Galaxy S20 Vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

Galaxy S20
Galaxy S20
Starting at

Refurbished price:193.00

Versus €909.00 new

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Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:154.00

Versus €999.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20, released in February 2020, represents a traditional smartphone design, offering a premium experience in a conventional form factor. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, launched in August 2021, introduces a foldable design, allowing it to compact into a smaller size when not in use. These devices cater to different user preferences, with the S20 focusing on established flagship features and the Z Flip3 emphasizing portability and a unique interactive experience, both running on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan and software support differ between these two devices due to their respective release dates and Samsung's evolving update policies.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S20, released in early 2020, has received its major Android OS updates and continues to receive security patches. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, being a later release from mid-2021, benefits from a longer period of major Android OS updates and security support, extending its functional life further into the future.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S20 features a traditional glass and aluminum construction with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering robust protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, while featuring an IPX8 water resistance rating, lacks official dust resistance due to its folding mechanism. Its foldable display and hinge introduce different considerations for long-term mechanical durability compared to a rigid smartphone.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users typically report that the S20 maintains good performance over several years, benefiting from its solid build. The Z Flip3's unique design, while innovative, has led some users to express concerns about the long-term resilience of the foldable screen and hinge with repeated use, though many report good durability in daily use.

Year of Release

2020

2021

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

Both devices offer capable performance for daily tasks, though the newer Galaxy Z Flip3 5G incorporates a more recent generation of internal components.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience for gaming and productivity. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, with its newer internal architecture, offers enhanced processing capabilities, resulting in slightly faster app loading times and more efficient handling of intensive tasks.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S20 typically comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, allowing for efficient multitasking and quick switching between applications. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is equipped with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' multitasking needs, maintaining a fluid experience.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 features a 4000 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate to heavy use. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a smaller 3300 mAh battery, and users often report that it may require more frequent charging, especially with heavy usage or when utilizing the high refresh rate display.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on these two Samsung smartphones presents distinct characteristics, primarily due to their form factors and display specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S20 offers a higher resolution of 1440x3200 pixels on its 6.2-inch screen, resulting in a sharper image with a pixel density of 563 ppi. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a 6.7-inch main foldable display with a resolution of 1080x2640 pixels, providing clear visuals at 425 ppi.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both the Galaxy S20 and the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience during gaming and general navigation.
  • Unique Display Features: The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's primary differentiator is its foldable main screen and a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover screen, which allows users to view notifications, control music, and take quick selfies without unfolding the device. The Galaxy S20 offers a traditional, uninterrupted display.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1080 x 2640

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G are designed for different photographic approaches, with the S20 offering more versatility in its hardware.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 features a triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, capable of capturing detailed images and offering significant zoom capabilities. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, providing good quality photos in various conditions.
  • Photography Performance: The S20 is noted for its strong overall camera performance, particularly its telephoto capabilities and ability to record 8K video. The Z Flip3 5G delivers good everyday photography, with users finding it capable for still shots in good lighting.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices offer capable video recording, with the S20 supporting up to 8K resolution. The Z Flip3 5G's unique form factor allows for flexible shooting angles, enhancing its video capabilities for creative content. Both provide clear audio capture and stereo speaker output for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish the user experience of these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks where available. The Galaxy S20 includes a USB Type-C port and supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G also features a USB Type-C port, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S20 utilizes an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and supports face unlock for secure access. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G integrates a fingerprint sensor into its side power button, offering a convenient and quick unlock method, alongside face recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S20 has a conventional candy bar design, weighing 163 grams and measuring 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm, making it comfortable for one-handed use. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's foldable design makes it highly compact when closed (86.4 x 72.2 x 15.9-17.1 mm) and expands to a full-sized smartphone (166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm) when unfolded, weighing 183 grams. This unique form factor enhances portability, fitting into smaller pockets or bags.

Weight

163 g

183 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.7

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G offer distinct smartphone experiences, each with its own set of strengths and considerations based on user priorities. The Galaxy S20 is often praised by users for its robust, traditional flagship performance, including a high-resolution display, a versatile camera system with strong zoom capabilities, and reliable battery life for a full day's use. Common feedback highlights its consistent performance and established durability as a conventional smartphone. Some users, however, might find its design less innovative compared to newer foldable options.

Conversely, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G garners significant praise for its innovative foldable design, which provides exceptional portability and a unique user interaction with its cover screen. Users appreciate its modern processor and the ability to compact the device. Frequent discussions around the Z Flip3 often touch upon its battery life, which some users find to be shorter than traditional flagships, and the long-term durability of the foldable screen, though many report it holds up well to daily use.

Users prioritizing a proven, high-performance device with a traditional form factor, a larger battery, and a more advanced camera system, particularly for zoom photography, may find the Galaxy S20 well-suited to their needs. Those who value cutting-edge design, enhanced portability, and a unique interactive experience, and are comfortable with a potentially shorter battery life and different durability considerations, might lean towards the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. Both models, whether new or as quality-assured refurbished options, provide a gateway to the Android ecosystem, allowing consumers to make informed and sustainable choices.

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