Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N) vs Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)

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Side by side comparison between Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G vs Sony Xperia Z3 phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?

9/27/2020 9:38 PM, updated: 11/21/2022 8:02 AM

Compare Sony Xperia Z3 X Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N) 27Points

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.7"
AMOLED

1080x2400

12.2
MP

10mp

8GB
RAM

Octa-core

4300
mAh

(Non removable)

05Points Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB) Compare Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G X

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

5.2"
IPS

1080x1920

20.7
MP

2.1mp

3GB
RAM

Quad-core

3100
mAh

(Non removable)

What's the better phone? Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)

The phonemore's choice is much more technical than personal. Therefore, you shouldn't only consider this. Our goal is to help you, but what's important to us may not be important to you. You decide which one is the best! Comment!

27 Advantages Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	vs	5 Advantages Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
+3.09GHz 64bit Octa-core (7nm)61% More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster	vs	2.5GHz 32bit Quad-core
+8GB LPDDR5167% More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.	vs	3GB LPDDR3
+256GB (221GB available)17 times More internal storage for applications and files	vs	16GB (12GB available)
+Super AMOLED PlusAdvantage Super AMOLED Plus display is brighter and more vivid	vs	TFT IPS LCD
+1080x2400 pixels25% Higher resolution screen	vs	1080x1920 pixels
+6.7"29% Larger screen	vs	5.2"
+(triple camera) 12.2MP + 64MP + 12MP3 times Higher resolution main camera	vs	(back) 20.7MP
+Digital and optical zoomAdvantage The zoom allows for better focus and approach to take pictures	vs	Only digital zoom
+OIS: Optical stabilizationAdvantage Image stabilization prevents blurry photos and helps in recording motion video	vs	EIS: Digital stabilization
+BSI sensorAdvantage The BSI sensor allows the entry of more light generating photos with more detail and brightness	vs	Not supported
+HDR photo/video on both camerasAdvantage The HDR technology produced photos with more detail in dark areas	vs	HDR photo/video only main camera
+1/1.76" inches31% The larger sensor camera lets you take photos with better depth.	vs	1/2.3" inches
+f/1.8 (aperture)11% Diaphragm opening (Aperture) of the camera which has the smallest F number takes photos with better light exposure.	vs	f/2.0 (aperture)
+(front) 10MP4 times Higher resolution secondary camera to take pictures and selfies	vs	(front) 2.1MP
+8K UHD (7680x4320)3 times More image quality for recording videos with the primary camera	vs	4K UHD (3840x2160)
+(front) 4K UHD (3840x2160)3 times More image quality for recording videos with the secondary camera	vs	(front) Full HD (1920x1080)
+Android 13Advantage Android 13 is newer and safer	vs	Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
+5G SA/NSAAdvantage The 5G SA/NSA network is newer and faster	vs	4G LTE
+(5G SA/NSA) 5000 Mbps32 times Faster for surfing the internet and download files	vs	(4G LTE) 150 Mbps
+ANT+Advantage Sensors help you use the device	vs	Not supported
+Face unlock 2DAdvantage Sensors help you use the device	vs	Not supported
+Fingerprint sensor (under display)Advantage Sensors help you use the device	vs	Not supported
+4300 mAh39% Battery - higher amperage (mAh) allows more device usage time, but it also depends on the hardware and use	vs	3100 mAh
+802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6]Advantage WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6] is newer and faster	vs	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac [wifi5]
+5.0 + A2DP/LEAdvantage Bluetooth 5.0 + A2DP/LE is newer and faster	vs	4.0 + A2DP
+USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-GoAdvantage Newer and faster USB version for transferring photos, mp3 or data.	vs	MicroUSB 2.0
+Type-CAdvantage Reversible connector, you can stick in a USB-C cable any which way; either side is up.	vs	MicroUSB 2.0
Not supported	vs	+Until 128GB microSD, microSDXCAdvantage More external storage for files using memory cards
192 grams (6.72 ounces)	vs	+152 grams (5.32 ounces)26% Lighter
8.3 millimeters (0.33 inches)	vs	+7.3 millimeters (0.29 inches)14% Thinner
393 PPI	vs	+424 PPI8% Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)
Type-C reversible connector	vs	+3.5mm jackAdvantage Headsets with 3.5mm Jack size are more common and easy to find in stores

23 Common items in both devices

16 million

LED flash

PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras / Autofocus

Capacitive

Multitouch

Accelerometer

Ambient light sensor

+16 specs and more in the table below

Check the comparison table below for more items that are not evaluated in comparison score above.

