Samsung Galaxy Note 20 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
The Verdict
Both phones share the same $999 price point but cater to different priorities. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 delivers superior camera versatility with a dedicated 64MP telephoto lens, 8K video recording, and traditional flagship performance via the Snapdragon 865+. Its 4300mAh battery provides noticeably better endurance with 25W charging versus the Z Flip 3's modest 3300mAh capacity. Galaxy Z Flip 3 impresses with foldable innovation, a brighter 1200-nit display with 120Hz refresh rate, and a more compact form factor. However, it sacrifices meaningful zoom capability, battery longevity, and charging speed. Z Flip 3's IPX8 rating (no dust protection) trails Note 20's full IP68 sealing. For photographers and productivity users, Note 20's traditional design and camera system justify the recommendation. For early adopters valuing novelty and portability despite compromises, Z Flip 3 remains compelling. Choose Note 20 for substance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 if…
- →S Pen productivity features
- →5G connectivity
- →Samsung DeX support
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 if…
- →First mainstream affordable foldable at $999
- →IPX8 water resistance on a foldable
- →Much larger cover screen than Flip 5G
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 Z Flip 3
Pros
- First mainstream affordable foldable at $999
- IPX8 water resistance on a foldable
- Much larger cover screen than Flip 5G
- Compact and stylish when folded
- 120Hz inner display
Cons
- Poor battery life with 3300 mAh
- Slow 15W charging
- Dual 12 MP cameras are basic
- Visible display crease
- Snapdragon 888 thermal issues
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Note 20 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 10, One UI 2.5 | Android 11, One UI 3.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 192 g | 183 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 (Glasstic back) | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm (unfolded) |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, 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 | — |
| 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 | 3300 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 15W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W wireless | 10W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches (inner), 1.9 inches (cover) |
| Type | Super AMOLED Plus | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2640 x 1080 (inner), 512 x 260 (cover) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (inner) |
| Brightness (nits) | 1000 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
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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