Pixel 6 Pro vs Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
The Pixel 6 Pro and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra are two different answers to the same flagship smartphone brief, each with its own set of priorities. By our tally, the Pixel 6 Pro leads 2 of 6 areas. The battery & charging section is where it pulls furthest ahead of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. It also matters that $401 separates their launch prices, with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra at the top.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Performance Pixel 6 Pro wins
- Memory & Storage Galaxy Note 20 Ultra wins
- Camera Trade-off
- Battery & Charging Pixel 6 Pro wins
- Software & Updates Tie
- Price Pixel 6 Pro wins
- Display7.7
- Performance5.3
- Memory & Storage1.8
- Camera2.1
- Battery & Charging2.2
- Display7.4
- Performance4.7
- Memory & Storage1.8
- Camera2.8
- Battery & Charging1.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a higher-resolution 108 MP main camera
On this line of the spec sheet, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is in a different league: 108 MP, next to 50 MP for the Pixel 6 Pro. More megapixels on the main camera allow bigger crops and more detail in good light, but sensor size and processing matter just as much.
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The Pixel 6 Pro has a dedicated 48 MP telephoto camera
For telephoto camera, the Pixel 6 Pro leads by a wide margin: 48 MP versus 12 MP. Telephoto lenses earn their keep at concerts, school events and portraits: anywhere you can’t simply walk closer.
-
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has 5× optical zoom versus 4×
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 5× for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, 4× for the Pixel 6 Pro. Higher optical zoom lets you frame distant subjects tightly without losing detail to digital cropping.
-
The Pixel 6 Pro has 11% more battery capacity
On paper, the Pixel 6 Pro is a touch ahead here, listing 5,003 mAh against 4,500 mAh. Capacity isn’t everything, but when two phones are otherwise close, more milliamp-hours is the simplest endurance advantage there is.
-
The Pixel 6 Pro has faster 23 W wireless charging
This is a headline difference. With 23 W to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra’s 15 W, the Pixel 6 Pro has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Faster wireless charging makes a pad or stand more practical as your main way to top up.
Design & Size
- Pixel 6 Pro 6.45 in × 2.99 in × 0.35 in
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 6.49 in × 3.04 in × 0.32 in
Neither is the “big one” here; the Pixel 6 Pro and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra are matched on size. Heft is not where these two differ. In profile, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the slimmer of the two by 0.03 in.
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.45 in | 6.49 in |
| Width | 2.99 in | 3.04 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.32 in (winner) |
| Weight | 7.41 oz | 7.34 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Stainless steel |
Display
Too close to call
In the display category, the Pixel 6 Pro and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra land in almost the same place. Either phone will serve you equally well on display.
Performance
Pixel 6 Pro leads
In the performance category, the Pixel 6 Pro is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. Point to the Pixel 6 Pro for a newer 5 nm chip process. A finer process node generally lets a chip do the same work with less power, which can mean cooler running and better battery life. Prioritize performance, and the Pixel 6 Pro is where you should land.
Process node
Pixel 6 Pro: 5 nm Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: 7 nm The Pixel 6 Pro’s chip is built on a more advanced process. That usually points to efficiency gains, though chip design matters just as much.
Memory & Storage
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra leads
On memory & storage, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra comes out slightly ahead. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra comes with a microSD slot. A microSD slot lets you add inexpensive storage later instead of paying up front for a bigger model. Bottom line for memory & storage: the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has the edge.
microSD slot
Pixel 6 Pro: no Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: yes With the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, running out of space can be fixed with a card; with the Pixel 6 Pro, the storage you buy is the storage you keep.
Camera
Trade-off
The camera comparison comes down to priorities: a dedicated 48 MP telephoto camera on the Pixel 6 Pro, or a higher-resolution 108 MP main camera on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. So on camera, match the strength to your needs and you’ll choose well.
Main camera
Pixel 6 Pro: 50 MP Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: 108 MP The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra’s higher-resolution main sensor gives you more room to crop, which helps when you can’t get closer.
Telephoto camera
Pixel 6 Pro: 48 MP Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: 12 MP A dedicated telephoto camera captures distant subjects and portraits without heavy cropping, which keeps detail intact.
