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:194.00

Versus €1,174.01 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, released in March 2020, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, launched in February 2022, are both premium smartphones from Samsung's flagship Galaxy S series. While they share a similar design philosophy and operate on the Android platform, the S22 Plus 5G introduces advancements in processing power, camera technology, and display brightness, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. Both devices offer a high-end Android experience, but cater to slightly different user expectations regarding longevity and specific feature enhancements.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G was released in March 2020, initially running Android 10, and received major OS updates up to Android 13 (One UI 5.1). The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, launched in February 2022 with Android 12, is expected to receive major OS updates up to Android 16 and security updates through 2027, offering a longer period of official software support.
  • Repairability and Build: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating similar protection against environmental elements. The S20 Plus 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on both its front and back, while the S22 Plus 5G upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced durability.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches for the longest possible duration will find the S22 Plus 5G more aligned with their needs due to its newer release and extended support window. The S20 Plus 5G, having reached its maximum major OS updates, will continue to receive security patches for some time, but its software feature set is now static.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is central to the user experience, influencing everything from app responsiveness to gaming capabilities.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive experience for everyday use and moderate gaming. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a newer generation processor, which translates to faster app loading times, more fluid multitasking, and enhanced performance in graphically intensive games and applications.
  • RAM and Storage: The S20 Plus 5G typically comes with 12GB of RAM, offering substantial capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously without slowdowns. The S22 Plus 5G generally features 8GB of RAM, which is still ample for most users' multitasking needs, though it is less than its predecessor. Both devices offer internal storage options starting at 128GB, with the S20 Plus 5G also supporting expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature not present in the S22 Plus 5G.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 4500 mAh battery. In typical use, the S22 Plus 5G's battery life is considered good, often lasting a full day, though heavy 5G usage can reduce this duration. The S20 Plus 5G also offers solid battery life, with users reporting it can last through a full day of heavy use.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer high-quality viewing experiences with some notable differences.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and S22 Plus 5G feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S20 Plus 5G has a 6.7-inch screen with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a high pixel density. The S22 Plus 5G has a slightly smaller 6.6-inch screen with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S20 Plus 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and responsiveness, with a peak brightness of 1200 nits. The S22 Plus 5G also features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and significantly higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, improving outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight.
  • Viewing Experience: While the S20 Plus 5G offers a higher resolution for sharper details, the S22 Plus 5G's enhanced brightness and Vision Booster technology provide a clearer and more comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions. Both displays are HDR10+ certified, ensuring excellent contrast and color reproduction for media consumption.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though with different sensor configurations and capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 12MP wide lens, a 64MP telephoto lens offering 3x hybrid optical zoom, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a DepthVision camera. The S22 Plus 5G comes with a triple-camera system, including a 50MP wide main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The S20 Plus 5G is capable of 8K video recording and offers features like 30X Space Zoom. The S22 Plus 5G also supports 8K video recording and is noted for improved low-light performance and better color and contrast in its images. User reviews suggest the S22 Plus 5G provides a noticeable upgrade in overall camera quality compared to its predecessors.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both devices include a 10MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. For audio, both models feature stereo speakers, providing an immersive experience for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity: Both the S20 Plus 5G and S22 Plus 5G support 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds. The S20 Plus 5G supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The S22 Plus 5G upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, both models incorporate an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and support facial recognition.
  • Design and Build Materials: The S20 Plus 5G measures 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm and weighs 186-188g. The S22 Plus 5G is slightly more compact at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195-196g. Both feature an aluminum frame with glass on the front and back, with the S22 Plus 5G using the more advanced Gorilla Glass Victus+ for increased scratch and drop resistance.

Weight

188 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.6

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 S22 Plus 5G both offer robust smartphone experiences, but cater to different priorities. The S20 Plus 5G, praised for its high-resolution display and 12GB RAM, was a top-tier device at its release, providing strong performance and a versatile camera system. However, a frequent criticism for older models like the S20 Plus 5G is the eventual cessation of major software updates, which can impact long-term feature access and security.

The S22 Plus 5G, on the other hand, is often lauded for its significantly brighter display, improved camera capabilities, and extended software support, making it a more future-proof option. Some users have noted that while its battery life is good, it might not be exceptional compared to some competitors, despite having the same battery capacity as its predecessor.

Users prioritizing a higher display resolution and more RAM for intensive multitasking might find the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G appealing, especially if they are comfortable with its current software version. Conversely, users who value the latest camera advancements, superior outdoor screen visibility, and a longer period of software updates will find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G better suited to their needs. Both devices represent strong choices within the Android ecosystem, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can provide an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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