Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860) vs Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)

Side by side comparison between Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G vs Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max phones, differences, pros, cons with full specifications. What's the better?

11/17/2020 4:25 PM, updated: 11/26/2020 5:27 PM

Compare Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max XSamsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)19Points

Specifications Compare Models

6.9"
AMOLED

1440x3088

108
MP

10mp

12GB
RAM

64bit Octa

4500
mAh

(Non removable)

08PointsApple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)Compare Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G X

Specifications Compare Models

6.7"
AMOLED

1284x2778

12
MP

12mp

6GB
RAM

64bit Hexa

3687
mAh

(Non removable)

What's the better phone? Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)

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!

19 Advantages Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	vs	8 Advantages Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
+12GB LPDDR5100% More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.	vs	6GB LPDDR4X
+Until 1TB microSD, microSDXCAdvantage More external storage for files using memory cards	vs	Not supported
+208 grams (7.28 ounces)9% Lighter	vs	226 grams (7.91 ounces)
+120Hz100% The display reproduces more frames per second because the frequency (Hertz) is higher, improves fluidity and tires your eyes less.	vs	60Hz
+1440x3088 pixels25% Higher resolution screen	vs	1284x2778 pixels
+494 PPI8% Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)	vs	457 PPI
+6.9"3% Larger screen	vs	6.7"
+(triple camera) 108MP + 12MP + 12MP3 times Higher resolution main camera	vs	(quad camera) 12MP + 12MP + 12MP + 0.3MP
+8K UHD (7680x4320)3 times More image quality for recording videos with the primary camera	vs	4K UHD (3840x2160)
+2500000 apps (Google Play Store)19% More apps available to download and use	vs	2100000 apps (App Store)
+Type-C reversible connectorAdvantage Best output for headset	vs	proprietary audio output
+Fingerprint sensor (under display)Advantage Sensors help you use the device	vs	Not supported
+ANT+Advantage Sensors help you use the device	vs	Not supported
+4500 mAh22% Battery - higher amperage (mAh) allows more device usage time, but it also depends on the hardware and use	vs	3687 mAh
+25W25% More power (watts) to charge the battery faster. Sometimes, the charger that comes with the device doesn't have the same power supported by the device. Check before you buy it.	vs	20W
+FMAdvantage The radio lets you listen to your songs and sports in general	vs	Not supported
+DLNAAdvantage With DLNA technology you can access and play media files on TV, tablet or DLNA compatible device.	vs	Not supported
+USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-GoAdvantage Newer and faster USB version for transferring photos, mp3 or data.	vs	USB 2.0 proprietary connector
+Type-CAdvantage Reversible connector, you can stick in a USB-C cable any which way; either side is up.	vs	USB 2.0 proprietary connector
3.09Ghz 64bit Octa-Core	vs	+3.1Ghz 64bit Hexa-Core4% More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster
256GB (221GB available)	vs	+512GB (494GB available)124% More internal storage for applications and files
UFS 3.0	vs	+NVMe (SSD)Advantage Fastest write and read storage.
8.1 millimeters (0.32 inches)	vs	+7.4 millimeters (0.29 inches)9% Thinner
LED flash	vs	+Dual-LED flashAdvantage The Dual-LED flash helps in dark places or in low light
f/1.8 (aperture)	vs	+f/1.6 (aperture)13% Diaphragm opening (Aperture) of the camera which has the smallest F number takes photos with better light exposure.
(front) 10MP	vs	+(dual front camera) 12MP + 0.3MP23% Higher resolution secondary camera to take pictures and selfies
5G SA/NSA	vs	+5G NRAdvantage The 5G NR network is newer and faster

34 Common items in both devices

Stainless steel body, glass front/back

Dynamic AMOLED / Super AMOLED

HDR10+ / Dolby Vision/HDR10

16 million

Digital and optical zoom

PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras / PDAF: phase detection autofocus