Highlight differences

📱 Model features
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
Change model		Choose the model
Model	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Xperia Z3 (16GB)
Other model names	갤럭시 노트20 SM-N981N (Snapdragon)	Sony Xperia Z3 D6603, Sony Xperia Z3 D6653, Sony Pegasus
Country or region available	South Korea	(Global, International), South Africa, Canada, (Europe), Taiwan
Brand	Samsung	Sony
Release date	8/21/2020, Announced: 8/5/2020	9/1/2014
Depth	8.3 millimeters (0.33 inches)	7.3 millimeters (0.29 inches)
Size (width x height)	75.2 x 161.6 millimeters (2.96 x 6.36 in)	72 x 146 millimeters (2.83 x 5.75 in)
Weight	192 grams (6.72 ounces)	152 grams (5.32 ounces)
Build, materials	Plastic body, glass front	feature not registered
Protection against water and others	IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant	Waterproof (IP?)
📲 Display
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
Display type	Super AMOLED Plus	TFT IPS LCD
Screen size	6.7" inches	5.2" inches
Screen-to-body ratio	~89.2% (screen-to-body ratio)	~70.9% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution	1080x2400 pixels (20:9)	1080x1920 pixels
Touchscreen	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points
Pixel density (dot pitch)	393 PPI	424 PPI
Colors	16 million	16 million
Scratch-resistant glass	Gorilla Glass 5	Scratch-resistant glass
Refresh rate	60Hz	feature not registered
Display features	HDR10+ Always-On Display	feature not registered
🤖 Operating System
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
System version	Android 10	Android 4.4.4 KitKat
Firmware update	Android 13	Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
User Interface	One UI 2.5 / 3.1 / 4.1 / 5.0	feature not registered
⚙️ Processor
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
Chipset	64bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (SM8250-AB) (7nm)	32bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974-AC (28nm)
CPU	Octa-core, 3 processors: 1x 3.09GHz Kryo 585 (Single-core) 3x 2.42GHz Kryo 585 (Triple-core) 4x 1.8GHz Kryo 585 (Quad-core)	Quad-core, 1 processor: 4x 2.5GHz Krait 400 (Quad-core)
GPU graphical controller	Qualcomm Adreno 650 (250-646MHz)	Qualcomm Adreno 330 578Mhz
Performance (benchmark)	feature not registered	feature not registered
💽 Memory and storage
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
RAM memory	8GB LPDDR5	3GB LPDDR3
Internal storage	256GB (221GB available) UFS 3.0	16GB (12GB available)
External storage	Not supported	Until 128GB microSD, microSDXC (dedicated slot)
📶 Mobile networks
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
Dual-SIM	Not supported	Not supported
SIM card	1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF)	1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF)
Maximum Download / Upload	5000/1024 Mbps	150/50 Mbps
Network technology	2G, 3G, 4G, 5G	2G, 3G, 4G
Frequency, bands	Expand band details Collapse details
GSM MHz band	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 2G network	GSM 850/900/1800/1900	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G network	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100	D6603 model: UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 D6653 model: UMTS 850/900/1900/2100
Primary 4G network	LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41) VoLTE	LTE Cat4 D6603 model: LTE 700/800/850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100/2600 (Bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,13,17,20) D6653 model: LTE 700/850/900/1800/2100/2600 (Bands 1,3,5,7,8,28) TD-LTE 2300 (Bands 40)
Primary 5G network	SA/NSA/Sub6 (78)	Not supported
Primary data network	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE
Secondary 2G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary 3G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary 4G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary data network	Not supported	Not supported
📷 Camera
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
Back camera (main camera)	(triple camera) 12.2 megapixels 64MP telephoto f/2.027mm1/1.72"0.8µmPDAFOIS3x-hybrid-zoom 12MP ultrawide f/2.2120°13mm1/2.55"1.4µm	20.7 megapixels
Main camera resolution	4032x3024 pixels	5248x3936 pixels
Video recording (primary)	8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps	4K UHD (3840x2160) 30 fps
