In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, choosing the right device can feel like navigating a labyrinth. Two titans that once vied for your attention were the LG V20 and the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus. Each brought its own unique strengths to the table, promising a premium mobile experience.
The LG V20, a multimedia powerhouse, focused on its advanced camera system and audio capabilities. It was built for creators and audiophiles alike, offering features rarely seen in its competitors.
Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus captivated users with its stunning edge-to-edge display and sleek, futuristic design. It pushed the boundaries of aesthetics while packing impressive performance and a suite of smart features.
Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the ‘v20 vs s8 plus’ to help you understand what made these devices special and how they stacked up against each other.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | v20 | s8 plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.08 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Display Type | OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 | Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895 |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 64GB / 128GB |
| Rear Camera | 16MP + 8MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 20MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 3500 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 9.0 | Android 7.0 (upgradable) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor, Iris Scanner |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- V20: Features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. It offers good color accuracy and brightness but lacks the vibrancy and contrast of AMOLED panels.
- S8 Plus: Boasts a larger 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. It provides stunning colors, deep blacks, and excellent HDR support, making it superior for media consumption.
- Winner: s8 plus
Processor & Performance
- V20: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM. It offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and most applications, but can struggle with very demanding games or heavy multitasking compared to newer chips.
- S8 Plus: Equipped with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 processor and 4GB of RAM (6GB in some regions). It delivers top-tier performance, handling intensive apps and games with ease and offering a more future-proof experience.
- Winner: s8 plus
Camera
- V20: Features a dual rear camera setup (16MP main + 8MP wide-angle) and a 5MP front camera. The dual lenses offer versatility, but image processing can sometimes be a bit soft, and low-light performance is decent but not class-leading.
- S8 Plus: Comes with a single 12MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. While lacking a secondary lens for optical zoom or wide-angle shots, its single rear camera excels in image quality, detail, and low-light performance thanks to advanced processing.
- Winner: s8 plus
Battery Life
- V20: Has a removable 3200 mAh battery. It offers a full day of moderate use, and the ability to swap batteries is a significant advantage for power users.
- S8 Plus: Features a non-removable 3500 mAh battery. Battery life is generally good, lasting a full day for most users, but the larger, higher-resolution screen can drain it faster under heavy load, and it lacks the convenience of a swappable battery.
- Winner: v20
Design & Build Quality
- V20: Constructed with a metal chassis and a removable back cover, offering a more durable and user-serviceable design. It has a more utilitarian feel but is robust.
- S8 Plus: Features a sleek glass and metal unibody design with curved edges and an edge-to-edge display. It looks and feels premium, but the glass construction makes it more susceptible to drops and scratches.
- Winner: s8 plus
Software & Updates
- V20: Launched with Android 7.0 Nougat and received updates for a period, but is now past its official support window. LG’s software had some unique features but was often slower to update.
- S8 Plus: Launched with Android 7.0 Nougat and received significant OS updates, reaching Android 9 Pie. Samsung’s One UI has improved over time, offering a feature-rich experience with a longer update commitment.
- Winner: s8 plus
Special Features
- V20: Notable for its Hi-Fi Quad DAC for superior audio playback, a secondary wide-angle rear camera, and a removable battery. The audio quality is a standout feature for audiophiles.
- S8 Plus: Introduces features like Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience, an iris scanner for enhanced security, IP68 water and dust resistance, and wireless charging. These add to its modern flagship appeal.
- Winner: s8 plus
Price & Value
- V20: As an older device, the v20 is significantly cheaper, often available at a much lower price point, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking good performance and specific features.
- S8 Plus: While also an older device, the s8 plus initially launched at a premium price and still commands a higher resale value than the v20. Its advanced features and premium build justify its cost for those seeking a flagship experience.
- Winner: v20
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | s8 plus |
| Performance | v20 |
| Camera | v20 |
| Battery Life | v20 |
| Design & Build | s8 plus |
| Biometrics | s8 plus |
| Value | v20 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices boast high-quality displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks, utilizing OLED and Super AMOLED technologies respectively, offering excellent viewing experiences for media consumption and general use.
- Expandable Storage: Users of both the v20 and the s8 plus have the option to expand their storage beyond the internal capacity, typically via a microSD card slot, providing flexibility for storing photos, videos, and apps.
- Water and Dust Resistance: Both smartphones are built to withstand the elements, featuring an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which adds a significant layer of durability and peace of mind for everyday use.
- Headphone Jack: In a welcome feature for many audio enthusiasts, both the v20 and the s8 plus retain the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for the use of wired headphones without the need for adapters.
- Premium Build Materials: Expect a high-quality feel from both devices, as they are constructed using premium materials, likely a combination of glass and metal, contributing to their sophisticated aesthetic and solid feel in hand.
