Samsung Galaxy S20 5G

Samsung Galaxy S20 5G Revisited: Still Holding Up or Showing Its Age? My Honest Take.

I've spent the past few weeks revisiting a phone that was once a flagship powerhouse: the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G. It's funny how quickly the tech world moves; a device that was cutting-edge just a few years ago can suddenly feel like a blast from the past. At its launch, the S20 5G was a statement, and now, hovering at a more accessible price point, it begs the question: does it still offer a compelling experience in today's crowded smartphone market?

My testing involved daily usage, from the mundane tasks of checking emails and browsing social media to more demanding activities like gaming and photography. I even dipped my toes back into video editing on the device, something I used to do frequently when it was my primary phone. My initial impressions were a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. Could this phone, which I remember fondly, still hold its own? Given its current pricing, it's clearly targeting users who want a taste of Samsung's premium experience without breaking the bank, but the real question is whether the compromises are worth it.

Market Context: A Blast from the 5G Past

The Galaxy S20 5G arrived at a pivotal moment, right as 5G was starting to gain traction. Samsung was firing on all cylinders, pushing the boundaries of display technology and camera capabilities. Looking back, it feels like a cornerstone of their early 5G strategy, offering a more accessible entry point compared to the Ultra model. The price point at launch reflected its flagship status, but now, years later, it occupies a different space. It's no longer competing with the latest and greatest but rather vying for attention against newer mid-range contenders and the allure of budget-friendly flagships.

From my perspective, Samsung's decision to continue supporting older flagships with software updates, like the Android 13 update this S20 received, speaks volumes. It shows a commitment to longevity, even if the update cadence has slowed. The current price makes it an interesting proposition for those who might be hesitant to dive into the very latest tech but still crave a phone with a premium pedigree. However, in a market saturated with compelling mid-range options boasting fresh features and battery tech, the S20 5G needs to prove its continued relevance.

Design & Hardware: Familiar Comfort

Picking up the Galaxy S20 5G again felt like reconnecting with an old friend. The design, while no longer the absolute latest trend, still holds up surprisingly well. The combination of glass and aluminum feels premium in hand, and the curved edges make it comfortable to hold, a feature I've always appreciated on Samsung's flagships. It strikes a good balance – not too bulky, not too fragile-feeling.

The quality of materials is evident. Despite being a few years old, the review unit I've been using shows minimal wear and tear, a testament to the build quality Samsung employed. In terms of durability, the Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and back offers a decent level of protection against everyday scratches and bumps. While I wouldn't recommend testing its water resistance with a deliberate dunk, the IP68 rating provides peace of mind against accidental spills. For practical daily use, the size is just right – easily pocketable and manageable with one hand, something that's becoming increasingly rare in the era of ever-growing smartphone screens.

Display: Still a Visual Treat

The 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the Galaxy S20 5G was, and still is, a standout feature. Firing it up again, the colors are vibrant and punchy, as you'd expect from a Samsung AMOLED panel. Brightness is more than adequate for most scenarios; even under bright sunlight, I found the screen to be legible, which is a crucial factor for outdoor usability.

Media consumption on this display is a genuine pleasure. Watching videos and browsing photos, the sharpness and clarity are impressive. The 120Hz refresh rate, a key selling point at the time, makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. Going back to a 60Hz display afterwards feels noticeably less fluid. Even for gaming, the responsiveness of the display is still excellent, contributing to an immersive experience. In my daily use, I found the display to be consistently enjoyable, whether I was catching up on news or engaging in more visually intensive tasks. It's a testament to Samsung's display technology that even years later, this screen holds its own against many newer competitors.

Performance: Showing Its Age, But Still Capable

Under the hood, the Galaxy S20 5G I tested packs the Exynos 990 processor. While it's not the latest silicon from Samsung, it's still a capable chip for everyday tasks. During my testing, general navigation, app launching, and multitasking felt smooth for the most part. Switching between apps was generally quick, and I didn't encounter significant lag during normal usage.

However, when pushed with more demanding tasks, like extended gaming sessions with graphically intensive titles, the limitations of the older processor become more apparent. While playable, I did notice occasional frame drops and some stuttering, particularly during intense action sequences. The phone also tends to get noticeably warm under sustained load, a common characteristic of this generation of chipsets. For lighter games and everyday multitasking, the performance is still adequate. It's worth noting that temperature management could be a factor for users who frequently engage in demanding tasks. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's a clear indication that this phone isn't on par with the latest flagship performance.

