1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm | Note20 Ultra is slightly taller and thinner; S23 Ultra is wider and thicker. S23 Ultra might feel more substantial in hand but less pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 234g | S23 Ultra is heavier. Note20 Ultra is more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Similar scratch and drop resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9" | 6.8" | Negligible difference in screen real estate for most users. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3088 | 1440 x 3088 | Identical sharpness and clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 496 ppi | 500 ppi | Virtually indistinguishable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1500 | 1750 | S23 Ultra offers better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 Ultra has significantly faster performance, better power efficiency, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 666,551 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra handles demanding games and apps much better. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Adreno 740 | S23 Ultra provides superior graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3" | S23 Ultra captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting. |
| Telephoto Lens | 13MP, f/3.0, 1/3.4" | 12MP, f/4.9, 1/3.52" | Note20 Ultra telephoto lens offers slightly better light gathering capabilities thanks to the wider aperture. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/7.6" | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | S23 Ultra ultrawide lens captures more light and details in the wide angle shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/2.2 | S23 Ultra captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto + portrait | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.52" | S23 Ultra provides enhanced portrait capabilities. |
| ToF 3D sensor | 0.3MP | N/A | Note20 Ultra has better depth perception but negligibly. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer high-resolution video, but S23 Ultra provides a higher frame rate for 8K recording. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | S23 Ultra offers significantly longer battery life, lasting through a full day of heavy use. |
| Charging | 45W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Both phones charge quickly. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, 9W reverse | No reverse | Note 20 Ultra can charge other devices wirelessly. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides a much smoother and more responsive experience.
- Superior Camera System: 200MP main sensor captures more detail, plus an extra telephoto camera.
- Longer Battery Life: 5000 mAh battery lasts much longer than the Note20 Ultra's.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13 and will receive more future updates.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Newer Bluetooth version.
Trade-offs:
- The Note20 Ultra is lighter and has reverse wireless charging, but it sacrifices significant performance and camera capabilities compared to the S23 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a lighter phone and reverse wireless charging.
- Users who don't require the absolute best performance or camera quality.
- Price-sensitive buyers who can find a good deal on a used Note20 Ultra.
Use Cases:
- Basic everyday tasks: calls, texts, social media.
- Users who need to occasionally charge accessories (e.g., earbuds) wirelessly.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Ideal User:
- Users who want the best possible performance and camera experience.
- Power users who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Users who value long battery life and future software updates.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming and content creation.
- Heavy multitasking and productivity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a fast and responsive phone for demanding tasks, the S23 Ultra is the clear winner.
- How much do you value camera quality? The S23 Ultra's camera system is significantly better.
- What is your budget? The Note20 Ultra can be found at a lower price point, but you'll be sacrificing performance and features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is a major concern, and you only need a phone for basic tasks: Choose the Note20 Ultra (used).
- Scenario 2: You want a great all-around phone with a good camera and performance: Choose the S23 Ultra.
- Scenario 3: You need the absolute best performance and camera capabilities for professional use: Choose the S23 Ultra.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Reasoning:
While the Note20 Ultra has a slightly lighter build and the reverse charging, the performance gap is just too significant. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the S23 Ultra offers a noticeably smoother and faster experience in everyday use and more demanding applications. As someone who often uses my phone for photography, the superior camera system is a huge advantage. The longer battery life of the S23 Ultra is also a major plus, ensuring that I can get through a full day of heavy use without needing to constantly worry about charging. The additional software updates are also a significant factor for me as they will ensure that the S23 Ultra remains secure and up-to-date for longer. Overall, the benefits of the S23 Ultra far outweigh the minor advantages of the Note20 Ultra.
