Galaxy S20+ 5G Vs Galaxy Z Flip5

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

Refurbished price:191.00

Versus €590.00 new

See options
Galaxy Z Flip5
Galaxy Z Flip5
Starting at

Refurbished price:357.00

Versus €1,470.83 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, released in March 2020, represents a traditional smartphone design, offering a large, expansive display. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, launched in August 2023, introduces a clamshell foldable form factor, prioritizing portability and a unique user experience. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but their distinct designs and release timelines lead to notable differences in their capabilities and intended use cases.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan and software support differ significantly between these two devices due to their respective release dates.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, having been released in March 2020, has reached its maximum major Android operating system updates, concluding with Android 13 and One UI 5.1. It continues to receive security patches, though less frequently. The Galaxy Z Flip5, released in August 2023, is guaranteed to receive four major Android OS updates, extending its support up to Android 17, and five years of security updates, ensuring software longevity through 2028.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features a traditional glass and aluminum build with IP68 dust and water resistance. The Galaxy Z Flip5, while also featuring a glass and aluminum construction with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its outer shell, introduces a foldable display and hinge mechanism. Its main internal screen is made of Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) and is more susceptible to scratches than a traditional glass display. It carries an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in water but lacks official dust resistance.
  • Repairability: Repairability for the Galaxy Z Flip5 is considered moderate, with Samsung incorporating battery pull tabs to facilitate easier battery replacement compared to earlier foldable models. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, as a traditional smartphone, generally presents a more straightforward repair process for common components.

Year of Release

2020

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

The performance capabilities of these devices reflect their different generations of internal components, impacting how they handle various tasks.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, equipped with its 2020-era processor and 12GB of RAM, handles daily applications, multitasking, and moderate gaming smoothly. The Galaxy Z Flip5, featuring a more recent and efficient processor and 8GB of RAM, offers enhanced responsiveness, faster app loading times, and improved performance for demanding applications and graphics-intensive games.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, which, when new, provided ample power for a full day of typical use. Over time, users may observe a reduction in battery endurance. The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a smaller 3700 mAh battery. While its more efficient processor helps optimize power consumption, heavy users may find themselves needing to recharge before the end of a full day.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G provides the flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card, allowing users to increase their storage capacity beyond the internal options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. The Galaxy Z Flip5 comes with 256GB or 512GB of internal storage but does not support external memory expansion.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones feature high-quality displays, but their form factors introduce distinct characteristics and user experiences.

  • Main Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3200x1440 pixels), offering a very sharp and detailed viewing experience. The Galaxy Z Flip5's main internal display is also a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, but with an FHD+ resolution (2640x1080 pixels). Both support a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both devices offer vibrant colors and good contrast typical of AMOLED technology. The Galaxy Z Flip5's display can achieve higher peak brightness, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility in bright conditions.
  • Unique Cover Screen: A key differentiator for the Galaxy Z Flip5 is its 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover screen. This external display allows users to view notifications, control media, take selfies, and interact with widgets without fully unfolding the device, enhancing convenience and quick access to information. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, being a traditional slab phone, does not have a secondary external display.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1080 x 2640

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, though with different configurations and features.

  • Rear Camera Setup: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G boasts a versatile quad-camera system, including a 12MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a DepthVision camera for enhanced portrait effects. The Galaxy Z Flip5 features a dual-camera setup on its rear, comprising a 12MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It notably lacks a dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Photography Performance: Both phones deliver good image quality in well-lit conditions, with vibrant colors and decent detail. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G's dedicated telephoto lens provides superior optical zoom capabilities. The Galaxy Z Flip5's camera benefits from more advanced image processing, which can lead to sharper details and improved dynamic range, particularly in low-light scenarios.
  • Video Recording and Selfies: Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video. For selfies, the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G uses a 10MP front-facing camera. The Galaxy Z Flip5 also has a 10MP internal selfie camera, but its foldable design allows users to utilize the higher-quality rear cameras for selfies, viewing themselves on the cover screen, which can result in significantly better self-portraits.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of each device.

  • Connectivity Standards: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The newer Galaxy Z Flip5 offers updated connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, providing potentially faster and more stable wireless connections.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and do not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy Z Flip5 integrates its fingerprint sensor into the side power button.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is a larger, traditional slab phone, measuring 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm and weighing 188g. This provides a substantial screen area but can be less convenient for one-handed use or pocketability. The Galaxy Z Flip5, when unfolded, has similar dimensions at 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm and weighs 187g. However, its clamshell design allows it to fold down to a compact 85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1 mm, making it significantly more portable and easier to fit into smaller pockets or bags.

Weight

188 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G often praises its robust performance for its generation and its high-quality display, which remains competitive even years after its release. Many users appreciate the inclusion of expandable storage, a feature less common in newer flagships. Common criticisms tend to revolve around its aging software support and the natural degradation of battery performance over time. Despite its age, some users still find it a capable device for everyday tasks.

The Galaxy Z Flip5 receives acclaim for its innovative foldable design, which offers unparalleled portability and a unique user experience with its versatile cover screen. Users frequently highlight the improved camera performance and the convenience of taking high-quality selfies using the main cameras. However, some users express concerns about the battery life, particularly for heavy usage, and the long-term durability of the foldable screen, though the hinge itself is noted for its robustness.

Users prioritizing a large, traditional smartphone experience with a high-resolution display and expandable storage may find the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs, especially if they value established form factors. Conversely, individuals who seek a highly portable device with a modern, interactive design and a focus on unique camera functionalities will likely lean towards the Galaxy Z Flip5. This device is particularly appealing to those who appreciate the blend of a compact form factor with a full-sized smartphone experience when unfolded. Both models, especially as quality-assured refurbished options, offer a sustainable choice for consumers looking to extend the life cycle of electronic products.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons