1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1 mm | 158.8 × 72.8 × 8.5 mm | Note20 Ultra is larger, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands. P50 Pro is thicker but more compact overall. |
| Weight | 208g | 195g | P50 Pro is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Note20 Ultra offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9" | 6.6" | Note20 Ultra provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. P50 Pro is more manageable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 1228x2700 | Note20 Ultra has a sharper, more detailed display, especially noticeable when viewing high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 496 | 450 | Note20 Ultra has slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Differences are minimal in everyday use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Note20 Ultra offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Kirin 9000 is generally more power-efficient and offers slightly better performance in some tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 666,551 | 697,566 | P50 Pro has a slight performance advantage for demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) | P50 Pro's GPU offers potentially better graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Note20 Ultra captures more detail in good lighting. P50 Pro may have better low-light performance due to larger pixel size. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.55" | Note20 Ultra's larger sensor can gather more light, potentially improving dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 13MP | P50 Pro captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 13MP | 64MP | P50 Pro offers significantly better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | Note20 Ultra can capture wider scenes. |
| Ultra Wide Angle + Macro | No | Yes | P50 Pro can take close-up macro shots and wide-angle pictures. |
| Black & White Lens | No | Yes | P50 Pro can capture black and white pictures. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Note20 Ultra offers higher resolution video recording. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | N/A | 143 | P50 Pro is known to have great photo and video capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4360mAh | Similar battery life, depending on usage. |
| Charging Speed | 45W | 66W | P50 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | P50 Pro charges wirelessly significantly faster. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 9W | Yes (speed unknown) | Both can wirelessly charge other devices, but Note20 Ultra's speed is specified. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | - | Note20 Ultra uses a well-known Android OS. The Huawei P50 Pro OS is unspecified. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | P50 Pro has newer Bluetooth with potentially improved connectivity and audio codecs (LDAC, SBC, AAC). |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No option to expand storage. |
| S Pen | Yes | No | Note20 Ultra has an S Pen which could improve productivity and creativity. |
| Price | $ | $ | Both phones have a similar price. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Higher Resolution Display: More immersive for media and gaming.
- Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility.
- 8K Video Recording: Higher resolution video capabilities.
- S Pen: Enhanced productivity and creative options.
- Android OS with Google Services: Access to a wide range of apps and services.
- Wide Angle Lens: Can capture wider scenes.
Huawei P50 Pro Advantages:
- More Compact Design: Easier to handle, especially for smaller hands.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging.
- Better Telephoto Lens: Superior zoom capabilities.
- Black & White Lens: Can capture black and white photos.
- Stronger Performance: Slightly faster due to a newer chipset.
Trade-offs:
- Note20 Ultra: Larger size may be cumbersome for some. Older chipset.
- P50 Pro: Lacks Google Services and may have limited app availability. Missing wide angle lens, reducing versatility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Content creators, media consumers, productivity-focused users who need a large screen, S Pen functionality, and access to Google services.
- Use Cases:
- Taking notes and creating sketches with the S Pen.
- Watching movies and playing games on the large, vibrant display.
- Recording high-resolution videos for professional use.
- Multi-tasking with multiple apps.
- Price-to-Value: Good if the S Pen and Google services are essential.
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts, users who prioritize fast charging and a compact design, and are comfortable with Huawei's ecosystem.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Quickly charging the phone throughout the day.
- Using the phone comfortably with one hand.
- Taking zoom pictures.
- Price-to-Value: Good for those focused on camera performance and fast charging, and who are not heavily reliant on Google services.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important are Google services to you? (If essential, the Note20 Ultra is the better choice.)
- Do you value a large screen and S Pen functionality? (If yes, Note20 Ultra is preferable.)
- How important is camera zoom and fast charging? (If crucial, P50 Pro is the better option.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need a phone for professional video creation and productivity with a stylus: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G.
- If you prioritize camera performance, fast charging, and a more compact design: Choose the Huawei P50 Pro.
- If you want a balance of features and access to Google services: The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G will better suit your needs.
Which phone would I choose?
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G. While the Huawei P50 Pro has an excellent camera and faster charging, the lack of Google Services is a significant drawback for me. I rely heavily on Google apps like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Maps, and the Note20 Ultra 5G provides seamless access to these services. Additionally, the larger screen and S Pen functionality are valuable for productivity tasks, making the Note20 Ultra 5G a better fit for my needs, even though it's an older device.
