Galaxy S20 Vs iPhone 15

Galaxy S20
Galaxy S20
Starting at

Refurbished price:193.00

Versus €909.00 new

See options
iPhone 15
iPhone 15
Starting at

Refurbished price:399.00

Versus €879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20, released in early 2020, and the Apple iPhone 15, launched in late 2023, represent different generations and operating systems within the smartphone landscape. While the Galaxy S20 runs on Android, offering a customizable experience, the iPhone 15 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. Key differences lie in their release timelines, display technologies, and camera systems, catering to varying user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of a smartphone, factors such as software support, physical resilience, and ease of repair play a significant role. The Galaxy S20, having been released in March 2020, has reached the end of its official software update cycle, with support concluding around April 2025. In contrast, the iPhone 15, released in September 2023, is guaranteed a minimum of five years of software support, extending until at least September 2028. Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 15 offers a longer guaranteed period of operating system and security updates compared to the Galaxy S20, which has concluded its official software support.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices are equipped with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 15 also incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced screen protection.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 15 has a repairability score of 7 out of 10, indicating a more accessible design for repairs. The Galaxy S20 series generally received lower repairability scores, often around 3 out of 10, due to factors like strong adhesives.

Year of Release

2020

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is influenced by the internal processing components, how efficiently the operating system utilizes them, and battery capacity. The Galaxy S20, depending on the region, is powered by either a Samsung Exynos 990 or a Snapdragon 865 processor, paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM. The iPhone 15 features Apple's A16 Bionic chip and 6GB of RAM. These differences translate into varying experiences for demanding applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 15's A16 Bionic chip provides robust performance for current applications and gaming, offering smooth operation. The Galaxy S20's processor, while capable for its time, may show more signs of age with newer, more intensive tasks.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S20's higher RAM options (8GB or 12GB) can contribute to efficient multitasking, allowing many applications to remain open in the background. The iPhone 15, with 6GB of RAM, is optimized by iOS for smooth transitions and app handling.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 has a 4000mAh battery, while the iPhone 15 has a 3349mAh battery. User reports for the Galaxy S20 have sometimes noted abnormal battery drain over time. The iPhone 15 generally offers reliable battery life, though some users have reported overheating during intensive use or charging, which can impact battery performance.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display technology, resolution, and refresh rate. The Samsung Galaxy S20 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440x3200 pixels and supports a 120Hz refresh rate, though this is typically at a lower resolution. The iPhone 15 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a resolution of 1179x2556 pixels and a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices utilize OLED technology, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S20's higher resolution offers a slightly sharper image, while the iPhone 15's display is noted for its high peak brightness, especially outdoors.
  • Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S20's 120Hz refresh rate, when active, delivers smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience compared to the iPhone 15's 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: The iPhone 15 offers a peak outdoor brightness of up to 2000 nits, enhancing visibility in bright sunlight. The Galaxy S20 also provides a bright display, but the iPhone 15 has an edge in extreme outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, encompassing the hardware, software processing, and overall image and video quality. The Samsung Galaxy S20 features a triple rear camera system with a 12-megapixel main sensor, a 64-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, alongside a 10-megapixel front camera. The iPhone 15 is equipped with a dual-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main camera with 2x telephoto zoom capabilities and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, complemented by a 12-megapixel front camera.

  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 15's 48-megapixel main camera excels in capturing detailed images, particularly in good lighting, and offers improved low-light performance. The Galaxy S20's 64-megapixel telephoto lens provides greater zoom flexibility.
  • Video Recording: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The iPhone 15 benefits from Apple's advanced video processing, offering stable and detailed footage. The Galaxy S20 was notable for its 8K video recording capability at its release.
  • Audio and Media: Both phones offer stereo speakers for an immersive media consumption experience. Microphone quality on both is suitable for calls and video recording, with Apple often praised for its audio capture in video.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, practical elements like connectivity, physical design, and additional sensors contribute to the overall user experience. The Galaxy S20 supports 5G connectivity (in some models), Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, featuring a USB Type-C port. It includes an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock. The iPhone 15 also supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.3, and notably features a USB Type-C port, a shift from previous iPhone models. It relies on Face ID for biometric authentication.

  • Connectivity Standards: Both devices offer modern connectivity, including 5G and Wi-Fi 6. The iPhone 15 features a slightly newer Bluetooth 5.3 standard.
  • Charging Port: The iPhone 15's adoption of USB Type-C aligns it with the Galaxy S20, offering a universal charging and data transfer solution.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S20 uses an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock, providing multiple options. The iPhone 15 exclusively uses Face ID, which is known for its security and convenience.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S20 weighs 163 grams and measures 151.70 x 69.10 x 7.90mm. The iPhone 15 is slightly heavier at 171 grams and measures 147.60 x 71.60 x 7.80mm. Both devices feature glass bodies.

Weight

163 g

171 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.1

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 2)

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S20 often praises its vibrant display with a high refresh rate and versatile camera system, particularly its telephoto capabilities. However, common criticisms have included concerns about battery drain over time, occasional UI lag, and some display anomalies like green or pink lines. For the iPhone 15, users appreciate its powerful processor, bright OLED display, and the improved main camera. Initial concerns around overheating during intensive tasks and the 60Hz refresh rate being a noticeable downgrade for some coming from higher refresh rate phones have been noted.

Users prioritizing a high refresh rate display for smoother interactions and a more customizable Android experience may find the Galaxy S20 appealing, especially if they value a dedicated telephoto lens. Those who prefer a streamlined operating system, a longer period of software updates, and robust performance for demanding applications will likely lean towards the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 also offers a brighter screen for outdoor visibility and a more repairable design. Considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either device can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons