Galaxy S20 5G Vs Galaxy S22 5G

Galaxy S20 5G
Galaxy S20 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£133.00

Versus £899.00 new

See options
Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£145.00

Versus £899.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G (2020) and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G (2022) are two generations of flagship smartphones from the popular S-series. While they share a similar compact footprint and high-end display technology, the two-year gap between them introduces significant changes in camera hardware, software support timelines, and physical design. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's custom interface, offering a familiar experience for long-time users while catering to different priorities regarding longevity and photography.

Scores

Durability

The primary difference in longevity between these two devices stems from their release dates and Samsung's evolving software update policies, which impact how long each remains current.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S22 5G benefits from a more generous update policy, receiving security patches and Android version updates for several years longer than the S20 5G, which is nearing the end of its official support cycle.
  • Physical Build: The S22 5G features a more robust frame and updated glass protection, making it slightly more resistant to scratches and minor impacts compared to the older S20 5G.
  • Repairability: Both models are designed with a glass-and-metal sandwich construction, meaning repairs like battery replacements or screen fixes require professional tools, though parts remain widely available for both.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both phones handle daily tasks with ease, the internal hardware reflects the two-year advancement in mobile technology, making a quality-assured refurbished option of either model a practical way to access high-end features.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G offers a more fluid experience when launching demanding applications or editing high-resolution video, thanks to its more efficient internal architecture.
  • Multitasking and Memory: Interestingly, the Galaxy S20 5G often comes with a higher amount of RAM (12GB) compared to the standard S22 5G (8GB), which can help keep more apps open in the background simultaneously.
  • Storage and Expansion: A major differentiator is the inclusion of a microSD card slot on the S20 5G, allowing users to expand storage easily, a feature that was removed in the S22 5G.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature vibrant AMOLED screens that provide deep blacks and rich colours, but the S22 5G introduces refinements in efficiency and brightness for better outdoor use.

  • Adaptive Refresh Rates: The Galaxy S22 5G uses a more advanced screen technology that can adjust its refresh rate more dynamically, helping to conserve battery life when looking at static images while remaining smooth during scrolling.
  • Outdoor Visibility: Users will find the S22 5G easier to read under direct sunlight, as it achieves a higher peak brightness compared to the S20 5G.
  • Display Size and Shape: The S20 5G has slightly curved edges and a marginally larger screen, whereas the S22 5G moves to a completely flat display, which many users find more practical for screen protectors and accidental touch prevention.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems represent the most significant hardware shift between these two generations, moving from high-resolution cropping to dedicated optical zoom lenses.

  • Main Sensor Performance: The S22 5G features a larger primary sensor that captures more light, resulting in clearer photos with less noise in indoor or evening settings compared to the S20 5G.
  • Zoom Capabilities: While the S20 5G relies on a high-megapixel sensor to crop into images, the S22 5G uses a dedicated telephoto lens for more natural-looking zoomed-in shots.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices record high-quality 4K and 8K video with stable microphones, but the S22 5G offers improved software processing for smoother stabilization during handheld filming.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily handling is influenced by the materials used and the connectivity standards supported by each model, affecting how the device feels and connects.

  • Materials and Grip: The S20 5G has a more rounded, narrow feel in the hand, while the S22 5G adopts a more industrial, squared-off design with a matte glass back that resists fingerprints better than the glossy finish of the older model.
  • Battery and Charging: The S20 5G actually houses a larger physical battery than the S22 5G, though the newer model's more efficient internals often result in similar real-world usage times for average tasks.
  • Connectivity: Both support 5G networks for fast mobile data, but the S22 5G includes support for newer Wi-Fi standards, ensuring faster and more stable connections on modern home routers.

Weight

163 g

167 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback on forums like Reddit highlights a clear divide between these two models. The Galaxy S20 5G is often praised for its inclusion of the microSD slot and its comfortable, slim design, though some users note that it can run warm during intensive tasks. Conversely, the Galaxy S22 5G receives acclaim for its significantly improved camera system and the flat display, which many find more durable and easier to use. However, a common point of discussion among S22 users is the battery life, which some feel requires a mid-day top-up during heavy use.

Choosing between these two depends largely on specific hardware preferences. Users who require expandable storage for large media libraries or prefer a slightly curved screen will find the Galaxy S20 5G a compelling choice. Those who prioritize photography, especially in low light, and want the security of long-term software updates should lean toward the Galaxy S22 5G. For those looking to make a sustainable choice, opting for a quality-assured refurbished option from a provider like Back Market ensures the device has been thoroughly tested. Ultimately, both smartphones remain highly capable, with the S22 5G offering a more modern camera experience and the S20 5G retaining classic features like expandable memory.

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