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Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB) vs Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)

Side by side comparison between Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Note 8 phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?

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Compare Samsung Galaxy Note 8 X Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB) 26Points
6.9"
AMOLED

1440x3088

108
MP

10mp

12GB
RAM

Octa-core

4500
mAh

(Non removable)

vs
08Points Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U) Compare Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G X
6.3"
AMOLED

1440x2960

12.2
MP

8mp

6GB
RAM

Octa-core

3300
mAh

(Non removable)

What's the better phone? Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)

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!

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)} 26 Advantages Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB) vs Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)} 8 Advantages Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
+3.09GHz 64bit Octa-core (7nm)22%
More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster
vs2.35GHz 64bit Octa-core (10nm)
+12GB LPDDR5100%
More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.
vs6GB LPDDR4X
+128GB (103GB available)94%
More internal storage for applications and files
vs64GB (53GB available)
+UFS 3.0Advantage
Fastest write and read storage.
vsUFS 2.1
+8.1 millimeters (0.32 inches)6%
Thinner
vs8.6 millimeters (0.34 inches)
+Stainless steel body, glass front/backAdvantage
More resistant material
vsAluminum frame, glass front/back
+HDR10+Advantage
The HDR10+ display provides vibrant colors and more details
vsHDR10
+120Hz100%
The display reproduces more frames per second because the frequency (Hertz) is higher, improves fluidity and tires your eyes less.
vs60Hz
+1440x3088 pixels4%
Higher resolution screen
vs1440x2960 pixels
+6.9"10%
Larger screen
vs6.3"
+(triple camera) 108MP + 12MP + 12MP4 times
Higher resolution main camera
vs(dual camera) 12.2MP + 12MP
+1/1.33" inches92%
The larger sensor camera lets you take photos with better depth.
vs1/2.55" inches
+(front) 10MP1%
Higher resolution secondary camera to take pictures and selfies
vs(dual front camera) 8MP + 2MP
+8K UHD (7680x4320)3 times
More image quality for recording videos with the primary camera
vs4K UHD (3840x2160)
+(front) 4K UHD (3840x2160)125%
More image quality for recording videos with the secondary camera
vs(front) 2K UHD (2560x1440)
+Android 13Advantage
Android 13 is newer and safer
vsAndroid 9.0 Pie
+5G Sub6Advantage
The 5G Sub6 network is newer and faster
vs4G LTE-A
+(5G Sub6) 5000 Mbps4 times
Faster for surfing the internet and download files
vs(4G LTE-A) 1024 Mbps
+UWB (Ultra Wideband)Advantage
Sensors help you use the device
vsNot supported
+4500 mAh36%
Battery - higher amperage (mAh) allows more device usage time, but it also depends on the hardware and use
vs3300 mAh
+25W67%
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.
vs15W
+Stereo soundAdvantage
Better sound quality for listening to music or clearer hands-free calls
vsMono sound (not stereo)
+FMAdvantage
The radio lets you listen to your songs and sports in general
vsNot supported
+802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6]Advantage
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6] is newer and faster
vs802.11 a/b/g/n/ac [wifi5]
+DLNAAdvantage
With DLNA technology you can access and play media files on TV, tablet or DLNA compatible device.
vsNot supported
+USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-GoAdvantage
Newer and faster USB version for transferring photos, mp3 or data.
vsUSB 3.1 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go
208 grams (7.28 ounces)vs+195 grams (6.83 ounces)7%
Lighter
494 PPIvs+522 PPI6%
Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)
LED flashvs+Dual-LED flashAdvantage
The Dual-LED flash helps in dark places or in low light
f/1.8 (aperture)vs+f/1.7 (aperture)6%
Diaphragm opening (Aperture) of the camera which has the smallest F number takes photos with better light exposure.
Not supportedvs+Heart rateAdvantage
Sensors help you use the device
Not supportedvs+Iris scannerAdvantage
Sensors help you use the device
Not supportedvs+SpO2Advantage
Sensors help you use the device
Type-C reversible connectorvs+3.5mm jackAdvantage
Headsets with 3.5mm Jack size are more common and easy to find in stores

26 Common items in both devices
Until 1TB microSD, microSDXC
Dynamic AMOLED / Super AMOLED
16 million
Digital and optical zoom
PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras / PDAF on back camera and autofocus front camera
OIS: Optical stabilization
HDR photo/video on both cameras
+19 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 Clear highlight

