Galaxy S20+ 5G Vs iPhone 14

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

Refurbished price:191.00

Versus €590.00 new

See options
iPhone 14
iPhone 14
Starting at

Refurbished price:287.25

Versus €759.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, released in March 2020, and the Apple iPhone 14, launched in September 2022, represent different generations and operating systems within the smartphone market. While both offer premium experiences, key distinctions lie in their display technology, camera capabilities, and long-term software support. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G operates on Android, offering a customizable user experience, whereas the iPhone 14 runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and streamlined interface.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G was released in March 2020, making it an older device compared to the iPhone 14, which launched in September 2022. This difference in release dates impacts their respective positions in the update cycle.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G launched with Android 10 and received major operating system updates up to Android 13, which was its final major Android update. In contrast, the iPhone 14, starting with iOS 16, is currently running iOS 26.4 and is expected to receive several more years of updates, offering a longer period of access to new features and security enhancements.
  • Practical Lifespan: Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. However, the iPhone 14 benefits from Apple's Ceramic Shield front cover, which provides enhanced durability against drops. Users prioritizing extended software longevity and the latest features will find the iPhone 14 offers a longer practical lifespan due to its newer release and Apple's extended update policy.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to multitasking and gaming.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience. The iPhone 14 features a current-generation processor that ensures fluid navigation, quick app loading, and efficient handling of graphics-intensive tasks.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: With 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is well-suited for keeping numerous applications open simultaneously without significant slowdowns. The iPhone 14, with 6GB of RAM, also manages multitasking effectively within the iOS ecosystem, allowing users to switch between apps efficiently.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides ample power for a full day of typical use, though heavy usage with the 120Hz display can impact longevity. The iPhone 14, despite a smaller battery capacity of 3279 mAh, is optimized for efficient power consumption, often delivering all-day battery life for many users. Some users have reported that the iPhone 14's battery can last through a full day of heavy use.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a primary consideration for many users, and both devices offer distinct display characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, offering sharp images and vibrant colors. The iPhone 14 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks and excellent contrast with a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate at FHD+ resolution, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience. The iPhone 14 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistent and clear viewing experience for everyday use.
  • Brightness Levels: Both displays offer good brightness for various lighting conditions. The iPhone 14's Super Retina XDR display can achieve high peak brightness, which is beneficial for outdoor visibility and HDR content. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G also provides strong brightness, ensuring content remains visible even in brighter environments.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

For many, the camera system is a deciding factor, and both phones offer capable setups for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G boasts a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 12MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a DepthVision camera. This configuration allows for detailed shots and flexible zoom options. The iPhone 14 features a dual-camera system with a 12MP main sensor with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and a 12MP ultrawide lens, designed for strong performance in various conditions.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G delivers clear and vibrant photos in good lighting, with its telephoto lens excelling at zoomed-in shots. Its low-light performance is also considered strong. The iPhone 14's camera system is noted for capturing detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in regular daytime conditions, and offers improved low-light capabilities compared to previous iPhone models.
  • Video Recording Quality: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps, offering high-resolution video capture. The iPhone 14 supports 4K video recording at various frame rates, including 24, 25, 30, and 60fps, and introduces features like Cinematic Mode in 4K and Action Mode for stabilized footage.
  • Audio Experience: Both devices offer stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience during media consumption. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G's audio is tuned by AKG. The iPhone 14 also provides clear speaker output.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity Options: Both the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and the iPhone 14 support 5G connectivity, enabling faster mobile data speeds where available. They also feature Wi-Fi 6 for improved wireless network performance. The iPhone 14 includes Bluetooth 5.3, a newer standard than the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G's Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Ports and Sensors: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G utilizes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and includes an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. The iPhone 14 uses Apple's Lightning port and relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G has a 6.7-inch display and weighs around 186-188 grams, featuring a glass front and back with an aluminum frame. The iPhone 14 is more compact with a 6.1-inch display and a lighter weight of 172 grams, also featuring an aluminum frame and glass back, but with a Ceramic Shield front for added durability.

Weight

188 g

172 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

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and the iPhone 14 cater to users with differing priorities, reflecting their distinct operating systems and release timelines. Users often praise the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G for its expansive, high-refresh-rate display and versatile camera system, particularly its telephoto capabilities and 8K video recording. Its customizable Android experience and expandable storage are also frequently highlighted as strong points. Some common criticisms have included the battery drain when consistently using the 120Hz refresh rate and the eventual end of major OS updates.

The iPhone 14 is generally lauded for its consistent performance, robust build quality with Ceramic Shield, and its reliable camera system, which excels in both photo and video capture, including new features like Action Mode. Its long-term software support and integrated ecosystem are also significant advantages for many users. Some user concerns have occasionally focused on the 60Hz display refresh rate and, for some, the battery life, though it is generally considered sufficient for a full day.

Users prioritizing a larger, high-refresh-rate display and a highly customizable Android experience with expandable storage may prefer the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G. Conversely, users who value a compact design, extended software longevity, a streamlined user experience, and advanced video features will find the iPhone 14 well-suited to their needs. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons