Galaxy Note 20 and Fold 2 variable refresh rate display might trash rivals

The Galaxy Note 20 series might fix one of the bigger issues with Samsung’s 120Hz display implementation and give the competition a run for its money at the same time. According to a new leak shared by Ross Young on Twitter, Samsung is getting ready to add LTPO backplane technology to the upcoming S Pen flagship as well as the Galaxy Fold 2. This will lend variable refresh rate capabilities to the the AMOLED display and improve battery life by anywhere between 15%-20%.

Interestingly enough, the upcoming Apple iPhone is said to lack LTPO technology, with the Cupertino-based company planning to introduce it next year. This will give Samsung’s premium smartphones a leg up on its rival. LTPO would technically allow Samsung’s displays to function at 1Hz when the Always On display mode is active, or crank the refresh rate at up to 120Hz when the situation calls for it, say, when playing mobile games.

Galaxy Note 20 leaks continue – bigger screens, taller aspect ratio

According to the source, the Galaxy Note 20 will have a 6.42-inch display, whereas the Galaxy Note 20+ (not Ultra) will boast a 6.87-inch panel. However, Samsung will apparently maintain last year’s strategy in regards to the pixel count.

The base Galaxy Note 20 model will reportedly have a resolution of 2345 by 1084, leading to an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. Same as last year, the larger Galaxy Note 20 model set to be unveiled in August will have a higher pixel count compared to the base variant. This year, the Galaxy Note 20+ will have a slightly taller 19.3:9 aspect ratio with a display resolution of 3096 by 1444.

Both the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20+, as well as the Galaxy Fold 2 will reportedly boast LTPO backplane technology, and this could be a game changer in terms of battery life thanks to the variable refresh rate. In other words, the Galaxy Note 20, Note 20+, and Galaxy Fold 2 will have 120Hz displays, but they will be far superior to the 120Hz panels employed by the Galaxy S20 lineup.

About Display Technology. With LTPO, you can vary the display refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz based on the content. In always on mode, 1Hz. In gaming modes, 120Hz. Big power advantage for Samsung. Apple won’t have LTPO until 2021.

— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) May 11, 2020

Note 20 Display Leak:
Note 20 will grow from 6.3" on the 10 to 6.42" on the Note 20. Resolution will increase slightly to 2345 x 1084, 404 PPI, 19.5:9 aspect ratio. 120Hz with LTPO, variable refresh, so lower power with 120Hz, great for always on mode. #GalaxyNote20

— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) May 11, 2020

Note 20+ Display Leak
Note 20+ will grow from 6.8" to 6.87", resolution will increase to 3096 x 1444 resulting in a 497 PPI, 19.3:9 aspect ratio. It will also have 120Hz refresh with LTPO, lowest power implementation of 120Hz due to variable refresh. #GalaxyNote20+

— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) May 11, 2020