Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A23 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 21, 2020 September 2, 2022
Release Year 2020 2022

Physical

Volume 100.86 cm³ 106.84 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.49 "/g 3.35 "/g
Weight 192 g 197 g
Height 161.6 mm 165.4 mm
Width 75.2 mm 76.9 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Mystic Green
  • Mystic Bronze
  • Mystic Gray
  • Mystic Red
  • Mystic Blue
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White
  • Peach

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2408
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.2 % 82.5 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
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 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 42.63 mAh/cm³ 46.8 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4300 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Global Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
GPU Mali-G77 MP11 - Global Adreno 619

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 12
Maximum OS Version 13 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GSamsung Galaxy A23 5GPractical Impact
Dimensions161.6 × 75.2 × 8.3 mm165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mmNote20 5G is slightly more compact, potentially easier to handle for some users.
Weight192g197gNegligible difference in weight; both feel similar in hand.
Build Quality (Screen)Corning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5Similar durability; protection against scratches and drops is comparable.

Display

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GSamsung Galaxy A23 5GPractical Impact
Size6.7"6.6"Slightly larger screen on the Note20 5G offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1080x24001080x2408Virtually identical sharpness; no noticeable difference in clarity.
Pixel Density393 PPI400 PPIVirtually identical sharpness; no noticeable difference in clarity.
TechnologyAMOLEDPLS LCDAMOLED on Note20 5G offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, leading to a richer visual experience.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzA23 5G's 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming, providing a more responsive feel.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsUnable to compare - missing specification.

Performance

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GSamsung Galaxy A23 5GPractical Impact
ChipsetExynos 990 (7 nm+) - GlobalQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Exynos 990 offers better performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
AnTuTu Score515,090418,000Note20 5G scores higher, indicating faster overall performance and smoother multitasking.
GPUMali-G77 MP11 - GlobalAdreno 619Mali-G77 MP11 offers better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and graphically intensive applications.
RAM8 GBN/AThe Note20 5G has more RAM, supporting smoother multitasking and running more apps in the background, without slowdowns.

Camera

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GSamsung Galaxy A23 5GPractical Impact
Main Camera12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76"50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76"A23 5G's higher resolution allows for more detailed photos in good lighting, but Note20 5G's larger sensor may offer better low-light performance.
Telephoto Lens64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72"NoneNote20 5G offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for detailed photos at a distance without significant quality loss.
Ultrawide Lens12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55"5MP, f/2.2Note20 5G captures wider scenes with more detail, beneficial for landscape and group photos.
Selfie Camera10MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2"8MP, f/2.0Note20 5G may produce slightly sharper and more detailed selfies.
Video Recording8K@24fps, 4K@60fps1080p@30fpsNote20 5G offers significantly higher video recording capabilities, suitable for professional-quality video creation.
FeaturesOIS, Laser AF, RAW, Night ModeOISNote20 5G offers a more comprehensive suite of camera features, including advanced autofocus, image stabilization, and professional shooting modes.

Battery

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 5GSamsung Galaxy A23 5GPractical Impact
Capacity4300mAh5000mAhA23 5G provides longer battery life, allowing users to go longer between charges, especially with moderate usage.
Charging25W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging25W Fast ChargingNote20 5G offers wireless charging convenience and reverse wireless charging to charge other devices.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast.
  • Higher Performance: The Exynos 990 chipset and more RAM offer better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
  • Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens, higher video recording resolution, and advanced features like laser autofocus and RAW support enhance photo and video capabilities.
  • Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers convenient charging options not available on the A23 5G.
  • Better Audio: Offers Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus

Practical Implications: The Note20 5G is better for users who prioritize visual quality, performance, and advanced camera features. It's suitable for content creators, gamers, and users who consume a lot of multimedia.

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Advantages:

  • Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations.
  • Larger Battery Capacity: Provides longer battery life for all-day usage.
  • Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android (12 vs 10), with the possibility of further updates.
  • Newer Bluetooth: Has a slightly newer bluetooth version.

Practical Implications: The A23 5G is better for users who prioritize battery life and a smoother display experience for everyday use. It's suitable for casual users who browse the web, use social media, and watch videos.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Note20 5G: Shorter battery life and older software compared to the A23 5G.
  • A23 5G: Lower performance, inferior display technology, and a less versatile camera system compared to the Note20 5G.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G:

  • Ideal User: Power users, content creators, gamers, and those who value display quality and camera capabilities.
  • Use Cases:
    • Shooting high-resolution videos for professional projects.
    • Playing graphically intensive games with smoother performance.
    • Enjoying movies and videos with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
    • Taking detailed zoomed-in photos using the telephoto lens.

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:

  • Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, students, and those who prioritize battery life and a smooth display for everyday tasks.
  • Use Cases:
    • Browsing social media and websites with smoother scrolling.
    • Watching videos on the go without worrying about battery life.
    • Taking casual photos and videos for social sharing.
    • General daily use.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The A23 5G is likely more affordable.
  2. What are your primary use cases? Gaming and content creation vs. general daily use.
  3. How important is battery life vs. display quality? Longer battery vs. superior display.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Content Creator: Choose the Note20 5G for its superior performance, display, and camera.
  • Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Student: Choose the A23 5G for its affordability, longer battery life, and smooth display.
  • Scenario 3: General User with a Focus on Battery Life: Choose the A23 5G for its extended battery performance.
  • Scenario 4: User who wants the best camera experience: Choose the Note20 5G for its greater zoom range and video recording capabilities.

Which would I choose?

I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G. While the A23 5G has a bigger battery and smoother display, the Note20 5G has a significantly better camera setup, much better performance, and a gorgeous AMOLED display. The performance and camera are more important to me than a bigger battery.

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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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.