Galaxy S20+ 5G Vs Galaxy S22 5G

Galaxy S20+ 5G
Galaxy S20+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:191.00

Versus €590.00 new

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Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, released in March 2020, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, launched in February 2022, represent two generations of Samsung's flagship smartphone line. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S22 5G introduces a more compact design, an updated camera system, and extended software support compared to its predecessor. Both run on Samsung's One UI atop the Android operating system, providing a consistent user interface.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's software support policy. These two models, released two years apart, have different trajectories for receiving updates.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, launched in 2020, received three major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, with support officially ending around March 2025. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 5G, released in 2022, was promised four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, meaning it will continue to receive updates until at least February 2027. This difference provides the S22 5G with a longer period of official software support and access to newer features.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for its front and back, while the Galaxy S22 5G upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
  • Repairability: Both the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G have received low repairability scores from independent assessments, often due to the extensive use of strong adhesive for the back cover and battery, making repairs challenging.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, with the newer model benefiting from advancements in processing technology and memory management.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G features a newer generation processor, which translates to more efficient handling of demanding applications, smoother multitasking, and improved responsiveness in general use compared to the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G. This can be particularly noticeable in tasks like video editing or graphically intensive gaming.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G typically comes with 12GB of RAM, offering ample capacity for running numerous applications simultaneously. The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with 8GB of RAM. While both offer 128GB and 256GB storage options, the S20 Plus 5G also had a 512GB variant and supported expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature absent in the S22 5G.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G houses a larger 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for many users, though intensive use of the 120Hz display and 5G connectivity can impact this. The Galaxy S22 5G has a smaller 3700 mAh battery, and some users have reported that heavy usage may necessitate more frequent charging throughout the day.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer high-quality displays, but there are differences in size, resolution, and brightness that affect the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both phones feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G has a larger 6.7-inch display, providing more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity. The Galaxy S22 5G offers a more compact 6.1-inch display, which can be preferred by users seeking a device that is easier to handle with one hand.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G boasts a higher resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, resulting in a sharper image with a pixel density of approximately 525 ppi. The Galaxy S22 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, with a pixel density of around 425 ppi. While the S20 Plus 5G offers a higher peak brightness, the S22 5G also provides excellent brightness levels, making both displays suitable for outdoor visibility.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution screen of the S20 Plus 5G may offer a more immersive experience for watching videos or detailed content. The S22 5G's slightly smaller screen still delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED technology, with a focus on a more manageable form factor.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are capable, but the S22 5G introduces refinements and updated sensors for improved image capture.

  • Main Camera System: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup with a 12 MP main sensor, a 64 MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a DepthVision sensor. The Galaxy S22 5G comes with a triple camera system, including a 50 MP main sensor, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The S22 5G's larger main sensor is designed to capture more light, potentially leading to better low-light performance.
  • Photography Performance: Both phones deliver strong performance in well-lit conditions, producing detailed and vibrant images. The S22 5G often shows improvements in low-light photography and dynamic range due to its updated sensor and processing. The S20 Plus 5G's 64 MP telephoto can offer impressive detail at its native zoom, while the S22 5G's dedicated 3x optical zoom lens provides consistent quality.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video, including 8K at 24fps and 4K at 60fps. The microphone quality for calls and video recording is generally clear on both. Speaker output on both models provides a good experience for media consumption, with stereo speakers.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and Galaxy S22 5G support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth. The S22 5G features Bluetooth 5.2, a slight upgrade from the S20 Plus 5G's Bluetooth 5.0, offering minor improvements in efficiency and range. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Design: Both phones incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The S20 Plus 5G has a slightly curved display and a glass-and-aluminum build. The S22 5G features a flatter design with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, contributing to a premium feel.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is larger and heavier, measuring 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm and weighing 186g. The Galaxy S22 5G is more compact and lighter at 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and 167g, making it easier for some users to handle and carry.

Weight

188 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

User feedback for the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G often highlights its impressive display, capable camera system, and generally reliable battery life for its time. Some users appreciated the inclusion of expandable storage. Criticisms sometimes pointed to its size for those preferring smaller devices and the initial high cost. For the Galaxy S22 5G, common praise includes its compact and premium design, excellent camera performance, and the vibrant 120Hz display. However, a frequent concern among users has been the battery life, which for some heavy users may not consistently last a full day. The repairability of both models has also been a point of criticism, with independent assessments noting challenges in battery and screen replacement due to strong adhesives.

Users prioritizing a larger screen and expandable storage, and who are comfortable with an older software support cycle, may find the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a more compact form factor, a newer processor for enhanced performance, and a longer period of official software updates will likely lean towards the Galaxy S22 5G. Both devices offer a strong Android experience, and choosing between them often comes down to preferences regarding size, the importance of the latest software, and specific usage patterns. For those considering these models, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life cycle of these capable smartphones.

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