OIS: Optical stabilization

+27 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

Physical features	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
Model	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
Other model names	三星Galaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N9860 Dual-SIM (Snapdragon)	iPhone 12 Pro Max A2342, A2410, A2411, A2412
Country or region available	China, Hong Kong	(Global, International)
Brand	Samsung	Apple
Release date	August, 2020	October, 2020
Depth	8.1 millimeters (0.32 inches)	7.4 millimeters (0.29 inches)
Size (width x height)	77.2 x 164.8 millimeters (3.04 x 6.49 in)	78.1 x 160.8 millimeters (3.07 x 6.33 in)
Weight	208 grams (7.28 ounces)	226 grams (7.91 ounces)
Qwerty physical keyboard	Not supported	Not supported
Antenna	Internal antenna	Internal antenna
Build, materials	Stainless steel body, glass front/back	Stainless steel body, glass front/back
Protection against water and others	IP68 certified: dust proof and waterproof over 1.5 meter and 30min	IP68 certified: dust proof and waterproof over 1.5 meter and 30min
System (OS)	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
Operating system	Android 10	iOS 14
Firmware update	feature not registered	feature not registered
Hardware	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
Chipset	64bit - Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ SM8250 (7nm)	64bit - Apple A14 Bionic (5nm)
CPU processor	Octa-Core, 3 processors: 3.09Ghz Single-Core Kryo 585 2.42Ghz 3-Cores Kryo 585 1.8Ghz Quad-Core Kryo 585	Hexa-Core, 2 processors: 3.1Ghz Dual-Core Firestorm 1.8Ghz Quad-Core Icestorm
GPU graphical controller	Qualcomm Adreno 650	Apple GPU MP4
RAM memory	12GB LPDDR5	6GB LPDDR4X
Internal storage	256GB (221GB available) UFS 3.0	512GB (494GB available) NVMe (SSD)
External storage	Until 1TB microSD, microSDXC (hybrid slot/shares the same SIM-2 slot)	Not supported
Display	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
Display type	Dynamic AMOLED	Super AMOLED
Screen size	6.9" inches	6.7" inches
Screen-to-body ratio	~92.5% (screen-to-body ratio)	~87.8% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution	1440x3088 pixels	1284x2778 pixels (19.5:9)
Touchscreen	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points
Pixel density (dot pitch)	494 PPI	457 PPI
Colors	16 million	16 million
Scratch-resistant glass	Gorilla Glass Victus	Ceramic Shield
Display features	120Hz, 1500 nits, HDR10+	60Hz, 800 nits, Dolby Vision/HDR10
Mobile networks	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
Dual-SIM	Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card (hybrid slot/shares the same microSD slot)	Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card
SIM card	2 slots (Dual-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF)	1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM
Maximum download/upload	5000/200 Mbps	5000/200 Mbps
Network technology	2G, 3G, 4G, 5G	2G, 3G, 4G, 5G
Frequency, bands	Expand band detailsCollapse details
GSM Mhz band	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 2G network	GSM 850/900/1800/1900	CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G network	TD-SCDMA 1900/2000 UMTS 850/900/1900/2100	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO TD-SCDMA 1900/2000 UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Primary 4G network	LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41) VoLTE	LTE Cat20 VoLTE A2342 version: LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48) A2410 version: LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48) A2411, A2412 versions: LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 66) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48)
Primary 5G network	SA/NSA/Sub6 (41, 78, 79)	A2342 version: Sub6/mmWave (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 260, 261) A2410, A2411, A2412 versions: Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79)
Primary data network	GPRS, EDGE, TD-SCDMA, UMTS, TD-HSDPA, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, 5G SA/NSA	GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, TD-SCDMA, UMTS, TD-HSDPA, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, 5G SA/NSA, 5G NR
Secondary 2G network	GSM 850/900/1800/1900	Not supported
Secondary 3G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary 4G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary data network	GPRS, EDGE	Not supported
Calling	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
Messaging	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail
Speakerphone	Supported	Supported
Video calling	Supported	Supported
