Battery
Capacity4300mAh5000mAhA12 Nacho likely offers longer battery life due to its larger capacity and less power-hungry components.
Charging Speed25W Fast Charging15W Fast ChargingNote20 5G charges faster, reducing downtime.
Wireless ChargingYesNoNote20 5G offers convenient wireless charging capabilities.
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesNoNote20 5G can charge other devices wirelessly.
Software
OS (Initial)Android 10Android 11A12 Nacho launched with a slightly newer version of Android.
OS (Max Supported)Android 13Android 13Both will be updated to the same android version
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5Note20 5G offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.
Bluetooth5.05.0Similar Bluetooth connectivity
SIMDual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM)Dual SIM (Nano + Nano)Note20 5G supports eSIM for added flexibility.
Storage
Internal128/256 GB32/64/128 GBNote20 5G has More storage and better configurations.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither has expandable storage.
Security
Fingerprint Sensorbasic fingerprint sensorSide-mountedGalaxy A12 is more ergonomic
Other
Audio QualityDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital PlusDolby AtmosSlightly better audio quality.
SensorsAccelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, etc.AccelerometerNote20 5G has more sensors allowing better support for advanced apps.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Exynos 990 chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds, making it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
  • Better Display: AMOLED display with higher resolution and pixel density provides a much more vibrant, sharp, and enjoyable viewing experience.
  • Advanced Camera System: Versatile camera system with telephoto lens, capable of recording up to 8K video with features like OIS and EIS, delivering superior image and video quality.
  • Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Supports faster 25W wired charging and convenient wireless charging, including reverse wireless charging.
  • More RAM and Internal Storage: Offers more RAM (8GB) for smoother multitasking and greater internal storage options (128GB/256GB).
  • Enhanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and eSIM.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery likely provides longer battery life.
  • Newer Launch Date: Launched later.
  • Potentially Lower Price: Positioned as an entry-level device, so likely cheaper.

Trade-offs:

  • Choosing the Note20 5G means paying a premium for top-tier performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
  • The A12 Nacho sacrifices performance and display quality for affordability and potentially longer battery life.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G:

  • Ideal User: Power users, gamers, content creators, and professionals who demand top-tier performance, a stunning display, and a versatile camera system.
  • Use Cases:
    • Gaming: Smooth and responsive gaming experience.
    • Video Editing: Faster processing for editing high-resolution videos.
    • Photography/Videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
    • Multitasking: Running multiple apps simultaneously without lag.
    • Productivity: Using demanding productivity apps (e.g., large spreadsheets, presentations) seamlessly.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho:

  • Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers, students, and individuals who prioritize battery life and basic functionality over performance and advanced features.
  • Use Cases:
    • Everyday Communication: Making calls, sending texts, and using social media.
    • Basic Media Consumption: Watching videos and browsing the web.
    • Light Gaming: Playing casual games.
    • Long Battery Life: Extended use without frequent charging.

4. Decision Framework

Consider these questions before making a decision:

  1. What is your budget? The price difference between these phones is significant.
  2. What are your primary use cases? Do you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming and content creation, or primarily for basic communication and media consumption?
  3. How important is battery life versus performance? Are you willing to sacrifice performance for longer battery life, or vice versa?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Performance is Paramount: If you need a phone for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks, the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G is the clear choice.
  • Scenario 2: Budget is the Primary Concern: If you're on a tight budget and prioritize affordability, the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho is a reasonable option.
  • Scenario 3: Balanced Approach: If you want a good balance of features and price, consider looking at other phones in the mid-range category, as these may offer a better price-to-performance ratio than either of these specific models.

What I Would Choose and Why:

I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G. While the A12 Nacho has a larger battery, the Note20 5G offers a superior experience in almost every other aspect that is important to me.

Here's why:

  • Performance: As someone who uses my phone for a variety of tasks, including occasional gaming and photo editing, the Note20 5G's faster processor and ample RAM are crucial for a smooth and lag-free experience.
  • Display: I value a high-quality display for media consumption and general use. The AMOLED display on the Note20 5G is significantly better than the LCD on the A12 Nacho.
  • Camera: The Note20 5G's advanced camera system is essential for capturing high-quality photos and videos. The telephoto lens and 8K video recording capabilities are features I would definitely use.
  • Overall Experience: The combination of faster charging, wireless charging, and other premium features makes the Note20 5G a more enjoyable and convenient phone to use on a daily basis.

While the A12 Nacho's longer battery life is appealing, I would prefer to have better performance, a better display, and a better camera, even if it means charging my phone more often.

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.

Key Strengths:

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