Samsung Galaxy S20 review
Verdict
For most people, the Samsung Galaxy S20 is the best Android phone available right now. This will likely be the biggest selling flagship Android device of the year, with a lot of happy customers.
Pros
- Lovely screen
- A perfect size
- Huge camera improvements over the S10
Cons
- The fingerprint scanner is poor
- 120Hz refresh rate drains battery
- It looks just like every other Samsung phone
Key Specifications
- Review Price: £799
- CPU: Snapdragon 865/Exynos 990
- Memory: 8/12GB RAM
- Battery capacity: 4000mAh
- Interface: OneUI 2.0
- Audio: no headphone jack
- 5G? Yes - 4G/5G options
- Display: 6.2-inch 120Hz OLED QHD+
The regular Samsung Galaxy S20 may not grab the same headlines as its Galaxy S20 Ultra and Galaxy S20 Plus relatives, but it’s still equipped with much of the same advanced mobile technology. Priced at a slightly more reasonable $999 than the $1,399 S20 Ultra, the Galaxy S20 is likely to be most consumers’ entry point to this year’s flagship series.
This makes the Galaxy S20 an even more important handset for Samsung than in previous years. It has to prove that the cheapest S20 isn’t an afterthought and can still provide a flagship experience — especially when even more affordable mid-tier 5G smartphones are chomping at Samsung’s heels.
This makes the Galaxy S20 an even more important handset for Samsung than in previous years. It has to prove that the cheapest S20 isn’t an afterthought and can still provide a flagship experience — especially when even more affordable mid-tier 5G smartphones are chomping at Samsung’s heels.
What’s in the box?
- The best Galaxy S20 cases
- The regular Samsung Galaxy S20 may not grab the same headlines as its Galaxy S20 Ultra and Galaxy S20 Plus relatives, but it’s still equipped with much of the same advanced mobile technology. Priced at a slightly more reasonable $999 than the $1,399 S20 Ultra, the Galaxy S20 is likely to be most consumers’ entry point to this year’s flagship series.
This makes the Galaxy S20 an even more important handset for Samsung than in previous years. It has to prove that the cheapest S20 isn’t an afterthought and can still provide a flagship experience — especially when even more affordable mid-tier 5G smartphones are chomping at Samsung’s heels.
Sadly, there’s isn’t a screen protector or case included. That’s definitely something you’ll want to source yourself if you’re accident prone, given the phone’s glass back.
Nailing the Basics, and Then Some
The appeal starts with the phone's size. The 6.7-inch Galaxy S20 Plus isn't as unwieldy as the gargantuan S20 Ultra with its 6.9-inch screen, but it still requires you to shuffle it in your hand (or employ your other hand) to reach the top of the screen. I couldn't be happier with the Galaxy S20, though. It fits my palm and slips into my pockets. Also, tapping all parts of the 6.2-inch screen is easy—my partner, whose hands are significantly smaller than mine, agrees.But don't let the smaller size fool you. Even if it gives me a better grip, the S20 is still an all-glass slab, so you should snag a case. (I really like this one from Griffin.) You'll really want to protect that OLED screen, not just because it's expensive to repair, but it's also quite stunning
Camera
Let’s start with the camera since it’s the big focus here. Even though it’s the Galaxy S20 Ultra that benefits from the fancy new additions (108-megapixel main sensor, 100x zoom, 40-megapixel selfie), the S20 offers a significant upgrade. I prefer the photos and shooting experience here anyway.
There are three main rear cameras: a wide 12-megapixel with an f/1.8 lens and OIS; an ultra-wide 12-megapixel; and a 64-megapixel telephoto with an f/2.0 lens and OIS. Samsung says the sensor on that main 12-megapixel camera has been completely rebuilt, with its bigger pixels allowing in more light.
The most important thing for anyone upgrading from last year’s Galaxy S10 is that the resulting snaps are a huge leap forward. Samsung’s camera offering had stagnated for years, with the same sensor repeatedly used in its handsets. With the S20, the company kicks things up a gear.
The second key takeaway is just how bright, vivid and colourful outdoor and well-lit shots are. Without feeling oversaturated or fake, the photos are gloriously punchy, especially when compared to those produced by rival phones such as the Google Pixel 4 and Apple iPhone 11.
The second key takeaway is just how bright, vivid and colourful outdoor and well-lit shots are. Without feeling oversaturated or fake, the photos are gloriously punchy, especially when compared to those produced by rival phones such as the Google Pixel 4 and Apple iPhone 11.
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