The smartphone market is a battleground of innovation, and two titans that fiercely competed were the OnePlus 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S20. Both devices arrived with impressive specs and promises of premium experiences, leaving many consumers wondering which one truly reigns supreme.
If you’re torn between these two powerhouse phones, this comparison is for you. We’ll dive deep into what makes each device tick, from their displays and performance to their camera capabilities and battery life.
Get ready to see how the OnePlus 8 stacks up against the Samsung S20, helping you make an informed decision on which flagship deserves a spot in your pocket.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | oneplus 8 | samsung s20 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.55 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Display Type | Fluid AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB |
| Rear Camera (Main) | 48MP | 12MP |
| Rear Camera (Ultrawide) | 16MP | 12MP |
| Rear Camera (Telephoto) | 8MP | 64MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 4300 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 30W Wired | 25W Wired |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Oneplus 8: Features a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, though it lacks the adaptive refresh rate found in some competitors.
- Samsung S20: Boasts a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This provides exceptionally fluid motion and excellent color accuracy, making it a top-tier display experience.
- Winner: samsung s20
Processor
- Oneplus 8: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus, paired with up to 12GB of RAM. This chipset offers excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming, though it’s a generation behind the absolute latest.
- Samsung S20: Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (in most regions) or Exynos 990, both high-end chips with ample power. These processors deliver flagship-level performance for demanding applications and multitasking.
- Winner: samsung s20
Camera System
- Oneplus 8: Comes with a triple-camera setup: a 48MP main sensor, a 16MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The main sensor captures good photos in daylight, but the secondary lenses are less impressive and lack telephoto capabilities.
- Samsung S20: Features a more versatile triple-camera array: a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom. This setup offers greater flexibility, especially for zoom shots and generally produces more consistent results.
- Winner: samsung s20
Battery Life & Charging
- Oneplus 8: Houses a 4300mAh battery with 30W Warp Charge 30T fast charging. It provides solid all-day battery life for most users and charges remarkably quickly.
- Samsung S20: Equipped with a 4000mAh battery and supports 25W wired fast charging, along with 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. Battery life is generally good, and the added wireless charging options offer convenience.
- Winner: oneplus 8
Build Quality & Design
- Oneplus 8: Features a glass sandwich design with an aluminum frame. It feels premium in hand, though the curved display might not be for everyone and it lacks official IP water resistance rating.
- Samsung S20: Sports a premium glass and aluminum build with an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. The design is sleek and modern, with a flatter display than its predecessor, and the IP rating adds peace of mind.
- Winner: samsung s20
Software Experience
- Oneplus 8: Runs OxygenOS, known for its clean, near-stock Android experience with useful customizations and fast updates. It’s generally praised for its fluidity and lack of bloatware.
- Samsung S20: Runs Samsung’s One UI on top of Android, offering a feature-rich experience with extensive customization options. While it has more pre-installed apps, One UI is well-polished and offers many unique Samsung features.
- Winner: oneplus 8
5G Connectivity
- Oneplus 8: Offers 5G connectivity, making it future-proof for faster network speeds where available. The implementation is generally solid, though availability might depend on the specific model and region.
- Samsung S20: Also includes 5G support, with some models offering sub-6GHz and others mmWave for the fastest possible speeds. Samsung’s integration of 5G is robust and widely supported.
- Winner: samsung s20
Price & Value
- Oneplus 8: Launched at a more competitive price point, offering a strong flagship experience for less money. It provides excellent value for those seeking high performance without the absolute top-tier features.
- Samsung S20: Positioned as a premium flagship, it came with a higher price tag. While it offers more advanced features, the initial cost was a significant factor for many consumers.
- Winner: oneplus 8
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Samsung S20 (120Hz, Dynamic AMOLED 2X) |
| Performance | Tie (Snapdragon 865 is excellent on both) |
| Camera System | Samsung S20 (More versatile zoom) |
| Battery Life | OnePlus 8 (Slightly larger battery, comparable longevity) |
| Software Experience | OnePlus 8 (Cleaner, near-stock Android) |
| Charging Speed | OnePlus 8 (30W vs 25W) |
| Value for Money | OnePlus 8 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones boast impressive AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios for an immersive viewing experience.
- High Refresh Rates: While the S20 has a slight edge, both devices feature high refresh rates (90Hz for the OnePlus 8, 120Hz for the S20) that result in smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a generally more responsive feel.
- Powerful Processors: Both the OnePlus 8 and Samsung S20 are equipped with top-tier flagship processors (Snapdragon 865 for both, with the S20 also offering an Exynos variant), ensuring snappy performance for demanding apps, games, and multitasking.
- Fast Charging: Users of both phones can expect quick top-ups thanks to their fast-charging capabilities, minimizing downtime and getting you back to using your device sooner.
- Modern Design: Both devices feature sleek, modern designs with minimal bezels and punch-hole cutouts for the front-facing cameras, contributing to a premium aesthetic.
