About Samsung Galaxy S20 deals
In this guide
Samsung released its flagship Galaxy S20 series of phones on 11 February 2020. It replaced its previous flagship models in the Galaxy S10 range. Don't be fooled into thinking the S20 range is twice as good as the S10, though. As we will discover when we dig into the specs, like most jumps from one generation to another, gains are relatively small.
The Samsung Galaxy range as a whole has come on leaps and bounds over the last few generations, however. And if you're not into all things Apple – as far as Android phones go – they are generally, and rightly, regarded as one of the best phones on the market. They are not cheap, but the real question is: Are they worth it?
What are Samsung Galaxy S20 phones?
Samsung has released a newly numbered addition to its Galaxy range of flagship phones pretty much annually for as long as the range has been around. This time, though, the Galaxy S20 range (and there are a number of different versions, which we will talk about in more detail below), came a little later than previous generations.
Meanwhile, Apple and others have made their own leaps forward with their flagship models. The race is always on. But Samsung has very much held its own with the S20 range, as we will discover in the sections that follow.
What Samsung Galaxy S20 models are available?
Where some might appreciate choice, to others too many handsets to choose from only cause confusion. Samsung is certainly pushing the boundaries this generation, with seven models, all with differences in screen size and technical specifications. What follows here is a step-by-step breakdown of the differences between each model, starting with the base model, the noting the additional specifications added to each level of handset.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 (base model) – Comes with an octa-core processor, a 6.2" dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3200x1440 (Quad HD+). There are three cameras on the back offering a resolution up to a frankly insane 64 megapixels, and 10 megapixel front-facing camera. The base model offers 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It does not offer 5G connectivity. It weighs 163 grams and its total dimensions are 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9mm. Battery life is given as 14 hours.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 5G – Is exactly the same phone as the S20 base model, but additionally contains the upgraded electronics it needs to connect to an ultrafast 5G network.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 5G+ – Traditionally, the '+' on the end of a Samsung Galaxy model number refers to additional screen size. And that's no different here, with the plus model offering a 6.7" screen over a 6.2" inch screen. That may not sound like much but it actually makes a big difference to the eye, in the pocket and in the hand. This model is, as the name suggests, also equipped for 5G.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (128GB) – Bear in mind the S20 Ultra models are the most expensive of the lot. They are the flagship of the flagship. As such they come with an even bigger screen that the S20+ at 6.9" in diameter. They also have the best camera (a stunning 108MP rear camera) and the fastest possible form of 5G. This is a huge phone and one so-feature-packed we could write about it all day long and barely cover it all.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (512GB) – As the title suggests, this is a Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, but with a vastly expanded amount of onboard storage. We can't actually think of a lot of uses for this much storage, so we actually recommend this model more for anyone who just has to have the best of the best regardless of cost or need.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition (FE) – This is a more affordable version of the Galaxy S20, which Samsung debuted in September 2020. To ensure an affordable price, the company cut back on several features compared to the typical S20, including using lower-resolution cameras, a smaller 6GB RAM, and plastic encasing rather than metallic.
- Samsung Galaxy S20FE 5G – This model is exactly the same as the S20 FE save for the upgraded electronics to support 5G connectivity.
Samsung Galaxy S20 range – main features
Although there are a number of differences across the entire range of S20 phones, mostly screen size, storage, and whether or not the phones can connect to 5G, every Samsung Galaxy S20 phone also has most of its base features in common with all the others. Let's take a look here at the main features you can expect from any phone in the range.
- Fast, octa-core processors – S20 phones sold in the US use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset while those sold elsewhere use the Samsung-made Exynos 990. This difference is due to contractual requirements for American carriers to use a Qualcomm modem (due to CDMA support). Both chipsets offer high processing speed, but the Exynos 990 consistently performs better in benchmark tests than the Snapdragon 865.
- Dynamic AMOLED 2x screen – Whether the base model's 6.2" screen, the S20 FE’s 6.5", or the 6.7" and 6.9" screens of the S20+ and S20 Ultra, they all share the same bright AMOLED screen technology, offering high dynamic range, brightness that can cope easily with strong sunlight and excellent colour presentation. The S20's screens are hard to beat.
- Four cameras – Each model except the S20 Ultra has three rear-mounted cameras and one forward-facing (selfie) camera. The three rear cameras offer telephoto zoom, 960 frames per second slow motion recording, autofocus, and an incredible 64 megapixel resolution. The Ultra model is the exception with a Quad camera system that goes up to 108 megapixels. Just… why?
- A hell of a lot of memory – Only the S20 base model features 8GB of working memory (RAM), with all other models clocking in with a massive 12GB. All models offer 128GB of onboard storage, except for the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (512GB) model, which as we're sure you've worked out, offers four times as much.
- Dual-SIM – Somewhat unusually, all S20 models offer you the ability to insert a second SIM. This can be useful if you wish to keep your business and personal use on the same phone and have separate numbers.
- Face unlock and on-screen fingerprint sensor – Like the S10 series before it, you can unlock your phone by pointing it at your face, or using the fingerprint sensor, which is actually on the screen itself. Very sci-fi!
Which providers offer Samsung Galaxy S20 deals?
You can get a Samsung Galaxy S20 phone on contract or bought outright from any number of providers out there. It's not so 'boutique' and niche as something like a Google Pixel phone, so is carried pretty much everywhere and by everyone. Here is a list of providers we recommend taking a look at. Naturally, you can compare all of their deals in the table at the top of this page.
Frequently asked questions
What is Samsung Galaxy S20?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 range of phones comprises the base model, the larger-screened Galaxy S20+, the 5G version of the S20+, the even larger-screened Galaxy S20 Ultra (128GB) alongside a 512GB storage version of it, and the more affordable S20FE and S20FE 5G.
Are Samsung Galaxy S20 phones any good?
As a general answer, yes. In actual fact there are plenty of arguments that they constitute the best phones you can buy right now, though Apple fans may disagree. Certainly in the Android space they are very, very hard to beat.
Can I connect Samsung Galaxy S20 phones to my TV?
Yes. If you have a Samsung smart TV you can use screen mirroring. In addition, through the purchase of an additional adapter, you can connect your S20 directly to your TV via HDMI.
Can I get Samsung Galaxy S20 phones SIM-free?
Yes. All of the providers of Samsung Galaxy phones outlined in this article will sell you an S20 outright if you so desire. You can also purchase one both directly from Samsung, or from online electronics retailers such as Amazon, Currys, and PC World.
Can I buy refurbished Samsung Galaxy S20 phones?
The phone has been on the market for around two years, so there should be no shortage of refurbished versions for sale.