1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1 mm | 163.1 × 76 × 8.8 mm | Note20 Ultra is slightly larger and thinner. Edge 30 Pro is more compact but thicker. |
| Weight | 208g | 196g | Edge 30 Pro is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for long-term use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Note20 Ultra offers significantly better scratch and drop resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9" | 6.7" | Note20 Ultra provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 1080x2400 | Note20 Ultra offers a much sharper display with finer details and improved text clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 496 | 393 | Noticeably sharper images and text on the Note20 Ultra. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the difference is minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 Pro has slightly smoother scrolling and animations, though the difference may not be perceptible to all users. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Note20 Ultra is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Brightness for Motorola Edge 30 Pro is missing which makes it impossible to compare the two fairly on this spec. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Edge 30 Pro provides significantly faster performance, better efficiency, and improved gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 666,551 | 1,061,400 | Edge 30 Pro offers a much smoother and more responsive experience, especially in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Adreno 730 | Edge 30 Pro has a more powerful GPU, offering better graphics performance in games and other visually intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | Note20 Ultra captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting conditions. Larger sensor generally improves low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 13MP, f/3.0, 1/3.4" sensor | None | Note20 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for better close-up shots without digital distortion. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/7.6" sensor | None | Note20 Ultra captures wider scenes, useful for landscapes and group photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | Edge 30 Pro captures more detailed selfies with a wider field of view (likely, though not specified). |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Note20 Ultra may offer improved depth sensing for portrait mode and AR applications. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | No | 2MP, f/2.4 | Motorola includes a dedicated depth sensor |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor | The Motorola has this where the Samsung does not. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer high-resolution video recording with stabilization. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | N/A | 101 | Provides an objective measure of camera performance. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 136 | N/A | Provides an objective measure of selfie camera performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4800mAh | Edge 30 Pro may offer slightly longer battery life, but real-world usage varies. |
| Charging | 45W fast charging | 68W fast charging | Edge 30 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 9W | Note20 Ultra charges faster wirelessly. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| S Pen | Yes | No | Note20 Ultra provides stylus input for note-taking, drawing, and other productivity tasks. |
| Software | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Edge 30 Pro comes with a newer Android version out of the box and is upgradable to the same version of Android. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for external storage expansion. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and brightness for sharper visuals and better outdoor visibility.
- S Pen Support: Offers stylus input for increased productivity and creativity.
- More Versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses provide greater shooting flexibility.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides improved durability.
- eSIM Support: Allows for digital carrier switching without a physical SIM card.
Practical Implications:
- Ideal for users who prioritize display quality, productivity features, and camera versatility. The S Pen is a significant differentiator for note-taking and drawing.
- Better for users who want the best screen protection.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly improved performance and efficiency.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging drastically reduces charging times.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Captures more detailed and sharper selfies.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 offers faster speeds and improved connectivity.
Practical Implications:
- Ideal for gamers, power users, and those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Faster charging is a major convenience.
Trade-offs:
- Note20 Ultra: Older chipset compared to the Edge 30 Pro.
- Edge 30 Pro: Less versatile camera system, lacks S Pen support, and has lower screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Professionals, creatives, and users who value productivity features, display quality, and camera versatility.
- Use Cases:
- Note-taking and sketching with the S Pen.
- Photo and video enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system.
- Users who frequently consume media and require a high-quality display.
- Outdoor use where high brightness is essential.
- Price-to-Value: Good value, especially if purchased used or refurbished, given its high-end features.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and anyone who wants a fast and responsive smartphone experience.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- Multitasking and running resource-intensive applications.
- Users who prioritize fast charging and long-lasting battery life.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for its performance, especially considering its competitive price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., Productivity, gaming, photography, media consumption)
- How important is display quality and outdoor visibility? (High brightness is crucial for outdoor use)
- What is your budget? (Consider the price-to-value ratio of each phone)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Productivity and Creativity: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G for its S Pen and versatile camera system.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Performance: Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Pro for its faster processor and smooth experience.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use and Value: The Motorola Edge 30 Pro provides excellent performance and features at a competitive price.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor Visibility is Important: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, brightness is essential.
Which would I choose?
I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a better screen and camera setup, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro's newer and faster processor, faster charging, and more recent software are more important to me. The performance benefits of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 are significant, leading to a smoother and more responsive overall user experience, especially when multitasking, gaming, or running demanding apps. Additionally, the faster charging is a huge convenience. Although the screen might be better on the Samsung, I still think the Motorola Edge 30 Pro has a great screen for the price!
