Galaxy S20 5G Vs iPhone SE (2022)

Galaxy S20 5G
Galaxy S20 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£133.00

Versus £899.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, released in February 2020, and the Apple iPhone SE (2022), launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both offer 5G connectivity, they cater to different user preferences through their operating systems, form factors, and feature sets. The Galaxy S20 5G runs on the Android platform, offering a larger display and a versatile multi-camera system, whereas the iPhone SE (2022) operates on iOS, providing a compact design with a focus on core performance and a streamlined user experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S20 5G, being an Android device from 2020, has received several major Android updates since its launch. Samsung typically provides three to four major OS updates for its flagship devices, meaning its primary software update cycle is nearing its end. The iPhone SE (2022), released two years later, benefits from Apple's generally longer software support, often extending to five or six years from its release date.

  • Software Updates: The iPhone SE (2022) is expected to receive iOS updates for a longer period, potentially offering an additional two to three years of software longevity compared to the Galaxy S20 5G.
  • Repairability: Both devices feature glass front and back panels, which can be susceptible to damage. The iPhone SE (2022) has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, while the Galaxy S20 5G boasts an IP68 rating, indicating slightly better protection against dust and water ingress.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security updates for the longest possible duration may find the iPhone SE (2022) to have a slightly extended practical lifespan in terms of software support.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components and how efficiently its operating system utilizes them. Both the Galaxy S20 5G and the iPhone SE (2022) were equipped with high-performing processors for their respective release periods, offering smooth operation for daily tasks.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE (2022) features a more recent-generation Apple Bionic chip, which provides robust performance for demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking, often matching the capabilities of Apple's flagship models from its release year. The Galaxy S20 5G, powered by a high-end processor from 2020, still handles most applications and tasks efficiently, though it may show its age in the most graphically intensive games or future demanding software.
  • System Responsiveness: Both devices offer a fluid user experience. The iPhone SE (2022)'s optimized software and powerful chip ensure quick app launches and smooth transitions. The Galaxy S20 5G, with its ample RAM (typically 12GB for the 5G model), provides excellent multitasking capabilities, allowing users to switch between numerous applications without significant slowdowns.
  • Storage Options: Both models offer various internal storage configurations. The Galaxy S20 5G typically starts with 128GB and supports expandable storage via a microSD card, offering flexibility for users with large media libraries. The iPhone SE (2022) is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage, but does not offer expandable storage.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is heavily influenced by its display technology, resolution, and overall brightness. The Galaxy S20 5G and iPhone SE (2022) offer distinct display characteristics that cater to different user preferences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S20 5G features a larger 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2022) has a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, which provides accurate colors and good brightness, but does not offer the same level of contrast or black levels as an OLED panel.
  • Resolution and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S20 5G boasts a higher resolution (1440p) and supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which results in smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, though it defaults to 60Hz to conserve battery. The iPhone SE (2022) maintains a 750p resolution and a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient for everyday use but less fluid than higher refresh rate displays.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both displays offer good brightness for indoor and outdoor viewing. The Galaxy S20 5G's AMOLED panel can achieve high peak brightness, making it suitable for bright environments. The iPhone SE (2022)'s LCD panel also provides good typical brightness, ensuring content remains visible in various lighting conditions.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

750 x 1334

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two smartphones offer different capabilities, reflecting their respective design philosophies and target audiences. Both are capable of capturing quality images and videos, but with varying levels of versatility and advanced features.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 64-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens. This configuration allows for a wider range of photographic options, from expansive landscapes to zoomed-in shots. It also supports 8K video recording. The iPhone SE (2022) features a single 12-megapixel wide rear camera. While it lacks the multiple lenses of the S20 5G, it benefits from advanced computational photography features enabled by its powerful processor, such as Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Photographic Styles. It records 4K video.
  • Low-Light Performance and Features: The Galaxy S20 5G's larger sensor and dedicated Night Mode generally provide strong low-light performance. The iPhone SE (2022) does not include a dedicated Night Mode, which can limit its performance in very dim conditions, though its computational photography helps improve overall image quality in challenging lighting.
  • Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy S20 5G has a 10-megapixel front camera, while the iPhone SE (2022) features a 7-megapixel front camera. Both are capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting video calls. For video recording, the Galaxy S20 5G offers up to 8K resolution, while the iPhone SE (2022) supports up to 4K resolution.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and unique features.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast wireless speeds and efficient connections to accessories. The Galaxy S20 5G also supports eSIM, as does the iPhone SE (2022).
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy S20 5G uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and features an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone SE (2022) utilizes Apple's Lightning port and incorporates Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S20 5G has a larger form factor with a 6.2-inch display, weighing 163 grams. Its design features curved edges and a high screen-to-body ratio. The iPhone SE (2022) is significantly more compact and lighter at 144 grams, with a 4.7-inch display and a design that includes bezels and a physical home button.

Weight

163 g

144 g

Width

6,91 cm

6 cm

Height

15,17 cm

13 cm

Depth

0,79 cm

0,73 cm

Screen size (in)

6.2

4.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G and the iPhone SE (2022) offer distinct experiences, each with its own set of strengths. Users often praise the Galaxy S20 5G for its expansive and vibrant AMOLED display, versatile camera system with optical zoom, and the flexibility of the Android operating system. However, some users have noted that its battery life, especially when utilizing the 120Hz refresh rate and 5G, can be a concern, sometimes requiring more frequent charging.

The iPhone SE (2022) is frequently lauded for its compact size, powerful and efficient processor, and the long-term software support characteristic of Apple devices. Its familiar design with Touch ID is also a positive for many. Criticisms often point to its smaller, lower-resolution LCD display and the absence of advanced camera features like Night Mode or an ultra-wide lens.

Users prioritizing a large, high-refresh-rate OLED display, a multi-lens camera system for diverse photography, and the customization options of Android may find the Galaxy S20 5G better suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a compact form factor, a powerful and future-proof processor for sustained performance, and the long-term software updates of iOS will likely prefer the iPhone SE (2022). Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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