Galaxy S20 Vs iPhone 8

Galaxy S20
Galaxy S20
Starting at

Refurbished price:193.00

Versus €909.00 new

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iPhone 8
iPhone 8
Starting at

Refurbished price:88.00

Versus €299.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20, released in March 2020, and the Apple iPhone 8, launched in September 2017, represent different generations and operating systems within the smartphone landscape. While the Galaxy S20 operates on Android, the iPhone 8 runs on iOS. These devices offer distinct user experiences, primarily differing in their display technology, camera capabilities, and overall performance due to the significant time gap in their releases.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 was released in March 2020, making it a more recent device compared to the iPhone 8, which launched in September 2017. This difference in release dates impacts the duration of ongoing software support and the availability of newer features.
  • OS Support: The iPhone 8, running iOS, typically receives major software updates for approximately 5-6 years from its release, with security updates potentially extending beyond that. The Galaxy S20, an Android device, generally receives 3-4 major Android version updates and security updates for a similar period.
  • Repairability: Both devices feature glass backs and aluminum frames, contributing to their overall build. While specific repairability scores can vary, the availability of parts and expertise for older models like the iPhone 8 might be more widespread due to its age. The Galaxy S20 also offers a robust build with Gorilla Glass protection.

Year of Release

2020

2017

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two devices are notable, primarily due to the technological advancements over their respective release years.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S20, with its more recent internal components, offers a smoother and more responsive experience for demanding applications, multitasking, and graphic-intensive tasks. The iPhone 8, while capable for everyday use, may show signs of slower performance with newer, more resource-intensive apps.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: The Galaxy S20 typically comes with a higher amount of RAM, which allows for more applications to run simultaneously in the background without significant slowdowns. The iPhone 8 has less RAM, meaning it may need to reload apps more frequently when switching between them.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 features a significantly larger battery capacity (4000 mAh) compared to the iPhone 8 (1821 mAh). This generally translates to longer usage times on a single charge for the Galaxy S20, especially for heavy users. The iPhone 8's smaller battery may require more frequent charging throughout the day.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

2 GB

Screen quality

The display technologies and specifications present a clear distinction between the Galaxy S20 and the iPhone 8.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S20 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The iPhone 8 has a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. The AMOLED technology in the S20 generally provides a more immersive visual experience.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key difference is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S20 supports a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone 8 operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S20 can achieve higher peak brightness levels, which improves visibility in bright outdoor conditions and enhances HDR content. Both displays offer good clarity for their respective technologies, but the S20's larger size and higher resolution contribute to a more expansive viewing experience.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

750 x 1334

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems of the Galaxy S20 and iPhone 8 reflect the advancements in mobile photography over several years.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S20 boasts a versatile triple-lens rear camera system, including a 12MP wide-angle, a 64MP telephoto with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 8 features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera. The S20 offers more photographic flexibility with its multiple lenses.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S20 generally offers improved low-light performance and greater detail capture due to its larger sensors and advanced processing. Its 64MP telephoto lens allows for significant zoom capabilities. The iPhone 8's single camera performs well in good lighting conditions, but its capabilities are more limited in challenging environments.
  • Video Recording Quality: The Galaxy S20 is capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution, offering exceptional detail. The iPhone 8 supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. Both devices provide optical image stabilization for smoother video capture.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity Options: The Galaxy S20 supports 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds in compatible areas, along with Wi-Fi 6. The iPhone 8 is limited to 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 5.
  • Port Types and Biometrics: The Galaxy S20 uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a modern and widely adopted standard. The iPhone 8 utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port. For security, the Galaxy S20 features an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition, while the iPhone 8 relies on a physical Touch ID fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S20 is slightly larger and heavier than the iPhone 8, with dimensions of 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm and a weight of 163 grams. The iPhone 8 measures 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighs 148 grams, making it a more compact and lighter device.

Weight

163 g

148 g

Width

6,91 cm

6,73 cm

Height

15,17 cm

13,84 cm

Depth

0,79 cm

0,73 cm

Screen size (in)

6.2

4.7

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S20 often highlights its impressive display, versatile camera system, and strong overall performance for demanding tasks. Some users appreciate the flexibility of the Android operating system and the option for expandable storage. Criticisms sometimes point to battery life for very heavy users, despite its larger capacity, and the complexity of its feature set for those preferring a simpler experience.

The iPhone 8 is frequently praised for its compact size, reliable performance for everyday use, and the intuitive nature of iOS. Users often value its consistent software updates and the familiarity of the Apple ecosystem. Common concerns for the iPhone 8 revolve around its smaller screen size, which can feel restrictive for media consumption, and its battery life, which may not last a full day for active users, especially as the device ages.

Users prioritizing a larger, more vibrant display, advanced camera features, and future-proof connectivity like 5G will find the Samsung Galaxy S20 well-suited to their needs. It caters to those who enjoy multimedia, mobile gaming, and extensive photography. Conversely, users who prefer a compact device, a straightforward operating system, and consistent performance for essential tasks may lean toward the iPhone 8. It remains a solid choice for those who value portability and the Apple ecosystem.

For individuals considering either of these devices, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide a sustainable choice, extending the life of these products and offering an eco-friendly alternative.

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