Battery & Charging
Pixel 6 Pro leads
On battery & charging, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Pixel 6 Pro. The Pixel 6 Pro makes its case with 11% more battery capacity. Extra capacity also ages better: after a few years of charge cycles, the Pixel 6 Pro has more headroom left. Weighing only battery & charging, the Pixel 6 Pro comes out ahead.
Battery capacity
Pixel 6 Pro: 5,003 mAh Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: 4,500 mAh A bigger battery usually means longer days between charges, although chip efficiency and screen size also shape real endurance.
Wireless charging
Pixel 6 Pro: 23 W Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: 15 W Wireless charging is usually slower than a cable, so this edge matters mainly to people who value the convenience.
Software & Updates
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On software & updates, both deliver about the same. The takeaway: software & updates is not where these two differ.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.7 in | 6.9 in |
| Panel type | LTPO OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 3120 x 1440 | 3088 x 1440 |
| Pixel density | 512 ppi | 496 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | N/A (not specified) | 1,500 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor | Snapdragon 865+ (US) |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Process node | 5 nm (winner) | 7 nm |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| microSD slot | No | Yes (winner) |
Camera
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 108 MP (winner) |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | 48 MP (winner) | 12 MP |
| Optical zoom | 4× | 5× (winner) |
| Rear cameras | 3 | 3 |
| Front camera | 11 MP (winner) | 10 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 | 8K24 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 5,003 mAh (winner) | 4,500 mAh |
| Wired charging | 23 W | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 23 W (winner) | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 12 | Android 10 (One UI 2.5) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 3 years | 3 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.45 in | 6.49 in |
| Width | 2.99 in | 3.04 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.32 in (winner) |
| Weight | 7.41 oz | 7.34 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Stainless steel |
Price
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $899 (winner) | $1,300 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
This is not a small price difference: $401, or 45%, separates the two launch prices. Paying $401 more for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra doesn’t buy you the better overall package.
Launch prices in the US as of October 2021; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pixel 6 Pro if…
- you take lots of portraits and zoomed shots (48 MP vs 12 MP telephoto)
- you often spend long days away from a charger (5,003 mAh vs 4,500 mAh)
- you use a wireless charging pad every day (23 W vs 15 W)
- you care about efficiency under the hood (5 nm vs 7 nm process node)
- you don’t need the extras that cost $401 more
Choose the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra if…
- you like to crop into your photos (108 MP vs 50 MP main camera)
- you shoot concerts, sports or wildlife from a distance (5× vs 4× optical zoom)
- you care about a thin profile in your pocket (0.32 in vs 0.35 in)
- you want to add storage later with a microSD card
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Pixel 6 Pro or the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?
For most people, the Pixel 6 Pro is the stronger choice, unless you’d trade the rest for a higher-resolution 108 MP main camera.
Does the Pixel 6 Pro last longer on a charge than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?
Going by the official figures, the Pixel 6 Pro leads: 5,003 mAh versus 4,500 mAh for battery capacity. Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Which is larger, the Pixel 6 Pro or the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Pixel 6 Pro and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is too small to matter.
Which is faster, the Pixel 6 Pro or the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?
The Pixel 6 Pro has the edge in performance thanks to a newer 5 nm chip process.
Which costs less, the Pixel 6 Pro or the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?
The Pixel 6 Pro is the cheaper option, launching at $401 less than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (launch prices as of October 2021).
Is the Pixel 6 Pro lighter than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?
Neither by much. The Pixel 6 Pro and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra weigh almost the same.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Google or Samsung. I only care that you end up with the right one of the Pixel 6 Pro and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. What I like most about the Pixel 6 Pro here is a dedicated 48 MP telephoto camera. I also like that the Pixel 6 Pro brings 11% more battery capacity. Don’t write off the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra entirely: it has a higher-resolution 108 MP main camera.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Pixel 6 Pro suits buyers focused on performance; the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra suits those focused on memory & storage.
My pick: the Pixel 6 Pro, unless what you want most is a higher-resolution 108 MP main camera.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.