Samsung Galaxy S20 5G Review: Full Specifications

This comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G has examined all specifications across categories including design, display, performance, battery, cameras, and value. Our assessment combines hands-on testing with benchmark analysis to provide a balanced perspective on this 5G-enabled flagship smartphone’s capabilities. Note that pricing and specifications may vary by location, retailer, and regional configurations. The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G was launched in March 2020 as a powerful flagship featuring 5G connectivity, a 120Hz display, and an advanced triple camera system.

Highlights
LaunchMarch 2020
ModelSM-G981F
Camera12MP+64MP+12MP Triple Camera with OIS
Battery4000mAh with 25W Fast Charging
Display6.2-inch 120Hz QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED
PriceUSD $500 / Euro €495
Rating
5.0/5
Design
ColorsCosmic Gray, Cloud Blue, Cloud Pink, Cloud White, Aura Red (selected markets)
Height151.7mm
Width69.1mm
Thickness7.9mm
Weight163g
BuildGorilla Glass 6 front, Gorilla Glass 6 back, aluminum frame
ProtectionIP68 (1.5m, 30 min)
SIMSingle Nano-SIM or Hybrid Dual Nano-SIM
Display
Size6.2 inches
ResolutionQHD+ 1440 × 3200, ~566 ppi, 20:9 aspect ratio
Refresh Rate120Hz
TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+
GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 6
Always-On DisplayYes
Camera
Camera System12MP+64MP+12MP Triple Camera with OIS
Main Camera12MP (f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS)
Telephoto64MP (f/2.0, Hybrid 3× Optical Zoom, OIS)
Ultra-wide12MP (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Front Camera10MP (f/2.2, Dual Pixel PDAF)
FlashLED Flash
Video Recording8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, gyro-EIS
FeaturesAuto HDR, Panorama
Battery
Capacity4000mAh
Wired Charging25W Fast Charging
Wireless Charging15W Fast Wireless Charging
Reverse Charging4.5W Wireless PowerShare
PortUSB Type-C 3.2
Storage
RAM8GB (12GB in some markets)
ROM128GB
ExpansionmicroSDXC up to 1TB (Hybrid SIM slot, not available on some variants)
Platform
ChipsetExynos 990 (7nm+) – Global / Snapdragon 865 5G (7nm+) – USA/China
CPUExynos: Octa-core (2×Mongoose M5 + 2×Cortex-A76 + 4×Cortex-A55) / Snapdragon: Octa-core (1×Kryo 585 Prime + 3×Kryo 585 Gold + 4×Kryo 585 Silver)
GPUMali-G77 MP11 (Exynos) / Adreno 650 (Snapdragon)
System (Launch)Android 10 with One UI 2
Latest UpdateAndroid 13 with One UI 5.1
Security
FingerprintUltrasonic In-display Fingerprint Scanner
Face UnlockFace Unlock
Security PlatformSamsung Knox, Secure Folder
ProtectionIP68 (1.5m, 30 min)
Network
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
2G BandsGSM 850/900/1800/1900
3G BandsHSDPA 1700(AWS)/1900/2100
4G LTEMultiple bands (region dependent)
5GSA/NSA (market dependent)
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0
NFCYes
GPSGPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS
USBUSB Type-C 3.2
OTGUSB On-The-Go (OTG)
Audio JackNo 3.5mm jack
Media
SpeakersStereo Speakers (Tuned by AKG) with Dolby Atmos
Audio32-bit/384kHz Audio
Audio FormatsMP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, OGG and more
Video FormatsMP4, MKV, AVI and more
Features
NavigationGPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS
SensorsUltrasonic In-display Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass, Barometer
Camera Features12MP+64MP+12MP Triple Camera with OIS, 8K Video Recording, 120Hz Display, HDR10+
Charging25W Fast Charging, 15W Fast Wireless Charging, 4.5W Wireless PowerShare
DurabilityIP68 Water and Dust Resistance (1.5m, 30 min)
Connectivity5G SA/NSA Support
FeaturesSamsung DeX, Samsung Pay, Always-On Display, Wireless PowerShare, Bixby, Edge Panels, Dolby Atmos, HDR10+ Display, Secure Folder, Knox Security
AudioStereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos, 32-bit/384kHz Audio
Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, launched in March 2020, was a groundbreaking flagship that brought 5G connectivity, a 120Hz display, and an advanced camera system to the mainstream. Priced at $500, this device targets users who want a premium 5G smartphone experience with cutting-edge display technology and versatile camera capabilities. With its 6.2-inch 120Hz QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, 8K video recording, and 64MP telephoto camera with hybrid zoom, the Galaxy S20 5G delivered a flagship experience that has received updates up to Android 13.

The design of the S20 5G was refined and premium, featuring dimensions of 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm and a lightweight 163g construction. Available in Cosmic Gray, Cloud Blue, Cloud Pink, Cloud White, and Aura Red, the device offered elegant color options. The Gorilla Glass 6 front and back with aluminum frame provided durability. IP68 certification ensured water and dust resistance (up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes). The ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner offered secure biometric authentication.

The display was a standout feature, featuring a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3200) and ~566 ppi pixel density. The 120Hz refresh rate delivered exceptionally smooth scrolling and animations. HDR10+ support provided stunning visuals for compatible content. Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection and Always-On Display added premium touches. The 20:9 aspect ratio provided an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.

Photography capabilities were advanced, featuring a triple camera system with a 12MP main camera (f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS), a 64MP telephoto camera (f/2.0, hybrid 3× optical zoom, OIS), and a 12MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.2, 120°). The 10MP front camera (f/2.2, Dual Pixel PDAF) captured detailed selfies. Video recording capabilities were industry-leading with 8K at 24fps, 4K at 60fps, and 720p slow-motion at 960fps with HDR10+ and gyro-EIS. The camera system delivered exceptional versatility for photography and videography enthusiasts.

Battery performance was solid with a 4000mAh capacity, delivering all-day endurance. The 25W fast charging, 15W fast wireless charging, and 4.5W Wireless PowerShare provided convenient power options. The Exynos 990 (or Snapdragon 865) processor with powerful CPU and GPU delivered flagship-level performance. The 8GB RAM (12GB in some markets) with 128GB storage, expandable via microSDXC, ensured smooth multitasking. Launching with Android 10 and One UI 2, the device received updates to Android 13 with One UI 5.1. Samsung DeX support, 5G connectivity, and AKG-tuned stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos added significant value.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G remains a compelling flagship that delivered cutting-edge features including a 120Hz display, 5G connectivity, and 8K video recording. Its combination of a stunning 120Hz QHD+ display, versatile triple camera system with 64MP telephoto, and powerful performance makes it a great choice for users seeking a premium 5G experience. For those seeking a flagship smartphone with advanced camera capabilities and future-proof 5G connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G represents outstanding value.

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