Galaxy S20 Vs iPhone 14 Plus

Galaxy S20
Galaxy S20
Starting at

Refurbished price:193.00

Versus €909.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:317.00

Versus €879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20, released in March 2020, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, represent different generations and operating systems within the smartphone landscape. While the Galaxy S20 runs on Android, offering a customizable experience, the iPhone 14 Plus operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. These devices cater to users with varying preferences, primarily differing in their display size approach, camera capabilities, and long-term software support.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 was introduced in March 2020, making it an older device compared to the iPhone 14 Plus, which arrived in October 2022. This nearly two-and-a-half-year difference impacts their respective positions in the update cycle.
  • Software Longevity: Apple typically provides longer software support for its devices, meaning the iPhone 14 Plus is expected to receive major iOS updates for several years beyond the Galaxy S20's Android update cycle, which likely concluded with Android 13/One UI 5.1.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion. The iPhone 14 Plus incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed for enhanced drop performance, while the Galaxy S20 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for screen protection.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Evaluating performance involves looking at how smoothly devices handle daily tasks, multitasking, and demanding applications.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Plus benefits from a more recent processor, which contributes to fluid navigation, quicker app launches, and efficient handling of graphically intensive games and applications. The Galaxy S20, while powerful for its time, may show a slight difference in speed with the most current demanding software.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S20 typically offers 8GB or 12GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously. It also includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature not present on the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Plus comes with 6GB of RAM and offers storage options up to 512GB, ensuring smooth multitasking for most users.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 14 Plus is recognized for its extended battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy use and sometimes longer, with a 4325 mAh battery. The Galaxy S20, with a 4000 mAh battery, generally provides a full day of use, though enabling its higher refresh rate can reduce endurance.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a key differentiator, with both devices offering distinct display characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S20 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3200x1440 pixels, resulting in a high pixel density. The iPhone 14 Plus sports a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 2778x1284-pixel resolution. Both technologies deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S20 offers a 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a noticeably smoother scrolling and animation experience, though this is typically available at a lower resolution to conserve battery. The iPhone 14 Plus maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is consistent but does not offer the same fluidity as higher refresh rate displays.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: Both displays offer strong brightness levels, with the Galaxy S20 capable of reaching up to 1200 nits peak brightness and the iPhone 14 Plus reaching 1200 nits peak brightness for HDR content. The larger screen of the iPhone 14 Plus provides an expansive viewing area, which can be beneficial for media consumption and productivity.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera systems are a significant aspect of modern smartphones, and these two devices offer different photographic strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide, a 64MP telephoto with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It also supports 8K video recording. The iPhone 14 Plus has a dual-camera system with a 12MP main camera featuring sensor-shift optical image stabilization and a 12MP ultrawide camera.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 14 Plus includes features like Photonic Engine for improved low-light performance and Action Mode for stabilized video recording. The Galaxy S20 offers strong everyday photography with good detail and color reproduction, and its telephoto lens provides greater zoom capabilities.
  • Front Camera and Video: Both devices feature 10MP (Galaxy S20) or 12MP (iPhone 14 Plus) front-facing cameras capable of capturing detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone 14 Plus's front camera includes autofocus. Both offer high-quality video recording, with the iPhone 14 Plus supporting Cinematic mode for depth-of-field effects.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S20 and iPhone 14 Plus support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 (iPhone 14 Plus) or 5.0 (Galaxy S20). The Galaxy S20 uses a USB-C port, while the iPhone 14 Plus utilizes Apple's Lightning port. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Security: The Galaxy S20 features an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 14 Plus relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S20 is a more compact device, weighing 163g with dimensions of 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm. The iPhone 14 Plus is larger and slightly heavier at 203g, with dimensions of 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm, offering a more expansive screen but potentially requiring two-handed use for some. Both feature glass backs and aluminum frames.

Weight

163 g

150 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.7

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

Users often praise the iPhone 14 Plus for its exceptional battery life and large, immersive display, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize media consumption and extended usage without frequent charging. Some users, however, note its 60Hz display as a point of comparison against devices with higher refresh rates.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 is frequently lauded for its vibrant, high-resolution display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, offering a premium visual experience. Its versatile camera system and expandable storage are also common highlights. Criticisms sometimes point to its battery life when the 120Hz mode is consistently active, and its shorter software support window compared to newer devices.

Users prioritizing a larger screen, long-lasting battery, and Apple's ecosystem with extended software support may find the iPhone 14 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a high refresh rate display, a more compact form factor, greater camera versatility with optical zoom, and expandable storage might lean towards the Galaxy S20. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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