📱 Model features

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
ModelGalaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
Other model namesGalaxy Note20 Ultra SM-N986U (Snapdragon) - US CarriersGalaxy Note8 N950U1 (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile), Samsung Baikal
Country or region availableUSA
USA
USA
USA
BrandSamsungSamsung
Release date8/21/2020, Announced: 8/5/20209/1/2017, Announced: 8/23/2017
Depth8.1 millimeters (0.32 inches)8.6 millimeters (0.34 inches)
Size (width x height)77.2 x 164.8 millimeters (3.04 x 6.49 in)74.8 x 162.5 millimeters (2.94 x 6.4 in)
Weight208 grams (7.28 ounces)195 grams (6.83 ounces)
Build, materialsStainless steel body, glass front/backAluminum frame, glass front/back
Protection against water and othersIP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistantIP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant

📲 Display

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
Display typeDynamic AMOLEDSuper AMOLED
Screen size6.9" inches6.3" inches
Screen-to-body ratio~92.5% (screen-to-body ratio)~82.9% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution1440x3088 pixels1440x2960 pixels (18.5:9)
TouchscreenCapacitive Multitouch 10-pointsCapacitive Multitouch 10-points
Pixel density (dot pitch)494 PPI522 PPI
Colors16 million16 million
Scratch-resistant glassGorilla Glass VictusGorilla Glass 5
Refresh rate120Hz60Hz
Display features1500nits[peak]
HDR10+
Always-On Display
120Hz@FHD
60Hz@QHD
HDR10
Always-On Display

🤖 Operating System

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
System versionAndroid 10Android 7.1.1 Nougat
Firmware updateAndroid 13Android 9.0 Pie
User InterfaceOne UI 2.5 / 3.1 / 4.1 / 5.0Grace UX UI

⚙️ Processor

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
Chipset64bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (SM8250-AB) (7nm)64bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (MSM8998) (10nm)
CPUOcta-core, 3 processors:
1x 3.09GHz Kryo 585 (Single-core)
3x 2.42GHz Kryo 585 (Triple-core)
4x 1.8GHz Kryo 585 (Quad-core)
Octa-core, 2 processors:
4x 2.35GHz Kryo 280 (Quad-core)
4x 1.9GHz Kryo 280 (Quad-core)
GPU graphical controllerQualcomm Adreno 650 (250-646MHz)Qualcomm Adreno 540 (670-710MHz)
Performance (benchmark)AnTuTu: 508760 (v8)
Geekbench: 2603 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 42fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
AnTuTu: 206130 (v8)
Geekbench: 6750 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

💽 Memory and storage

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
RAM memory12GB LPDDR56GB LPDDR4X
Internal storage128GB (103GB available)
UFS 3.0
64GB (53GB available)
UFS 2.1
External storageUntil 1TB microSD, microSDXC
(dedicated slot)
Until 1TB microSD, microSDXC
(dedicated slot)

📶 Mobile networks

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
Dual-SIMNot supportedNot supported
SIM card1 slot (Single-SIM)
nano-SIM (4FF)
1 slot (Single-SIM)
nano-SIM (4FF)
Maximum Download / Upload5000/1024 Mbps1024/150 Mbps
Network technology2G, 3G, 4G, 5G2G, 3G, 4G
Frequency, bands Expand band details Collapse details
GSM MHz bandQuad-Band 850/900/1800/1900Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 2G networkGSM 850/900/1800/1900CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G networkUMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Primary 4G networkLTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66)
TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41, 46)
VoLTE
LTE Cat16 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66, 252, 255)
TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
Primary 5G networkSA/NSA/Sub6 (2, 5, 41, 66, 71)
mmWave (260, 261)
Not supported
Primary data networkGPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A
Secondary 2G networkNot supportedNot supported
Secondary 3G networkNot supportedNot supported
Secondary 4G networkNot supportedNot supported
Secondary data networkNot supportedNot supported

