Pixel 7 Pro Vs S20 Is Upgrading Really Worth It For The Camera Alone

The smartphone upgrade cycle often hinges on one critical feature: the camera. For users still holding onto the Samsung Galaxy S20, a device that was once a flagship powerhouse in 2020, the question isn't just about performance or design—it's whether newer models like the Google Pixel 7 Pro deliver enough photographic improvement to justify the switch. While both phones were leaders in their respective generations, the gap between them reveals more than just megapixels; it reflects shifts in computational photography, AI processing, and long-term software support.

This isn’t simply a specs sheet battle. It’s about real-world usability, consistency in different lighting, and how much smarter cameras have become in just three years. If you're considering an upgrade solely for better photos, here’s what actually changes when you move from the S20 to the Pixel 7 Pro.

Camera Hardware: A Shift in Philosophy

The Galaxy S20 launched with a triple-camera setup: a 12MP main sensor (f/1.8), a 64MP telephoto (f/2.0), and a 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2). At the time, this configuration offered versatility—especially with its 3x hybrid zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. The high-resolution telephoto lens allowed for detailed cropping, though image quality degraded quickly beyond 5x.

In contrast, the Pixel 7 Pro takes a different approach. Instead of chasing high megapixel counts, Google focuses on sensor quality and software optimization. Its rear system includes a 50MP main sensor (f/1.85) with larger pixels, a 48MP telephoto (f/3.5) featuring true 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2). On paper, the S20 might seem competitive, but the Pixel’s hardware is designed to work in tandem with advanced processing algorithms—not standalone resolution.

Tip: Optical zoom matters more than digital reach. The Pixel 7 Pro’s 5x telephoto delivers sharper long-range shots than the S20’s 30x digital zoom.

Image Quality: Where Software Makes the Difference

Google has long championed computational photography, and the Pixel 7 Pro exemplifies this. Features like HDR+ with bracketing, Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, and Magic Eraser transform how images are captured and refined. Even in daylight, Pixel photos tend to have more natural dynamic range, accurate skin tones, and better shadow recovery compared to the S20’s sometimes over-sharpened or oversaturated output.

In low light, the difference becomes stark. The S20’s Night Mode improved upon earlier Samsung models, but it still struggles with noise control and color accuracy in dim environments. The Pixel 7 Pro, powered by the Tensor G2 chip, applies multi-frame processing and machine learning to produce cleaner, brighter, and more detailed night photos—even when zoomed.

“Modern smartphone photography is less about hardware and more about how intelligently that hardware is used.” — David Ng, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

Real-World Example: Capturing Family Moments

Consider a scenario: a family dinner indoors under warm, uneven lighting. The S20 captures the scene, but faces appear slightly underexposed, shadows are muddy, and colors lean orange. Post-processing helps, but details are lost. With the Pixel 7 Pro, the same shot benefits from real-time exposure balancing, facial enhancement, and noise reduction. The result is a photo that looks closer to what the human eye saw—brighter faces, balanced tones, preserved texture.

Another example: a distant subject at a park. The S20’s 3x hybrid zoom produces a usable image, but fine details like clothing patterns or facial features blur. The Pixel 7 Pro’s 5x optical zoom retains clarity, and Super Res Zoom extends that advantage further without introducing heavy artifacts.

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S20	Google Pixel 7 Pro
Main Sensor	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	50MP, f/1.85, larger pixel size
Telephoto Lens	64MP, 3x hybrid zoom	48MP, 5x optical zoom
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2, improved correction
Night Mode	Limited frame stacking	Advanced HDR+ with motion detection
Video Recording	8K@24fps, basic stabilization	4K@60fps, cinematic pans, front stereo mics
Software Enhancements	Scene Optimizer, basic AI	Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Audio Boost
OS & Updates	Android 10 → Up to Android 13 (security only)	Android 13 → Guaranteed until Android 17 + 5 years security

Practical Advantages Beyond the Camera

While the camera is the focal point, other improvements indirectly enhance photography. The Pixel 7 Pro offers five years of guaranteed OS and security updates—a significant leap over the S20’s now-limited support. This means not only continued bug fixes but also future camera enhancements via software updates, something Google regularly delivers.

The Tensor G2 chip enables on-device AI processing for features like Photo Unblur (rescuing motion-blurred shots), Magic Editor (repositioning subjects intelligently), and real-time translation in videos. These tools don’t exist on the S20 and represent a new tier of user empowerment.

Battery life is another factor. The S20’s 4000mAh battery was adequate in 2020 but feels strained today, especially with camera-intensive use. The Pixel 7 Pro’s 5000mAh battery provides longer shooting sessions and supports faster charging, making it more reliable for travel or events.

Tip: Enable “Top Shot” and “Suggested Actions” in Google Photos to automatically improve and organize your images post-capture.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Your Upgrade Need

1. Assess your current satisfaction. Are you frequently disappointed with blurry shots, poor low-light performance, or inconsistent results?
2. Test side-by-side samples. Take photos in your typical environments (indoor, outdoor, night, zoom) using both devices if possible.
3. Consider software longevity. The S20 no longer receives major OS updates—can you rely on it for another 2–3 years?
4. Evaluate additional needs. Do you want better video, longer battery, or AI-powered editing tools?
5. Calculate total cost. Weigh the price of a new phone against repair costs, cases, or accessories needed to extend the S20’s life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S20 still take good photos in 2024?

Yes, especially in daylight. The S20’s main camera is capable, and with careful technique, you can capture solid images. However, it lacks modern conveniences like consistent HDR, smart zoom, and AI cleanup tools.

Is the Pixel 7 Pro’s zoom really better than the S20’s?

Absolutely. The 5x optical telephoto on the Pixel 7 Pro provides significantly sharper and more detailed long-range shots than the S20’s digital-heavy zoom. Beyond 3x, the S20’s quality drops noticeably.

Do I need to switch to Google Photos to get the most out of the Pixel 7 Pro?

While not mandatory, using Google Photos unlocks key features like unlimited original-quality backup (until July 2024), AI editing suggestions, and advanced search. On the S20, Samsung’s gallery app doesn’t offer equivalent intelligence.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It for the Camera Alone?

If photography is your primary concern, the upgrade from the Galaxy S20 to the Pixel 7 Pro is not just worthwhile—it’s transformative. The combination of superior optics, advanced processing, and ongoing software innovation means consistently better photos across all conditions. You’ll notice improvements in dynamic range, color accuracy, low-light clarity, and creative flexibility.

But the decision shouldn’t be based solely on megapixels or zoom numbers. It’s about reliability, convenience, and future-proofing. The Pixel 7 Pro doesn’t just take better pictures today—it will continue to improve through updates, while the S20 remains frozen in time.

For casual shooters who rarely push their phone’s limits, staying put may be fine. But for anyone who values capturing life with clarity, confidence, and creativity, the Pixel 7 Pro represents a meaningful leap forward.

💬 Have you made the switch from S20 to Pixel 7 Pro? Share your experience with camera performance—what surprised you most? Join the conversation below.