Is The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus Actually Worth The Upgrade From The S10

For many users still enjoying a Samsung Galaxy S10, the decision to upgrade to the S20 Plus isn’t just about wanting the latest model—it’s about whether the improvements justify the cost. The S10 was a flagship in its time, delivering excellent performance, a refined design, and strong battery life. But three years later, does the S20 Plus offer enough meaningful upgrades to make the jump worthwhile?

The answer depends on your usage patterns, priorities, and how much you value features like 5G connectivity, higher refresh rate displays, and improved camera systems. Let’s dive into the key differences and assess whether this upgrade delivers tangible benefits or simply incremental changes.

Display: A Smoother, Brighter Experience

The most immediately noticeable improvement on the S20 Plus is the display. While the S10 featured a solid 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with a 3040×1440 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate, the S20 Plus steps up with a larger 6.7-inch Quad HD+ screen and introduces a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

This means smoother scrolling, more responsive touch input, and a noticeably fluid interface—especially when navigating apps or playing games. Samsung also optimized power efficiency by dynamically switching between 60Hz and 120Hz based on content, helping preserve battery life.

Tip: Enable the 120Hz mode only when needed; use “Adaptive” settings to balance smoothness and battery longevity.

Brightness has also improved, with peak brightness reaching around 1200 nits compared to the S10’s 1000 nits. This makes outdoor visibility significantly better, especially under direct sunlight.

Performance: Power You Might Not Need

Under the hood, the S20 Plus packs either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 (depending on region), both representing a substantial leap over the S10’s Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820. In real-world terms, this translates to faster app launches, quicker multitasking, and better handling of graphics-intensive games and AR applications.

However, for everyday tasks—browsing, messaging, streaming video—the S10 remains perfectly capable. Most users won’t experience frustrating lag or slowdowns even in 2024. So while the S20 Plus is objectively faster, the performance gains may feel underutilized unless you're pushing your phone to its limits.

“Flagship phones today are so powerful that average users rarely hit their ceiling. The real differentiators now lie in display quality, camera, and future-proofing.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Camera Upgrades: More Than Just Megapixels

The camera system is where the S20 Plus pulls ahead most convincingly. The S10 came with a solid triple rear setup: 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. The S20 Plus retains the same number of lenses but enhances each one significantly.

• Main Sensor: Upgraded to a 64MP telephoto lens (vs. 12MP), enabling better digital zoom and higher-resolution shots.
• Ultra-Wide: Improved field of view and reduced distortion.
• New Features: Introduction of Space Zoom (up to 30x digital zoom), Single Take mode, and enhanced Night Mode.

In practical use, photos from the S20 Plus exhibit better dynamic range, more accurate colors, and superior low-light performance. Video recording jumps from 4K at 60fps on the S10 to 8K at 24fps on the S20 Plus—ideal for future-proofing content, though few currently consume 8K media.

Real Example: Portrait Photographer’s Experience

Sarah Lin, a freelance photographer who upgraded from the S10 to the S20 Plus, noted: “I shoot client previews on my phone regularly. The S20 Plus’s depth sensing and edge detection in portrait mode are far more consistent. I’ve had fewer retakes just because the background blur looks natural.”

While casual shooters may not notice dramatic differences, creative professionals and enthusiasts benefit from the expanded toolset and higher-quality output.

Battery and Charging: Trade-offs in Design

The S20 Plus includes a slightly larger 4500mAh battery compared to the S10’s 4100mAh. However, due to the power demands of the 120Hz display and 5G modem, real-world battery life is roughly on par—lasting about a day with moderate to heavy use.

Charging speeds have improved: both support 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging, but the S20 Plus dropped the reverse wireless charging feature available on the S10. Some users found that functionality useful for charging earbuds or smartwatches on the go.

Feature	Galaxy S10	Galaxy S20 Plus
Battery Capacity	4100 mAh	4500 mAh
Wired Charging	15W	25W (charger sold separately)
Wireless Charging	15W	15W
Reverse Wireless Charging	Yes	No
Display Refresh Rate	60Hz	Up to 120Hz (adaptive)
Video Recording	4K @ 60fps	8K @ 24fps
5G Support	No	Yes (on select models)

Design and Future-Proofing Considerations

The S20 Plus adopts a more modern aesthetic with flatter edges and a sleeker profile, but it’s also heavier and larger than the S10. At 7.8mm thick and 186g, it’s less pocket-friendly and can be tiring to hold one-handed for long periods.

A major factor in favor of the upgrade is 5G connectivity. If you live in an area with robust 5G coverage and plan to keep your phone for several years, having access to faster networks adds long-term value. However, if you’re mostly on Wi-Fi or in regions with limited 5G rollout, this advantage diminishes.

Software support is another consideration. The S20 series received four years of Android OS updates and five years of security patches, meaning it will stay supported longer than the S10, which reached end-of-life in 2023.

Tip: Check your carrier's 5G coverage map before prioritizing 5G as a deciding factor.

When the Upgrade Makes Sense: A Practical Checklist

Ask yourself the following questions to determine if the S20 Plus is right for you:

1. Do you frequently edit photos or record videos and want better image quality?
2. Are you experiencing noticeable slowdowns or storage limitations on your S10?
3. Do you value a smoother, more responsive display for gaming or scrolling?
4. Is 5G important in your daily usage or future plans?
5. Are you planning to keep your phone for at least two more years?
6. Can you get a trade-in deal or discounted pricing that reduces the cost gap?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the upgrade offers tangible benefits. Otherwise, extending the life of your S10 with a battery replacement or case upgrade might be the smarter financial move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S20 Plus still receive software updates?

Yes. The S20 series is eligible for updates until at least 2025, including monthly or quarterly security patches and previously received four major Android version upgrades.

Is the camera significantly better in low light?

Yes. The S20 Plus improves upon the S10’s Night Mode with longer exposure options, better noise reduction, and multi-frame processing, resulting in brighter, clearer low-light images with more detail.

Does the 120Hz display drain the battery quickly?

It can, but Samsung’s adaptive refresh rate adjusts dynamically. When set to “Adaptive,” the display switches between 60Hz and 120Hz based on content, minimizing unnecessary power draw while preserving smoothness.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Upgrading from the Galaxy S10 to the S20 Plus isn’t essential, but it is rewarding—if you value specific advancements. The 120Hz display, improved cameras, 5G capability, and extended software support collectively make the S20 Plus a more future-ready device.

However, if your S10 still performs well and meets your daily needs, the upgrade leans more toward luxury than necessity. For those holding out, consider waiting for deeper discounts on used or refurbished S20 Plus units, or explore newer models like the S22 or S23 series, which build on these improvements with even better efficiency and AI-powered features.

🚀 Ready to make a decision? Evaluate your current phone’s condition, your usage habits, and long-term goals. Sometimes the best upgrade is maintaining what works—other times, stepping up unlocks a whole new experience.