1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1 mm | 161.9 × 74.1 × 7.8 mm | Note20 Ultra is larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. Honor 90 is slimmer and easier to pocket. |
| Weight | 208g | 183g | Honor 90 is noticeably lighter, reducing fatigue during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Note20 Ultra's screen is significantly more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9" | 6.7" | Note20 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 1200x2664 | Note20 Ultra's higher resolution results in sharper images, text, and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 496 | 435 | Note20 Ultra has a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90 may be slightly more visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition (4 nm) | Honor 90's newer, more efficient chipset should offer better sustained performance and battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 666,551 | 701,227 | Honor 90 benchmarks slightly higher, suggesting better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Adreno 644 | While different, both are capable GPUs for gaming. The Adreno 644 in the Honor 90 is generally considered more efficient. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB, 12GB or 16GB | The 16GB option on the Honor 90 provides better multitasking capabilities, especially with demanding applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 200MP | Honor 90 captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | Note20 Ultra's wider aperture allows slightly more light, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.4" | Note20 Ultra's larger sensor can capture more light, improving dynamic range and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 50MP | Honor 90 captures significantly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Note20 Ultra's wider aperture allows slightly more light for selfies in dimmer conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (13MP) | No | Note20 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (12.2MP) | Yes (12MP) | Both offer wide-angle perspectives, though the Note20 Ultra's is a dedicated lens. |
| Other Cameras | ToF 3D Sensor | Portrait mode (depth), Wide Angle + Macro | Note20 Ultra offers depth sensing, while Honor 90 provides macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Note20 Ultra can record higher resolution videos, offering more flexibility for editing and professional use. |
| OIS | Yes | No | Note20 Ultra provides better video stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Honor 90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Honor 90 offers longer battery life, especially with its more efficient chipset. |
| Charging Speed | 45W | 66W | Honor 90 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (15W) | No | Note20 Ultra offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes (9W) | No | Note20 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a sharper and more immersive viewing experience.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes telephoto, wide-angle, and ToF sensors for a wider range of photography options and better depth sensing.
- Premium Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better screen protection.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Added convenience for charging the phone and other devices.
- S-Pen Support: Although not explicitly mentioned in provided specs, the Note series has the S-Pen.
Honor 90 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition offers better efficiency and potentially better sustained performance.
- Larger Battery: Provides longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Reduces charging time significantly.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Captures more detailed selfies.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and pocket.
Trade-offs:
- The Note20 Ultra 5G is an older flagship, so its chipset, despite being powerful, is less efficient and potentially outdated compared to the Honor 90.
- The Honor 90 lacks some premium features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and the advanced camera capabilities of the Note20 Ultra 5G.
- The Note20 Ultra 5G is larger and heavier, making it less comfortable for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Benefit from the versatile camera system with optical zoom and depth sensing.
- Media Consumers: Appreciate the larger, higher-resolution display for immersive viewing.
- Power Users: Value wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and potentially S Pen functionality.
- Users Requiring Robust Build: Benefit from screen protection.
Use Cases:
- Professional Photography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos with various lenses.
- Gaming: Immersive gaming experience with a large, high-resolution display.
- Productivity: Taking notes, sketching, and multitasking.
- Travel: High-quality pictures while traveling.
Honor 90 Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Selfie Lovers: Want high-resolution selfies.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Seek a balance of performance and features at a competitive price.
- Users Seeking Portability: Want a lightweight and compact phone.
Use Cases:
- Social Media: Taking and sharing high-quality photos and videos.
- Daily Communication: Making calls, sending messages, and browsing the web.
- Entertainment: Streaming videos and playing casual games.
- Long Days Out: Need a phone that lasts all day.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Note20 Ultra 5G, being an older flagship, might be available at a lower price than its original MSRP.
- How important are camera versatility and video quality? If optical zoom, 8K video, and depth sensing are crucial, the Note20 Ultra 5G is the better choice.
- How important is battery life and charging speed? If you prioritize all-day battery and fast charging, the Honor 90 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional photographer or videographer. The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is the better choice due to its versatile camera system, 8K video recording, and optical zoom.
- Scenario 2: Student or casual user. The Honor 90 is the better choice due to its longer battery life, faster charging, and more compact design, all at a potentially lower price.
- Scenario 3: User who values both performance and premium features. This is trickier. If the Note20 Ultra 5G is available at a significantly lower price, it might be a good compromise. Otherwise, consider newer phones with similar capabilities to the Note20 Ultra 5G but with updated chipsets.
My Choice
If I were making the choice today, I would lean towards the Honor 90. While the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a superior display and more versatile camera system, the Honor 90's newer chipset, larger battery, and faster charging are more appealing to my everyday usage patterns. The fact that the Honor 90 is lighter and more compact also contributes to a better overall user experience for me. Furthermore, the higher resolution selfie camera is a nice bonus. Even though the Note20 Ultra 5G has a better build with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, I am generally careful with my phones. The improved battery life and faster charging outweigh the benefits of the older flagship for my specific needs.
