Samsung Galaxy Note 20 vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy S23+ decisively outperforms the Note 20 despite matching the $999 price point. Display quality favors the S23+ with its 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen reaching 1750 nits versus the Note 20's 60Hz Super AMOLED Plus at 1000 nits. Performance differences are substantial: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with Adreno 740 GPU crushes the older 865+ processor. Camera systems both offer versatility, but the S23+ delivers a more powerful 50MP main sensor with superior stabilization and enhanced video at 8K@30fps. Battery capacity tips toward S23+ at 4700mAh with faster 45W charging versus 4300mAh and 25W. Software runs Android 13 on S23+ compared to Android 10 on Note 20, impacting security and features. Build quality improved with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Armor Aluminum. While Note 20 offers stylus functionality through its S Pen, the S23+ provides superior overall package across every technical metric. Recommend the Galaxy S23+.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 if…
- →S Pen productivity features
- →5G connectivity
- →Samsung DeX support
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23+ if…
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- →Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- →4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
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+
Pros
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- 4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
- Four years of OS updates and five years of security patches
- Versatile triple camera with 3x optical zoom
Cons
- Only 8 GB RAM at the $999 price point
- FHD+ resolution instead of QHD+ on the 6.6-inch display
- 45W charging is slower than Chinese competitors
- No expandable storage or microSD slot
- Design is very similar to S22+ with minimal visual changes
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Note 20 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 10, One UI 2.5 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 192 g | 195 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 (Glasstic back) | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 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 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom | 10 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 | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4300 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W wireless | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED Plus | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1000 | 1750 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| 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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