Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 20
The Verdict
iPhone 15 delivers superior value at $799 with Apple's A16 Bionic processor, brighter 2000-nit Super Retina XDR display, and modern USB-C connectivity. Its 6.1-inch screen feels more compact, while iOS 17 provides exceptional software optimization. Samsung's Galaxy Note 20, priced higher at $999, counters with a larger 6.7-inch display, bigger 4300mAh battery, and more versatile triple-camera system including 64MP telephoto. However, it runs outdated Android 10, weighs 192g (versus 171g), and features a dimmer 1000-nit display. Performance-wise, the A16 Bionic matches or exceeds the Snapdragon 865+. For most users, iPhone 15 offers better longevity, faster updates, and superior everyday usability at a lower price point. Choose Galaxy Note 20 only if you specifically need its S Pen stylus capability and camera zoom versatility.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 15 if…
- →Dynamic Island brought to base model
- →48 MP main camera upgrade
- →Switched to USB-C port
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 if…
- →S Pen productivity features
- →5G connectivity
- →Samsung DeX support
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 15
Pros
- Dynamic Island brought to base model
- 48 MP main camera upgrade
- Switched to USB-C port
- Strong A16 Bionic performance
- Comfortable lightweight design
Cons
- Stuck at 60Hz refresh rate
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto camera
- No always-on display
Samsung Galaxy Note 20
Pros
- S Pen productivity features
- 5G connectivity
- Samsung DeX support
- Good performance with Snapdragon 865+
- Lighter than Note 20 Ultra
Cons
- Plastic (Glasstic) back at $999
- 60Hz display — no 120Hz
- FHD+ only, no QHD option
- Flat display lacked premium feel of Ultra
- Significant compromises versus Ultra model
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 15 | Samsung Galaxy Note 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 17 | Android 10, One UI 2.5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 171 g | 192 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 (Glasstic back) |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3349 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED Plus |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 650 |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 15 or the Samsung Galaxy Note 20.