Upgrading From S8 To S20 Is It Really Worth The Hype

If you're still using a Samsung Galaxy S8, you're holding onto a phone that was groundbreaking in 2017. At the time, its Infinity Display redefined smartphone design. But nearly seven years later, technology has moved fast. The Galaxy S20, released in 2020, represents a major leap forward in almost every category. So, is upgrading from the S8 to the S20 actually worth it — or just marketing hype? Let’s cut through the noise with a detailed, practical comparison.

Display: From Innovative to Industry-Leading

The S8 introduced one of the first true edge-to-edge displays, with slim bezels and an 18.5:9 aspect ratio. It featured a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED panel, which was stunning for its era. Fast forward to the S20, and the display evolution is immediately noticeable.

The S20 ups the ante with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, but more importantly, it supports a 120Hz refresh rate. This means smoother scrolling, faster response times in games, and a generally more fluid user experience. While the S8 runs at a standard 60Hz, the jump to 120Hz on the S20 feels like moving from standard definition to HD overnight.

Tip: Enable adaptive refresh rate (60Hz–120Hz) in settings to balance smoothness and battery life.

The S20 also improves brightness, peak HDR performance, and touch responsiveness. For media consumption, web browsing, or gaming, the difference is stark — not just technically, but perceptually.

Performance: A Generational Leap in Speed and Efficiency

Under the hood, the gap between these two devices couldn’t be wider. The S8 launched with either the Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 9810, depending on region — both impressive chips in their day. However, by modern standards, they struggle with multitasking, app loading, and demanding games.

The S20, in contrast, runs on either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 (again, region-dependent), paired with at least 8GB of RAM. Apps launch instantly, background processes are handled effortlessly, and high-end games like Genshin Impact run smoothly at high settings.

Beyond raw speed, the S20 benefits from improved thermal management and software optimization. Android 10 (upgradable to Android 13) on the S20 offers better security, smarter AI features, and longer support than the aging Android 9 on the S8.

“Moving from a 2017 flagship to a 2020 one isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a complete overhaul in responsiveness and capability.” — David Kim, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechPulse Labs

Camera Comparison: Night Mode, Zoom, and AI Enhancements

The S8 had a solid single 12MP rear camera with Dual Pixel autofocus and optical image stabilization. It took good photos in daylight but struggled in low light and lacked advanced computational photography.

The S20 introduces a triple-camera system: 12MP main, 64MP telephoto, and 12MP ultra-wide. More importantly, it brings AI-powered scene optimization, 3x hybrid zoom, 30x space zoom, and vastly superior night mode processing.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S8	Samsung Galaxy S20
Rear Cameras	12MP (Single)	12MP Main + 64MP Telephoto + 12MP Ultra-Wide
Zoom Capability	Digital only (up to 4x)	3x Hybrid, 30x Space Zoom
Night Mode	No dedicated mode	Yes, with multi-frame stacking
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 60fps
Front Camera	8MP	10MP with autofocus

The ability to shoot in 8K may seem excessive, but it future-proofs your content and allows for high-resolution stills pulled from video. The front-facing camera on the S20 also autofocuses, making selfies consistently sharp — a small but meaningful improvement.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Experience

Maria, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her S8 for over five years. She loved its compact size and clean design but found herself missing shots due to slow focus and poor low-light performance. After upgrading to the S20, she noticed immediate differences.

“I shot a concert in low light last month,” she said. “On my S8, the images would’ve been blurry or too dark. With the S20’s night mode and stabilized telephoto lens, I got usable shots without a tripod. It’s not just better — it’s empowering.”

For users who rely on their phones for content creation, travel, or social sharing, the camera alone can justify the upgrade.

Battery Life and Charging: Smarter Power Management

The S8 came with a 3000mAh battery, which was adequate in 2017 but feels limiting today. The S20 packs a 4000mAh cell — a 33% increase — paired with more efficient hardware and software.

While screen-on time depends on usage, most S20 users report lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use, including streaming, GPS navigation, and multitasking. The S8, by comparison, often requires midday charging under similar conditions.

Charging speeds have also improved. The S20 supports 25W wired fast charging (though the charger is sold separately), 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging — letting you power up earbuds or another phone from your battery. The S8 supports slower 15W fast charging and basic wireless charging, but lacks reverse charging.

Tip: Use adaptive battery settings on the S20 to extend lifespan and reduce background drain.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the switch, consider your needs. Here’s a checklist to help you decide:

• Are you experiencing slow app launches or frequent crashes? → S20 will resolve this.
• Do you take photos in low light or need zoom capabilities? → S20’s camera is a major upgrade.
• Do you want smoother scrolling and better gaming performance? → The 120Hz display makes a tangible difference.
• Are you tired of charging multiple times a day? → S20’s larger battery and efficiency help significantly.
• Do you value long-term software support? → S20 received four years of OS updates; S8 is no longer supported.

If three or more apply, the upgrade is likely worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my accessories work with the S20?

Most wired accessories will work via USB-C, but the S8 and S20 have different dimensions and case designs, so cases and screen protectors won’t transfer. Wireless chargers are compatible, though faster on the S20.

Is the S20 much bigger than the S8?

Yes. The S20 is taller, wider, and slightly heavier. If you prefer compact phones, the size increase may take adjustment. However, the larger screen and battery are key reasons for the change.

Can the S20 still get updates?

The S20 launched with Android 10 and received updates up to Android 13, along with regular security patches until 2023. While no longer getting major OS upgrades, it remains secure and functional for daily use.

Final Verdict: Beyond the Hype, Real Value Exists

Is upgrading from the S8 to the S20 worth the hype? Not because of marketing slogans — but because of measurable, everyday improvements. The faster processor, smoother display, advanced camera system, and better battery life combine to create a device that doesn’t just perform better, but changes how you interact with your phone.

If you’re clinging to your S8 out of loyalty or frugality, understand that you’re missing out on nearly a decade of innovation. The S20 isn’t just faster; it’s more capable, more reliable, and more adaptable to modern digital life.

That said, if your usage is minimal — calls, texts, occasional browsing — and your S8 still functions well, the upgrade can wait. But for anyone who uses their phone as a camera, productivity tool, or entertainment hub, the S20 delivers real, lasting value.

🚀 Ready to experience a truly modern smartphone? Evaluate your current pain points, revisit the checklist, and consider whether it’s time to step into the next generation. Your S8 served you well — now give yourself the upgrade you’ve earned.