Compare the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 to the S20
Samsung Galaxy Note 20
- You can operate the device easily and accurately with the included S Pen.
- With Wireless Samsung DeX, you can wirelessly transform the Note 20 into a full-fledged computer.
- The Note 20 is powerful enough for the most demanding apps and games.
- The 6.7-inch screen is large, so it's difficult to operate the device with one hand.
Samsung Galaxy S20
- The 6.2-inch Quad HD screen refreshes 120 times per second, allowing you to smoothly scroll through your timeline.
- The S20 is powerful enough for the most demanding apps and games.
- Thanks to the 3 different lenses, you have a suitable camera for every situation.
- You need a separate docking station to use your smartphone as a computer.
Comparison Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and S20
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 | Samsung Galaxy S20 | |
---|---|---|
Screen | 6.7-inch Full HD | 6.2-inch Quad HD |
S Pen | Yes | No |
Samsung DeX | Yes, wireless | Yes, with separately available docking station |
Battery capacity | 4300mAh | 4000mAh |
Screen and size
Note 20: large 6.7-inch Full HD screen
The 6.7-inch Full HD screen of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is very large. That means you have a lot of space for your games and series. This size is also useful if you regularly edit photos or videos. The disadvantage of the large screen is that it's difficult to operate the device with one hand. In addition, the Note 20 doesn't fit in every pocket. The screen has a refresh rate of 60 times per second, just like most other smartphones.
S20: easy to hold 6.2-inch Quad HD screen
The Samsung S20 has a 6.2-inch Quad HD screen. With this smaller size, the S20 is a lot easier to handle than the Note 20. Editing photos and videos is a bit more annoying. The Quad HD screen is sharper than the Full HD screen of the Note 20. That means you'll see more details of your film or series. In addition, the screen refreshes 120 times per second. This makes animations look smoother. You'll notice this while gaming or scrolling through your timeline.
Extra functionalities
Note 20: S Pen and Wireless Samsung DeX
You can use the included S Pen to control your Note 20 more precisely. This thin stylus is useful, for example, if you want to edit a photo with surgical precision or if you regularly tap the wrong button with your own fingers. In addition, you can take a photo remotely with the S Pen. The Note 20 is Samsung's first device that is suitable for Wireless Samsung DeX. Connect the Note 20 wirelessly to a mouse, keyboard, and screen and use your smartphone as a full-fledged computer.
S20: Samsung DeX via docking station
Unlike the Note 20, the S20 doesn't work with a stylus. You can only operate the device with your own hands, just like with most other smartphones. Do you want to use your smartphone as a full-fledged computer? The S20 can do that too. You have to use the 'old-fashioned' and wired Samsung DeX. You'll also need to purchase a special Samsung DeX docking station for this. You can connect a mouse, keyboard, and a screen to your S20.
Cameras
Note 20: wide-angle lens and telephoto lens, film in 8K
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 has 3 cameras on the back of the device. You can take photos with the standard camera, but also with the wide-angle or telephoto lens. The 12-megapixel wide-angle lens has a large viewing angle, so large buildings fit in your photo completely. The 64-megapixel telephoto lens has 3 times optical zoom. This allows you to bring objects up to 3 times closer without the photo becoming less sharp. Videos can be recorded in 8K, which is high quality.
S20: same camera setup
Although the camera island of the S20 looks slightly different, the device has exactly the same cameras. Like the Note 20, this device takes sharp photos with the 12-megapixel standard camera. Thanks to the 12-megapixel wide-angle lens, you can be sure that everyone will fit on the family photo. The telephoto lens of the S20 also has 3 times optical zoom. Your videos are razor sharp, because you can record them in 8K.
Computing power and storage
Note 20: powerful device, 256GB storage
The Note 20 runs on a Samsung Exynos 990 processor. This is one of the most powerful processors of the moment. You can perform the most demanding tasks without the device faltering. This includes photo and video editing programs or graphic 3D games. With the 8GB RAM, you can also switch smoothly between different apps. The 256GB storage has more than enough space for all your apps, photos, and other files. The storage isn't expandable with a memory card.
S20: same processor, expandable 128GB storage
The Samsung S20 has the same processor as the Note 20. Demanding tasks aren't a problem for this device. The 4G version of the S20 also has 8GB RAM, while the 5G version has 12GB RAM. In practice, you rarely notice this difference. For the normal user, the storage of 128GB offers enough space. Do you need more? You can expand the storage with a 1TB memory card.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and S20 are similar, but the S20 has a better screen quality-wise. The Note 20's larger screen lends itself better to gaming and video editing. The disadvantage of the large size is that it's difficult to operate the Note 20 with one hand. You can control the device more accurately with the included S Pen. Thanks to Wireless Samsung DeX, you can also use the Note 20 wirelessly as a full-fledged computer, while the S20 requires a docking station.
The next level
Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra
In addition to the Note 20, the Samsung Note 20 series also features the Note 20 Ultra. With a large 6.9-inch screen, this device is a bit larger than its little brother. And the Quad HD screen isn't just bigger, but also sharper. Thanks to the refresh rate of 120 times per second, animations look smooth. The camera is also more advanced. You can zoom up to 5 times with the Ultra, as opposed to just 3 times, without losing sharpness.
S20 and S20 Plus
The S20 Plus is the middle device of the Samsung S20 series. With a 6.7-inch screen, this device is much larger than the S20. You have more space for your favorite movie, series, or game. The S20 and S20 Plus are the same in terms of power, but the camera setup of the Plus version is more extensive. Its Time-of-Flight sensor measures depth to create a beautiful depth-of-field effect. On top of that, the device has a larger 4500mAh battery.