Camera System: A Versatile Shooter That Holds Its Own

The camera system on the Galaxy S20 5G remains one of its strongest suits. The triple-lens setup on the rear – a 12MP wide, a 64MP telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide – offers a good degree of versatility. My experience taking photos in various scenarios has been mostly positive. The main sensor captures images with good detail, vibrant colors, and a pleasing dynamic range, particularly in well-lit conditions.

I specifically tested its performance in scenarios like capturing sunsets, and the results were impressive, with rich colors and a good balance between highlights and shadows. The 3x hybrid optical zoom allows you to get closer to your subject without significant loss of detail, proving useful for capturing distant subjects. The ultrawide lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots, although there's a noticeable drop in detail compared to the main sensor.

Video recording capabilities are also strong, with the option to shoot up to 8K resolution, although 4K at 60fps is likely the sweet spot for most users, offering a good balance of detail and file size. The Super Steady stabilization feature works effectively to smooth out shaky footage. Compared to market alternatives in its current price range, the S20 5G's camera still holds its own, delivering consistent and high-quality results. It's a testament to the quality of the sensors and Samsung's image processing. Even the 10MP front-facing camera produces sharp and detailed selfies, making it more than adequate for video calls and social media.

Battery & Charging: A Mixed Bag in the Modern Era

Battery life is where the Galaxy S20 5G starts to show its age. The 4000mAh battery, while decent at the time of launch, feels somewhat underwhelming by today's standards. In my testing, on lighter usage days involving mainly browsing and messaging, I could usually make it through a full day. However, on busier days with more photography, gaming, and video watching, I often found myself needing to top up the battery by late afternoon.

The 25W fast charging is helpful in a pinch, providing a decent boost in a short amount of time, but it's not as rapid as the charging speeds offered by some of its newer competitors. Wireless charging is a convenient feature to have, although the charging speeds are slower compared to wired options. Power management is reasonably effective, but background app activity can sometimes lead to unexpected battery drain. Real-world endurance will vary depending on usage patterns, but for heavy users, battery life is definitely an area where the S20 5G might fall short compared to newer devices.

Software: A Familiar Samsung Experience

The Galaxy S20 5G launched with Android 10 and has since been updated to Android 13 with Samsung's One UI. This provides a familiar and feature-rich experience for those accustomed to Samsung's ecosystem. The interface is generally clean and intuitive, although it does come with a fair amount of pre-installed Samsung apps, some of which you might consider bloatware.

Feature-wise, One UI offers a plethora of customization options and useful additions like Samsung DeX and various screen-off memos. The update policy, while not as extensive as Google's or Samsung's latest commitment for newer devices, is commendable for a phone of this age. However, it's worth noting that future major Android updates are unlikely. Daily usage is generally smooth, although occasional stutters can occur, potentially due to the aging hardware. Overall, the software experience is mature and functional, but it lacks some of the polish and responsiveness found on newer Samsung devices with the latest versions of One UI.

Value Analysis: Still a Worthwhile Contender?

Assessing the value of the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G in today's market requires careful consideration. At its current price point, it offers a taste of Samsung's premium design, display, and camera capabilities at a more accessible level. For someone prioritizing these aspects and willing to accept compromises in battery life and peak performance, it can still be a compelling option.

However, it's crucial to consider who this phone is not for. If you're a heavy gamer or someone who demands the absolute latest performance and longest battery life, you'll likely find the S20 5G lacking compared to newer mid-range or flagship alternatives. Competitively, there are newer devices in this price range that offer better battery life and more powerful processors. The value proposition hinges on finding it at a genuinely good price, reflecting its age and the advancements in technology since its release.

Conclusion: A Capable Veteran Showing Its Age Gracefully

Ultimately, my time revisiting the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G has been a reminder of its strengths and the inevitable march of technological progress. The display remains stunning, the camera system is still versatile and capable of producing excellent results, and the design retains a premium feel.

However, the battery life is showing its age, and the performance, while adequate for most tasks, won't satisfy power users. The value proposition lies in finding it at a price that reflects its age and acknowledging the compromises involved. If you're looking for a well-rounded smartphone with a fantastic display and camera, and you can find the Galaxy S20 5G at a compelling price, it's still a worthwhile contender. Just be aware of its limitations, particularly regarding battery life and demanding performance, and consider whether those trade-offs align with your needs. For the right user, the S20 5G can still offer a premium Samsung experience without the premium price tag.