Oneplus 8 Vs Samsung S20 Buying Guide
Performance and Everyday Use
For daily tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming, both the OnePlus 8 and Samsung S20 offer exceptional performance. The Snapdragon 865 in the OnePlus 8 is a powerhouse, providing smooth multitasking and quick app loading. Samsung’s Exynos 990 (in most international markets) or Snapdragon 865 (in some regions) also delivers top-tier speed. You’ll find that for most users, the difference in everyday responsiveness will be negligible. Consider the OnePlus 8 if you prioritize a clean, unadulterated Android experience and blazing-fast performance that feels consistently snappy. (See Also: Maybelline Exhilarator Vs Pioneer )
Camera Capabilities
When it comes to photography, the Samsung S20 generally holds an edge due to its more versatile camera system. It features a telephoto lens with optical zoom, allowing for better quality zoomed-in shots, and often produces more vibrant, punchy photos straight out of the camera. The OnePlus 8’s camera is still very capable, producing sharp and well-exposed images in good lighting. However, for users who frequently zoom or demand the absolute best in low-light photography and color science, the S20 is the more compelling option. If photography is a primary concern, the S20 is the stronger contender.
Display and Design
Both devices boast stunning AMOLED displays with high refresh rates, making for incredibly smooth visuals. The OnePlus 8 features a 90Hz display, while the Samsung S20 offers a 120Hz refresh rate. While the 120Hz on the S20 is technically superior, the 90Hz on the OnePlus 8 is still a significant upgrade over standard 60Hz and provides a fluid experience. In terms of design, both phones are sleek and premium. The S20 might feel slightly more compact and refined to some, while the OnePlus 8 offers a slightly larger screen real estate in a similar footprint. The choice here often comes down to personal preference for screen smoothness and overall in-hand feel.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor for any smartphone user. The OnePlus 8 generally offers slightly better battery endurance compared to the Samsung S20, especially when the S20’s 120Hz display is actively used, which consumes more power. Both phones support fast wired charging, with OnePlus’s Warp Charge technology often being quicker than Samsung’s standard fast charging. Wireless charging is available on both, though Samsung typically offers slightly faster wireless charging speeds. If maximizing battery longevity and quick top-ups are your priority, the OnePlus 8 might have a slight advantage. (See Also: Omron Bp5450 Vs Bp7450 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy oneplus 8 If…
- You prioritize a clean, near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware.
- You want excellent performance and a smooth display at a more competitive price point.
- You value faster charging speeds and a slightly larger display for media consumption.
Buy samsung s20 If…
- You desire the absolute best display technology with a higher 120Hz refresh rate.
- You need a more versatile camera system, especially for zoom photography.
- You are invested in the Samsung ecosystem and prefer its One UI software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones feature excellent AMOLED displays. The Samsung S20 boasts a higher 120Hz refresh rate, offering exceptionally smooth scrolling and animations. The OnePlus 8 has a 90Hz refresh rate, which is still a significant improvement over standard 60Hz displays and provides a fluid visual experience. While the S20’s display is technically superior in terms of refresh rate, the OnePlus 8’s display is still fantastic for everyday use and media consumption.
How do the cameras compare?
The Samsung S20 generally has a more versatile camera system, particularly with its dedicated telephoto lens offering superior optical zoom capabilities. It often produces more vibrant and punchy photos straight out of the camera. The OnePlus 8’s camera is still very good, capturing sharp and well-exposed images in most conditions. However, for users who frequently zoom or prioritize advanced photographic features and color processing, the S20 is the more advanced option.
Which phone offers better performance?
Both the OnePlus 8 and Samsung S20 are powered by flagship processors (Snapdragon 865 or equivalent Exynos), delivering outstanding performance for all tasks, from demanding games to seamless multitasking. For everyday use, the performance difference is largely imperceptible. Both devices handle intensive applications with ease, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience throughout their lifespan. (See Also: Furnace Rental Vs Purchase )
Is the battery life significantly different?
The OnePlus 8 generally offers slightly better battery life than the Samsung S20, especially when the S20’s 120Hz display is in use, as it consumes more power. Both phones support fast wired charging, with OnePlus’s Warp Charge often being quicker. Wireless charging is available on both, though Samsung may offer slightly faster speeds. For users prioritizing longer battery endurance, the OnePlus 8 has a slight edge.
Which phone is a better value for money?
The OnePlus 8 often comes in at a more competitive price point than the Samsung S20, making it a strong contender for those seeking flagship performance and features without the absolute top-tier cost. While the S20 offers some advanced features like a higher refresh rate display and more versatile camera, the OnePlus 8 provides a compelling balance of power, display quality, and user experience at a more accessible price, often representing better overall value.
Final Verdict
The Samsung S20 excels with its superior camera versatility, including a dedicated telephoto lens, and a technically superior 120Hz display. However, the OnePlus 8 offers a fantastic overall experience with its powerful performance, smooth 90Hz display, and often better battery life, all at a more attractive price point. For those prioritizing photography and the absolute smoothest display, the S20 is the choice. For a balanced flagship experience that offers excellent value, the OnePlus 8 stands out.
Winner: Samsung S20