Call control	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands
Camera	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
Back camera (main camera)	(triple camera) 108 megapixels 12MP periscope telephotof/3.0120mm1.0µmPDAFOIS5x-optical-zoom50x-hybrid-zoom 12MP ultrawidef/2.2120º13mm1/2.55"1.4µm	(quad camera) 12 megapixels 12MP ultrawidef/2.4120º13mm1/3.6" 12MP telephotof/2.265mm1/3.4"1.0µmPDAFOIS2.5x-optical-zoom 0.3MP TOF 3DLiDAR-scanner
Main camera resolution	12000x9000 pixels	4000x3000 pixels
Video recording (primary)	8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps	4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps
Flash	LED flash	Dual-LED flash
Focal aperture	f/1.8 (aperture)	f/1.6 (aperture)
Focal length	26mm lens	26mm lens
Sensor size	1/1.33" inches	feature not registered
Pixel size	0.8µm pixel	1.7µm pixel
Autofocus	PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras	PDAF: phase detection autofocus
Touch focus	Supported	Supported
Image stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization
Zoom	Digital and optical zoom	Digital and optical zoom
Face/smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection
BSI sensor	Supported	Supported
HDR	HDR photo/video on both cameras	HDR photo/video on both cameras
2ª camera	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
Front camera (secondary)	10 megapixels	(dual front camera) 12 megapixels 0.3MP SL 3D
Front camera resolution	3872x2592 pixels	4000x3000 pixels
Video recording (secondary)	4K UHD (3840x2160)	4K UHD (3840x2160)
Front flash	Not supported	Not supported
Focal aperture	f/2.2 (aperture)	f/2.2 (aperture)
Focal length	26mm lens	23mm lens
Sensor size	1/3.2" inches	1/3.6" inches
Pixel size	1.22µm pixel	feature not registered
Multimedia	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
Radio	FM	Not supported
TV	Not supported	Not supported
Video formats	MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV	MPEG4, H.265, H.264, MOV
Audio formats	MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC	MP3, WAV, AAX+, AIFF
Connectivity	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
USB	USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go	USB 2.0 proprietary connector
TV output	USB Type-C (reversible)	Proprietary TV-out
Audio output	Type-C reversible connector	proprietary audio output
Bluetooth	5.0 + A2DP/LE	5.0 + A2DP/LE
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4Ghz, 5Ghz) Wifi6 + MIMO	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4Ghz, 5Ghz) Wifi6 + MIMO
DLNA	Supported	Not supported
NFC	Supported	Supported
GPS	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
Infrared port	Not supported	Not supported
Other functions	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
Active noise cancellation	Supported	Supported
Vibrating alert	Supported	Supported
Ringtones	Polyphonic and customized	Polyphonic and customized
Web browser	HTML, XHTML, HTML5	HTML, XHTML, HTML5
Sensors	Accelerometer Proximity sensor Compass Ambient Light sensor Gyroscope Barometer Hall effect Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (under display) ANT+	Accelerometer Proximity sensor Compass Ambient Light sensor Gyroscope Barometer Face unlock
Other features	- Colors: Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, Mystic White - Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor - One UI 2.5 - Always-on display - 32-bit/384kHz audio - Dolby Atmos/AKG sound - Bixby - Samsung Wireless DeX - Samsung Pay (MST, NFC) - Stylus pen (Bluetooth integration) - WiFi direct, hotspot	- Colors: Silver, Graphite, Gold, Pacific Blue - Oleophobic coating screen - Face ID - Dolby Atmos - Dolby Digital Plus - Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX) - WiFi hotspot
Power supply	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
Battery	Li-Ion: Lithium-Ion (Non removable)	Li-Ion: Lithium-Ion (Non removable)
Battery capacity	4500 mAh	3687 mAh
Charger, watts	25W Fast battery charging 15W Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA) 4.5W Reverse wireless charging between devices USB Power Delivery 3.0	20W Fast battery charging 15W Qi wireless charging USB Power Delivery 2.0
Talk time autonomy	feature not registered	feature not registered
Standby	feature not registered	feature not registered
Radiation rate	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860)	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB)
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)	feature not registered	feature not registered
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)	feature not registered	0.99W/kg (head) \| 0.99W/kg (body)