Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£299.00
Sony Xperia 5
Starting at
£216.00What's the difference between the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G and Sony Xperia 5?
Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Sony Xperia 5 starts at £216, £83 less than the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G. The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
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Battery
Screen size
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Main camera
- The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.9 inch on the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, 6,1 inch on the Sony Xperia 5.
Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 specs
The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G and Sony Xperia 5 offer distinct experiences suited to different users. The Note20 Ultra 5G has a larger, higher-resolution screen and more RAM, making it ideal if you want a spacious display and powerful multitasking. It also supports 5G and comes with a bigger battery for longer use between charges. The Xperia 5 is smaller and lighter with a Full HD screen, making it suitable if you prefer a more compact phone. Its simpler memory and camera setup suit everyday use and it offers a physical SIM only. Both phones run Android and support microSDXC cards so you can expand storage on each model.
Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 price
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Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 battery life and software updates
Battery life and software support shape how long a phone stays useful each day and over time. Battery size differs substantially influencing how often you'll need to recharge.
Battery Size
The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a 4500 mAh battery which provides longer use between charges. This suits heavy users or those who want to stay unplugged through a busy day. The Sony Xperia 5 has a 3140 mAh battery which is smaller and may require more frequent charging making it better for lighter use or those who charge regularly.
Operating System
Both phones use Android offering access to the same app ecosystem.
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Foldable
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Year of release
Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 performance
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Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 screen
Screen size and resolution affect how much you see and the sharpness of images. The two phones differ in display technology and size shaping their appeal depending on how you use your device.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G features a 6.9 inch screen providing a large viewing area ideal for watching videos gaming or multitasking. The Sony Xperia 5 has a 6.1 inch screen making it easier to hold and use one-handed which suits those who want a more compact device.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 1440 x 3088 the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G delivers a sharper and more detailed display. The Sony Xperia 5 offers a resolution of 1080 x 2520 which is still crisp and clear but less dense. This difference affects how fine text and images appear on each screen.
Screen Technology
The Note20 Ultra 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology which tends to offer vibrant colours and deep contrast enhancing multimedia experiences. The Xperia 5 uses OLED which also provides strong colours and contrast but may differ slightly in brightness or colour reproduction.
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Resolution
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Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 camera
Camera quality and front camera resolution influence how well you capture photos and video calls. The two phones take very different approaches to their main and front cameras.
Main Camera
The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G offers a 108 megapixel main camera capturing highly detailed photos that suit photography enthusiasts or those who want large clear images. The Sony Xperia 5 has a 12 megapixel main camera which works well for everyday snapshots and general use.
Front Camera
For selfies and video calls the Note20 Ultra 5G features a 10 megapixel front camera providing clear and detailed images. The Xperia 5 has an 8 megapixel front camera which is suitable for standard video calls and selfies but with slightly less detail.
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Main camera
Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 size and design
Other features like network compatibility size and storage options influence how well the phone fits your lifestyle and connectivity needs.
Network Compatibility
The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G supports 5G networks making it suitable if you want faster data speeds where 5G is available. The Sony Xperia 5 supports 4G which provides reliable connectivity but without 5G speeds.
SIM and Storage
The Note20 Ultra 5G supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM giving more flexibility if you want to use multiple numbers. The Xperia 5 supports a physical SIM only. Both phones accept microSDXC cards for extra storage and PhoneMart stocks the Note20 Ultra 5G in 128GB 256GB and 512GB options while the Xperia 5 is available with 128GB.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is larger and heavier at 164.8 mm tall 77.2 mm wide and 208 g making it suited to those who prefer a big phone with a substantial feel. The Xperia 5 is smaller and lighter at 158 mm tall 68 mm wide and 164 g fitting more comfortably in smaller hands or pockets.
Physical Dimensions
Both phones are similarly thin with the Note20 Ultra 5G at 8.1 mm depth and the Xperia 5 at 8.2 mm so neither feels significantly thicker or thinner.
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Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G or Sony Xperia 5: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 3140 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £216, £83 less than the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
- you want a lighter build (164 g vs 208 g)
What our customers say
Customers who choose the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G often mention its large screen and storage appreciating its condition and speed. Several say the phone looks like new and runs smoothly with good overall quality. Some note the battery drains quickly which aligns with the large display and powerful hardware. A few reported cosmetic marks or issues but many recommend the phone for its performance and size.
Sony Xperia 5 customers praise its compact size and condition often describing it as almost new with very few marks. The phone is appreciated for everyday use and affordability. Some mention shorter battery life but many are happy with the phone's quality relative to price. The device's screen and camera suit those who want a smaller reliable Android phone.
The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is well suited to users who want a large detailed screen and powerful multitasking with plenty of storage. The Sony Xperia 5 appeals to those who prefer a smaller lighter phone for everyday use with a straightforward camera and screen.
Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 FAQs
Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB. The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
The Sony Xperia 5 is cheaper refurbished, from £216 compared with £299 for the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G.
The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G ended in Sep 2025. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 in 128GB.
