The Galaxy S20 represents a bigger change for Samsung’s phone lineup than we’ve seen in some time, but it still isn’t necessarily a revolutionary leap forward. However, if you felt let down by the Google Pixel 4, it’s worth taking a closer look at.
The S20’s greatest triumph may be to correct Google’s shortcomings rather than Samsung’s.
Ever since its inception, there have been high expectations for the Google Pixel line. The precursors to the Pixel – the LG Nexus 5X and Huawei Nexus 6P – already set the bar high and many saw Google bringing its phones even more in house as an exciting proposition.
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The Pixel has seen Google combine its ability to create the purest Android experience on a phone with a remarkable camera. While each Google Pixel has had its shortcomings, those two features have remained constant, and have been accompanied by other solid features all around.
As with every Pixel launch, we hoped its shortcomings would be eradicated one-by-one, and that we’d eventually get a nigh-on perfect phone. From improved battery life to a more modern design, did we ask for all that much really? With the Pixel 4, Google answered with a resounding “yes”.
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The Pixel 4 massively disappointed on battery life – with our review saying the 2800mAh battery life was “life is shorter than most competing flagships”.
For some, this makes it a no-go in an age in which even Apple has recognised that phones are worth making that little bit thicker, in order to improve the user experience with better battery life.
Thankfully, the new Samsung Galaxy S20 is here to answer the prayers of Pixel fans. If you squint hard enough, the new rear design of the Galaxy S20 could even be mistaken for the much-maligned Pixel 4.
If you’d been hoping for good battery life, an impressive design, a blisteringly fast rendition of Android and a high-performing camera from the Pixel 4, then you may want to consider the new Galaxy S20.
The Galaxy range has long-offered top dog Android performance and with the new Exynos 990 (Snapdragon 865 in the US) it seems like it’ll be buttery smooth yet again. Galaxy’s One UI has improved as of late to give much cleaner Android experience – back in the days of TouchWiz it was not looked upon favourably.
The new Galaxy S20 offers an impressive 4000mAh battery – in comparison to the feeble 2800mAh battery in the Pixel 4. If, like many, the woeful battery life was your biggest annoyance, then Samsung has you covered.
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The biggest sticking point here could be the camera. Google and Apple have been vying for the best camera on a smartphone for a few years now but Samsung has always been hot the heels. We’ll have to wait for our full review to see for certain but Samsung has put a huge focus on the camera for this generation.
With Huawei taken out of the game and the Pixel 4 taking itself out of the game, the Galaxy S20 has all the makings of being the Android king in 2020.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
