You can only buy a Galaxy S20. Make sure it is the best option for you.
Sarah Tew / CNET
The moment we live in is certainly strange. Buying a new phone like the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S20 Plus, or the standard Galaxy S20 in the midst of a global public health crisis may not seem like a first instinct or inclination. But, at least in the United States, keeping the lights of the economy on is part of the goal set by the economic aid package that could give taxpayers up to $ 1,200 each. For the millions of people who have stayed home trying to stay healthy and flatten the curve of the coronavirus crisis, time is abundant. Worldwide smartphone shipments fell 38 percent in February, a trend that is sure to continue in April and beyond, though new phones will continue to launch this year. If price cuts are on the horizon as a move to stimulate sales, the price might be right for a new phone. We recommend watching for discounts and offers, and in the meantime find out which new Galaxy S20 is the better for you. We start with the main differences between the models, the biggest benefits of each phone and which stands out in the most important categories. Scroll to the bottom to compare specs.
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Which Galaxy S20 is which? The Galaxys S20 trio trio is more than just a scale from the smallest and cheapest to the largest and most expensive. They share common elements such as crisp, vibrant display technology, Android 10 software, and a 120Hz screen refresh rate that can make scrolling and gaming smooth. (Warning: that can also deplete battery reserves.) But there are some notable differences between them in terms of specs, performance, and maneuverability that affect how they fare in everyday use. Here are a few main differences: Galaxy S20 Ultra: 6.9-inch, heavy and bulky, most camera features, 5G fasterGalaxy S20 Plus: 6.7-inch screen, slightly smaller rear camera, 5G fasterGalaxy S20: 6.2-inch screen, same camera as Plus, 5G more slow except for Verizon
Buy the Galaxy S20 Ultra if … You are fascinated by a huge screen The price is not a problem You love all the little tricks and functions possible in the camera Buy the Galaxy S20 Plus if … You like a big screen You want access to the 5G network faster You want a battery that lasts lot Buy the Galaxy S20 if … You prefer a smaller phoneFaster 5G speeds are not a priorityValue for your money is an important considerationDifferences between Galaxy S20 phones go beyond price and size.
Sarah Tew / CNET
Best Screen Experience: Galaxy S20 Ultra The Galaxy S20 Ultra is, personally, my least favorite of the three. It’s too expensive for what it is (starting price is $ 1,399), and it literally feels like a brick (weighs 220 grams). But I can’t deny that its screen size makes it the best S20 for watching videos and surfing the Internet, simply because of its larger screen. The resolution is actually the lowest of the S20 phones, but its pixel density is just as high, I doubt you notice. The most powerful camera: Ultra, but … On paper, the Ultra wins here. It has two features exclusive to the Galaxy S20 lineup: a 108-megapixel main camera that works through a process called binning or pixel binning and up to 100x zoom – that sounds impressive, and the technology is intriguing. However, in reality, I rarely yearned for any of the features, and I don’t miss them when I use another phone. To use the 108 megapixel setting, you must first tap a setting, take the photo, and then, in edit mode, crop. The purpose is to get a detailed image using this method than you might otherwise get from the main camera, especially if you can’t get close to the subject. It is an indirect way of zooming in on a shot. The Ultra wants to be the king of the cameras.
Juan Garzon / CNET
Using the 100x zoom is much easier, but unless you really need to get that close, the resulting image will be grainy and hard to use. It works best the farther you are from the subject, meanwhile the 12-megapixel main camera, 64-megapixel telephoto sensor and 30x zoom on the S20 Plus and S20 did exactly what they had to do. You can still take a 64 megapixel photo and crop it for more details, although this process does not use so-called pixel grouping. Longest battery life: We don’t know yet Two factors determine battery life on Galaxy S20 phones: if you are using a 4G or 5G network, and if you are using the 60Hz refresh rate (default) or have activated the 120Hz option. I tested all three phones with 4G, because 5G was not available where I was testing it. I also looked at battery conditions in the real world with the 60Hz and 120Hz display settings for all three phones – this is where the thing is less clear. I can’t comment on how 5G factors come into play just yet, but overall, using 5G can reduce battery life. And CNET’s extensive lab tests, in airplane mode and via Wi-Fi, and with 60Hz and 120Hz screen selections, have been temporarily halted now as we all adjust to work-at-home life. All Galaxy phones S20 support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging to another device.
