iQOO 12 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 20
The Verdict
iQOO 12 represents significantly better value at $529 versus the aging Galaxy Note 20 at $999. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 crushes the Note 20's 865+ chip by a wide margin, while the 144Hz LTPO AMOLED display with 3000 nits outclasses the 60Hz Super AMOLED Plus panel dramatically. Camera hardware favors iQOO with its 50MP Sony IMX920 main sensor and superior 4K 120fps video capabilities. Battery capacity tips to 5000 mAh with lightning-fast 120W charging, though the Note 20 retains IP68 water resistance and wireless charging absent here. Software is fresher on iQOO running Android 14 versus Android 10. Performance, display refresh rate, and camera capabilities all strongly favor the iQOO 12, making the Note 20 obsolete technology at premium pricing. Unless S Pen functionality is essential, iQOO 12 delivers substantially more phone for considerably less money.
Who Should Buy
Buy the iQOO 12 if…
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier gaming and productivity performance
- →144Hz LTPO AMOLED with 3000-nit brightness is a display powerhouse
- →120W fast charging fills the 5000 mAh battery in around 25 minutes
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 if…
- →S Pen productivity features
- →5G connectivity
- →Samsung DeX support
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
iQOO 12
Pros
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier gaming and productivity performance
- 144Hz LTPO AMOLED with 3000-nit brightness is a display powerhouse
- 120W fast charging fills the 5000 mAh battery in around 25 minutes
- 64 MP 3x telephoto periscope zoom is excellent for the price
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for future-proof connectivity
Cons
- No IP rating for water or dust resistance
- No wireless charging despite flagship-level pricing
- Limited global availability and after-sales network
- 13 MP ultrawide is a weak point in the camera system
- OriginOS/Funtouch is heavily skinned
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 | iQOO 12 | Samsung Galaxy Note 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 (Funtouch OS 14 / OriginOS 4) | Android 10, One UI 2.5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 202 g | 192 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, glass back | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 (Glasstic back) |
| IP rating | None | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 162.7 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm | 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS, Sony IMX920 | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.45 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 64 MP, f/2.57, 3x optical zoom, OIS | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB / 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Charging | 120W FlashCharge | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.78 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | LTPO AMOLED | Super AMOLED Plus |
| Resolution | 2800 x 1260 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 3000 | 1000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz + 3x3.2 GHz + 2x3.0 GHz + 2x2.3 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 750 | Adreno 650 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | 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.
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