Samsung Galaxy Note 20 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy S23 FE represent different positioning within the lineup, separated by price and release timing. Display quality favors the S23 FE with its 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel at 1450 nits versus the Note 20's 60Hz Super AMOLED Plus at 1000 nits, providing noticeably smoother scrolling and superior brightness. Camera capabilities show the S23 FE's 50MP main sensor with Dual Pixel PDAF offering better computational photography than the Note 20's 12MP approach, though the Note 20's 64MP telephoto with hybrid zoom provides different strengths. Performance-wise, the S23 FE's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 outpaces the Note 20's aging Snapdragon 865+. Battery capacity edges to the S23 FE at 4500mAh versus 4300mAh, while both offer identical 25W charging. At $599 versus $999, the S23 FE delivers superior value with current software, better display technology, and newer processing power. The Note 20 justifies its premium only for S Pen integration, which the S23 FE lacks entirely. For most users prioritizing overall capability and value, the S23 FE is the more compelling choice.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 if…
- →S Pen productivity features
- →5G connectivity
- →Samsung DeX support
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if…
- →Flagship features like 120Hz AMOLED and IP68 at a lower price
- →Bright 1450-nit display for good outdoor visibility
- →3x optical zoom telephoto is rare in this price range
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Pros
- Flagship features like 120Hz AMOLED and IP68 at a lower price
- Bright 1450-nit display for good outdoor visibility
- 3x optical zoom telephoto is rare in this price range
- Four years of OS updates guaranteed
- Wireless charging with reverse wireless PowerShare
Cons
- Exynos 2200 variant has weaker performance and efficiency
- Only 25W wired charging is slow for 2023
- Gorilla Glass 5 is older protection than Victus 2
- 8 MP telephoto resolution is low
- Heavier at 209 g due to older processor thermals
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Note 20 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 10, One UI 2.5 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 192 g | 209 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 (Glasstic back) | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 10 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom | 8 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4300 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W wireless | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED Plus | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1000 | 1450 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ | Samsung Exynos 2200 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
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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