Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs Galaxy S20 Three Years Later Is It Still Worth Switching

It’s been over three years since Apple released the iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung answered with the Galaxy S20. Both were flagship devices that defined their respective ecosystems in 2019 and 2020. Today, many users still rely on these phones daily. But if you're holding an iPhone 11 Pro Max and considering a switch to the Galaxy S20—or vice versa—is it still worth making the leap? The answer depends on what you value: ecosystem loyalty, long-term software support, hardware durability, or specific features like camera flexibility or display quality.

While both devices are now considered legacy models, they remain capable performers for everyday tasks. However, the decision to switch isn’t just about raw specs—it's about user experience, longevity, and how well each device holds up under modern usage patterns.

Performance and Longevity: How Do They Hold Up?

The iPhone 11 Pro Max runs on Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, a powerhouse at launch and still surprisingly competent today. Paired with iOS optimization, it handles multitasking, social media, streaming, and even moderate gaming without major hiccups. Even as of 2024, iOS 17 supports the 11 Pro Max, meaning it continues to receive security updates and feature improvements—a rare feat in the smartphone world.

In contrast, the Galaxy S20 launched with either the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865, depending on region. While the Snapdragon version was solid, the Exynos chip struggled with thermal throttling and efficiency. After three years, performance degradation is more noticeable on the S20, especially when opening multiple apps or using resource-heavy services like Google Maps and YouTube simultaneously.

Software support tells a starker story. Samsung typically offers four years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches. The S20 received updates through Android 13 and security patches until mid-2024. Meanwhile, Apple’s support window extends further—iOS 17 is confirmed for the 11 Pro Max, with iOS 18 potentially being its final update.

Tip: If long-term software support is a priority, iPhones generally outlast Android counterparts in update frequency and duration.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results After Three Years

Both phones were praised for their camera systems at launch, but real-world use over time reveals subtle differences in consistency and usability.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a triple-lens setup: 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto. Its strength lies in consistent color science, excellent dynamic range, and superior video stabilization—especially in low light. Even today, its 4K video recording remains among the best for casual creators. The computational photography engine continues to deliver reliable results across lighting conditions.

The Galaxy S20 introduced a 64MP telephoto lens with hybrid zoom up to 3x and digital zoom up to 30x. While the high-resolution sensor sounded impressive, actual image quality often lagged behind the iPhone in detail retention and noise control. Samsung’s processing tends to oversharpen and over-saturate, which can look unnatural in photos taken under mixed lighting.

One area where the S20 still shines is versatility. Its 32MP front camera and 8K video recording (albeit impractical due to file size) give it niche appeal. However, most users find the iPhone’s simpler, more consistent output preferable for day-to-day sharing.

“After three years, camera wear isn’t about hardware—it’s about software tuning and reliability. The iPhone maintains color accuracy better over time.” — Lena Park, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

Display and Build Quality Over Time

The Galaxy S20 boasts a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate—a significant advantage over the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s 60Hz OLED panel. Scrolling feels smoother, and animations are more responsive. For users who value fluidity, this remains a compelling reason to consider the switch.

However, the higher refresh rate comes at a cost: battery drain. On aging batteries, maintaining 120Hz can reduce daily usability, especially if the S20 hasn't had a battery replacement. Additionally, early S20 units reported screen burn-in issues, particularly around navigation buttons and status bars—something less common on iPhones.

In terms of build, both phones feature glass backs and stainless steel/aluminum frames. The iPhone 11 Pro Max feels slightly more robust, with better IP68 water resistance ratings consistently validated in real-world exposure. Some S20 units have shown signs of frame warping or back glass delamination after prolonged use, though this varies by manufacturing batch.

Key Differences Summary

Feature	iPhone 11 Pro Max	Galaxy S20
Chipset	A13 Bionic	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990
Display Refresh Rate	60Hz	120Hz
Software Support (2024)	iOS 17, likely iOS 18	Android 13, security updates ending
Battery Life (Real-World Use)	~12–14 hours	~10–12 hours (varies by condition)
Rear Cameras	12MP triple (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto)	12MP wide, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultra-wide
Front Camera	12MP	32MP
Video Recording	4K@60fps, excellent stabilization	8K@24fps, larger files, less stable

When Switching Makes Sense: A Practical Guide

Moving between ecosystems isn’t trivial. Transferring data, relearning gestures, adapting to new app ecosystems—all require effort. Here’s a step-by-step assessment to determine if switching is worthwhile:

1. Evaluate your current pain points: Is your iPhone 11 Pro Max slowing down? Are apps crashing? Or is it simply the lack of 120Hz or expandable storage that bothers you?
2. Check battery health: On iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 80%, consider a battery replacement before switching.
3. Assess software needs: Do you rely heavily on iMessage, FaceTime, or AirDrop? These don’t transfer seamlessly to Android. Conversely, if you use Google Workspace, Chrome, and Gmail daily, Android may offer tighter integration.
4. Test the Galaxy S20 in person: Visit a store or borrow one. Try typing, navigating One UI, and using the camera. See if the 120Hz screen feels worth the trade-offs.
5. Consider future-proofing: The S20 is nearing end-of-life. If you’re buying secondhand, ensure it’s in good condition and has a replaced battery.

Tip: Use Samsung Smart Switch to migrate contacts, messages, and photos—but remember, iMessages won’t convert to SMS automatically.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Cross-Ecosystem Move

Sarah used her iPhone 11 Pro Max for nearly four years. By late 2023, she noticed slower app launches and shorter battery life. She worked remotely and wanted a better front camera for video calls. After researching, she switched to a refurbished Galaxy S20.

Initially, she loved the smoother screen and higher-resolution selfie camera. But she quickly missed iMessage and found herself missing notifications because Samsung Messages doesn’t sync across devices like Apple’s ecosystem. She also struggled with app quality—some iOS apps she relied on had inferior Android versions.

After six months, Sarah moved back to an iPhone 13 mini. “The hardware was nice,” she said, “but the ecosystem lock-in is real. For me, convenience beats specs.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S20 still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming. However, heavier apps like Instagram Reels, TikTok, or mobile games may lag or overheat the device, especially if the battery is degraded.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max obsolete in 2024?

No. It remains functional for everyday use and continues to receive iOS updates. While it lacks newer features like MagSafe or LiDAR, it’s far from unusable. Many users still rely on it as a daily driver.

Which phone holds battery better after three years?

On average, the iPhone 11 Pro Max retains battery health longer due to optimized power management and consistent charging algorithms. The S20’s adaptive refresh rate and larger display consume more power, accelerating wear over time.

Final Verdict: Should You Switch?

For most iPhone 11 Pro Max users, switching to the Galaxy S20 today offers diminishing returns. The S20’s strengths—120Hz display, higher-resolution cameras—are offset by shorter software support, inconsistent performance, and weaker ecosystem integration. Unless you specifically need Android for work, prefer Samsung’s interface, or already own other Galaxy devices, the switch isn’t compelling.

Conversely, if you’re a Galaxy S20 user eyeing the iPhone 11 Pro Max, the move could be worthwhile. You’d gain longer software support, better long-term reliability, and access to Apple’s tightly integrated services. The 60Hz screen might feel dated, but iOS smoothness compensates in responsiveness.

Ultimately, both phones have aged gracefully, but Apple’s commitment to long-term support gives the 11 Pro Max an edge in 2024.

🚀 Still on a legacy flagship? Share your experience. Have you switched between iPhone and Android after three years? What surprised you? Join the conversation and help others make informed decisions.