OnePlus 12R Vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Here’s a detailed comparison between the OnePlus 12R and the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra:
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was a flagship device launched in August 2020.
The OnePlus 12R is a more recent “flagship killer” device, launched in January 2024.
| Feature | OnePlus 12R | Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi), 120Hz, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak), Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1440 x 3088 pixels (~496 ppi), 120Hz (at FHD+), HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak), Gorilla Glass Victus | Note 20 Ultra has a larger, higher resolution (QHD+) display with slightly higher pixel density. OnePlus 12R has significantly higher peak brightness. Both support 120Hz. |
| Brightness | 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak) | 1500 nits (peak) | OnePlus 12R has a much higher peak brightness, making it vastly superior for outdoor visibility and HDR content. |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) or Snapdragon 865+ (7 nm+) | The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the OnePlus 12R is a significantly newer and more powerful flagship-grade processor compared to the older Exynos 990/Snapdragon 865+ in the Note 20 Ultra, offering superior performance and efficiency. |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB | 8GB / 12GB | Both offer high RAM options, with OnePlus 12R having a higher maximum. |
| Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0 for higher variants) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (UFS 3.0) + microSDXC slot | Note 20 Ultra offers expandable storage via microSDXC, which OnePlus 12R lacks. OnePlus 12R uses newer, faster UFS 4.0 storage in its higher variants. |
| Battery Life | 5500 mAh | 4500 mAh | OnePlus 12R has a significantly larger battery capacity. |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (wide, f/1.8, OIS, Sony IMX890) + 8MP (ultrawide, f/2.2) + 2MP (macro, f/2.4) | 108MP (wide, f/1.8, OIS, PDAF, Laser AF) + 12MP (periscope telephoto, f/3.0, 5x optical zoom, OIS) + 12MP (ultrawide, f/2.2) | Note 20 Ultra has a more versatile and advanced camera system with a 108MP main sensor, dedicated periscope telephoto lens for 5x optical zoom, and Laser AF. OnePlus 12R has a very capable main sensor (IMX890) but lacks a dedicated telephoto. |
| Front Camera | 16MP (wide, f/2.4) | 10MP (wide, f/2.2, Dual Pixel PDAF) | Both have decent front cameras, with OnePlus 12R having a slightly higher megapixel count. |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back, IP64 dust/splash resistant | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), stainless steel frame, glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), IP68 dust/water resistant | Note 20 Ultra has a more premium build with a stainless steel frame and superior IP68 water/dust resistance. |
| Water Resistance | IP64 (dust and splash resistant) | IP68 (dust/water resistant up to 1.5m for 30 min) | Note 20 Ultra offers full flagship-level water and dust resistance. |
| S Pen | No | Yes | Note 20 Ultra’s signature feature is the integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency, offering unique productivity features. |
| Software | Android 14, OxygenOS 14 | Android 10 (upgradeable to Android 13), One UI | OnePlus 12R launches with a much newer Android version and will receive more major updates. Note 20 Ultra has reached its end of major software updates. |
| Charging | 100W wired (SuperVOOC), 0-100% in 26 min | 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | OnePlus 12R offers significantly faster wired charging. Note 20 Ultra provides versatile wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Special Features | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Super-fast 100W charging, Large 5500 mAh battery, High peak brightness, IP64 rating, Stereo speakers | S Pen, MicroSD slot, Dedicated periscope telephoto camera (5x optical zoom), IP68 rating, Wireless/reverse wireless charging, DeX support, Ultrasonic under-display fingerprint | Note 20 Ultra has a unique feature set centered around the S Pen and its advanced camera zoom. OnePlus 12R focuses on raw performance, battery, and charging speed. |
| Price | KES 55,000 (approx.) | KES 35,000 – 56,500 (approx.) | The current market price can vary significantly. Note 20 Ultra is an older flagship, so its price depends on its condition (new old stock, used, refurbished). |
My Choice and Why:
This is a fascinating comparison between a powerful, newer “flagship killer” and an older, full-fledged flagship. Your choice heavily depends on whether you prioritize modern performance and battery/charging, or a more versatile, feature-rich (but older) experience.
The OnePlus 12R is the clear winner for raw performance, battery life, and charging speed. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is significantly more powerful and efficient, making it much better for demanding games and long-term use. The 100W charging is incredibly fast, and it runs on a much newer Android version with more updates to come.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was a true powerhouse in its day, and it still offers unique advantages. Its S Pen is unmatched for productivity and creativity. The camera system is more versatile with a dedicated periscope zoom lens and a higher resolution main sensor (though not always better for general shots). The IP68 rating and wireless charging are also premium features. However, it’s an older device, meaning its software support has largely ended, and its battery life and performance will be noticeably behind the 12R.
I’d say:
* Choose the OnePlus 12R if top-tier performance (especially for gaming), excellent battery endurance, blazing-fast charging, and long-term software updates are your main priorities. It provides a more modern and future-proof experience.
* Choose the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra if the S Pen functionality, advanced camera versatility (especially optical zoom), and premium features like IP68 rating and wireless charging are essential to you, and you are comfortable with an older device that has reached its end of software support. Be sure to find one in good condition.