- Fingerprint Sensor: For convenient and secure unlocking, both the v20 and the s8 plus integrate a fingerprint sensor, allowing users to quickly access their devices with a touch.
V20 Vs S8 Plus Buying Guide
Camera Performance
The LG V20, released in 2016, boasts a dual-lens rear camera system that offers versatility with a standard and a wide-angle lens. This setup is excellent for capturing expansive landscapes or fitting more into your shots. While its image processing might feel slightly dated compared to newer flagships, it still delivers good detail and vibrant colors in well-lit conditions.The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus, also a 2017 release, features a single, highly capable rear camera. Samsung’s image processing is known for its punchy colors and excellent performance in challenging low-light scenarios. It excels at producing consistently pleasing photos with minimal effort, making it a reliable choice for everyday photography without much fuss. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Switch Lite )
Display Quality
LG’s V20 sports a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a Quad HD resolution. IPS technology provides excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, ensuring your content looks great from any perspective. While it might not offer the deep blacks of an AMOLED panel, it’s a bright and sharp display suitable for media consumption and general use.The S8 Plus, on the other hand, comes with a stunning 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display, also with Quad HD+ resolution. AMOLED panels are renowned for their incredible contrast ratios, true blacks, and vibrant, saturated colors. This results in a more immersive viewing experience for videos and games, and the curved edges contribute to a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Battery Life and Charging
A key advantage of the LG V20 is its removable battery. This allows users to easily swap out a depleted battery for a fresh one, ensuring you’re never caught short on power. It supports Quick Charge 3.0 for faster charging when needed, and the ability to carry spare batteries offers unparalleled flexibility for heavy users.The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus features a non-removable 3500mAh battery. While it offers decent all-day battery life for moderate usage, heavy users might find themselves reaching for a charger before the day is out. It supports fast charging and wireless charging, providing convenient ways to top up its power reserves.
Performance and Software
The LG V20 is powered by a Snapdragon 820 processor, which, while a flagship chip from its era, might show its age when running the most demanding modern applications or games. It runs on Android, offering a relatively clean software experience with LG’s customizations. Updates may be less frequent now.The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus is equipped with either a Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 processor, both powerful chips that still handle most tasks with ease. Samsung’s One UI, while feature-rich, can sometimes feel a bit bloated. However, it generally offers a smooth and responsive user experience for its age.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy v20 If…
- You prioritize a larger, immersive display for media consumption.
- You need more RAM for demanding multitasking and gaming.
- You are looking for a phone with a more advanced dual-camera system for photography.
- You want a device with a more recent out-of-the-box Android version.
Buy s8 plus If…
- You desire a sleeker, more compact design with a curved display.
- You appreciate advanced biometric security options like an iris scanner.
- You are invested in the Samsung ecosystem and its associated features.
- You want a phone with a proven track record and wide accessory support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera for low-light photography?
The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus generally excels in low-light photography due to its superior image processing capabilities and its AMOLED display’s ability to render darker scenes with more detail and less noise. While the LG V20 can capture decent low-light shots, the S8 Plus often produces more vibrant and less grainy results, making it the preferred choice for nighttime or dimly lit environments. (See Also: Pixel 6a Vs Iphone 12 )
Is the V20 or S8 Plus better for gaming?
For gaming, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus offers a more immersive experience thanks to its larger, higher-quality AMOLED display with vibrant colors and deeper blacks. While both phones have capable processors for their time, the S8 Plus’s slightly newer chipset and overall display technology provide a smoother and more visually engaging gaming session.
Which phone has better battery life?
The LG V20 offers a significant advantage in battery life due to its removable battery. This allows users to carry spare batteries and instantly swap them out when power runs low, providing virtually unlimited usage time if spares are available. The S8 Plus has a good non-removable battery, but it cannot match the V20’s flexibility for extended use.
Which phone is more durable?
Both phones were built with durability in mind for their respective release times. The LG V20 features a metal unibody construction with a MIL-STD-810G rating, suggesting good resistance to drops and shocks. The S8 Plus features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame and IP68 water and dust resistance, offering good protection against the elements and minor spills.
Which phone offers a more modern user experience?
The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus generally offers a more modern user experience, particularly in terms of its display technology and the software interface. Its edge-to-edge AMOLED screen provides a more contemporary look and feel, and Samsung’s software, while feature-rich, has seen more consistent updates and refinements over the years compared to the V20’s platform. (See Also: Galaxy Watch 6 Vs Active 2 )
Final Verdict
The LG V20 stands out for its innovative dual-camera system and the unparalleled flexibility of its removable battery, making it a practical choice for power users. However, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus ultimately edges out the V20 with its stunning AMOLED display, superior low-light camera performance, and a more polished overall user experience that still holds up well today.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus