The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus arrived on the scene as a compelling middle child, offering a sweet spot between the compact S20 and the ultra-premium S20 Ultra. It promised a balanced blend of features, performance, and price, making it an attractive option for many smartphone enthusiasts. This Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus review delves into whether it lived up to that promise, and if it remains a worthwhile consideration even amongst the newer generations of Samsung devices. We will explore its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition in today’s competitive mobile landscape, offering a unique perspective you won’t find anywhere else.

Design and Display

The S20 Plus sports a sleek and sophisticated design, featuring a glass and metal construction that feels premium in hand. The smooth curves and slim profile contribute to a comfortable grip. The camera bump, while present, is relatively subtle compared to some of its competitors.

• Display: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Resolution: 3200 x 1440 (QHD+)
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz

The display is undoubtedly one of the highlights. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness. The 120Hz refresh rate provides buttery-smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. Whether you’re browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games, the display on the S20 Plus is a treat for the eyes.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the S20 Plus packs a powerful punch. Depending on the region, it comes with either a Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 processor, both of which offer excellent performance. Paired with ample RAM, the phone handles demanding tasks with ease. Multitasking is a breeze, and gaming is smooth and responsive.

The software experience is also refined. Samsung’s One UI is intuitive and user-friendly, with a clean and modern interface. While bloatware has been reduced, some pre-installed apps remain. Overall, the software is well-optimized and provides a pleasant user experience;

Camera System

The camera system on the S20 Plus is versatile and capable. It features a triple-lens setup, including a main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens. The camera produces sharp, detailed images with accurate colors. Low-light performance is also impressive, thanks to improved processing algorithms.

Camera Specifications:

• Main Lens: 12MP
• Ultrawide Lens: 12MP
• Telephoto Lens: 64MP
• Front Camera: 10MP

While the zoom capabilities aren’t as extreme as the S20 Ultra, the S20 Plus still offers a respectable level of magnification. The camera also supports 8K video recording, allowing you to capture stunning footage.

Now, consider this: The S20 Plus, in many ways, represents a peak in balanced smartphone design. It’s a reminder that pursuing extreme specifications isn’t always the best path, and that a well-rounded device can often provide a more satisfying user experience.

Battery Life and Value

Battery life is generally good, though it can vary depending on usage patterns. The 4,500mAh battery is sufficient for a full day of moderate to heavy use. However, enabling the 120Hz refresh rate can impact battery life. The phone supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus initially launched at a premium price, but its value proposition has shifted over time. While newer Samsung flagships have since been released, the S20 Plus remains a competitive option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. It offers a compelling blend of features, performance, and design that still holds up well today.

Now, let’s delve a little deeper into some aspects that often get overlooked in standard reviews. Think of this as a masterclass in understanding your smartphone beyond the spec sheet. We’ll discuss how to truly maximize the S20 Plus’s potential, and some potential pitfalls to watch out for.

Unlocking the True Potential of the Display

While the 120Hz refresh rate is a fantastic feature, it’s crucial to understand its impact. Yes, it makes everything look incredibly smooth, but it also consumes significantly more battery. Here’s a pro tip: don’t just blindly leave it on all the time. Consider enabling it only when you know you’ll benefit most, such as during gaming or scrolling through visually rich content. For everyday tasks like reading emails or browsing text-heavy websites, you can comfortably switch back to 60Hz and conserve precious battery life. This isn’t about sacrificing experience, but about optimizing it.

Furthermore, take the time to calibrate your display. While Samsung’s default settings are generally good, everyone perceives color differently. Dive into the display settings and experiment with the color profiles and white balance. You might be surprised at how much more enjoyable your viewing experience can become with a few minor tweaks.

Mastering the Camera: Beyond Auto Mode

The S20 Plus camera is more than just a point-and-shoot affair. While the auto mode is certainly capable, you’re leaving a lot of potential untapped if you don’t venture into the Pro mode. Learn about ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Understanding these basic principles of photography will dramatically improve your image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Don’t be afraid to experiment! There are tons of online resources and tutorials that can guide you through the basics. Think of it as leveling up your photography skills.

Tips for Enhanced Photography:

• Utilize Pro Mode: Experiment with manual settings for better control.
• Learn Composition: Understand rules like the “rule of thirds.”
• Edit Your Photos: Use apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile for post-processing.
• Shoot in RAW: Capture more data for greater editing flexibility (available in Pro mode).

Optimizing Performance and Battery Life

Beyond the display settings, there are other strategies to improve performance and battery life. Firstly, be mindful of background apps. Many apps continue to run in the background, consuming resources even when you’re not actively using them. Regularly close unnecessary apps and adjust background app refresh settings in the phone’s settings. This can make a noticeable difference in both performance and battery life.

Secondly, consider using the phone’s built-in battery optimization tools. Samsung’s Device Care feature can identify and resolve potential issues that might be draining your battery. It can also help you optimize app usage and clear cached data. Regularly running this tool can keep your phone running smoothly and efficiently.

Think of your phone like a finely tuned engine. Regular maintenance and optimization are essential to keep it running at its best.

Addressing Potential Pitfalls

No phone is perfect, and the S20 Plus has a few potential downsides to be aware of. Some users have reported occasional performance hiccups or software glitches. Keeping your phone updated to the latest software version is crucial for addressing these issues. Samsung regularly releases updates that improve performance and fix bugs.

Another potential concern is the long-term software support. While Samsung has generally improved its software update policy, it’s important to consider how long the S20 Plus will continue to receive updates. Research Samsung’s update track record and factor that into your decision.

By being aware of these potential pitfalls and taking proactive steps to address them, you can ensure that your S20 Plus remains a reliable and enjoyable device for years to come.