Samsung Note 20 Ultra vs Huawei Mate 30 Pro: Which Phone Offers the Best Value for Your Money?

Choosing the right smartphone can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two powerful contenders like the Samsung Note 20 Ultra and the Huawei Mate 30 Pro. Both devices boast impressive specifications, cutting-edge features, and premium designs. But which one truly deserves the title of “best”? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each phone, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Display: A Tale of Two Styles

The Samsung Note 20 Ultra and the Huawei Mate 30 Pro showcase distinct design philosophies. The Note 20 Ultra embraces a sleek and minimalist aesthetic with its rectangular frame and curved edges. Its signature S Pen, housed within the device, adds a touch of elegance and functionality. On the other hand, the Mate 30 Pro stands out with its circular camera module, reminiscent of a futuristic spaceship. Its waterfall display, with almost nonexistent bezels, creates an immersive viewing experience.
Both devices boast stunning displays with vibrant colors and sharp details. The Note 20 Ultra features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive gaming. The Mate 30 Pro, equipped with a 6.53-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivers a similarly impressive visual experience. The Note 20 Ultra’s higher refresh rate might appeal to gamers and those who prioritize smooth animations, while the Mate 30 Pro’s waterfall display offers a more immersive and visually striking experience.

Performance and Power: A Race to the Top

Under the hood, both the Note 20 Ultra and the Mate 30 Pro pack the latest and greatest processors, delivering exceptional performance. The Note 20 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 865+ chipset (in the US) or the Exynos 990 (in other regions), while the Mate 30 Pro runs on the Kirin 990 5G chipset. Both chipsets are capable of handling demanding tasks with ease, including gaming, multitasking, and video editing.
However, the Mate 30 Pro has a slight advantage in terms of raw processing power, thanks to its Kirin 990 5G chipset. This chipset is also equipped with a built-in 5G modem, ensuring future-proof connectivity. On the other hand, the Note 20 Ultra’s Snapdragon 865+ chipset is known for its exceptional gaming performance, thanks to its Adreno 650 GPU. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to individual priorities – raw processing power or gaming prowess.

Camera Prowess: A Close Battle

Both the Note 20 Ultra and the Mate 30 Pro are equipped with top-of-the-line camera systems, capable of capturing stunning images and videos. The Note 20 Ultra boasts a triple-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The Mate 30 Pro also features a triple-camera system, but with a 40MP main sensor, a 40MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
In terms of image quality, both phones deliver excellent results in various lighting conditions. The Note 20 Ultra’s 108MP sensor captures incredibly detailed images, while the Mate 30 Pro’s ultrawide lens excels in capturing expansive landscapes. Both phones also offer impressive video recording capabilities, with support for 8K video recording at 24fps on the Note 20 Ultra and 4K video recording at 60fps on the Mate 30 Pro.

Software and Features: A Diverging Path

The Samsung Note 20 Ultra runs on Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI 2.5, while the Huawei Mate 30 Pro runs on Android 10 with Huawei’s EMUI 10. While both operating systems offer a smooth and intuitive user experience, they differ in terms of features and customization options.
One UI 2.5 provides a clean and user-friendly interface with a focus on productivity and multitasking. Its signature features include Samsung DeX, which allows you to use your phone as a desktop computer, and Samsung Notes, a powerful note-taking app that integrates seamlessly with the S Pen. EMUI 10, on the other hand, emphasizes a minimalist design and offers a wide range of customization options, including themes, wallpapers, and font styles. It also includes Huawei’s proprietary apps, such as Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and Huawei AppGallery.

Battery Life and Charging: A Powerhouse Showdown

Both the Note 20 Ultra and the Mate 30 Pro pack large batteries, ensuring long-lasting usage. The Note 20 Ultra features a 4500mAh battery, while the Mate 30 Pro boasts a 4500mAh battery. In real-world usage, both phones can easily last a full day on a single charge.
When it comes to charging, both devices support fast charging technology. The Note 20 Ultra supports 45W fast wired charging, allowing you to charge the device from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes. The Mate 30 Pro, on the other hand, supports 40W fast wired charging, achieving similar charging speeds. Both devices also support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other compatible devices wirelessly.

The Verdict: Which Phone Wins?

Choosing between the Samsung Note 20 Ultra and the Huawei Mate 30 Pro ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Note 20 Ultra excels in productivity, offering a powerful S Pen, a large display, and a suite of productivity apps. It also boasts excellent gaming performance and a versatile camera system. The Mate 30 Pro, on the other hand, shines with its impressive display, powerful processor, and exceptional camera capabilities. It also offers a unique design and a wide range of customization options.
If you value productivity, a versatile camera system, and a smooth gaming experience, the Note 20 Ultra might be the better choice. However, if you prioritize a beautiful display, powerful performance, and a unique design, the Mate 30 Pro might be the perfect fit for you.

The Final Decision: It’s All About You

Ultimately, the best phone for you is the one that best meets your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, desired features, and priorities when making your decision. Both the Samsung Note 20 Ultra and the Huawei Mate 30 Pro offer a premium experience, but they cater to different types of users.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which phone has better camera quality?
A: Both phones offer excellent camera quality, but the Note 20 Ultra’s 108MP sensor captures more detailed images, while the Mate 30 Pro’s ultrawide lens is better for capturing expansive landscapes.
Q: Which phone has better battery life?
A: Both phones have similar battery life, lasting a full day on a single charge.
Q: Which phone is better for gaming?
A: The Note 20 Ultra’s Snapdragon 865+ chipset and Adreno 650 GPU offer better gaming performance, but the Mate 30 Pro’s Kirin 990 5G chipset also delivers a smooth gaming experience.
Q: Which phone has better software?
A: Both phones offer a smooth and intuitive user experience, but One UI 2.5 is more focused on productivity, while EMUI 10 offers more customization options.
Q: Which phone is better overall?
A: The best phone for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. The Note 20 Ultra is better for productivity and gaming, while the Mate 30 Pro is better for display quality and customization.