1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Note20 Ultra is slightly larger, which may affect one-handed use. Nova 12i is slightly thicker, but the difference is minimal. |
| Weight | 208g | 199g | The Nova 12i is negligibly lighter. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Note20 Ultra offers significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9" | 6.7" | Slightly larger screen on the Note20 Ultra provides a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 1080x2388 | Note20 Ultra's higher resolution results in sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 496 | 391 | The higher PPI on the Note20 Ultra means significantly sharper details, especially noticeable in small text and high-resolution images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to IPS LCD. The Note20 Ultra will have a richer, more visually appealing display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on the Note20 Ultra. This is most noticeable in fast-paced games and when navigating the UI. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The Note20 Ultra is dramatically brighter, making it much more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. It is unknown how bright the Huawei Nova 12i gets. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The Exynos 990 offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 666,551 | 289,000 | The Note20 Ultra's much higher score translates to a smoother and more responsive user experience, especially under heavy load. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Adreno 610 | The Mali-G77 MP11 offers significantly better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.67" | Both have 108MP, but the Note20 Ultra has a wider aperture and larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/7.6" | None | The Note20 Ultra has an ultrawide lens for capturing wider scenes and creative perspectives. The Huawei does not have one. |
| Telephoto Lens | 13MP, f/3.0, 1/3.4" | None | The Note20 Ultra has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to your subject without losing detail. The Huawei does not have one. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 8MP, f/2.0 | The Note20 Ultra has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera with a smaller aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The Note20 Ultra can record significantly higher quality video, making it suitable for professional content creation. |
| Stabilization | OIS, EIS | None | The Note20 Ultra features both Optical and Electronic Image Stabilization producing significantly better stable video. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Nova 12i has a larger battery, which should translate to longer battery life, especially with its less demanding processor and display. |
| Charging | 45W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Both phones offer fast charging, but the Note20 Ultra technically charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, 9W reverse | No | The Note20 Ultra supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices wirelessly. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Unknown | The Note20 Ultra has a known Android version with confirmed updates. The Huawei's software situation is unclear. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | The Note20 Ultra supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity with Wi-Fi 6. |
| 5G | Yes | No | The Note20 Ultra supports 5G connectivity. The Huawei Nova 12i is 4G only. |
Storage & Memory
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB | The Note20 Ultra can have more RAM, which is beneficial for multitasking and running demanding applications. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | The Note20 Ultra is available in larger storage options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness offer a significantly better viewing experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 990 chipset and Mali-G77 MP11 GPU provide much better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers telephoto and ultrawide lenses, higher video recording capabilities (up to 8K), and optical image stabilization.
- Wireless Charging: Supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- 5G Connectivity: Supports faster 5G cellular networks.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection.
Huawei nova 12i Advantages:
- Larger Battery: A 500mAh larger battery may offer longer battery life, especially with its less demanding components.
- Potentially Lower Price: Likely to be more affordable.
- Lighter Weight: Slightly lighter, which could be preferable for some users.
Trade-offs:
- The Note20 Ultra prioritizes performance, display quality, and camera versatility at the expense of battery life and potentially higher cost.
- The Nova 12i prioritizes battery life and affordability, sacrificing performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who demand the best possible performance for gaming, multitasking, and content creation.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with excellent image and video quality.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web on a high-quality display.
- Professionals: Individuals who need a device with advanced features, such as 5G connectivity, wireless charging, and a high-resolution display.
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Playing graphically demanding games with smooth frame rates and excellent visual fidelity.
- Content Creation: Recording high-resolution videos, editing photos, and creating multimedia content.
- Business Use: Multitasking between apps, attending video conferences, and accessing cloud-based services.
- Outdoor Use: Viewing the display clearly in direct sunlight and capturing high-quality photos and videos.
Huawei nova 12i Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those who prioritize affordability and battery life over performance and advanced features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for basic tasks such as calling, texting, and browsing the web.
Use Cases:
- Everyday Communication: Making calls, sending texts, and using social media.
- Casual Browsing: Surfing the web, checking email, and watching online videos.
- Long Battery Life: Users who need a phone that can last all day on a single charge.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Note20 Ultra is likely more expensive.
- How important is performance? The Note20 Ultra offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks.
- How important is display quality? The Note20 Ultra has a much better display in every aspect.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is tight, and you need a basic phone with long battery life. Choose the Huawei nova 12i.
- Scenario 2: You want the best possible performance and display quality for gaming and multimedia. Choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 3: You need a versatile camera system for photography and video recording. Choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G.
Reasoning:
Even though it is older, the Note20 Ultra offers a superior user experience in almost every critical aspect:
- Display: The AMOLED display with its higher resolution, brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate is significantly better for media consumption, gaming, and everyday use.
- Performance: The Exynos 990 chipset provides more than enough processing power for the tasks I commonly perform, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience.
- Camera: The versatile camera system, with its telephoto and ultrawide lenses, allows for more creative photography and videography. The superior video capabilities, including 8K recording and image stabilization, are a huge plus.
- Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and 5G connectivity are all valuable additions.
- Build Quality: The Gorilla Glass Victus provides better peace of mind, offering better protection against drops and scratches.
The Huawei nova 12i's larger battery is a consideration, but the overall benefits of the Note20 Ultra outweigh this for my usage. I am willing to sacrifice a bit of battery life for a significantly better display, performance, and camera experience. Furthermore, the lack of information regarding the software and screen build of the Huawei nova 12i make it too risky to recommend.
