Samsung Galaxy S20 vs S10: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to decide between Samsung’s flagship phones? You’re not alone. The Samsung Galaxy S20 and its predecessor, the Galaxy S10, both boast impressive features and performance, making the choice a tough one for consumers.
This in-depth comparison dives into the key differences and similarities between these two popular smartphones. We’ll explore their designs, displays, cameras, performance, and battery life to help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
Whether you’re a long-time Samsung fan or new to the Galaxy series, this guide provides a clear and concise overview. Get ready to discover which device comes out on top in our Samsung Galaxy S20 vs S10 showdown!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | S20 | S10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 3200 x 1440 pixels | 3040 x 1440 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 12MP + 12MP + 16MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 3400 mAh |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | No (some models) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 512GB |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Features a stunning 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. This results in a more immersive viewing experience, but the high refresh rate consumes more battery.
- S10: Boasts a vibrant 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. It offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, but lacks the fluidity of the S20’s 120Hz display.
- Winner: S20
Processor
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Equipped with either a Snapdragon 865 (US) or Exynos 990 (International) processor, delivering significantly improved performance for demanding tasks and gaming compared to its predecessor. However, the Exynos version is often criticized for slightly lower performance.
- S10: Powered by either a Snapdragon 855 (US) or Exynos 9820 (International), still providing a snappy performance but showing its age compared to the newer generation of processors.
- Winner: S20
Camera System
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Features a versatile triple-lens system with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lens, offering improved zoom capabilities and enhanced low-light performance. It can also record 8K video.
- S10: Includes a triple-lens setup with a 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultrawide lens. It takes excellent photos in most conditions but lacks the telephoto zoom and advanced features of the S20.
- Winner: S20
Battery Life
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Comes with a 4000mAh battery, which provides decent battery life, but the 120Hz refresh rate can impact its endurance.
- S10: Packs a 3400mAh battery, which may struggle to last a full day with heavy use.
- Winner: S20
Design and Build Quality
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Features a modern design with a more rectangular camera module and a slightly more premium feel. It has a glass back and an aluminum frame, offering a sleek and durable build.
- S10: Maintains a classic Samsung design with a curved glass back and a metal frame. It feels premium but lacks some of the visual updates of the S20.
- Winner: S20
5G Connectivity
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Supports 5G connectivity (depending on the model), providing faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage.
- S10: Only offers 4G LTE connectivity.
- Winner: S20
Software and Updates
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Launched with Android 10 and received updates to newer Android versions. Samsung provides good software support and regular security patches.
- S10: Initially launched with Android 9 and has received updates, but it may receive updates less frequently compared to the S20.
- Winner: S20
Price
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Launched at a higher price point. It has since become more affordable used, but is generally more expensive than the S10.
- S10: Is typically more affordable in the used market now.
- Winner: S10
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | samsung galaxy s20 |
| Performance | samsung galaxy s20 |
| Camera | samsung galaxy s20 |
| Battery Life | samsung galaxy s20 |
| Value | s10 |
| 5G Connectivity | samsung galaxy s20 |
What They Have in Common:
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68 rated, offering excellent protection against water and dust. This means they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- Display Technology: Both phones use AMOLED displays, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience. The S20 improves upon the S10’s display with a higher refresh rate.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, allowing users to conveniently charge their phones without the need for cables. They also both support reverse wireless charging.
- Expandable Storage: Both phones offer expandable storage via microSD card, allowing users to increase the storage capacity beyond the base model. This is great for storing photos, videos, and other files.
- Premium Design: Both phones feature a premium design with a glass back and metal frame, giving them a sleek and modern look. They both feel great in hand.
- One Ui: Both phones run Samsung’s One UI, providing a consistent and user-friendly software experience. One UI offers a clean interface and a variety of customization options.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Vs S10 Buying Guide
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S20 boasts a significant performance upgrade over the S10. Equipped with a newer processor (Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990, depending on the region) it delivers faster speeds and improved efficiency. The S10, with its Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820/9825, still offers capable performance for everyday tasks and gaming. However, the S20 handles demanding applications and multitasking with greater ease. Benchmarks consistently show the S20 outperforming the S10 in various tests, making it the better choice for power users and those who prioritize speed.
Camera
The camera system is another area where the S20 shines. The S20 features a more advanced camera array, including a higher-resolution main sensor, telephoto lens with greater zoom capabilities, and improved low-light performance. While the S10 has a respectable camera, the S20’s advancements provide sharper images, more detailed videos, and better overall image quality. The S20’s enhanced features like Single Take mode and 8K video recording further set it apart. For photography enthusiasts, the S20 is the clear winner.
