1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1 mm | 157.4 × 75.8 × 7.6 mm | Note20 Ultra is larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. S22+ is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 195g | S22+ is slightly lighter, better for extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Both offer excellent scratch resistance, with the S22+ potentially offering slightly improved drop protection. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9" | 6.6" | Note20 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 1080x2340 | Note20 Ultra has significantly sharper image quality, better for detail-oriented tasks and viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 496 | 393 | Note20 Ultra's higher pixel density results in finer details and less pixelation, especially noticeable with text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1750 nits | S22+ is more visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S22+ is significantly faster and more power-efficient, leading to better performance in demanding tasks and improved battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 666,551 | 890,774 | S22+ handles multitasking and resource-intensive apps more smoothly. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Xclipse 920 | S22+ offers better graphics performance, leading to smoother gameplay and improved performance in graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | Note20 Ultra captures more detailed images in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.57" | Note20 Ultra may have better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 13MP | 10MP | Note20 Ultra captures more detailed zoomed-in photos. |
| Telephoto Lens Aperture | f/3.0 | f/2.4 | S22+ captures brighter zoomed-in photos in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, 1.40 µm pixel size | 12MP, 1.40 µm pixel size | Similar performance in ultra-wide shots. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Note20 Ultra has better depth sensing, improving AR experiences and portrait mode. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both capture high-resolution video. |
| Features | Quad Camera, LAF | Triple Camera | Note20 Ultra's laser autofocus provides faster and more accurate focusing, especially in low light. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life, but the more efficient chipset in the S22+ could provide slightly better endurance. |
| Charging | 45W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Both charge quickly. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both support fast wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 9W | 4.5W | Note20 Ultra can charge other devices faster wirelessly. |
| Features | None | Bypass Charging | The S22+ 5G bypass charging feature allows the phone to be powered directly from the charger when gaming or performing other demanding tasks, reducing heat generation and potentially prolonging battery lifespan. |
Software & Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS (Max Version) | Android 10 (13) | Android 12 (16) | S22+ receives longer software support and has a more modern UI. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | S22+ has a more stable and efficient Bluetooth connection. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB | Note20 Ultra offers 12GB RAM option for heavy multitasking. |
| S Pen | Yes | No | Note20 Ultra has S Pen support, enabling handwriting, drawing and note-taking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Higher Resolution Display: Better for media consumption, gaming, and detail-oriented tasks.
- S Pen Support: Significantly enhances productivity and creative tasks.
- ToF 3D Sensor: Improves AR experiences and portrait mode accuracy.
- Higher RAM Option: Offers smoother multitasking, particularly with 12GB variant.
- Higher Reverse Wireless Charging: Charge other devices more quickly.
Practical Implications: The Note20 Ultra 5G is better suited for users who prioritize a large, immersive display, require S Pen functionality for productivity and creativity, and value superior depth sensing in camera features.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Advantages:
- More Powerful and Efficient Chipset: Provides faster performance and better battery life.
- Brighter Display: Improved outdoor visibility.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: More stable and efficient wireless connections.
- Longer Software Support: Receive updates for a longer period.
- Bypass Charging: Power the phone directly from the charger when gaming or performing other demanding tasks, reducing heat generation and potentially prolonging battery lifespan.
Practical Implications: The S22+ is a better choice for users who prioritize performance, battery life, and future-proof software support. Its brighter display improves usability in outdoor environments.
Trade-offs:
- Note20 Ultra has a larger but lower-brightness display compared to the S22+.
- Note20 Ultra includes S Pen functionality but is physically larger.
- S22+ has a more modern chipset and software but lacks the S Pen and ToF sensor of the Note20 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal Users: Creative professionals, students, and anyone who values a large, high-resolution display and S Pen integration for productivity and creative tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Taking handwritten notes in meetings or classes.
- Creating digital art and illustrations.
- Editing documents and presentations on the go.
- Immersive gaming and video watching.
- Price-to-Value: Depends on the availability and price of a used or refurbished Note20 Ultra 5G, compared to the new price of the S22+ 5G.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G:
- Ideal Users: General consumers who want a balance of performance, camera capabilities, and a modern software experience.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday photography and videography.
- Gaming and social media.
- General productivity and communication.
- Outdoor use where screen visibility is important.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for its current market price, considering its features and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you need or want S Pen functionality? If yes, the Note20 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
- Is display size and resolution more important than performance and battery life? The Note20 Ultra 5G has a larger, higher-resolution display, but the S22+ 5G offers better performance and battery life.
- How important is long-term software support? The S22+ 5G will receive updates for a longer period, making it more future-proof.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Creative Professional: If you heavily rely on stylus input for drawing, note-taking, or annotation, the Note20 Ultra 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User: If you prioritize performance, smoother gameplay, and longer battery life, the S22+ 5G is the more suitable choice.
- Scenario 3: Average User: If you want a well-rounded smartphone with a modern software experience and good camera capabilities, the S22+ 5G provides a better overall package.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. While I appreciate the larger screen and S Pen functionality of the Note20 Ultra, the improved performance, battery life, and longer software support of the S22+ 5G are more important to me. The brighter display would also be beneficial for outdoor use. Given that the performance difference is quite large, and I don't particularly need the stylus feature, the S22+ would suit my needs better and be a more reliable daily driver in the long run.
