Honor X9b vs Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
The Verdict
Comparing these devices reveals a stark generational gap. Samsung's Galaxy Note 20 Ultra commands premium positioning with its superior Snapdragon 865+ processor, Dynamic AMOLED 2X display at 1440p resolution, and professional-grade camera system featuring 8K video and 5x optical zoom via periscope lens. Honor's X9b counters with exceptional value at one-fifth the price, delivering a nearly identical 120Hz refresh rate, brighter 2000-nit AMOLED panel, larger 5800mAh battery supporting faster 35W charging, and capable 108MP main camera suitable for everyday photography. However, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra's IP68 rating, wireless charging, superior build materials, and computational photography prowess justify its flagship status for professionals. For casual users and budget-conscious buyers, the Honor X9b offers stunning specifications that punch well above its price tier. Choose the Samsung for premium features and longevity; select the Honor for practical performance without compromise at an accessible price point.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Honor X9b if…
- →Massive 5800 mAh battery provides outstanding multi-day endurance
- →2000-nit AMOLED display brightness is excellent for outdoor use
- →108 MP main sensor captures detailed photos in good lighting
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
Honor X9b
Pros
- Massive 5800 mAh battery provides outstanding multi-day endurance
- 2000-nit AMOLED display brightness is excellent for outdoor use
- 108 MP main sensor captures detailed photos in good lighting
- Enhanced drop resistance with 2-layer glass structure
- 5G connectivity at an affordable price point
Cons
- 35W charging is slow for the large 5800 mAh battery
- 5 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro cameras are filler
- IP53 splash resistance is basic protection
- No wireless charging
- MagicOS has some bloatware and ads
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 | Honor X9b | Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 (MagicOS 7.2) | Android 10, One UI 2.5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 185 g | 208 g |
| Material | Plastic frame, glass front (2-ply drop resistant), plastic back | Stainless steel frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP53 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 74.9 x 7.98 mm | 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 108 MP, f/1.75, PDAF | 108 MP, f/1.8, OIS, laser AF |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.5 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Macro | 2 MP, f/2.4 | — |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Periscope | — | 12 MP, f/3.0, 5x optical zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB / 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB | 128 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5800 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 35W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.78 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2436 x 1116 | 3088 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1500 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Adreno 650 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 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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