Display
Both phones offer excellent displays, but the S20 takes the lead with its higher refresh rate. The S20 features a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience, especially when scrolling and gaming. While the S10’s display is still vibrant and sharp, it operates at a standard 60Hz. The S20’s display also offers a slightly larger screen size in some models. The S20’s display is a significant upgrade in terms of smoothness and responsiveness.
Battery Life
Battery life improvements are noticeable in the S20. While the S10 offers a decent battery, the S20 benefits from a larger battery capacity and optimized power management. This translates to longer usage times on a single charge. The S20’s battery can comfortably last a full day with moderate to heavy use, whereas the S10 might require a top-up before the end of the day. The battery life difference depends on your usage patterns, but the S20 generally outperforms the S10.
Design & Build Quality
Both phones share a premium design with glass and metal construction. The S20 has a slightly refined design with slimmer bezels and a more modern aesthetic. The camera bump on the S20 is more prominent. The S10’s design is still sleek and stylish, but the S20’s refinements offer a more contemporary look. Both phones are well-built and feel premium in hand. The S20 offers more color options and generally a more modern aesthetic.
Price and Value
The S10 is now available at a lower price point than the S20, making it a more budget-friendly option. The S20, being the newer model, comes with a higher price tag. Considering the upgrades in performance, camera, and display, the S20 offers better value for money, especially if you prioritize the latest features. However, the S10 remains a strong contender, offering excellent value for its price. Choosing depends on your budget and desired features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung galaxy s20 If…
- You want the latest technology and features, including 5G connectivity.
- You prioritize camera quality and want the best possible photo and video capabilities.
- You desire a phone with a higher refresh rate display for smoother scrolling and animations.
- You want a phone with a slightly larger battery and improved performance.
Buy s10 If…
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You prefer a phone with a slightly more compact design.
- You don’t need the latest 5G connectivity.
- You’re happy with a phone that still offers excellent performance and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The S20 has a newer and more powerful processor (Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990) compared to the S10 (Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820/9825). This results in faster speeds, improved multitasking, and better handling of demanding applications and games. The S20’s performance is noticeably superior, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience. It’s especially evident in graphically intensive tasks.
How does the camera compare between the S20 and S10?
The S20 boasts a significantly improved camera system. It features a higher-resolution main sensor, a telephoto lens with greater zoom capabilities, and enhanced low-light performance. The S10’s camera is still capable, but the S20 captures sharper images, more detailed videos, and offers advanced features like Single Take and 8K video recording, representing a substantial upgrade.
What is the difference in display quality?
The S20 features a 120Hz refresh rate display, providing a smoother and more responsive experience, particularly when scrolling and gaming. The S10 has a standard 60Hz display. The S20’s display also offers a slightly larger screen size in some models. While both displays are excellent, the S20’s higher refresh rate is a significant advantage.
Which phone has better battery life?
The S20 generally offers better battery life, due to a larger battery capacity and optimized power management. The S10’s battery life is still decent, but the S20 can typically last a full day with moderate to heavy use. The S20’s battery life depends on usage patterns, but generally provides a longer runtime than the S10, making it more convenient.
Is the S20’s design significantly different from the S10?
The S20 has a refined design with slimmer bezels and a more modern aesthetic. The camera bump on the S20 is more prominent. While both phones feature a premium glass and metal build, the S20 offers a more contemporary look and feel. The S20 offers more color options. The design differences are subtle but contribute to a more updated appearance.
Is the S10 still a good phone in 2024?
Yes, the S10 is still a capable phone in 2024. It offers excellent performance for everyday tasks, a good camera, and a vibrant display. However, the S20 offers superior performance, a more advanced camera, and a smoother display. For those on a budget, the S10 remains a viable option, but the S20 provides a more enhanced experience.
Which phone should I buy?
The choice depends on your priorities and budget. If you want the latest features, superior performance, and an advanced camera, the S20 is the better choice. If you are looking for a more affordable option, the S10 still provides excellent value. Consider your budget and desired features when making your decision.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S20 emerges as the superior device due to its enhanced performance, advanced camera capabilities, and smoother display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While the S10 remains a capable and budget-friendly option, the S20 offers a more modern and refined user experience. The S20’s advancements in key areas make it the better choice for most users.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S20