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In the fast-paced world of smartphones, upgrading to the latest and greatest is a tempting proposition. For old-school Samsung Galaxy Note owners, the transition to the Galaxy S23 Ultra might be on their radar. But is the jump from the Note 20 Ultra to the S23 Ultra worth it? Let’s discuss and break down the key aspects to help you make an informed decision.
Is Design & Build Quality Worth It?
Both the Note 20 Ultra and the S23 Ultra boast premium designs that exude elegance. The S23 Ultra retains the Note’s distinctive sharp corners and curved display, albeit with a more subtle curve. While both phones look and feel fantastic, the S23 Ultra takes the edge with its improved design. The reduced curve of its display makes it easier to hold and use, especially when wielding the S Pen. Moreover, the material choices, including armored aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, elevate the S23 Ultra’s build quality.
What About Camera?
The camera systems in the S23 Ultra significantly surpass those of the Note 20 Ultra. While the Note featured a 108MP primary sensor, the S23 Ultra boasts a new 200MP primary sensor that delivers exceptional performance in all lighting conditions. The S23 Ultra also offers dual 10MP lenses, a 3X telephoto, and a 10X periscopic lens, providing versatility in zoom capabilities.
Display Quality
While both phones feature large, high-quality displays, the S23 Ultra offers several advantages. It sports a 6.8-inch QHD display with a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, automatically adjusting based on the content. In contrast, the Note 20 Ultra’s display doesn’t offer a variable refresh rate, meaning you have to choose between 60Hz and 120Hz. Additionally, the S23 Ultra’s display is brighter, reaching a maximum brightness of 1,750 nits compared to the Note’s 1,500 nits.
Software and Performance
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra originally shipped with Android 10 but has since been updated to Android 13 with One UI 5.1. In contrast, the S23 Ultra launched with One UI 5.1 and Android 13, with the potential for four more Android updates. This puts the S23 Ultra ahead in terms of software longevity.
In terms of Performance, the Note 20 Ultra’s Snapdragon 865+ with 12GB of RAM was a powerhouse in its time and remains capable today. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the S23 Ultra offers superior performance in terms of speed, efficiency, and thermals. The only downside is that the S23 Ultra comes with 8GB of RAM unless you opt for the 512GB version, which matches the Note’s 12GB.
Note 20 Ultra Vs Galaxy S23 Ultra Specifications Comparison
| Specifications | Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
| Display | 6.9 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3088 pixels | 1440 x 3088 pixels |
| Rear Camera | 108 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP | 200 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP + 10 MP |
| Front Camera | 10 MP | 12 MP |
| Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Operating System | Android v10(Q) | Android v13 |
| Custom UI | Samsung One UI | Samsung One UI |
| Chipset | Samsung Exynos 9 Octa 900 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5 | LPDR5X |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Battery Type | Li-ion | Li-ion |
| Charging | 25W, Fast Charging | 45W, Fast Charging |
| USB Type C | Yes | Yes |
Battery and Charging
The S23 Ultra pulls ahead in the battery department with a 5,000mAh cell compared to the Note 20 Ultra’s 4,500mAh. Coupled with the S23 Ultra’s more power-efficient chipset, it delivers exceptional battery life that outshines its predecessor. Both phones support 45W wired charging, 15W Qi wireless charging, and reverse charging for accessories.
Price, Availability, and Specs
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is approaching its third anniversary, making it a bit of a relic in the smartphone world. Finding a brand-new one is next to impossible, so you’ll likely have to settle for a used or refurbished unit. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is readily available from major retailers and carriers worldwide. Its starting price is $1,200 or ₹1,19,999, but you can often snag it for less during sales events.
Final Talk
In summary, upgrading from the Note 20 Ultra to the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a worthy move. The S23 Ultra carries forward the legacy of the Note series while introducing several enhancements that make it one of Samsung’s finest smartphones to date. So, if you’re contemplating the transition, rest assured that the S23 Ultra is a worthy successor to your beloved Note.
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