Flash	LED flash	LED flash
Focal aperture	f/1.8 (aperture)	f/2.0 (aperture)
Focal length	26mm (lens)	25mm (lens)
Sensor size	1/1.76" inches	1/2.3" inches
Pixel size	1.8µm pixel	1.12µm pixel
Autofocus	PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras	Autofocus
Touch focus	Supported	Supported
Image stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization	EIS: Digital stabilization
Zoom	Digital and optical zoom	Only digital zoom
Face/smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection
BSI sensor	Supported	Not supported
HDR	HDR photo/video on both cameras	HDR photo/video only main camera
Camera extras	4K@60fps 1080p@240fps 720p@960fps	feature not registered
📸 Front camera
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
Front camera (secondary)	10 megapixels	2.1 megapixels
Front camera resolution	3872x2592 pixels	1920x1080 pixels
Video recording (secondary)	4K UHD (3840x2160)	Full HD (1920x1080)
Front flash	Not supported	Not supported
Focal aperture	f/2.2 (aperture)	f/2.8 (aperture)
Focal length	26mm (lens)	feature not registered
Sensor size	1/3.2" inches	feature not registered
Pixel size	1.22µm pixel	feature not registered
🔉 Sound and multimedia
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
Loudspeaker	Stereo sound 32-bit/384kHz Dolby Atmos Tuned by AKG	Supported
Active noise cancellation	2 microphones or more	2 microphones or more
Radio	FM	FM (RDS)
TV	Not supported	Not supported
Video formats	MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV	MP4, XviD, H.264, H.263, MKV
Audio formats	MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC	MP3, WAV, eAAC+, FLAC
🔌 Connectivity
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
USB	USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go	MicroUSB 2.0
Audio output	Type-C reversible connector	3.5mm jack
TV output	USB Type-C (reversible)	Micro-B USB MHL-3
Bluetooth	5.0 + A2DP/LE	4.0 + A2DP
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac [wifi5] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot
DLNA	Supported	Supported
GPS	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, BeiDou
NFC	Supported	Supported
Infrared port	Not supported	Not supported
🧭 Sensors
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
Sensors	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor ANT+ Barometer Compass Face unlock 2D Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gyroscope Hall effect Proximity sensor	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Gyroscope Proximity sensor
Vibrating alert	Supported	Supported
🔋 Battery
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
Battery type	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)
Battery capacity	4300 mAh	3100 mAh
Charger, watts	25W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 3.0	Wired charging
Inductive / wireless charging	15W Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA) 4.5W Reverse wireless charging	feature not registered
Talk time autonomy	feature not registered	16 hours
Standby	feature not registered	740 hours (30.8 days)
➕ Other features
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
Call control	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands	Voice dialing, Voice recorder
Messaging	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail
Hands-free calling	Supported	Supported
Video calling	Supported	Supported
Ringtones	Polyphonic and customized	Polyphonic and customized
Web browser	HTML, XHTML, HTML5	HTML, XHTML, HTML5
Antenna	Internal antenna	Internal antenna
Qwerty physical keyboard	Not supported	Not supported
Miscellaneous	• Colors: Mystic Gray, Mystic Green, Mystic Bronze, Mystic Red, Mystic Blue • Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor • Bixby • Samsung Wireless DeX • Samsung Pay (MST, NFC) • Stylus pen (Bluetooth integration)	• Colors: Black, White, Copper, Silver Green • USB OTG On-The-Go • Sony TRILUMINOS display • Sony Exmor RS sensor • PlayStation PS4 remote play • S-Force front Surround speakers • ANT+ support • Miracast • HAC M3/T3 • IP68 certified: dust proof and water resistant over 1 meter and 30 minutes
☢️ Radiation rate
	Galaxy Note 20 5G (SM-N981N)	Sony Xperia Z3 (16GB)
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)	0.688W/kg (head), 1.18W/kg (body)	feature not registered
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)	feature not registered	feature not registered