Apple iPhone XS vs Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone XS delivers premium build quality and iOS optimization in a compact 5.8-inch form factor, featuring the capable A12 Bionic chip and dual 12MP cameras with excellent computational photography. Samsung's Galaxy Note 20 Ultra commands a higher price but justifies it with a massive 6.9-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display, 5G connectivity, superior 108MP main camera with laser autofocus, and substantially larger 4500mAh battery. Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 865+ edges the aging A12 Bionic. Display quality strongly favors Samsung's 1500-nit panel with 120Hz refresh versus the XS's 725-nit 60Hz screen. Camera versatility goes to the Note 20 Ultra with its periscope zoom and 8K video capability, though the iPhone's processing produces naturally pleasing results. Battery longevity heavily advantages Samsung's 4500mAh versus 2658mAh. For 2024 purchasing, the iPhone XS feels dated despite its premium design, while the Note 20 Ultra remains a capable flagship. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the stronger choice for most users seeking modern features and longevity.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone XS if…
- →First 7nm A12 Bionic chip in a smartphone
- →eSIM support for dual SIM capability
- →Excellent Super Retina OLED display
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra if…
- →S Pen with ultra-low 9ms latency
- →120Hz adaptive QHD+ display
- →108 MP camera with 50x Space Zoom
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone XS
Pros
- First 7nm A12 Bionic chip in a smartphone
- eSIM support for dual SIM capability
- Excellent Super Retina OLED display
- Improved Face ID speed over iPhone X
- Premium stainless steel build
Cons
- Small battery at 2658 mAh
- No ultrawide camera
- 5W charger in the box
- Minimal upgrade over iPhone X
- No Night mode for camera
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Pros
- S Pen with ultra-low 9ms latency
- 120Hz adaptive QHD+ display
- 108 MP camera with 50x Space Zoom
- 5x optical periscope telephoto
- Samsung DeX for desktop-like experience
Cons
- Slow 25W charging for a $1299 device
- No charger in the box in some regions
- Large and heavy
- S Pen silo location changed
- microSD slot removed
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone XS | Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 12 | Android 10, One UI 2.5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 177 g | 208 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame, glass back | Stainless steel frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm | 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 108 MP, f/1.8, OIS, laser AF |
| Front camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom | — |
| Periscope | — | 12 MP, f/3.0, 5x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2658 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 5.8 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Type | Super Retina OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2436 x 1125 | 3088 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 725 | 1500 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz + 4x1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 650 |
| Chipset | Apple A12 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 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.
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