Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Motorola Moto G (2023) - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 21, 2020 May 25, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 103.05 cm³ 103.32 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.32 "/g 3.44 "/g
Weight 208 g 189 g
Height 164.8 mm 164 mm
Width 77.2 mm 75 mm
Thickness 8.1 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Mystic Bronze
  • Mystic Black
  • Mystic White
  • Ink Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.9 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1440 x 3088 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 92.5 % 82.9 %
Pixel Density 496 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 94.52 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.67 mAh/cm³ 48.39 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Global Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Mali-G77 MP11 - Global Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 13
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5GMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
Dimensions164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1 mm164 × 75 × 8.4 mmNote 20 Ultra is slightly wider, Moto G slightly thicker. Marginal difference in hand.
Weight208g189gMoto G is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use.
Build Quality (Screen)Corning Gorilla Glass VictusUnknownNote 20 Ultra has superior scratch and shatter resistance for the screen.

Display

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5GMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
Size6.9"6.5"Note 20 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience.
Resolution1440x3088720x1600Note 20 Ultra's display is significantly sharper, better for detail-oriented tasks, media consumption.
PPI496270Note 20 Ultra provides much crisper text and image clarity.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDNote 20 Ultra has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for HDR content and outdoor visibility.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1500 nits0 nitsNote 20 Ultra is much more visible in direct sunlight (Moto G brightness spec missing).

Performance

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5GMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
ChipsetExynos 990 (7 nm+)Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)Note 20 Ultra has faster processing speeds for demanding apps and multitasking.
AnTuTu Score666,551380,000Note 20 Ultra handles demanding tasks like gaming and video editing more smoothly.
GPUMali-G77 MP11Adreno 619Note 20 Ultra provides better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications.
RAM8 GB or 12 GB4 GBNote 20 Ultra handles more apps running simultaneously without slowdowns, especially with 12GB variant.

Camera

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5GMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
Main Camera108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33"48MP, f/1.7Note 20 Ultra captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting. Moto G may perform slightly better in low light due to wider aperture if sensor size is comparable, but sensor details are not available.
Selfie Camera10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2"8MP, f/2.0Note 20 Ultra captures slightly more detailed selfies. Moto G may perform slightly better in low light due to wider aperture if sensor size is comparable, but sensor details are not available.
Telephoto Lens13MP, f/3.0NoneNote 20 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for distant subjects.
Wide Angle Lens12.2MP, f/2.2NoneNote 20 Ultra allows for capturing wider scenes and group photos.
Macro LensNone2MP, f/2.4Moto G allows for close-up photography of small objects.
Video8K@24fps1080p@30fpsNote 20 Ultra records much higher resolution and more detailed videos, suitable for professional use.
FeaturesOIS, 8K video, Optical ZoomDigital Image StabilizationNote 20 Ultra offers better image stabilization and more advanced video recording features.

Battery

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5GMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
Capacity4500mAh5000mAhMoto G potentially offers longer battery life on a single charge.
Charging45W Fast Charging15W Fast ChargingNote 20 Ultra charges significantly faster.
Wireless ChargingYes (Fast Qi/PMA)NoNote 20 Ultra offers convenient wireless charging capabilities.
Reverse Wireless ChargingYes (9W)NoNote 20 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches.

Other

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5GMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
Operating SystemAndroid 10 (upgradable to 13)Android 13Moto G has the latest Android version out of the box.
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5Note 20 Ultra supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity.
Bluetooth5.05.1Moto G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version.
Storage128/256/512GB128GBNote 20 Ultra offers more storage options for media and files.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone allows for expanding storage with a microSD card.
AudioDolby AtmosStereo SpeakersBoth offer good audio experiences, Note 20 with simulated surround sound and Moto G with dedicated speakers.
SecurityFingerprint (basic)Fingerprint (side-mounted)Moto G's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally faster and more convenient.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:

  • Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, much brighter screen for better outdoor visibility. This translates to a significantly better viewing experience for all types of content.
  • Significantly Higher Performance: Faster processor and more RAM result in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
  • Advanced Camera System: Versatile camera setup with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, 8K video recording, and OIS. Better image quality and more creative options.
  • Faster Charging and Wireless Capabilities: 45W wired charging and wireless charging offer significantly faster and more convenient charging.
  • Better Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 support for faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior screen protection.

Motorola Moto G (2023) Advantages:

  • Newer Software: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
  • Lighter Weight: More comfortable for prolonged use.
  • Longer Battery Life (Potentially): Larger battery capacity may provide better endurance.
  • Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally faster and more convenient than in-display sensors.
  • Macro Lens: Allows for close-up photography.

Trade-offs:

  • Note20 Ultra 5G: Older phone, potentially limited software update support going forward, heavier.
  • Moto G (2023): Significantly lower performance, inferior display, less versatile camera system.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Ideal User:

  • Power Users: Those who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with excellent image quality.
  • Media Consumers: Individuals who enjoy watching videos and movies on their phones and appreciate a high-quality display.
  • Professionals: Users who need a phone for productivity, including tasks like document editing, presentations, and video conferencing.
  • Use Cases:
    • Shooting high-resolution photos and videos for social media or professional use.
    • Playing graphically demanding games.
    • Multitasking between several apps without performance slowdown.
    • Enjoying HDR content with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
    • Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight.

Motorola Moto G (2023) Ideal User:

  • Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those seeking an affordable phone with essential features.
  • Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing social media.
  • Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last all day on a single charge.
  • Use Cases:
    • Making calls and sending texts.
    • Browsing the internet and social media.
    • Taking occasional photos and videos.
    • Using the phone for navigation.
    • Long battery life is important.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Note20 Ultra 5G, while older, likely offers a better price-to-value ratio if found at a significantly discounted price. Its superior performance, display, and camera justify the cost for users who need these features. The Moto G provides adequate performance at a budget price point, but compromises heavily in other areas.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is my budget? The Note20 Ultra 5G was a flagship device, so the current price point is crucial.
  2. How important are display quality and camera performance to me? If these are priorities, the Note20 Ultra 5G is the clear winner.
  3. Do I need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing? If so, the Note20 Ultra 5G's superior performance is essential.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Professional Photographer on a Budget: If your budget allows, get the Note20 Ultra 5G. The camera is far superior and could be used in a professional setting.
  • Scenario 2: Student Needing a Reliable Phone for Basic Tasks: The Moto G (2023) is a good choice, offering a good balance of features and affordability.
  • Scenario 3: Gamer on a Medium Budget: The Note20 Ultra 5G is the better choice. The Moto G (2023) will struggle.
  • Scenario 4: User who values battery life above all else: The Moto G (2023), with its larger battery, is the better choice.

Which phone I would choose:

I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G.

While it's an older device, the superior display, significantly better performance, and more versatile camera system make it a better overall choice for me. I prioritize display quality for media consumption and gaming, and the Note20 Ultra 5G's AMOLED display with its high resolution and brightness is a clear winner. I also value the powerful performance for multitasking and running demanding applications. Furthermore, the versatile camera system would suit my needs better.

The Moto G (2023) is a decent phone, but its compromises in display, performance, and camera are too significant for my needs. Unless the price difference is extremely substantial, the benefits of the Note20 Ultra 5G outweigh the drawbacks, even considering its age.

Essentially, even though it's older, I still see more value in the premium features of the Note20 Ultra 5G over the more modern, but significantly less powerful, Moto G (2023).

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.