SMARTPHONES:
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020

SMARTPHONES:
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020

SAMSUNG S20

VS. NOTE 10

Samsung S20 vs. Note 10

If you've spent any time looking for a new Android phone, you've certainly come across two of the flagship devices offered by Samsung®. As primary competitors to the iPhone®, Samsung's Galaxy® S20 and Note® 10 are two incredibly popular phones — and for good reason.

They're both powerful and sleek, with great cameras and all the latest features. But of course, they have their differences and appeal to separate crowds. Let's take a closer look at these two phones and see what exactly those differences are, so you can choose which one is right for you.
 

The Samsung Note 10 came out in July 2019 and comes with a host of excellent features and the power to back it up.

• Samsung Note 10

Samsung Note 10 

The Samsung Note 10 came out in July 2019 and comes with a host of excellent features and the power to back it up. Notably, it comes with S-pen functionality and is available in a 5G-supported configuration. Plus, it is available in some stunning colors.

Options

With the Note 10 comes a few different options:  

  •  The standard Note 10
  •  The Note 10+
  •  The Note10+ with 5G, Sub6 and mmWave capabilities

The most obvious difference is in size, with the Note10+ having a larger screen and heavier weight.

The Note 10+ nets you a few added features, including: 

  •  A QuadHD+ dynamic active-matrix organic light-emitting diodes (AMOLED) screen of 3040x1440 pixels
  •  A quad-camera setup that adds DepthVision to the triple setup found in the 10
  •  A larger battery
  •  An option for 512GB internal storage over the default 256GB
  •  A MicroSD card slot
  •  12GB of RAM instead of the 8GB found in the 10

That AMOLED screen has great touch-responsiveness due to its design, along with an incredibly high contrast ratio, rich colors and clarity.

Your color options will also vary between models. Through Samsung, the Note 10 is available in five colors: 

  •  Aura black
  •  Aura white, which is more pearlescent
  •  Aura glow, which is a unique, almost chromatic color that appears rainbow in the right light
  •  Aura pink, a Samsung-exclusive color
  •  Aura red, also a Samsung exclusive

The Note 10+ is available in aura black, aura white and aura glow. It's also available in aura blue, except the 5G model. There's even a special edition "Star Wars"-themed 10+, if you can get your hands on it. 

Look and Feel 

As you pick up the phone, you might notice that it is a bit sharper, with tightly rounded corners and a more square design.

If you like the sturdiness and screen size of a larger phone, the Note 10+ comes in with a 6.8-inch screen, 0.5 inches more than the Note 10, which is 6.3 inches across. While width remains the same, the weight of the Note 10+ jumps from 168 grams to 196 grams and 198 grams for the 5G model. 

Both phones have a 10MP camera for selfies, a 16MP ultra-wide, a 12MP wide-angle camera and a 12MP telephoto lens.

Camera

The camera on the Note 10 and 10+ is pretty good, with a triple- or quadruple-lens design. Both phones have a 10MP camera for selfies, a 16MP ultra-wide, a 12MP wide-angle camera and a 12MP telephoto lens. The 10+ adds on Samsung's DepthVision camera, to help with certain features, editing and focusing. The phones also share their 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom and optical image stabilization on the rear cameras.

As for video, they both offer the same 4K capabilities at 60 fps and slow-motion footage at 960 fps for HD and 240 fps for FHD. You can even take still photos of 9.1MP during 4K video recording. 

Performance

While the Note 10 features last year's 855 model of the Snapdragon processor, you won't be falling behind any time soon. It's an octa-core processor with a few different configuration options that vary by country and carrier. Clock speed can range from 1.7 to 2.8GHz.

The Note 10+ offers an additional 4GB of RAM, up to 12GB, but even the 10's 8GB of RAM should be plenty for most users. The additional memory could help if you plan on hanging onto the phone for the while, as it can make it last longer, but in the meantime, it isn't a substantial difference.

Keep in mind that if you want to expand the storage, you'll have to go with the Note 10+, which is the only configuration with a MicroSD slot. With a MicroSD card, you can increase the storage by a terabyte.

