Choosing between Samsung’s flagship phones can be a tough decision, especially when the camera is your top priority. The Galaxy S20 and S20 Plus share a lot of DNA, but subtle differences in their camera systems might sway your choice.
Are you wondering if the extra features and capabilities of the S20 Plus camera are worth the upgrade? This comparison dives deep into the ‘s20 vs s20 plus camera’ debate. We’ll explore the hardware, software, and real-world performance to help you decide.
From sensor sizes to lens configurations, understanding these distinctions is key. Let’s break down what each phone brings to the table photographically.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s20 | s20 plus camera |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Display Resolution | 3200 x 1440 (WQHD+) | 3200 x 1440 (WQHD+) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz (at FHD+) | 120Hz (at FHD+) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB (expandable via microSD) | 128GB / 512GB (expandable via microSD) |
| Rear Camera (Main) | 12MP Wide | 12MP Wide |
| Rear Camera (Ultra-Wide) | 12MP Ultra-Wide | 12MP Ultra-Wide |
| Rear Camera (Telephoto) | 64MP Telephoto (3x Hybrid Optic Zoom) | 64MP Telephoto (3x Hybrid Optic Zoom) |
| Depth Sensor | No | Yes (DepthVision Camera) |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Battery Capacity | 4000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Main Camera Sensor
- S20: Features a 12MP wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS. It also has a 64MP telephoto lens for zoomed shots and a 12MP ultrawide lens. This setup is excellent for general photography, producing sharp and vibrant images in good lighting.
- S20 Plus Camera: Boasts a similar 12MP wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS, along with a 64MP telephoto lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The addition of a DepthVision camera (ToF sensor) aids in better portrait mode effects and AR applications.
- Winner: s20 plus camera
Telephoto Lens (Zoom)
- S20: Utilizes a 64MP sensor for its telephoto capabilities, offering 3x hybrid zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. While the 64MP sensor allows for cropping and decent zoomed-in shots, the quality can degrade at higher zoom levels.
- S20 Plus Camera: Also employs a 64MP sensor for telephoto, providing the same 3x hybrid zoom and 30x digital zoom. The primary difference is often in post-processing and how the sensor is utilized in conjunction with the other lenses.
- Winner: Tie
Ultrawide Camera
- S20: Equipped with a 12MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. This lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots, though some distortion can occur at the edges.
- S20 Plus Camera: Also features a 12MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. Its performance is very similar to the S20’s, delivering impressive wide-angle shots.
- Winner: Tie
Depth Sensing (Portrait Mode)
- S20: Relies on software algorithms and the main camera sensors for portrait mode effects. While capable of producing good bokeh, it can sometimes struggle with precise edge detection on complex subjects.
- S20 Plus Camera: Includes a dedicated DepthVision camera (ToF sensor). This hardware-assisted depth sensing significantly improves the accuracy and naturalness of background blur in portrait shots, leading to more professional-looking results.
- Winner: s20 plus camera
Low-Light Performance
- S20: Offers decent low-light performance thanks to its larger pixels on the main sensor and night mode. Images can be brightened effectively, but noise can become noticeable in very dark conditions.
- S20 Plus Camera: Similar to the S20, it benefits from the same main sensor and night mode for low-light photography. The addition of the ToF sensor doesn’t directly impact low-light image capture but can indirectly help with focus in challenging conditions.
- Winner: Tie
Video Recording Capabilities
- S20: Supports up to 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at 60fps. The video quality is generally excellent, with good stabilization and detail.
- S20 Plus Camera: Also capable of 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at 60fps. The video performance is largely identical to the S20, offering smooth and high-resolution footage.
- Winner: Tie
Front Camera
- S20: Features a 10MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture. It captures detailed selfies and supports dual-pixel autofocus for sharp focus.
- S20 Plus Camera: Also sports a 10MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture and dual-pixel autofocus. The front camera experience is essentially the same on both devices.
- Winner: Tie
Specialized Camera Features (e.g., AR)
- S20: Offers various software-based camera features and AR capabilities through apps. Its performance in these areas is good but relies heavily on software processing.
- S20 Plus Camera: The inclusion of the DepthVision camera (ToF sensor) provides a more robust platform for AR applications and enhanced depth mapping, leading to more immersive and accurate augmented reality experiences.
- Winner: s20 plus camera
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | s20 plus camera |
| Camera Versatility (Depth Sensing) | s20 plus camera |
| Battery Capacity | s20 plus camera |
| Storage Options | s20 plus camera |
| Compactness/Ergonomics | s20 |
| Overall Value (considering price/features) | s20 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices boast stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a sharp WQHD+ resolution, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. They also share the same impressive 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth scrolling and gaming experiences, though this is limited to FHD+ resolution.
- Performance: Under the hood, both the s20 and s20 plus camera are powered by the same top-tier Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 processors, paired with generous RAM options. This ensures flagship-level performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Primary Camera Hardware: The core camera setup for everyday shots is identical, featuring a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. Both also include a 64MP telephoto lens for impressive zoom capabilities, providing flexibility for various photographic scenarios.
