Galaxy S20+ 5G Vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

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

Refurbished price:191.00

Versus €590.00 new

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Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:350.00

Versus €1,445.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, released in March 2020, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in February 2022, are both flagship smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While both devices offer a premium Android experience with Samsung's One UI, the S22 Ultra 5G introduces a more advanced camera system, a newer generation processor, and the integrated S Pen, distinguishing it from its predecessor.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support, physical durability, and repairability.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, launched with Android 10, received its last major Android update with Android 13 and typically receives security updates for approximately four years from its release. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released with Android 12, is expected to receive major Android updates up to Android 16 and typically benefits from five years of security updates, offering a longer software lifespan.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. The S20 Plus 5G utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for its front and back panels, while the S22 Ultra 5G features the more advanced Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users can expect the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G to remain current with software and security updates for a longer period due to its more recent release and extended support policy. The physical build of both devices is robust, but the S22 Ultra 5G offers slightly improved glass protection.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is influenced by its internal components, affecting everything from app responsiveness to battery endurance.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is equipped with a processor that capably handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and many demanding applications smoothly. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a newer generation processor, providing enhanced performance for more intensive tasks, complex gaming, and advanced computational photography, resulting in a generally more responsive user experience.
  • RAM and Storage: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G typically comes with 12GB of RAM and offers storage options up to 512GB, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is available with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and storage options extend up to 1TB, though it does not support microSD card expansion.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate use. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a larger 5000 mAh battery. While it offers solid battery life, often lasting a full day of varied activity, some users note that its endurance is not significantly longer than its predecessor, partly due to its more powerful components and brighter display.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display technology, resolution, and brightness capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both devices feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for producing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G has a 6.7-inch screen with a QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3200 pixels). The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a slightly larger 6.8-inch display with a QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels).
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The S20 Plus 5G supports a 120Hz refresh rate at FHD+ resolution, providing smooth scrolling and animations. The S22 Ultra 5G features an adaptive refresh rate that can dynamically adjust from 1Hz to 120Hz, which contributes to smoother visuals and can optimize power consumption by lowering the refresh rate when high speeds are not needed.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The S22 Ultra 5G offers a significantly higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it easier to view content clearly in bright outdoor conditions compared to the S20 Plus 5G. Both displays offer a clear and immersive viewing experience for media consumption and daily use.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, but the S22 Ultra 5G introduces notable advancements.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 12MP wide lens, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a DepthVision camera. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G also boasts a quad-camera system, but with a higher resolution 108MP wide lens, two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
  • Zoom and Low-Light Performance: The S22 Ultra 5G provides more extensive zoom capabilities, including up to 100x Space Zoom, and generally offers enhanced low-light photography performance due to its larger main sensor and improved processing. Both phones are capable of recording 8K video.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The S20 Plus 5G has a 10MP front camera, while the S22 Ultra 5G features a higher resolution 40MP front camera, which can capture more detailed selfies and support higher quality video calls. Both devices offer stereo speakers and good microphone quality for calls and video recording.

Main camera

12 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

40 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds. The S20 Plus 5G supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, while the S22 Ultra 5G upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Sensors and Biometrics: Both models incorporate an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and support face recognition.
  • Dimensions, Weight, and Build Materials: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G measures 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm and weighs 188g, featuring a glass front and back with an aluminum frame. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is slightly larger and heavier at 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and 228g, also with a glass and aluminum construction. The S22 Ultra 5G's larger size accommodates its integrated S Pen.
  • Unique Feature: A key differentiator for the S22 Ultra 5G is its integrated S Pen stylus, which offers functionalities like note-taking, drawing, and remote camera control, providing a distinct advantage for users who value stylus input.

Weight

188 g

228 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G both offer robust smartphone experiences, but cater to slightly different user needs. The S20 Plus 5G is often praised for its still-capable performance, vibrant display, and the flexibility of expandable storage. Some users, however, might find its battery life less enduring compared to newer models as the device ages.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is frequently lauded for its exceptional camera system, particularly its advanced zoom capabilities and improved low-light performance. Its bright, adaptive display and the integrated S Pen are also significant highlights, appealing to users who prioritize productivity and creative input. While its battery life is generally considered good for a full day, some users expected more significant gains given its larger capacity. The device's larger size and weight are also points of consideration for some.

Users prioritizing a capable device with expandable storage and a slightly more compact form factor may find the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who require the most advanced camera features, a brighter display, and the unique functionality of an integrated S Pen, along with a longer software support window, will likely lean towards the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. Both models, especially as quality-assured refurbished options, represent an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking premium smartphone technology.

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