Battery life jumps from 3500mAh in the 10 to 4300mAh in the 10+. You can expect different ranges of battery life depending on usage. Video playback provides 19 or 21 hours, audio provides 60 or 74 hours and talk provides 38 or 44 hours in the 10 and 10+ respectively. 

Value

As of this post being written, the pricing on the Note 10 is about on par with many flagship phones, and considering the bang you get for your buck, it's not a bad deal. If you don't care for 5G compatibility, you can save an extra couple hundred dollars and go for a regular 10+. The most noticeable differences between the 10 and the 10+ include the higher screen resolution, DepthVision camera and microSD card slot. The additions are more modern and common in other flagships, like the Galaxy S20, even in the base models. 

• Samsung Galaxy S20

About six months after the Note 10, Samsung dropped the S20 in February 2020 as its primary flagship phone and successor to the S10.

Samsung Galaxy S20 

About six months after the Note 10, Samsung dropped the S20 in February 2020 as its primary flagship phone and successor to the S10. It features similarly powerful specs with an unmatched camera setup. This phone is designed to appeal to the amateur photographer, and Samsung did an excellent job with it.

Options 

Like the Note 10, the S20 comes in three different varieties, but the difference between the highest tier and the base model is much more pronounced. In addition to the standard S20, you can also snag the S20+ and the S20 Ultra.

With each model, you can find the following colors, though some retailers offer exclusive options: 

  •  S20: Cosmic gray, cloud blue, cloud pink and cloud white
  •  S20+: Cosmic black, cosmic gray, cloud blue and aura blue
  •  S20 Ultra: Cosmic black, cosmic gray and cloud white

With each model, you get a larger screen, a bit more weight and some new features. Going from the S20 to the S20+ will add: 

  •  A longer battery life, from 4000mAh to 4500mAh
  •  A DepthVision camera
  •  An option for 512GB of internal storage and 16GB of RAM

The move to the S20 Ultra nets you the following features: 

  •  A much higher-resolution camera setup with DepthVision
  •  10x the optical zoom, 100x digital zoom and ultra bright night capabilities
  •  A 5,000mAh battery with 45-watt charging support
  •  An option for 512GB of internal storage with 16GB of RAM

All models have a microSD slot, dynamic AMOLED Infinity-O Displays, 120Hz refresh rate support and similar intelligent camera features and resolutions. Unlike the Note 10, all models of the S20 can now have 5G with mmWave and Sub6 support, though LTE versions are available. 

The S20 has more rounded corners than the Note 10, giving it a softer look. As you might expect, each version of the phone goes up in screen size and weight.

Look and Feel 

The S20 has more rounded corners than the Note 10, giving it a softer look. As you might expect, each version of the phone goes up in screen size and weight. The S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra are 6.2, 6.7 and 6.9 inches across, respectively, and range in weight from 163 to 222g.

The base models are comparable in size to the Note 10, with the S20 Ultra being closer in size to the Note 10+. Overall, the S20 is just slightly smaller than the Note 10, so it's a touch more pocketable and may be easier to hold. Within that smaller screen is a Quad HD resolution at 2560x1440 pixels. 

Camera

The camera is where the S20 really shines. While the base model offers a respectable camera setup, the S20+ adds DepthVision and the S20 Ultra changes it up completely.

The S20 base model offers the following lenses: 

  •  10MP front
  •  12MP wide
  •  12MP ultrawide
  •  64MP telephoto

The S20 Ultra model beefs up some of those numbers: 

  •  40MP front
  •  108MP wide
  •  12MP ultrawide
  •  48MP telephoto 

The larger sensors in the entire lineup offer higher-quality images and impressive low-light performance. The S20 and S20+ have 1/1.76-inch sensors while the Ultra has a 1/1.33-inch sensor.

