Introduction
This is the Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G, it’s actually a great phone, but with one problem. The Note20 is supposed to be the more affordable version in the Note20 lineup, so it would be reasonable for Samsung to take away a few premium features from the Ultra variant.
Specs
- 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED Plus display (60Hz refresh rate)
- 7nm Exynos 990 processor
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB UFS 3.0 storage
- Cameras
- Rear: 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP main with OIS + 64MP telephoto with OIS (3x Optical Zoom, 30x Digital Zoom)
- 10MP selfie camera
- 4,300mAh battery with 25W fast charging
- One UI 2.5 on top of Android 10
- Colors: Mystic Bronze, Mystic Green, Mystic Gray
Video Review
Design
The design language is quite similar to the Note20 Ultra, but it now has a flat display, which I actually prefer, and the back is now a polycarbonate material a.k.a plastic, instead of glass. It still has the matte finishing, but it does feel a little bit rougher and more prone to scratches. Now you might be complaining about the plastic material, but most people will actually snap a case on it, so it really doesn’t matter.
Display
The screen, it’s a 60Hz display, a little bit disappointed. You know with many phones now having at least 90Hz refresh rate, even the sub-RM1k POCO X3 NFC has a 120Hz refresh rate, that kinda hurts. But, it’s a nice 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display and we all already know how great is Samsung display over the years. Nothing much to complain about except the 60Hz refresh rate, but overall, it still feels smooth.
Performance
And here comes the part where most people rant about — the Exynos 990 processor. We are not getting the Snapdragon 865 Plus variant like certain markets, and there are a few tests suggested that the Snapdragon variant is better in terms of graphics performance and power efficiency. While that is true, if you are not a gamer, the Exynos 990 processor can still get everything done without any hiccups.
Software
The software experience is the same as the Note20 Ultra, but you get a higher S Pen latency at 26ms (vs Note20 Ultra’s 9ms). That is still better than the Note10 lineup, which has a 45ms latency. If you are not using the S Pen too much or an artist that sketch with the S Pen, you won’t really feel too much different. Though if you are not using the S Pen, you shouldn’t buy this phone.
Camera
The camera is actually the same as the S20 and S20+ — 12MP main camera + 12MP ultra-wide camera + 64MP telephoto camera. Basically, it’s the same camera setup as the S20 and S20+, so you get the same image quality. It won’t be as good as the Note20 Ultra, but definitely good enough for your social media usage. Plus, you get a smaller camera bump than the one on the Note20 Ultra!
Check out the all the camera samples here!
Battery Life
The Note20 has a 4,300mAh battery, which also supports wireless charging and 25W wired fast charging. I was able to get more than 5 hours of screen-on-time and getting it to last through my day is not a problem.
Final Words
With some compromises here and there, here’s the problem — the price! The Samsung Galaxy Note20 is priced at RM3,899 for the 4G variant and RM4,299 for the 5G variant.
If you are planning to use the phone for a few years, you should get the 5G variant. At this price tag, you can get another flagship phone that offers better specs, but only the Note20 has the S Pen. If you really need the S Pen, just go right ahead and get it with a telco plan or wait for the price to drop. If you can live without the S Pen but still want a Samsung phone, the S20 FE is actually a good deal with a 120Hz Super AMOLED display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor.