1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm | 162 x 77.3 x 8 mm | Note20 Ultra is slightly taller. Negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 208g | 213g | Nearly identical weights, unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Similar durability. Victus+ is slightly better scratch resistance, but the difference is marginal. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9" | 6.7" | Note20 Ultra offers slightly more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 1080x2340 | Note20 Ultra has a noticeably sharper display; finer details are more visible. |
| Pixel Density | 496 PPI | 385 PPI | The higher PPI on the Note20 Ultra translates to crisper text and images. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE is more easily visible under direct sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | S24 FE's newer chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds, better efficiency, and improved graphics performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 666,551 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE will handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking much more smoothly. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Xclipse 940 | The S24 FE's GPU provides a vastly superior gaming experience with higher frame rates and better graphics fidelity. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | Note20 Ultra captures more detailed images in good lighting. S24 FE has a slightly larger pixel size, which can help with low-light performance, but not enough to offset the resolution difference. |
| Telephoto | 13MP, f/3.0, 1/3.4" | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | Note20 Ultra has higher resolution telephoto, S24 FE has a faster aperture. Performance is similar here. |
| Ultrawide | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/7.6" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | S24 FE will capture significantly more light and detail in ultrawide shots. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | Similar selfie performance. |
| Video | 8K@24fps | 8K@30fps | Minor difference in 8k video recording. |
| Features | Quad Camera, LAF, Ultra stable video, Night Mode | Triple Camera, Night Mode 2.0 | Note 20 Ultra has more camera features. S24 FE has newer Night Mode. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | S24 FE offers slightly longer battery life due to larger capacity and more efficient processor. |
| Charging | 45W | 25W | Note20 Ultra charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (9W reverse) | 15W | Faster wireless charging on the S24 FE. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (up to 13) | Android 14 | S24 FE has a significantly newer OS and will receive updates for longer. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 FE supports Wi-Fi 6E which can offer faster speeds and less interference on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S24 FE has a newer Bluetooth version for more reliable connections and potentially better audio quality with compatible devices. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stylus | Yes | No | Note 20 Ultra comes with S Pen stylus. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Offers a sharper and more detailed viewing experience.
- Faster Wired Charging: Charges faster with 45W charging
- Stylus: S-Pen Stylus provides an entirely different user experience and is ideal for taking notes and quick edits.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Processor: Provides smoother performance, better gaming, and improved multitasking.
- Brighter Display: Easier to see in direct sunlight.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android and will receive updates for a longer period.
- WiFi 6E & Bluetooth 5.3: Better and more reliable connectivity options.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Slightly better battery life.
- More advanced GPS: More precise location and tracking.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the Note20 Ultra means sacrificing performance and software updates for a sharper display and faster wired charging.
- Choosing the S24 FE means giving up the sharper display and faster charging for significantly better performance, battery life, and software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize screen sharpness and detail above all else.
- Users who heavily rely on a stylus for note-taking, drawing, or precise interactions.
- Users who don't mind outdated software.
Use Cases:
- Detailed photo editing on the go.
- Taking handwritten notes in meetings or classes.
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies.
- Creative professionals who need a stylus.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Ideal User:
- Users who want a smooth and responsive experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and content creation.
- Users who value long-term software support and the latest features.
- Users who need good outdoor visibility.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Video editing and rendering.
- Using the phone for navigation and outdoor activities.
- General productivity and multitasking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is having the latest software and security updates? The S24 FE will be supported for much longer.
- Do you need a stylus for note-taking or creative work? The Note20 Ultra is the only option with a built-in stylus.
- Do you prefer raw performance over screen resolution? The S24 FE offers much better performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For gamers and power users: The S24 FE is the clear winner due to its significantly faster processor and GPU.
- For media consumers who value display quality: The Note20 Ultra's higher resolution display might be preferable, though at the cost of lower brightness.
- For business professionals who rely on stylus input: The Note20 Ultra is the only option with a built-in stylus.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. The vastly superior performance of the Exynos 2400e chipset is the deciding factor for me. I prioritize smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and the ability to play demanding games without lag. The brighter display is also useful for outdoor visibility, and the longer software support ensures the phone will remain secure and up-to-date for years to come. While the Note20 Ultra's higher resolution screen and stylus are nice, I believe the performance and software advantages of the S24 FE outweigh these benefits. Additionally, it would bother me to use an older phone, as opposed to a newer one with the latest features.
