Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs. Google Pixel Fold
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Google Pixel Fold offers a tablet-sized screen in a pocketable form, enhancing multitasking and media consumption. Note20 Ultra is a traditional, larger smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1 mm | 139.7 × 158.7 × 5.8 mm (Unfolded) | The Note20 Ultra is taller and thicker. The Pixel Fold, when unfolded, is significantly wider. Consider hand size and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 208g | 283g | The Note20 Ultra is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged one-handed use. The Pixel Fold's weight is noticeable. |
| Build Material | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), stainless steel frame | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Both offer robust build quality. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9" | 7.6" (Internal), Smaller Cover Display | The Pixel Fold provides a substantially larger viewing area for media, gaming, and productivity. The Note20 Ultra offers a large, but more conventional smartphone screen. |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 1840x2208 | Note20 Ultra has a higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 496 PPI | 378 PPI | The Note20 Ultra's higher pixel density results in a sharper, more detailed image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Note20 Ultra offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1500 nits | Both are bright enough for outdoor visibility. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | The Pixel Fold's Tensor G2 is newer and optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, providing smoother performance in Google-specific applications and computational photography. |
| AnTuTu Score | 666,551 | 793,800 | The Pixel Fold has better raw performance, though real-world differences may not always be noticeable in everyday use. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 - Global | Mali-G710 MP7 | Both are capable GPUs, but the Pixel Fold's provides slightly better graphics performance. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 12 GB | Both are more than adequate for multitasking. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 48MP, f/1.7 | Note20 Ultra captures more detailed images in good lighting due to its higher resolution. Pixel Fold's wider aperture might perform slightly better in low light, but is negligible. |
| Telephoto | 13MP, f/3.0 | 10.8MP, f/3.0 | Similar telephoto capabilities. |
| Ultrawide | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | 10.8MP, f/2.2 | Similar ultrawide capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/1.9 | Similar selfie capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The Note20 Ultra can record in higher resolution, useful for professional video creation. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS, Digital Image Stabilization, RAW | 4K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS, Digital Image Stabilization | Both offer advanced camera features. |
| ToF 3D sensor | yes | no | Better depth sensing for AR applications on Note20 Ultra. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4821mAh | The Pixel Fold has a slightly larger battery, which may translate to slightly longer battery life, especially when considering the larger screen. |
| Charging | 45W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Note20 Ultra charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, with reverse charging | No Reverse Charging | Wireless charging adds convenience. Reverse wireless charging allows the Note20 Ultra to charge other devices. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | The Pixel Fold offers a cleaner Android experience with guaranteed updates and exclusive Google features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density results in a noticeably sharper image.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- S-Pen Support: Integrated S-Pen enhances productivity and creativity.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- 8k Video Recording: ability to shoot in 8k
Practical Implications: The Note20 Ultra is better suited for users who prioritize display sharpness, faster charging, stylus input, and the ability to record in 8k.
Google Pixel Fold Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a tablet-sized screen for enhanced multitasking and media consumption.
- Newer Processor: Tensor G2 is optimized for AI and Google services.
- Guaranteed Software Updates: Ensures the latest features and security patches.
- Larger Battery: May provide slightly better battery life.
- More Modern Bluetooth: Better and secure connection using version 5.2.
Practical Implications: The Pixel Fold caters to users who want a foldable device with a larger screen for productivity and media consumption, along with a smoother software experience and guaranteed updates.
Trade-offs:
- The Pixel Fold is heavier and bulkier than the Note20 Ultra.
- The Note20 Ultra's software experience might feel dated compared to the Pixel Fold.
- The Note20 Ultra lacks the productivity benefits of a foldable display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Professionals who need a powerful smartphone with stylus input for productivity, photographers who want high-resolution images and video, and users who value a sharper display.
- Use Cases: Note-taking, photo and video editing, presentations, gaming, and media consumption.
Google Pixel Fold:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts who want the latest foldable technology, professionals who need a larger screen for multitasking, and users who prioritize a clean Android experience with guaranteed updates.
- Use Cases: Reading, document editing, video conferencing, gaming, and consuming media on a larger screen.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before making a decision:
- Form Factor Preference: Do you prefer a traditional smartphone or a foldable device with a larger screen?
- Software Experience: Do you want a clean Android experience with guaranteed updates, or are you comfortable with a more customized interface?
- Priorities: Do you prioritize display sharpness and faster charging, or a larger screen and newer processor?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Productivity-Focused User: If you need a device for heavy multitasking and prefer a larger screen, the Google Pixel Fold is a better choice.
- Content Creation: If you are focused on taking photos and videos the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is a better choice
- Budget-Conscious User: Since the Note20 Ultra is an older phone it might be cheaper
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel Fold. While the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has its strengths, the foldable form factor of the Pixel Fold offers a unique and compelling experience for productivity and media consumption. The larger screen provides a significant advantage for multitasking, reading, and watching videos, outweighing the Note20 Ultra's slightly sharper display and faster charging. The Pixel Fold's guaranteed software updates also ensure a longer lifespan and access to the latest features. The modern software experience, the versatility of the foldable form factor makes it a more compelling choice.
