Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs Galaxy S20 Three Years Later Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

When the iPhone 11 Pro Max launched in 2019, it was Apple’s flagship powerhouse—offering triple cameras, all-day battery life, and a premium OLED display. Samsung responded in 2020 with the Galaxy S20, a bold leap into 5G, 120Hz refresh rates, and high-resolution photography. Fast forward three years, and many users still rely on these devices. But if you're holding an iPhone 11 Pro Max and considering switching to a Galaxy S20 now—long after both have been succeeded—is that upgrade actually worthwhile?

The answer isn’t just about specs. It's about daily usability, software support, ecosystem integration, and whether new features translate to meaningful improvements in real life. Let’s take a deep dive into performance, camera capabilities, longevity, and user experience to determine if this cross-platform jump delivers value at this stage.

Performance: How Do They Hold Up in 2024?

Both phones were powered by top-tier chipsets of their time—the A13 Bionic for the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865 (depending on region) for the Galaxy S20. Three years later, the gap in sustained performance has become more apparent.

Apple’s iOS optimization gives the A13 Bionic remarkable staying power. Even in 2024, the iPhone 11 Pro Max handles most apps smoothly, including social media, navigation, and even moderate gaming. However, newer versions of iOS can feel slightly sluggish during multitasking or when launching heavy apps like video editors.

The Galaxy S20, despite having a theoretically stronger chipset on paper (especially the Snapdragon variant), suffers more from long-term software bloat. One UI updates over the years have added visual effects and background processes that strain older hardware. Users report occasional stutters, slower app launches, and higher battery drain compared to its early days.

Tip: If you're using either device today, disable animations and background app refresh to improve responsiveness.

Display and User Experience Differences

This is where the Galaxy S20 shines—even years later. Its 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers buttery-smooth scrolling, something the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s 60Hz screen simply can't match. For reading, web browsing, or playing games, the difference remains noticeable.

Additionally, the S20 introduced edge-to-edge design without notch interference, giving more screen real estate for videos and productivity. The smaller bezels and punch-hole front camera make for a more immersive experience.

However, iOS continues to offer superior touch responsiveness and app consistency. Animations are snappier, and the overall interface feels tighter. While Android has improved, some third-party apps still lack polish compared to their iOS counterparts.

“High refresh rate screens changed mobile UX permanently. Once you go 120Hz, going back feels like stepping into slow motion.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Designer at Bay Area Tech Collective

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results After Years of Use

On paper, the Galaxy S20 boasts a higher megapixel count—64MP telephoto, 12MP wide, and 12MP ultra-wide—compared to the iPhone’s 12MP triple setup. But megapixels don’t tell the whole story.

In daylight, both phones produce excellent photos. The iPhone excels in dynamic range and color accuracy, especially in mixed lighting. Skin tones look natural, and highlights are preserved without blown-out skies.

The S20’s 3x hybrid zoom and 30x digital zoom were impressive at launch, but in practice, results beyond 10x are heavily reliant on AI upscaling and often appear soft or noisy. Meanwhile, the iPhone’s 2x optical zoom delivers sharper close-ups with better detail retention.

Video performance remains a clear win for Apple. The iPhone 11 Pro Max still records some of the best 4K video at 60fps with advanced stabilization and audio focus. The S20 supports 8K recording, but files are massive, editing is cumbersome on older devices, and there’s minimal practical benefit given limited 8K content playback options.

Feature	iPhone 11 Pro Max	Galaxy S20
Main Sensor	12MP f/1.8	12MP f/1.8
Zoom	2x optical	3x hybrid, 30x digital
Video Recording	4K@60fps, extended dynamic range	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps
Night Mode	Yes (2019 introduction)	Yes (Multi-frame processing)
Low-Light Photo Quality	Balanced exposure, less noise	Brighter but sometimes oversaturated

Battery Life and Long-Term Durability

Original battery health plays a major role here. After three years, many iPhone 11 Pro Max units still retain 80–85% battery capacity, thanks to Apple’s optimized charging and battery management features like “Optimized Battery Charging” introduced in iOS 13.

