Iphone 11 Vs Galaxy S20 Is The S20 Really Worth The Upgrade

Choosing between flagship smartphones from Apple and Samsung often comes down to ecosystem loyalty, but when comparing two devices released around the same time — like the iPhone 11 and Galaxy S20 — the decision should be driven by tangible differences in performance, camera quality, display, and long-term value. The Galaxy S20 launched as a premium Android contender with high-refresh-rate displays and 5G options, while the iPhone 11 offered solid performance, excellent video recording, and seamless iOS integration. But for users already on an iPhone 11, is upgrading to the S20 truly worthwhile? The answer depends on what you prioritize.

Performance and Hardware: Under the Hood

The iPhone 11 runs on Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, a powerhouse even by today’s standards. Paired with iOS optimization, it delivers smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and consistent performance over time. On the other hand, the Galaxy S20 is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 (depending on region), both of which were top-tier chips at launch. While raw benchmark scores show the S20 slightly ahead in multi-core tasks, real-world usage reveals that the A13 Bionic still matches or exceeds the S20 in everyday responsiveness.

RAM is where the difference becomes more pronounced. The S20 has 12GB of RAM compared to the iPhone 11’s 4GB. However, due to iOS’s memory management, this doesn’t translate into a noticeable lag on the iPhone. Android benefits from higher RAM in heavy multitasking scenarios, especially when switching between large apps or using split-screen features, but for most users, the gap isn’t dramatic.

Tip: If you frequently use AR apps or mobile gaming, the S20’s higher RAM and larger screen may offer a better experience.

Display Quality and Design

This is one area where the Galaxy S20 clearly pulls ahead. It features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate — a significant upgrade over the iPhone 11’s 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Scrolling, animations, and gaming feel noticeably smoother on the S20, offering a more fluid visual experience.

The S20 also uses a hole-punch front camera design, maximizing screen real estate, whereas the iPhone 11 retains the traditional notch. In terms of resolution, the S20 boasts a Quad HD+ (3200x1440) panel, while the iPhone 11 sits at 1792x828 pixels. The result is sharper text, crisper images, and deeper blacks on the S20, especially in dark environments.

However, build preferences vary. The iPhone 11 uses aerospace-grade aluminum and glass, with IP68 water resistance, just like the S20. But some users appreciate the iPhone’s slightly more compact feel and durable drop performance. The S20, while sleek, can feel slippery without a case.

Camera Comparison: Photos and Video

Both phones feature triple-camera setups, but their philosophies differ. The iPhone 11 includes a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a front-facing 12MP TrueDepth camera. Its strength lies in natural color reproduction, excellent dynamic range, and industry-leading video stabilization — particularly for 4K recording at 60fps.

The Galaxy S20 also has a 12MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide. It supports 8K video recording at 24fps — a novelty at the time — and offers up to 3x hybrid zoom. While 8K is impressive on paper, file sizes are massive, and few platforms support it natively. More practical is the S20’s improved low-light mode and AI-powered scene optimizer, which automatically adjusts settings based on subject matter.

In daylight, both cameras produce excellent results, though the S20 tends to oversharpen and boost saturation. The iPhone delivers more accurate skin tones and balanced exposures. In low light, the S20’s Night Mode often captures brighter scenes, but sometimes at the cost of detail and noise control. The iPhone handles shadows more gracefully, preserving texture without excessive grain.

“While megapixels matter, processing and consistency matter more. The iPhone 11 remains one of the most reliable point-and-shoot cameras ever made.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst

Battery Life and Charging

Battery endurance favors the iPhone 11. Despite having a smaller battery (3,110mAh vs. S20’s 4,000mAh), iOS efficiency allows it to last through a full day of moderate to heavy use. The S20, with its power-hungry 120Hz display and 5G modem (on certain models), drains faster — especially when both features are active.

Turning off 5G and limiting the refresh rate to 60Hz helps extend the S20’s battery life significantly, bringing it closer to the iPhone 11. But out of the box, many users report needing a midday charge under heavy usage.

Charging speeds favor the S20. It supports 25W fast charging (wired) and 15W wireless charging, while the iPhone 11 maxes out at 18W wired (with a compatible charger, not included) and 7.5W wireless. That means the S20 can go from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes, whereas the iPhone 11 takes closer to 45 minutes.

