Samsung Note 20 Ultra vs. iPhone 12 Pro Max - Which One is Better?

Apple just wrapped up the iPhone event last month and released the top-notch version this month.

We know that the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the probably biggest and the best iPhone ever made. No wonder why many people are eagerly waiting to see how this latest iPhone competes with the mighty Samsung Note 20 Ultra, which is the best of the best of Samsung.

Remember: This comparison will not be as simple as Punch Hole VS Notch or 120hz vs. 60hz. It involves deep analysis and tear downs

PRICING:

Shockingly, the iPhone 12 Pro Max price is around $200 cheaper than the Samsung Note 20 Ultra. The maximum cost of an iPhone 12 Pro Max is $1100, whereas the top money you can pay for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is $1300.

Now, is that an extra $200 getting you enough goodies over the iPhone 12 Pro Max or not? Keep reading to find out!

DESIGN:

The Note 20 ultra has a more superior design than that of the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It looks more futuristic with almost no bezels and a tiny punch hole camera instead of having the certainly old Notch design, along with a larger frame of 6.9 inches(17.53cm).

In the case of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, it still has the notch design on the top though they have a couple of sensors. It has got a big frame size of 6.7 inches(17.02cm).

Even though the iPhone may not look as futuristic as its Samsung counterpart, there's a reason for that. Recently, the iPhone has an upgrade in terms of screen robustness among many other components, which makes the device more rugged and hard to damage.

STORAGE CAPACITY:

iPhones usually come with a minimum storage capacity of 64GB. In the case of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, it starts with a minimum storage capacity of 128GB, just like the Note 20 Ultra, which is a good point for iPhone 12 Pro Max because you're getting the same storage capacity at a cheaper price point.

Though the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra comes with a micro SD expansion option, the iPhone 12 Pro Max doesn't.

Just to let you know, the base storage is much more critical since the device performance depends a lot on that, so seeing that how they both have 128GB of storage, we can safely give an upper hand to the iPhone 12 Pro Max slightly leads here for getting the same storage option at a lower price.

CAMERA:

The iPhone 12 Pro Max comes with a Triple-Camera setup(rear) of 12MP(Wide, f/1.6)+12MP(UltraWide, f/2.4)+12MP(Telephoto, f/2.4) along with a LiDar Sensor and single selfie camera with 12MP(wide, f/2.1).

Whereas the Samsung Note 20 Ultra comes with a triple-camera setup of 108 MP, (f/1.8,wide) +12 MP (f/3.0, telephoto)+12 MP (f/2.2ultrawide).

If we ignore the paperwork for a while, for regular users, the picture quality of both the devices is almost the same, with iPhone leading for a while due to its LiDar capabilities, which only makes the photo much more realistic and detailed.

In the case of video recording, the iPhone is going to take the lead again.

Furthermore, both the devices can do 4K recordings at 30/60 FPS. The iPhone even comes with 8K video recording at 24 FPS.

PERFORMANCE:

When it comes to performance, the iPhone wins without any doubt. It has the latest, super powerful, highly efficient processors of all time, the A14 Bionic Chip. Not only that, even the iPhone 11 Pro Max, which is an older model, is also faster than the Note 20 Ultra's SD 865 plus processor if we go by the benchmarks.

Hence, the A14 Processor can easily pack a punch and blow SD 865 of the water. It's going to have peak performance than any other processor currently present in the world.

BUILD:

When it comes to the actual build of these phones, Apple claims that they have used some new materials that are actually four times tougher than the older versions of the iPhone. But, overall, both of the phones have premium builds and look absolutely gorgeous when you hold them in your hands. It’s worth all the money you are paying.

DISPLAY:

Now when the question comes to display, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra takes the lead. The displays Samsung provides are always better than any other smartphone in the market.

This is because Samsung is the leading manufacturer of displays around the world right now, thanks to its advancements and capabilities in the domain.

Furthermore, the Samsung Note 20 Ultra comes with a dedicated Flagship level 120hz refresh rate panel. In the contrast, the iPhone 12 Pro Max still comes with a 60hz refresh rate panel.

But, still, the iPhones feel smooth regardless that they lacked the 120 Hz. There's always a difference anyone can quickly feel when they swipe a couple of times after using a 120 Hz refresh rate panel.

Hence, 120 Hz refresh rate, larger screen size, and no notch - these features help Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra take a lead from the iPhone 12 Pro Max when it comes to displays.

SOFTWARE:

In the case of software, it's again the same story of IOS vs. Android or only Super Customization vs. Limited Customization. But, iPhones have a better app ecosystem, better and exclusive games, and smooth and optimized applications.

If we do the same old IOS vs Android, IOS checks most of the boxes.

But again, it is subjective since it depends on the individuals and their preferences of the OS.

THE S PEN:

Behind every top point, there's one thing the iPhone can never match is the S pen. The S Pen on the Note 20 Ultra is something Note owners love. And it's appealing to non-note users as well, including iPhone owners.

The S Pen is simply something Apple couldn’t replicate yet.

The S Pen can be used as a remote control, as a sketching device, as a writing device, and as a stylus to navigate a phone as well. It's a great little tool, which adds a new dimension of functionalities that no other phone can provide today.

BIOMETRICS:

When biometrics arises, the iPhone 12 Pro Max has the Face ID, which works flawlessly.

The Note 20 Ultra does come with a Face ID, but it also features an in-display fingerprint scanner with a futuristic appeal that the Face ID couldn’t match yet. The Face IDs are technologically outstanding, but an invisible sensor within the display that scans your fingerprint is crazy amazing!

BATTERY:

Now, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra takes the lead here in the battery comparison with a 4500mAh Li-on battery. At the same time, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes with a 3687mAh battery. Size-wise, Samsung wins, but if we take software optimization into the account, the results may turn out to be the exact opposite.

IN A NUTSHELL

Both the devices come at almost the same price range, and both have some pros and some cons. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has better performance, and the Note 20 Ultra has a better, more prominent display. The Camera of the iPhone is slightly better. In contrast, the Note 20 Ultra has the S Pen.

Looking at the above metrics, both the devices will get equal points and make it look great for different users. It all comes down to the individual's perspective.