1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1 mm | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | Note 20 Ultra is slightly larger and thinner. Mate 50 Pro is more compact, potentially better for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 208g | 205g | Negligible difference. Both feel substantial. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Note 20 Ultra offers better scratch and drop resistance on the display. |
| Water Resistance | Specification missing | Specification missing | Impact on durability and peace of mind in wet conditions. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9" | 6.74" | Note 20 Ultra provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 1212x2616 | Note 20 Ultra offers sharper images and text. |
| PPI | 496 | 428 | Note 20 Ultra has noticeably crisper details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar quality displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Note 20 Ultra is much better visible under direct sunlight, due to 1500 nits being dramatically better than 0 nits. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Mate 50 Pro has a newer, more powerful chipset. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 666,551 | 1,022,043 | Mate 50 Pro benchmarked significantly higher, indicating superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 - Global | Adreno 730 | Mate 50 Pro's Adreno 730 offers better graphics performance for gaming and demanding applications. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB | Note 20 Ultra (12GB variant) provides better multitasking capabilities, especially with numerous apps running in the background. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Note 20 Ultra captures more detailed images in bright conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | Mate 50 Pro captures brighter images and better low-light performance due to the wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.56" | Note 20 Ultra's sensor is slightly larger, gathering more light for better image quality. |
| Telephoto Resolution | 13MP | 64MP | Mate 50 Pro offers far superior zoom capabilities with much higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Aperture | f/3.0 | f/3.5 | Note 20 Ultra telephoto lets in more light. |
| Telephoto Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/2" | Mate 50 Pro telephoto captures better details due to the larger sensor. |
| Ultrawide Resolution | 12.2MP | 12MP | Comparable ultrawide performance. |
| Selfie Resolution | 10MP | 13MP | Mate 50 Pro offers slightly higher resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Note 20 Ultra selfie lets in more light. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Note 20 Ultra can record in higher resolution (8K). |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | Not tested | 149 | Mate 50 Pro has superior image quality. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | Main Score: 136 | Main Score: 145 | Mate 50 Pro offers better selfie performance, especially in photo quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | Mate 50 Pro likely offers slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 45W | 66W | Mate 50 Pro charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster wirelessly. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 9W | 7.5W | Both can charge other devices wirelessly, with Note 20 Ultra having marginally faster speeds. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer batteries are generally considered to have a longer lifespan and are safer. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Note 20 Ultra offers familiarity and app compatibility. The OS on Mate 50 Pro is missing. | |
| 5G Support | Yes | No (4G) | Note 20 Ultra supports 5G for faster network speeds. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No ability to add storage on either phone. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Display Resolution and Sharpness: Noticeably crisper visuals.
- 8K Video Recording: For professional-grade video content creation.
- 5G Connectivity: Faster network speeds where available.
- Android OS with Updates: Access to a wider range of apps and familiar user experience.
- eSIM support: Greater flexibility with carrier options.
- Significantly better display brightness: Excellent visibility under direct sunlight.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Faster chipset and GPU.
- Better Camera Performance: Higher DXOMark score, especially for zoom and selfies.
- Faster Charging: Both wired and wireless.
- Potentially Better Battery Life: Slightly larger capacity.
- More advanced GPS: More satellite systems for location accuracy.
- Wider aperture for standard lens: Brighter images and better low-light performance.
Trade-offs:
- Note20 Ultra: Older chipset, lower camera performance, no expandable storage
- Mate 50 Pro: No 5G, potentially limited app availability, unknown OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Users deeply embedded in the Android ecosystem who prioritize display quality, 5G connectivity, and Samsung's software features. Content creators who value 8K video recording.
- Use Cases: Media consumption (movies, videos), mobile gaming, productivity with S Pen, users who rely on 5G connectivity.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and zoom capabilities. Users who demand top-tier performance and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Mobile photography, social media sharing, demanding mobile games, power users who need long battery life and fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions:
- How important is top-tier performance and camera quality? If these are critical, the Mate 50 Pro is a better choice.
- Do you need 5G connectivity and are you reliant on the Android ecosystem? The Note20 Ultra is the clear winner here.
- What is your budget? Consider price differences and available deals, as the Note20 Ultra is an older model.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Mobile Photographer: Huawei Mate 50 Pro (superior camera system)
- Android Enthusiast with 5G Coverage: Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G (familiar OS, wider app compatibility)
- Performance Seeker: Huawei Mate 50 Pro (faster chipset, higher benchmark scores)
- Budget-Conscious Buyer: Research current prices, as older models may offer better value.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would lean towards the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Despite the lack of 5G and the unknown OS, the superior camera performance, faster chipset, and rapid charging are more important to me. I take a lot of photos and videos, and the Mate 50 Pro's camera system appears to be significantly better, based on the DXOMark scores and specifications of the telephoto lens. Additionally, the faster charging and potentially better battery life would be very beneficial in my daily use.
It's important to acknowledge that OS is a critical factor, and without knowledge of what operating system the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, choosing that phone involves some risk. The lack of 5G is also a drawback, but 4G speeds are still generally sufficient for my needs. If OS/Ecosystem is important, I would research alternative phones.