Tip: To maximize S20 battery life, enable adaptive refresh rate (60–120Hz) and disable 5G unless needed.

Software, Updates, and Ecosystem

iOS and Android offer fundamentally different experiences. iOS is known for its simplicity, security, and long-term software support. The iPhone 11 is expected to receive updates until at least 2025, possibly longer. Apple typically provides five years of OS updates, ensuring access to new features and security patches.

Samsung has improved its update policy significantly. The Galaxy S20 was promised four major Android upgrades and five years of security patches. In practice, however, Android fragmentation and carrier delays can slow rollout times. iOS updates arrive simultaneously for all supported devices.

Ecosystem integration is another key factor. If you use a Mac, iPad, or AirPods, the iPhone 11 offers seamless Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and iCloud syncing. The S20 works well with Windows PCs via Samsung DeX and Smart Switch, but lacks the deep integration Apple users enjoy.

Price and Value Over Time

At launch, the Galaxy S20 started at $999, while the iPhone 11 launched at $699. Even used or refurbished, the S20 typically commands a higher price than the iPhone 11. For budget-conscious users, the iPhone 11 offers exceptional value — delivering flagship-level performance at a mid-range price.

If you're considering an upgrade from the iPhone 11 to the S20, ask yourself whether the improvements justify the cost. The S20 brings a better screen, slightly better cameras in specific conditions, and faster charging, but sacrifices battery life and ecosystem cohesion. Unless you're deeply invested in Samsung services or need Android-specific features, the upgrade may feel underwhelming.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had an iPhone 11 and considered switching to the Galaxy S20 after seeing ads for its 120Hz display and 8K video. She bought one unlocked, excited for the upgrade. After two weeks, she noticed her battery died by 6 PM daily, especially with 5G enabled. She missed iMessage and couldn’t seamlessly share photos with her family on FaceTime. Though she loved the smoother screen, the trade-offs weren’t worth it. She sold the S20 and returned to iOS with an iPhone 12 — gaining 5G and better performance without leaving her ecosystem.

Comparison Table: iPhone 11 vs Galaxy S20

Feature	iPhone 11	Galaxy S20
Processor	A13 Bionic	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990
RAM	4GB	12GB
Display	6.1\" LCD, 60Hz	6.2\" AMOLED, 120Hz
Rear Cameras	12MP + 12MP (ultra-wide)	12MP + 64MP + 12MP (telephoto)
Video Recording	4K@60fps	8K@24fps
Battery Capacity	3,110mAh	4,000mAh
Fast Charging	18W (adapter sold separately)	25W
Wireless Charging	7.5W	15W
OS Update Support	~5 years (iOS)	4 OS + 5 security (Android)
Starting Price (Launch)	$699	$999

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S20 outperform the iPhone 11 in gaming?

In sustained graphics-intensive games, the S20 may have a slight edge due to its higher refresh rate and cooling design. However, the iPhone 11’s A13 chip still handles most games exceptionally well, and iOS optimizations often lead to fewer frame drops over time.

Is 8K video on the S20 worth it?

Not for most users. 8K files are extremely large and require powerful hardware to edit. Most social media platforms don’t support 8K, and the visual improvement over 4K is negligible on small screens. The iPhone 11’s 4K@60fps remains the gold standard for mobile video creators.

Should I upgrade from iPhone 11 to Galaxy S20?

Only if you specifically want a high-refresh-rate display, prefer Android, or need advanced camera features like space zoom. For most iPhone 11 users, the upgrade isn’t compelling enough to justify the cost and ecosystem switch.

Final Verdict: Is the S20 Worth It?

The Galaxy S20 is a technically superior phone on paper — better screen, faster refresh rate, more RAM, and advanced camera features. But real-world usability tells a different story. The iPhone 11 remains a remarkably capable device, with excellent battery life, reliable cameras, and long-term software support. The S20’s advantages come with trade-offs: shorter battery life, higher cost, and potential ecosystem friction.

Unless you’re passionate about Android customization, need 5G, or work in multimedia creation where 8K or high-speed capture matters, the upgrade from iPhone 11 to Galaxy S20 feels more like a lateral move than a leap forward. For most users, holding onto the iPhone 11 — or upgrading within the Apple ecosystem — makes more sense.

🚀 Ready to make your next move? Evaluate what truly matters to you — ecosystem, battery, camera, or display — and choose based on how you use your phone every day. Share your experience below and help others decide.