The Galaxy S20 started with a slightly larger 5,000mAh battery, but aggressive screen refresh rates and background services tend to wear batteries faster. Many S20 owners report needing replacements by year three unless they limited 120Hz usage and disabled unnecessary sync features.

In terms of build quality, both phones feature glass backs and aluminum frames. However, the iPhone’s stainless steel frame feels more robust, while the S20’s plastic-like matte finish (on certain models) shows micro-scratches more easily over time.

Tip: Replace degraded batteries on either device—it can restore up to 30% improvement in real-world usage.

Software Support and Ecosystem Lock-In

This may be the deciding factor. As of 2024, the iPhone 11 Pro Max continues to receive full iOS updates, with support expected through at least 2025. That means access to new features, security patches, and app compatibility.

In contrast, the Galaxy S20 received four major Android OS upgrades (up to Android 14) and five years of security updates—a strong commitment from Samsung. But real-world update delivery varied by carrier and region, and some users never got timely patches.

Switching from iOS to Android (or vice versa) involves friction: re-downloading apps, re-syncing accounts, transferring messages, and adapting to different workflows. iMessage continuity, FaceTime integration, and iCloud photo syncing create sticky loyalty for Apple users. Similarly, Samsung users benefit from Dex, SmartThings, and deeper Google Assistant integration.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Cross-Platform Switch

Sarah had used her iPhone 11 Pro Max since 2019 and loved its reliability. In mid-2023, she bought a used Galaxy S20 hoping for a fresh experience and better multitasking. Initially impressed by the screen smoothness and split-view apps, she quickly ran into issues.

iMessage contacts appeared as green bubbles, causing confusion. Her AirPods worked but lacked seamless switching. She missed automatic photo sharing with family via Shared Albums. After two months, she reverted to her refurbished iPhone—citing “ecosystem fatigue” as the main reason.

Her takeaway: hardware improvements matter less than seamless integration when switching platforms late in a device’s lifecycle.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the move from iPhone 11 Pro Max to Galaxy S20 in 2024, consider the following:

• ✅ Are you frustrated by the 60Hz screen and want smoother scrolling?
• ✅ Do you prioritize camera zoom over video quality?
• ✅ Have you already invested in the Samsung ecosystem (e.g., Galaxy Watch, Tab)?
• ✅ Is your iPhone suffering from degraded battery or unrepairable damage?
• ❌ Are you attached to iMessage, FaceTime, or AirPods functionality?
• ❌ Is your current phone still receiving iOS updates and performing well?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the first four and “no” to the last two, the switch might add tangible value. Otherwise, you may be trading convenience for marginal gains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S20 outperform the iPhone 11 Pro Max in daily tasks today?

In raw benchmarks and screen fluidity, yes. But in app stability, long-term software support, and ecosystem cohesion, the iPhone still holds an edge for most users.

Should I upgrade if my iPhone 11 Pro Max is working fine?

Not necessarily. Unless you need specific Android features (like sideloading apps or custom launchers), staying put avoids disruption and delivers comparable performance.

Which phone will last another two years?

With a battery replacement, both can last until 2025. The iPhone has a slight advantage due to longer software support and more consistent app optimization.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If Your Needs Have Changed

The Galaxy S20 was a visionary device in 2020—pushing boundaries with 120Hz displays, high-megapixel sensors, and 5G readiness. But three years later, the upgrade from an iPhone 11 Pro Max offers diminishing returns. The differences are technical rather than transformative.

For photographers who value zoom over video, Android enthusiasts, or those already embedded in Samsung’s ecosystem, the S20 remains a capable device. But for the average user clinging to a still-functional iPhone 11 Pro Max, the effort and cost of switching likely outweigh the benefits.

Technology should serve you—not force adaptation for novelty’s sake. If your current phone meets your needs, extends software support, and integrates seamlessly with your digital life, upgrading isn’t progress—it’s churn.

🚀 Still on the fence? Try borrowing a Galaxy S20 for a week or use Samsung’s trade-in program risk-free. Real-world testing beats specs every time.