📷 Camera

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
Back camera (main camera)(triple camera)
108 megapixels
12MP periscope telephoto f/3.0120mm1.0µmPDAFOIS5x-optical-zoom50x-hybrid-zoom
12MP ultrawide f/2.2120°13mm1/2.55"1.4µm
(dual camera)
12.2 megapixels
12MP telephoto f/2.452mm1/3.6"1.0µmAF2x-optical-zoom
Main camera resolution12000x9000 pixels4032x3024 pixels
Video recording (primary)8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps4K UHD (3840x2160) 30 fps
FlashLED flashDual-LED flash
Focal aperturef/1.8 (aperture)f/1.7 (aperture)
Focal length26mm lens26mm lens
Sensor size1/1.33" inches1/2.55" inches
Pixel size0.8µm pixel1.4µm pixel
AutofocusPDAF: phase detection autofocus on both camerasPDAF on back camera and autofocus front camera
Touch focusSupportedSupported
Image stabilizationOIS: Optical stabilizationOIS: Optical stabilization
ZoomDigital and optical zoomDigital and optical zoom
Face/smile detectionFace detection, Smile detectionFace detection, Smile detection
BSI sensorSupportedSupported
HDRHDR photo/video on both camerasHDR photo/video on both cameras
Camera extras4K@60fps
1080p@240fps
720p@960fps
feature not registered

📸 Front camera

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
Front camera (secondary)10 megapixels(dual front camera)
8 megapixels
2MP irisscanner
Front camera resolution3872x2592 pixels3264x2448 pixels
Video recording (secondary)4K UHD (3840x2160)2K UHD (2560x1440)
Front flashNot supportedNot supported
Focal aperturef/2.2 (aperture)f/1.7 (aperture)
Focal length26mm lens25mm lens
Sensor size1/3.2" inches1/3.6" inches
Pixel size1.22µm pixel1.22µm pixel

🔉 Sound and multimedia

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
LoudspeakerStereo sound
32-bit/384kHz
Dolby Atmos
Tuned by AKG
Mono sound (not stereo)
32-bit/384kHz
Active noise cancellation2 microphones or more2 microphones or more
RadioFMNot supported
TVNot supportedNot supported
Video formatsMP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKVMP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, DivX, XviD
Audio formatsMP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLACMP3, OGG, eAAC+, FLAC

🔌 Connectivity

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
USBUSB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-GoUSB 3.1 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go
Audio outputType-C reversible connector3.5mm jack
TV outputUSB Type-C (reversible)USB Type-C (reversible)
Bluetooth5.0 + A2DP/LE5.0 + A2DP/LE
WiFi802.11 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
DLNASupportedNot supported
GPSA-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDouA-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou
NFCSupportedSupported
Infrared portNot supportedNot supported

🧭 Sensors

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
SensorsAccelerometer
Ambient light sensor
ANT+
Barometer
Compass
Face unlock
Fingerprint sensor (under display)
Gyroscope
Hall effect
Proximity sensor
UWB (Ultra Wideband)
Accelerometer
Ambient light sensor
ANT+
Barometer
Compass
Face unlock
Fingerprint sensor (rear-mounted)
Gyroscope
Hall effect
Heart rate
Iris scanner
Proximity sensor
SpO2
Vibrating alertSupportedSupported

🔋 Battery

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
Battery typeLi-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)
Battery capacity4500 mAh3300 mAh
Charger, watts25W Wired fast charging
USB Power Delivery 3.0
15W Wired fast charging
Quick Charge 2
Inductive / wireless charging15W Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA)
4.5W Reverse wireless charging
Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA)
Talk time autonomyfeature not registered22 hours
Standbyfeature not registeredfeature not registered

➕ Other features

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
Call controlVoice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commandsVoice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands
MessagingSMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mailSMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail
Hands-free callingSupportedSupported
Video callingSupportedSupported
RingtonesPolyphonic and customizedPolyphonic and customized
Web browserHTML, XHTML, HTML5HTML, XHTML, HTML5
AntennaInternal antennaInternal antenna
Qwerty physical keyboardNot supportedNot supported
Miscellaneous• Colors: Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, Mystic White
• Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor
• Bixby
• Samsung Wireless DeX
• Samsung Pay (MST, NFC)
• Stylus pen (Bluetooth integration)
• Colors: Black, Blue, Gold, Orchid Gray
• Samsung DeX (desktop experience)
• Curved edge screen
• Corning Gorilla Glass 5 back panel
• Samsung Gear VR compatible
• Samsung Pay

☢️ Radiation rate

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U 128GB)Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U)
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)0.83W/kg (head), 1.04W/kg (body)feature not registered
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)feature not registeredfeature not registered
X

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