Samsung Galaxy S20 – three new models with 5G & better performance
On 11 February, Samsung presented three new mobile phones during Galaxy Unpacked – Galaxy S20, the Galaxy S20 Plus and the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Each is faster, has better cameras, and better batteries compared to last year’s models.
Text:
Daniel Haaf
Samsung has released several new mobile phones in the Galaxy S20-series, a foldable phone in Galaxy Z Flip and the ear-buds Galaxy Buds Plus.
The upgrades compared to last year's models are significant with better cameras, higher battery capacity and 5G support in all phones (except the cheapest where 5G is optional).
The main improvements in the Galaxy S20-series are the video recording in 8K-resolution, a high resolution 108-megapixel primary camera in the Galaxy S20 Ultra and of course the 5G support. Another mention-worthy function is Quick Share, Samsung's answer to Apple AirDrop for quicker file sharing between mobile phones.
Samsung also has a new partnership with Netflix to bring a better viewing experience to Galaxy S20 users who get exclusive bonus content for several Netflix made movies and series. The content is partly shot on a Galaxy S20 and is accessible through Samsung Daily and other channels from the phone maker.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy S20 series will have three different display sizes: 6.2, 6.7 and 6.9 inches and all three will use an AMOLED display with a resolution of 3400 x 1 440 pixels. On top of the display sits a screen protector from Corning that will protect it from scratches. An interesting detail is the refresh rate of 120Hz, which is higher than on most other mobile phones on the market today.
Camera
The most talked-about topic when it comes to the Galaxy S20 series are the new cameras. The Galaxy S20 Ultra steals the limelight with a 108-megapixel camera, a resolution that only a few other mobile phones can currently brag about. The Galaxy S20 Ultra also features a 40-megapixel front camera.
The sibling models on the other hand are considerably more modest with a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 10-megapixel front camera. All three models stand out with their ultra-wide angle lens for ultra-wide pictures.
Video recording
Video recording is identical for all the Galaxy models. The rear camera captures 8K resolution with 24 frames per second while the selfie camera captures 4K resolution with 30 pictures per second.
Processor
With a new generation of mobile phones, there often follows a faster and more energy- efficient processor. The Samsung Galaxy S20 series is no exception with the latest generation processors from both Samsung and Qualcomm – Exynos 990 and Snapdragon 865 – for maximum performance, functionality and energy efficiency.
The processor has 12GB or 16GB of internal memory depending on the model. The cheaper models use 12GB while the flagship model, the Galaxy S20 Ultra, gets 16GB in its most expensive configuration.
Battery
Samsung increases the battery capacity significantly with the Galaxy S20 series. The smallest model, the Galaxy S20 starts at 4 000 mAh which is a significant raise compared to last year’s Galaxy S10’s 3 400 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 Plus has a battery capacity of 4 500 mAh and the Galaxy S20 5 000 mAh. Unfortunately, there is no information regarding battery time, but we’re hoping for a positive development.
Operating system
The entire Galaxy S20 series is expected to be released with the latest Android 10. On top of the operating system is an interface from Samsung called One UI 2.0.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
The flagship model in this series is the Galaxy S20 Ultra. This model has the largest display, the highest battery capacity and best cameras, but beyond that the Galaxy S20 Ultra does not seem to differ much from the smaller siblings the Galaxy S20 Plus and Galaxy S20. The price tag is obviously the highest of all and starts at £1,199.
We list the latest prices and availability on the product pages for Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
- Display: 6,9 inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 3 200 x 1 440 pixels
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 990, Snapdragon 865
- RAM: 12 or 16GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB, 256GB or 128GB, up to 1TB microSD-card
- Selfie camera: 40 megapixels
- Main camera: 108 megapixels
- Ultra-wide angle: 12 megapixels
- Telephoto: 48 megapixels
- Zoom: 10x optical, 100x digital
- Video recording: 8K with 24 fps
- Battery: 5 000 mAh
- Operating system: Android 10 with One UI 2.0
- Measurement & weight: 167x76x8.8mm, 221g
- Price: from £1,199
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus is the mid-range model with a somewhat smaller display than the Galaxy S20 Ultra. The biggest difference compared to the Galaxy S20 Ultra is the cameras where the resolution of both the selfie camera and the main camera are significantly lower. Also, the battery capacity is noticeably smaller. Just like Galaxy S20 Ultra, this phone supports up to 512GB storage, but you have to settle with 12GB RAM.
We list the latest prices and availability on the product pages for Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
- Display: 6,7 inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 3 200 x 1 440 pixels
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 990m, Snapdragon 865
- RAM: 12GB RAM
- Storage: 256GB or 128GB, up to 1TB microSD-card
- Selfie camera: 10 megapixels, 4K/60p
- Main camera: 12 megapixels
- Ultra-wide-angle: 12 megapixels
- Telephoto: 64 megapixels
- Zoom: 3x optical, 30x digital
- Video recording: 8K with 24 fps
- Battery: 4 500 mAh
- Operating system: Android 10 with One UI 2.0
- Measurement & weight: 162x74x7.8mm, 188g
- Price: from £999
Samsung Galaxy S20
The Samsung Galaxy S20 is expected to be the smallest and cheapest model in the series. As with the Galaxy S20 Plus, the biggest difference compared to the Ultra model is slightly inferior cameras, a smaller display, a lower battery capacity and obviously a more appealing price tag. If you want a new Galaxy S20 model with as small display as possible, then this is the mobile phone for you.
We list the latest prices and availability on the product pages for Samsung Galaxy S20 4G 128GB and Galaxy S20 5G 128GB.
- Display: 6,2 inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 3 200 x 1 440 pixels
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 990, Snapdragon 865
- RAM: 12GB RAM
- Storage: 128GB, up to 1TB microSD-card
- Selfie camera: 10 megapixels
- Main camera: 12 megapixels
- Ultra wide-angle: 12 megapixels
- Telephoto: 64 megapixels
- Zoom: 3x optical, 30x digital
- Video recording: 8K with 24 fps
- Battery: 4 000 mAh
- Operating system: Android 10 with One UI 2.0
- Measurement & weight: 152x68x7.9mm, 164g
- Price: from £899
Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus
During Galaxy Unfold, Samsung announced its second-generation true wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds Plus.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus is visually identical to the original Galaxy Buds but with several improvements.
Most noticeably is the better battery capacity with up to 11 hours of usage on a single charge without the case, and 22 hours with the charging case. It takes only three minutes to charge the Galaxy Buds over USB-C to get an hour of playing time.
Galaxy Buds Plus have dual dynamic drivers designed by AKG, which should improve the audio quality compared to the original Galaxy Buds. There are also now two external microphones, with a total of three, which should help improve voice call performance.
Sales of the Galaxy Buds Plus starts on 11 February.
This article is written by Prisjakt’s editorial staff. No one else has influenced the content of it. There are no paid links or other types of advertising collaborations. Daniel Haaf can be reached at [email protected].