Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra 5G
During the Samsung Unpacked 2020 virtual livestream, Samsung announced two new devices; the Galaxy Note 20 range and the new Galaxy Z Fold2. However, we will only be focusing on the new Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra in this article. As of 05/08/2020, the Note 20 devices are available for pre-order.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20
The new Samsung Galaxy Note 20 (referred to as the SGN20 from here on) is available in three different colours, each with an accompanying S Pen in the same colour. These colours include Mystic Bronze, Mystic Green, and Mystic Grey (as pictured below).
Although the SGN20 is slightly more affordable than the Ultra variant, it’s worth remembering that this is not a low-level entry device and isn’t as low cost as other devices you can find on the market. This premium handset starts from £849.00 for the 256GB model of the 4G standard Note 20 directly from Samsung. So, let’s take a look at the technical specifications of the device compared to its predecessor – the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.
| Note 10 | Note 20 | |
| Screen Size | 6.3in | 6.7in |
| Screen Resolution | 1080 x 2280 pixels | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Weight | 168grams | 192grams |
| Height | 5.94in | 6.36in |
| Length | 2.83in | 2.96in |
| Depth | 0.31in | 0.33in |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Internal Memory | 256GB | 256GB |
| External Memory | Not expandable | Not expandable |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Rear Camera(s) | 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 16MP ultrawide | 12MP wide, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Security | Under display fingerprint scanner | Under display fingerprint scanner |
| Battery | 3500mAh | 4300mAh |
| Chipset | Exynos 9825 | Exynos 990 |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.73 GHz Mongoose M4 & 2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A75 & 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2×2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2×2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP12 | Mali-G77 MP11 |
As expected, the new model includes the usual upgrades to the battery, the CPU and GPU and the camera. However, interestingly, the Note 20 actually uses a less durable screen. The Note 10 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 6, whilst the brand-new Note 20 only uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Gorilla Glass 6 offers the same level of scratch resistance as the Glass 5 screen but is designed to survive drops from greater heights than the 5.
In terms of performance, the chipset found in the Galaxy Note 20 is one of the top-end chipsets found in devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S20 and the ASUS ROG 3, and since the ROG 3 is specifically designed for power and gaming, we can safely say the performance of this device will far exceed your expectations.
The last few Samsung launches have all included huge improvements to the device’s cameras, which is why we’re happy to see that the Note 20 sports an impressive 64MP telephoto lens compared to the 12MP lens found on the Note 10.
The Note 20 is available in both a 4G and a 5G model depending on whether or not 5G is available in your area.
Let’s take a look at the differences between the Note 20 and the Note 20 Ultra.
| Note 20 | Note 20 Ultra | |
| Screen Size | 6.7in | 6.9in |
| Screen Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 1440 x 3088 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Weight | 192grams | 208grams |
| Height | 6.36in | 6.49in |
| Length | 2.96in | 3.04in |
| Depth | 0.33in | 0.32in |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Internal Memory | 256GB | 256GB or 512GB |
| External Memory | Not expandable | Micro SDXC slot |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Rear Camera(s) | 12MP wide, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide | 12MP wide, 108MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Security | Under display fingerprint scanner | Under display fingerprint scanner |
| Battery | 4300mAh | 4500mAh |
| Chipset | Exynos 990 | Exynos 990 |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2×2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2×2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2×2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MP11 | Mali-G77 MP11 |
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (5G)
As you’d expect to see, the Note 20 Ultra is superior in every aspect (except that it weighs more, which again you’d expect to see with bigger and better specs). The Note 20 Ultra has a far bigger resolution with a higher refresh rate, meaning that the Ultra will offer a much smoother experience when browsing the internet and gaming. However, if you’ve never previously used a 120Hz mobile, you’re not going to be able to tell the difference.
With the base price of the Note 20 being £849.00 compared to the base price of £1179.00 for the Note 20 Ultra, it’s up to you to decide whether these improvements are worth spending the extra money (prices taken from the Samsung website at the time of writing).
For further information and tariff and handset pricing, please get in touch with our sales team.