The Ultra also offers a much larger level of optical zoom at 10x, while the S20 and S20+ only have 3x optical zoom. It's worth noting that this is a hybrid optical zoom, so it uses some digital assistance, but still provides a clear result. As for digital zoom, Samsung's Super Resolution Zoom goes up to 30x on the S20 and S20+ and jumps to 100x on the Ultra.

All models offer optical image stabilization and tracking autofocus. They also have scene optimization and several video recording options, including: 

  •  8K at 24 fps
  •  4K UHD at 60 fps
  •  1080p FHD at 60 fps and 30 fps of 720p HD
  •  Slow-motion with 240 fps at 1080p
  •  Super slow-mo with 960 fps at 720p
  •  Digital zoom of 12x on the S20 and S20+ and 20x on the Ultra

Another notable feature of the Galaxy's camera is the ability to take still photos at 33MP from 8K video.

PERFORMANCE

For RAM, the 5G versions all support 12GB. In the S20 and S20+, LTE versions can only have 8GB of RAM. For the S20 Ultra, you can have 12GB or 16GB configurations.

Performance 

Being a new model, the S20 line features the Snapdragon 865 processor, which will be a bit faster than its predecessor but not by too much. It's still an octa-core processor and clock speeds range from 1.8GHz to 2.7GHz.

As for RAM, the 5G versions all support 12GB. In the S20 and S20+, LTE versions can only have 8GB of RAM. For the S20 Ultra, you can have 12GB or 16GB configurations.

Though the S20 Ultra boasts a larger battery — 5,000 mAh compared to the 4,500mAh and 4,000mAh of the S20 and S20+ — it does have a bit more hardware to power. The time of use you can expect to get out of each phone rises subtly with each model.

Below is the change in estimated times for different tasks, from the S20 to the Ultra. 

  •  Internet browsing: 15-17 hours
  •  Video playback: 20-25 hours
  •  Audio playback: 79-111 hours
  •  Talk time: 28-37 hours

The Ultra also offers 45W charging support.

One big bonus of the S20 is that it offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling over the 60Hz that the Note 10 and many other phones have.

You can switch between the two options, but it will drop your screen resolution in half. You can use either the 120Hz rate or the higher Quad HD resolution. Keep in mind, though, that both of these options can drain the battery more quickly. 

Value

As of writing this piece, the MSRPs of the S20 models are about $50-$100 more expensive than the Note 10 configurations.

The majority of the jump between the S20 and S20 Ultra costs go into that beefy camera design, but you also get more options for storage, though those will cost you. If you don't care much about the advanced photography features, you can save by getting one of the S20 or S20+ models. They'll also be smaller and easier to fit into your pocket. 

Comparing the
Samsung Galaxy S20
vs. the Note 10

•  Weight
•  Screen sizes
•  5G offerings

•  Cameras
•  Power
•  Batteries

Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S20 vs. the Note 10 

So what is it that sets these two flagship phones apart, and which is better, the S20 or the Note 10? Well, that depends on what you're looking for. 

Both phones have a similar price point and share a lot of features, like: 

  •  In-display fingerprint scanners
  •  IP68 water and dust resistance
  •  Edge-to-edge front screens
  •  Wireless and fast charging
  •  USB-C charging and headphone jacks
  •  High-resolution AMOLED displays

Of course, the phones will also come with all the features you'd expect from a modern-day Samsung device, like Bluetooth connectivity, screen mirroring, compatibility with Galaxy devices, Bixby support, the Knox security platform, face recognition and Samsung Pay.

However, the similarities must end somewhere.

The Note 10, aside from the mesmerizing aura glow color that's available, offers support for the S-Pen and a well-rounded suite of features and power. The S20, on the other hand, boasts a new processor and that slick 120GHz refresh rate. All models offer 5G versions and the camera setup is simply unmatched.

Here's where the two differ. 

