Galaxy S20+ 5G Vs Google Pixel 7

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

Refurbished price:191.00

Versus €590.00 new

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Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:160.00

Versus €756.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, released in March 2020, and the Google Pixel 7, launched in October 2022, represent different generations of Android smartphones. While both devices offer a premium experience, the Pixel 7 benefits from more recent hardware and software advancements, particularly in its camera system and extended software support. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, running Samsung's One UI on Android, provides a feature-rich interface, whereas the Pixel 7 offers a clean, stock Android experience with Google's unique computational photography and AI features.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, launched in March 2020, is an older device compared to the Google Pixel 7, which arrived in October 2022. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S20 series officially concluded its software updates and security patches in March 2025, meaning it no longer receives new Android versions or regular security updates. In contrast, the Google Pixel 7 is guaranteed five years of OS and security updates from its launch, extending its support until October 2027. This provides the Pixel 7 with a significantly longer period of official support, which is crucial for security and access to new features.
  • Practical Lifespan: While the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G remains functional, its lack of ongoing software updates means it may become less secure over time and incompatible with newer applications. The Pixel 7, with its extended support, offers a longer practical lifespan for users who prioritize up-to-date software and security.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and the Google Pixel 7 deliver capable performance for daily tasks, though they approach it with different hardware philosophies.

  • Processing Power: The Pixel 7 features a more recent generation processor designed by Google, which is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, contributing to smooth operation and efficient handling of demanding applications. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, while still powerful, uses an older generation processor that capably handles multitasking and most applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, which users generally reported as providing all-day power with typical usage. The Pixel 7 has a slightly smaller 4355 mAh battery, and while it can last a full day for many users, some reports indicate that heavy usage might require more frequent charging.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: Both devices offer various storage options, typically starting at 128GB. The Pixel 7 generally provides a fluid and responsive user experience, benefiting from its optimized software and newer hardware. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G also offers a responsive experience, with 12GB of RAM in many configurations, which aids in smooth multitasking.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is a highlight, though there are distinctions in their display technologies and characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, offering a very sharp and detailed viewing experience. The Google Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing clear visuals on a slightly smaller screen.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to exceptionally smooth scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in compatible apps and games. The Pixel 7 offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which is also smoother than standard 60Hz displays, providing a good balance between fluidity and battery efficiency.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: Both displays offer vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED technology. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G's higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate can offer a more immersive and detailed viewing experience, while the Pixel 7's display is noted for being bright and good-looking, suitable for various lighting conditions.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Photography is a strong suit for both the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and the Google Pixel 7, each offering distinct advantages in their camera systems.

  • Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 12 MP wide, 64 MP telephoto with 3x hybrid optical zoom, 12 MP ultrawide, and a DepthVision camera. The Pixel 7 simplifies with a dual-camera system, comprising a 50 MP wide main sensor and a 12 MP ultrawide lens, relying heavily on computational photography.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 is widely praised for its computational photography, excelling in producing natural-looking images with excellent detail and color accuracy, particularly in everyday and low-light conditions. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G also delivers strong camera performance, especially with its dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and improved low-light capabilities compared to its predecessors.
  • Video Recording and Features: Both phones are capable of high-quality video recording. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G offers 8K video recording, though its practical utility may be limited for many users. The Pixel 7 provides strong 4K video quality at 60 frames per second, with features like Cinematic mode and enhanced stabilization.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two smartphones, impacting daily usability and convenience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and feature USB-C ports for charging and data transfer, neither includes a traditional headphone jack. The Pixel 7 supports Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.2, offering slightly newer wireless standards compared to the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G's Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G includes an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which some users found to be less consistent than desired. The Pixel 7 features an under-display optical fingerprint scanner and also reintroduces Face Unlock for convenient access.
  • Build and Handling: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G has a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass 6) with an aluminum frame, offering a premium feel and IP68 dust/water resistance. The Pixel 7 uses Gorilla Glass Victus for both front and back, also with an aluminum frame and IP68 rating, providing enhanced durability. The Pixel 7 is slightly more compact and heavier than the S20 Plus 5G.

Weight

188 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.3

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and the Google Pixel 7 cater to slightly different user priorities, reflecting their respective release timelines and design philosophies. Users often praise the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G for its expansive, high-resolution 120Hz display and its versatile camera system, particularly the optical zoom capabilities. Some common criticisms from users include the performance of its in-display fingerprint sensor and its battery life, which some found to be average, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled.

The Google Pixel 7, on the other hand, receives consistent acclaim for its exceptional computational photography, delivering impressive image quality in various conditions. Users also appreciate its clean Android experience and the promise of extended software updates. Criticisms sometimes point to its battery life, which, while generally sufficient for a day, may not match some competitors under heavy use, and its 90Hz display, while smooth, is not as high a refresh rate as some other devices.

Users prioritizing a larger, higher-resolution display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom may find the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value cutting-edge computational photography, a streamlined Android experience, and a longer period of guaranteed software support will likely lean towards the Google Pixel 7. Both devices offer robust performance for daily tasks, and choosing between them often comes down to whether a user prioritizes display specifications and hardware zoom or software-driven camera excellence and long-term software longevity. For those seeking a sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, extending their useful life and reducing electronic waste.

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