1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Note20 Ultra is slightly taller and wider, might feel bulkier in hand. Nova Y90 is a tad thicker. |
| Weight | 208g | 195g | Note20 Ultra is heavier, potentially noticeable during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Note20 Ultra offers significantly better scratch and drop resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9" | 6.7" | Note20 Ultra provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 1080x2388 | Note20 Ultra offers significantly sharper and more detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 496 | 391 | Note20 Ultra has noticeably crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Note20 Ultra delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Note20 Ultra has smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Note20 Ultra is much more usable outdoors in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Note20 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 666,551 | 249,000 | Note20 Ultra handles demanding tasks and games much better. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 - Global | Adreno 610 | Note20 Ultra has superior graphics capabilities, resulting in better gaming and video editing performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8 | Note20 Ultra captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting. Larger sensor generally performs better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 13MP, f/3.0 | None | Note20 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for closer shots without significant quality loss. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | Note20 Ultra allows capturing wider scenes in a single shot. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 8MP, f/2.0 | Note20 Ultra has slightly better resolution. Nova Y90 might perform slightly better in low-light selfies due to the wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Note20 Ultra can record much higher resolution videos, suitable for professional use. |
| Video Stabilization | OIS, EIS | None listed | Note20 Ultra provides smoother and more stable video recording. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Nova Y90 likely offers longer battery life. |
| Charging | 45W fast charging | 40W fast charging | Note20 Ultra charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (Fast Qi/PMA) | No | Note20 Ultra can be charged wirelessly, adding convenience. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 9W | No | Note20 Ultra can be used to wirelessly charge other devices. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128 GB | Note20 Ultra offers more storage options for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Note20 Ultra can handle more apps running simultaneously without slowdowns. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for adding more storage via microSD card. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, much brighter. Offers a significantly better viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU. Better for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main camera, telephoto lens, ultrawide lens, 8K video recording, better stabilization. More versatile and capable camera system.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Added convenience for charging.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
- eSIM Support: Flexibility to switch carriers digitally.
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Likely longer battery life.
- Potentially lower price: offers better affordability
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Note20 Ultra: Higher price, older model.
- Nova Y90: Significantly lower performance, inferior display and camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, content creators, gamers, and anyone who values a premium display, high performance, and a versatile camera.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming at high settings
- Shooting high-resolution photos and videos
- Multitasking with demanding apps
- Enjoying media consumption on a vibrant and sharp display
- Professional use requiring high performance
Huawei nova Y90:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a larger screen for basic tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication
- Users who need a phone that lasts all day on a single charge
- Users who prioritize a lightweight device
- Users who need a simple and reliable phone
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Note20 Ultra is likely significantly more expensive.
- How important are display quality and performance to you? If these are critical, the Note20 Ultra is the clear choice.
- Do you need advanced camera features like zoom and 4K/8K video recording? If so, the Note20 Ultra is far superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Note20 Ultra for its superior performance, display, and graphics capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User with Basic Needs: Choose the Huawei nova Y90 for its lower price and longer battery life.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography Enthusiast: Choose the Note20 Ultra due to versatile camera system
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G.
Here's why:
- I value a premium display experience: The AMOLED screen with its high resolution, refresh rate, and brightness is essential for my daily media consumption and overall enjoyment of the device.
- I need a phone that can handle demanding tasks: I often multitask with several apps open, edit photos and videos on my phone, and occasionally play graphically intensive games. The Note20 Ultra's more powerful processor and ample RAM would provide a smoother and more responsive experience.
- I prioritize camera quality and versatility: I enjoy taking photos and videos, and the Note20 Ultra's more advanced camera system with its telephoto and ultrawide lenses, as well as its 8K video recording capabilities, would allow me to capture a wider range of perspectives and create higher-quality content.
- I value wireless charging and reverse wireless charging: I use these features frequently for convenience.
While the Huawei Nova Y90 has a longer battery life and is lighter, the advantages of Note20 Ultra in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities outweigh the benefits of the Nova Y90 for my specific needs. I am willing to spend more for the premium features.