  •  Weight: The S20 models tend to be a little lighter, so if you're looking for something that feels a bit sturdier, the Note 10 can help, while those who want to lighten their pockets can turn to the Galaxies.
  •  Screen sizes: The S20 and S20 Ultra are just a tenth of an inch smaller than the Note 10 and Note 10+, respectively. They might be a little easier to hold but the difference is minimal.
  •  5G offerings: While 5G versions are available across the board for the S20s, only the Note 10+ has this option.
  •  Cameras: The camera for the S20 Ultra really pushed the limits of mobile phones and comes with a suite of unique features, like powerful low-light imaging and optical zooms. Those qualities are mainly thanks to the S20's larger image sensors and lens designs. The camera on the Note 10 line isn't particularly bad — it's actually pretty impressive compared to many phones — but it isn't a priority of the device. It's still a great camera, though it isn't as versatile as the S20 Ultra.
  •  Power: While the S20 offers more RAM and a newer processor, the differences will likely be minimal for the average user. Where this feature comes in handy is if you plan on keeping the phone for more than a few years. This extra power can keep the phone going for longer as it ages and as software and technology ramp up and need more support.
  •  Batteries: The S20s have a larger battery than the Note 10s, but they also have a little more hardware to power. While the difference in use time isn't massive, the S20 is subtly better than the Note 10. If you use your phone constantly, this factor might be important.

Of course, it all comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for robust photography features or the latest and greatest internal power structures, the S20 Ultra is a clear winner. If, on the other hand, you need the S-pen or want to save a little by foregoing 5G, the Note 10 might be your best bet. 

S20 and Note 10 vs. Other Popular Phones 

The S20 and the Note 10 likely aren't the only two phones on your radar. Some other popular models include the Galaxy Z Flip and the iPhone 11. So how do the S20 and Note 10 compare? 

GALAXY Z FLIP

The Galaxy Z Flip was introduced at about the same time as the S20, and it is snappy. This phone is meant to harken back to the flip phones of the 2000s, with a design that folds in half and can fit easily into your pocket, making it light and portable.

Galaxy Z Flip 

The Galaxy Z Flip was introduced at about the same time as the S20, and it is snappy. This phone is meant to harken back to the flip phones of the 2000s, with a design that folds in half and can fit easily into your pocket, making it light and portable. It still has a small display on the front for essentials and opens up the size of a typical smartphone.

The downside to the Z Flip is you pay for the novelty. It still has decent specs, but you won't find 5G options, 8K video, the latest processor or as much battery life as you would in something like the S20 or Note 10. If you love the idea of a modern, cutting-edge design, that factor might outweigh the shortcomings in performance, but for many, you'll get more bang for your buck with the other two options. 

• iPhone 11

Like the S20 and the Note 10, the line of iPhone 11 devices has a few different options, including the 11 Pro and the 11 Pro Max.

iPhone 11 

Like the S20 and the Note 10, the line of iPhone 11 devices has a few different options, including the 11 Pro and the 11 Pro Max. The base model iPhone 11 comes in several bright colors and sizes range from a 5.8-inch screen to a 6.5-inch — quite a bit smaller than either the S20 or the Note 10. The cameras are also very impressive on the iPhones, especially on the Pro Max.

One of the most significant differences with an iPhone is that they run on Apple's iOS, which is a very different operating system than Android. The S20 costs a little more than the base iPhone 11. 

The Bottom Line 

Both phones have their advantages and disadvantages. If you're looking for impressive overall specs, a powerful camera or a slightly lighter-weight device, the S20 is a great choice. On the other hand, the Note 10 lets you use the S-pen and still has great specs. You'll have to weigh your priorities to figure out which one is best for you.

Get Cash for
Your Old Device

at ecoATM

Get Cash for Your Old Device at ecoATM

Whether you're leaning toward the Note 10 or the S20, you can give new life to your second phone by selling it at an ecoATM. An ecoATM is a kiosk where you can price and sell your old device for instant cash. It's safe, simple and incredibly convenient.

Electrical waste is damaging to our environment, yet only 20% of unwanted cell phones get recycled each year. By placing them in an ecoATM, you allow us to reuse valuable materials from your devices to aid in the creation of new devices and products while reducing waste. You can do your part for the environment and get cash at the same time!

Price your device or find your local kiosk to get started.