Samsung Galaxy Note 20 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy Note 20 delivers a refined traditional smartphone experience with its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, Snapdragon 865+ processor, and versatile camera system featuring 8K video recording at an established $999 price point. Galaxy Z Fold 5 represents cutting-edge foldable technology with dual 7.6-inch and 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, 120Hz refresh rates, superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance, and 1TB storage options, though its $1799.99 cost reflects premium positioning. Z Fold 5 excels in processing power (Adreno 740 vs 650), display brightness (1750 vs 1000 nits), RAM capacity, and innovation factor. Note 20 offers better traditional camera versatility with 8K capability, lighter weight (192g vs 253g), and exceptional value proposition. For productivity-focused users seeking innovation and multitasking, Z Fold 5 justifies its premium investment. Budget-conscious buyers preferring proven form factors should choose Note 20.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 if…
- →S Pen productivity features
- →5G connectivity
- →Samsung DeX support
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 if…
- →Slimmer hinge with zero-gap fold eliminates the gap seen on Fold 4
- →Large 7.6-inch inner display for multitasking and productivity
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship performance
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 Fold 5
Pros
- Slimmer hinge with zero-gap fold eliminates the gap seen on Fold 4
- Large 7.6-inch inner display for multitasking and productivity
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship performance
- IPX8 water resistance
- Four years of OS and five years of security updates
Cons
- Very expensive starting at $1799
- Heavy at 253 g
- Visible crease on inner display
- Slow 25W charging for a premium device
- Under-display camera is noticeably lower quality
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Note 20 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 10, One UI 2.5 | Android 13, One UI 5.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 192 g | 253 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 (Glasstic back) | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm | 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm unfolded |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 10 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP cover, 4 MP under-display |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom | 10 MP 3x optical |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4300 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W wireless | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 7.6 inches inner, 6.2 inches cover |
| Type | Super AMOLED Plus | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2176 x 1812 inner, 2316 x 904 cover |
| 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+ | 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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