Angela Lang / CNET
In the meantime, I can tell you that despite having the highest battery reserves (5,000 mAh), I was surprised that the Ultra’s battery life was running out quickly when I used the 120Hz refresh rate option. The smallest of the Galaxy S20 Plus (4,500 mAh) lasted as long as that of the S20 Ultra in the CNET laboratory tests we were able to perform. The Galaxy S20 (4,000 mAh) and S20 Plus have lasted me from morning to night, though if you take advantage of 5G data and use the 120Hz option all day, you may need to recharge before going out for a long night though that’s probably not a priority these days.
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Best 5G: There is a tie Both the Galaxy S20 Ultra and S20 Plus support the ultra-fast 5G data transfer type called the millimeter wave (also known as mmWave). The Galaxy S20 is based on the form of 5G that is loosely known as the midband or sub-6. Midband 5G has relatively lower peak speeds, but is designed to travel longer distances and be more accessible indoors. Remember, even “slow” 5G is expected to give you faster data transfer than 4G speeds. There are exceptions, however. Verizon announced that it would launch a variant of the Galaxy S20 5G phone that works with its mmWave network, although we don’t have an exact date yet. In some countries, such as the UK and Australia, you can also buy only 4G versions of the Galaxy S20, which makes 5G a potentially decisive factor between, for example, buying the Galaxy S20 and the Galaxy S20 Plus. If you are looking to prepare your phone for the future as much as possible, the S20 Plus is the logical choice. If the networks in your area are slower and 5G will not fully develop where you live for several years, then you will not miss much if you have a Galaxy S20 4G or 5G.
More value for your money: Galaxy S20 By virtue of its lower price, the Galaxy S20 is the best value for money, but that’s not a general statement. The basic device costs $ 1,000 in the United States, which is significantly more than other basic phones like the iPhone 11, which starts at $ 699, and even the $ 950 Galaxy Note 10 is less than the S20. Samsung justifies the price increase with the 120Hz screen and camera features, even though the image quality, while very good, did not demolish the competition. If Samsung, retailers and operators offer attractive offers and packages, this will be the phone that will be in the best position to compete. S20 Plus vs. S20 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S20
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Screen size and resolution
6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
6.7 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Pixel Density
563ppp
525dpi
511ppp
Dimensions (inches)
2.72 x 5.97 x 0.311 inch
2.9 x 6.37 x 0.30 inch
2.99 x 6.57 x 0.35 inch
Dimensions (Millimeters)
69.1 x 151.7 x 7.9 mm
73.7 x 161.9 x 7.8mm
76.0 x 166.9 x 8.8mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)
5.75 oz; 163g
6.56 oz; 186g
7.76 oz; 220g
Mobile software
Android 10
Android 10
Android 10
Cameras
12 megapixels (wide angle), 64 megapixels (telephoto), 12 megapixels (ultra wide angle)
12 megapixels (wide angle), 64 megapixels (telephoto), 12 megapixels (ultra wide angle), time of flight sensor (ToF)
108 megapixels (wide angle), 48 megapixels (telephoto), 12 megapixels (ultra wide angle), time of flight (ToF)
Frontal camera
10 megapixels
10 megapixels
40 megapixels
Vieo catch
8K
8K
8K
Processor
64-bit eight-core (Max 2.7 + 2.5 + 2GHz)
64-bit eight cores (Max 2.7 + 2.5 + 2GHz)
64-bit eight cores (Max 2.7 + 2.5 + 2GHz)
Storage
128GB
128GB, 512GB
128GB, 512GB
RAM
12GB
12GB
12GB, 16GB
Expandable memory
Up to 1TB
Up to 1TB
Up to 1TB
Battery
4,000 mAh
4,500 mAh
5,000 mAh
Fingerprint sensor
On the screen
On the screen
On the screen
Connector
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
Headphone jack
No
No
No
Special functions
5G; 120Hz screen refresh rate; water resistance (IP68)
5G ready; 120Hz screen refresh rate; water resistance (IP68)
5G ready; 120Hz screen refresh rate; 100X zoom; water resistance (IP68)
Price without contract (US $)
$ 999
$ 1,199
$ 1,399 (128GB), $ 1,599 (512GB)
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