1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-08-21 | 2024-03-15 | The A35 is significantly newer, implying potentially longer software support and access to newer technologies. |
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | The Note20 Ultra is slightly taller and narrower. The A35 is slightly thicker. Overall, similar size profiles. |
| Weight | 208g | 209g | Virtually identical weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.9" | 6.6" | The Note20 Ultra offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 1080x2340 | The Note20 Ultra has a significantly sharper display, resulting in finer details and clearer text. |
| PPI | 496 | 390 | Higher PPI on the Note20 Ultra translates to a noticeably sharper image, especially noticeable when viewing small details or text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The Note20 Ultra's higher brightness ensures excellent visibility in direct sunlight. A35 brightness specification missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The A35's newer chipset should offer better power efficiency and potentially improved performance in some tasks despite the lower Antutu score. The Exynos 1380 is a newer chip, but the Note20 Ultra scores better in benchmarks. |
| Antutu Score | 666,551 | 578,500 | The Note20 Ultra has a higher benchmark score. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The Note20 Ultra's GPU is more powerful, leading to better gaming performance and smoother graphics in demanding applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The A35's larger battery should provide longer battery life. |
| Charging | 45W fast charging | 25W fast charging | The Note20 Ultra charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No | The Note20 Ultra supports wireless charging for added convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96" | The Note20 Ultra's larger sensor and higher resolution capture more detail and perform better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | The Note20 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for clearer zoomed-in photos. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12.2MP | 8MP | The Note20 Ultra has higher resolution ultrawide lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP | 13MP | The A35 has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | The A35 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps | 4K@30fps | The Note20 Ultra can record higher resolution videos, offering more flexibility for professional content creation. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 18) | The A35 has a newer Android version and is expected to receive longer software support, including security updates and new features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The A35 has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| eSIM | Yes | No | The Note20 Ultra supports eSIM for easier switching between carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Max Internal | 512GB | 256GB | The Note20 Ultra offers a larger maximum internal storage option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The A35 has stereo speakers. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, and significantly brighter screen provide a better viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight.
- More Powerful Performance: Higher Antutu score and more powerful GPU suggest better performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Better Camera System: Offers a higher resolution main camera with a larger sensor, a telephoto lens for optical zoom, and 8K video recording.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Supports faster wired charging and includes wireless charging capabilities.
- eSIM Support: Offers the convenience of using an eSIM for switching carriers.
Practical Implications: Better for users who prioritize display quality, camera performance, processing power, and premium features.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android and is expected to receive longer software support.
- Larger Battery: Offers potentially longer battery life due to its higher capacity.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides a better audio experience compared to single speaker setups.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Comes with Bluetooth 5.3.
- Potentially More Efficient Chipset: The newer chipset should offer improved power efficiency and potentially enhanced AI capabilities despite a lower benchmark score.
Practical Implications: Better for users who prioritize battery life, software updates, and a more modern feature set at a potentially lower price point.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Choosing the Note20 Ultra means sacrificing newer software features and longer software support for a superior display, camera system, and performance.
- Choosing the A35 means sacrificing top-tier performance, camera quality, and display brilliance for longer software support, battery life, and potentially a lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, photography enthusiasts, and media consumers who value a premium display, high-end camera capabilities, and robust performance.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photographers/videographers who need high-resolution photos and videos.
- Gamers who want the best possible graphics and smooth gameplay.
- Users who frequently watch videos or browse the web in bright sunlight.
- Business professionals who require a large, sharp display for productivity tasks.
- Users who prefer wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers, everyday users, and those who prioritize battery life and long-term software support.
- Use Cases:
- Students or casual users who need a reliable phone for daily tasks and social media.
- Users who prioritize long battery life for extended use without needing to charge frequently.
- Those who want a modern phone with the latest Android features and security updates.
- Macro photography enthusiasts.
- Users who want stereo speakers.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Note20 Ultra, being an older flagship, may be available at a reduced price, but it is still likely to be more expensive than the A35. The value proposition depends on the specific pricing and the user's individual needs. If the price difference is significant, the A35 offers a better value for users who don't need the absolute best performance or camera capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is camera quality and features to you? (Do you need a telephoto lens, high-resolution video, or excel in low-light photography?)
- How important is long-term software support? (Are you concerned about receiving the latest Android updates and security patches?)
- What is your budget? (Is the price difference between the two phones a significant factor in your decision?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is not a constraint, and camera/display are top priorities. Choose the Note20 Ultra for its superior camera system, brighter and sharper display, and overall premium experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget is a major concern, and long-term software support is essential. Choose the A35 for its newer software, larger battery, and lower price point.
- Scenario 3: You want a balance of features and value. Compare the current prices of both phones and weigh the importance of each phone's advantages based on your individual needs.
What I would choose and why!
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A35.
Here's why:
- Newer Software & Longer Support: While the Note20 Ultra has impressive specs, the A35's modern software and guaranteed updates for several years are critical for security and feature enhancements. I value long-term reliability.
- Battery Life: A larger battery is a practical advantage for daily use. I would prefer to not worry about frequent charging.
- Good Enough Performance: The performance gap, while measurable, won't significantly impact my typical usage (browsing, social media, occasional gaming). The Exynos 1380 should be powerful enough for my needs.
- Value for Money: Given the price difference and my priorities, the A35 offers a better value proposition. The gains in other areas are simply not worth the price premium of the older device.
While I appreciate the Note20 Ultra's superior display and camera, the A35's balance of features, longevity, and value makes it the more sensible choice for me.
