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Of samsung firmware's three new Galaxy S20 5G phones, the smallest, cheapest Galaxy S20 is my favorite. It's just as stuffed with top-shelf features as the Galaxy S20 Plus and S20 Ultra, from its tack-sharp screen to advanced camera skills. But apart from screen and body size, the differences between S20 models are almost negligible. Of course, there are people who will want the S20 Plus and even Ultra instead, but for specific, personal reasons, and not out of a marked advantage in tools or performance. And yes, I do mean the Ultra's 108-megapixel camera and 100x zoom. (Wait for it…)







8.7

Samsung Galaxy S20 5G



$1,000 at AT&T Wireless


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How it stacks up

Motorola Moto G7 8.0 $299 Apple iPhone 11 9.0 $699 Samsung Galaxy S10E 8.9 $450



Like


Small enough to use one-handed

Excellent camera

Top-notch features and performance




Don't Like


Expensive

Thick, heavy, unrefined

Supports slower 5G only (except Verizon)




Honestly, the Galaxy S20's $999, £799 and AU$1,349 starting prices are expensive enough for what the phone offers that buying one of the pricier models feels like a waste. Unlike last year, there is no cheaper Galaxy S20E to make the smallest model appear like a value play that justifies the jump in cost as you move up the line. The S20 Plus begins at $1,199, while the unwieldy S20 Ultra will set you back $1,399 for the 128GB version that has disappointing battery life and 95% of the same specs. (The S20 Plus and Ultra also sell in 512GB variants.)

And if you want a "cheaper" high-end Samsung phone? That's now what the newly discounted Galaxy S10 Plus ($700 at Walmart) and Note 10 Plus are for.