1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2020-08-21 | 2022-05-13 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has newer technology and features due to its later release. |
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 77.2 × 8.1 mm | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | Note20 Ultra is slightly taller and wider, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. Axon 40 Ultra is a bit thicker, but the difference is negligible. |
| Weight | 208g | 204g | Both phones are relatively heavy, but the difference of 4g is imperceptible. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Note20 Ultra has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. Lack of information on Axon 40 Ultra's screen is a disadvantage. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9" | 6.8" | Negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 1116x2480 | Note20 Ultra has a significantly sharper display, resulting in finer details and clearer text. |
| PPI | 496 | 400 | The higher pixel density on the Note20 Ultra translates to a noticeably sharper and more detailed image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Similar vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1500 nits | Both phones are bright enough to be easily visible outdoors in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Axon 40 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers significantly better performance and efficiency, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 666,551 | 1,061,300 | Substantially higher score on the Axon 40 Ultra reflects its superior performance capabilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 - Global | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 in the Axon 40 Ultra provides better graphics performance, especially in demanding games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | Note20 Ultra has a higher resolution sensor but slightly narrower aperture. Axon 40 Ultra lets in more light due to its wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 13MP, f/3.0, 1/3.4" | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | Axon 40 Ultra boasts a significantly higher resolution telephoto lens with a larger sensor. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/7.6" | 64MP (Wide Angle + Macro), f/2.3, 1/1.72" | Axon 40 Ultra has no dedicated ultrawide, instead opting for a combined wide-angle and macro lens. Note20 Ultra offers a separate ultrawide perspective. Axon 40 Ultra also functions as a macro. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.0 | Axon 40 Ultra provides higher resolution selfies with a wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | Axon 40 Ultra supports 4K recording at 120fps, useful for smooth slow-motion capture. |
| Camera Features | More manual control options | Under-display camera for uninterrupted screen | Axon 40 Ultra has an under-display camera for a truly bezel-less screen, but image quality may be compromised. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Axon 40 Ultra's larger battery provides longer battery life, especially with its more efficient processor. |
| Charging | 45W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Axon 40 Ultra charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (Fast, 9W Reverse) | No | Note20 Ultra supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge other devices. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10, up to 13 | Android 12, up to 13 | Axon 40 Ultra ships with a more recent Android version, but both will eventually reach Android 13. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Axon 40 Ultra uses a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | Axon 40 Ultra has more precise GPS due to more satellite system support |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Note20 Ultra supports eSIM for easier carrier switching. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a better edge in audio features |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers a larger 1TB storage option for users with extensive media libraries. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12/16/18 GB | Axon 40 Ultra is available with more RAM (up to 18GB), leading to smoother multitasking and faster app switching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, so choose the storage option that best suits your needs. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI offer a more detailed viewing experience.
- Wireless Charging: Conveniently charge the phone and other devices wirelessly.
- S Pen Support: Although not directly listed, the Note series is known for its S Pen, making it ideal for note-taking, drawing, and productivity.
- Ultrawide Lens: Ability to capture wider angle photos
Practical Implications:
- The sharper display benefits users who consume a lot of visual content, read ebooks, or need precise detail for tasks like photo editing.
- Wireless charging offers convenience for users who prefer not to use cables or want to charge accessories.
- The S Pen enhances productivity and creativity for users who take handwritten notes, create digital art, or need precise control for tasks.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages:
- More Powerful Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers significantly better performance than the Exynos 990.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and faster charging speeds.
- Higher Resolution Telephoto Lens: Better zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects.
- Under-Display Camera: Seamless, bezel-less screen.
- Higher RAM Options: Up to 18GB of RAM for improved multitasking.
Practical Implications:
- The faster processor ensures smoother performance in demanding games and applications, as well as snappier multitasking.
- The larger battery provides longer usage time, reducing the need to frequently charge the device.
- The higher resolution telephoto lens provides better image quality when zooming in on distant subjects.
- The under-display camera offers a unique, immersive viewing experience, though with potential compromise on front camera quality.
- More RAM will allow users to have more apps open in the background without performance degradation
Trade-offs:
- Note20 Ultra: Older chipset and smaller battery compared to Axon 40 Ultra.
- Axon 40 Ultra: Lacks wireless charging and display is not as sharp as Note20 Ultra. Potential compromise in selfie camera quality due to the under-display tech.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Productivity users: Benefit from the S Pen for note-taking, drawing, and document annotation.
- Visual Content Consumers: Appreciate the sharper display for watching videos, viewing photos, and reading ebooks.
- Ecosystem Users: Users already invested in the Samsung ecosystem might prefer the Note20 Ultra for its seamless integration.
Use Cases:
- Taking handwritten notes in meetings or classes.
- Editing photos and videos with the S Pen for precise control.
- Watching movies and TV shows on a high-resolution screen.
- Charging Galaxy Buds or a Galaxy Watch using reverse wireless charging.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Benefit from the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and ample RAM for smooth gameplay.
- Power Users: Need a long-lasting battery and fast charging for demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Want a versatile camera system with a high-resolution telephoto lens.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Running multiple applications simultaneously without performance issues.
- Taking high-quality zoomed-in photos of distant objects.
- Enjoying a truly full-screen experience without camera notch distraction.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Note20 Ultra, being an older device, is likely available at a lower price than the Axon 40 Ultra, but that also means you're getting older tech.
- The Axon 40 Ultra offers more modern technology and a better overall performance for its price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: How important is raw processing power and gaming performance?
- Camera Preferences: Do you prioritize ultrawide shots? Or zoom capabilities?
- Battery Life & Charging: Is long battery life and fast charging a priority?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you need a phone primarily for productivity, content creation, and value the S Pen experience and ecosystem integration, the Note20 Ultra may still be suitable.
- Scenario 2: If you prioritize performance, battery life, and camera versatility, and don't mind the lack of wireless charging, the Axon 40 Ultra is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: If you want a truly immersive full-screen experience and are willing to potentially sacrifice selfie camera quality, the Axon 40 Ultra's under-display camera is a unique feature.
What I Would Choose
I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has its strengths, particularly the sharper display and S Pen integration, the Axon 40 Ultra offers a more compelling package overall. The newer, more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor ensures smoother performance and better efficiency, leading to longer battery life, a crucial factor for me. Additionally, the Axon 40 Ultra's superior telephoto lens and faster charging are significant advantages. The under-display camera is an interesting feature that, while potentially compromising slightly on selfie quality, provides a more immersive viewing experience. Ultimately, the performance and battery benefits outweigh the Note20 Ultra's sharper display and wireless charging capabilities.
