1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1 mm | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7 mm | Note20 Ultra is larger, potentially harder to handle with one hand. S24+ is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 196g | S24+ is slightly lighter, less tiring for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both offer excellent screen protection. Victus 2 on the S24+ provides slightly better drop resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9" | 6.7" | Note20 Ultra has a larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 1440x3120 | Similar sharpness, both are excellent for visual clarity. |
| PPI | 496 | 513 | Nearly identical pixel density, visually indistinguishable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Note20 Ultra: Vibrant colors, deep blacks, efficient for dark mode. S24+ display details are missing, which limits the ability to do a fair comparison | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ is significantly brighter, much better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global | Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) - USA/Canada/China | S24+ (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3): Much faster, smoother performance in demanding apps and games. More power efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 666,551 | 1,639,695 | S24+ offers a dramatically better user experience, especially for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 - Global | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) - USA/Canada/China | S24+ has a significantly more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | Note20 Ultra has higher resolution, potentially more detail in good lighting. S24+ has larger pixel size, better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 13MP, f/3.0, 1/3.4" | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | Note20 Ultra offers potentially better zoom capabilities. S24+ has a brighter aperture for better low-light zoom. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/7.6" | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | S24+ has a much larger sensor, resulting in better image quality in ultrawide shots, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/2.2 | S24+ may capture slightly more detailed selfies. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Note20 Ultra has potentially better depth sensing for AR applications and portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30/60fps | Up to 8K@24/30/60fps | Both capable of high-resolution video recording. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4900mAh | S24+ likely has longer battery life due to larger capacity and more efficient processor. |
| Charging | 45W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Similar charging speeds. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (9W Reverse) | 15W (4.5W Reverse) | S24+ has slower reverse wireless charging. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 10 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 21) | S24+ has a much longer software support lifespan and newer features. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24+ supports faster and less congested Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S24+ has a more efficient and reliable Bluetooth connection. |
| Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both offer ample storage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD. |
| S Pen Support | Yes | No | Note20 Ultra has S Pen for note-taking, drawing, and navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- S Pen: Integrated S Pen provides unique input capabilities for creative tasks and productivity.
- ToF Sensor: Enhanced depth sensing may improve AR experiences and portrait mode photography.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Potentially captures more detail in well-lit conditions.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers dramatically better performance for all tasks.
- Brighter Display: Superior outdoor visibility.
- Longer Software Support: Guarantees more years of updates and new features.
- Larger Battery: Increased battery life for all-day usage.
- Newer Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 offer faster and more reliable connections.
- Better Ultrawide Camera: Larger sensor provides improved image quality, especially in low light.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the Note20 Ultra 5G means sacrificing significant performance and future software updates for the S Pen and potentially better main camera resolution.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- S Pen Enthusiasts: Users who heavily rely on the S Pen for note-taking, sketching, or creative work.
- Those on a Tight Budget: If available at a significantly lower price than the S24+, it might be a viable option for basic tasks.
Use Cases:
- Taking handwritten notes in meetings or classes.
- Creating digital art and sketches.
- Navigating the phone with the S Pen for precision tasks.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Ideal Users:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize speed and responsiveness for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with good low-light performance.
- Long-Term Users: Users who want a phone that will receive software updates for many years.
- Outdoor Users: Users who need a bright display for easy viewing in sunlight.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously without lag.
- Taking photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Watching videos and browsing the web outdoors.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is the S Pen to your workflow? If you heavily rely on the S Pen, the Note20 Ultra 5G might be worth considering despite its age.
- How much do you value performance and future-proofing? If you want a phone that will perform smoothly for years to come and receive the latest software updates, the S24+ is the clear choice.
- What is your budget? If the Note20 Ultra 5G is significantly cheaper, it might be a viable option for basic usage, but the S24+ offers a much better value proposition overall.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Creative Professional: If you are a digital artist or designer, the Note20 Ultra 5G's S Pen might be appealing, but consider the performance limitations.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer: The S24+ is the obvious choice due to its superior processor and GPU.
- Scenario 3: Casual User: The S24+ offers a better overall experience with its faster performance, brighter display, and longer software support.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor Photographer: The S24+ offers a brighter display and better Ultrawide Camera.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+. The performance difference between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the Exynos 990 is massive and has a big impact on how smoothly the phone runs. Plus, the S24+ will get software updates for many years, while the Note20 Ultra 5G is already nearing the end of its support. While the Note20 Ultra 5G is also older and might be cheaper, the S24+ is worth the investment, which is a much better experience overall.