- Front-Facing Camera: For selfies and video calls, both phones are equipped with the same high-quality 10MP front-facing camera, ensuring clear and detailed self-portraits.
- Expandable Storage: Users of both the s20 and s20 plus camera can expand their storage beyond the internal options by using a microSD card, offering ample space for photos, videos, and apps.
- Build Quality: Both devices are constructed with premium materials, featuring a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, contributing to a solid and high-quality feel in hand.
S20 Vs S20 Plus Camera Buying Guide
Camera Hardware: The Core Differences
The primary distinction in camera hardware lies in the S20 Plus’s inclusion of a DepthVision camera. While both phones boast impressive main, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, this additional sensor on the S20 Plus significantly enhances its ability to capture depth information. This translates to more refined portrait shots with better background blur and improved subject separation, especially in challenging lighting conditions. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Image Processing and Software Features
Beyond the hardware, software plays a crucial role. Both the S20 and S20 Plus benefit from Samsung’s advanced image processing algorithms, delivering vibrant colors and excellent detail in most scenarios. However, the S20 Plus’s DepthVision camera can subtly influence software-driven features like Live Focus, offering a slightly more polished bokeh effect. For everyday shooting, the differences are often minimal, but for photography enthusiasts, these nuances can be noticeable.
Low-Light Performance and Night Mode
When it comes to capturing images in low-light environments, both the S20 and S20 Plus perform admirably. Samsung’s Night mode is effective at brightening scenes and reducing noise. The S20 Plus, with its slightly larger sensor and potentially better depth sensing for scene analysis, might offer a marginal advantage in extremely dark conditions, producing images with a touch more clarity and less reliance on aggressive noise reduction.
Video Recording Capabilities
Both devices excel in video recording, supporting up to 8K resolution. The S20 Plus’s DepthVision camera can contribute to smoother video stabilization and more accurate focus tracking, especially when shooting subjects at varying distances. While both offer professional-grade video features, the S20 Plus might provide a slightly more refined experience for those who frequently record video and value subtle improvements in focus and stabilization. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s20 If…
- You prioritize a more compact and manageable phone size without sacrificing flagship features.
- You’re a casual photographer who wants excellent everyday camera performance and good zoom capabilities.
- You’re looking for a powerful device for gaming and media consumption on a slightly smaller screen.
- Budget is a consideration, and you want a high-end Samsung experience at a potentially lower price point than the larger model.
Buy s20 plus camera If…
- You desire the largest possible display for an immersive viewing and gaming experience.
- You are a more serious mobile photographer who will benefit from the added depth sensor for enhanced portrait shots and 3D scanning capabilities.
- You need more storage options, particularly if you plan on shooting a lot of high-resolution video or storing a large media library.
- You want the slightly larger battery for extended usage between charges, especially with heavy use of the larger display.
Frequently Asked Questions
: Is the S20 Plus camera significantly better than the S20 camera for everyday photos?
For the average user, the difference between the S20 and S20 Plus cameras in everyday point-and-shoot scenarios is often subtle. Both capture excellent photos with vibrant colors and good detail. The S20 Plus’s extra depth sensor primarily benefits portrait mode and certain advanced features, which may not be utilized by everyone on a daily basis.
: Does the S20 Plus have a better zoom than the S20?
Both the S20 and S20 Plus share the same telephoto lens specifications, offering a 3x hybrid optic zoom and up to 30x Space Zoom. Therefore, in terms of zoom capabilities, there is no significant difference between the two devices. Both provide impressive zoom ranges for their class.
: Which phone is better for portrait photography, the S20 or S20 Plus?
The S20 Plus generally has an edge in portrait photography due to its dedicated DepthVision camera. This sensor helps it more accurately capture depth information, leading to more natural-looking background blur (bokeh) and better subject separation. While the S20 can still take good portraits, the S20 Plus often produces a more refined and professional-looking result. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
: Is the S20 Plus camera worth the extra cost if I’m not a professional photographer?
If you’re not a professional photographer and don’t frequently use advanced portrait modes or specific depth-sensing features, the S20 Plus camera might not justify the extra cost for you. The S20’s camera system is already incredibly capable and will satisfy the vast majority of users for their daily photographic needs.
: Can the S20 Plus shoot better videos in low light than the S20?
While both phones offer excellent video recording capabilities, including in low light, the S20 Plus might offer a slight advantage. The additional depth information from its camera can potentially aid in better scene analysis and focus tracking in darker conditions, leading to slightly clearer and more stable video footage. However, the difference is often marginal.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S20 and S20 Plus both offer stellar camera experiences, but the S20 Plus pulls ahead with its added DepthVision sensor. This enhances portrait capabilities and offers subtle improvements in video. For most users, the S20 is more than sufficient, but if you prioritize the best possible portrait shots and slightly more refined video features, the S20 Plus is the superior choice.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus