Apple iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 3, 2017 March 6, 2020
Release Year 2017 2020

Physical

Volume 78.4 cm³ 93.07 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.56 "/g
Weight 174 g 188 g
Height 143.6 mm 161.9 mm
Width 70.9 mm 73.7 mm
Thickness 7.7 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Space Gray
  • Silver
  • Aura Blue
  • Cosmic Grey
  • Cloud Blue
  • Cloud White
  • Aura Red
  • Cosmic Black

Display

Screen Size 5.8 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1125 x 2436 1440 x 3200
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 90.8 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 525 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1200 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 80.74 mAh/in² 100.25 mAh/in²
Battery Density 34.64 mAh/cm³ 48.35 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2716 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global
CPU Hexa-core 2.39 GHz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Global
GPU Apple GPU (three-core graphics) Mali-G77 MP11 - Global

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 11.1.1 10
Maximum OS Version 16.7.7 13

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-centric comparison of the Apple iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G. I'll be focusing on how these specs translate into real-world experiences.

The Tale of Two Titans: iPhone X vs. Galaxy S20+ 5G

It's like comparing two distinct chefs, each with their unique approach to a culinary masterpiece. The iPhone X, released in late 2017, is like a classic dish, refined and elegant. The Galaxy S20+ 5G, a 2020 entry, is more like a modern fusion creation, packed with the latest and greatest ingredients.

Design and Usability: A User's Perspective

Here's a matrix breaking down the design philosophies and their impact:

CategoryApple iPhone XSamsung Galaxy S20+ 5GUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignMinimalist, familiar iOS. Focus on gesture-based navigation.Feature-rich One UI. Customizable home screens and app drawer.iPhone X: Intuitive for Apple ecosystem users, easy to learn. S20+: Offers more customization, appealing to Android enthusiasts.
Interaction FlowSmooth, gesture-driven transitions. Fluid app switching.Fast and responsive, with a variety of navigation options.Both offer excellent usability. iPhone X is simpler for the uninitiated, S20+ appeals to users who like options and customizability.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard iOS accessibility features.Comprehensive Android accessibility suite.Both cater to accessibility needs well, with S20+ having more features out-of-the-box.
Design ErgonomicsSmaller, fits well in one hand. Lighter build.Larger, more screen real estate. Slightly heavier.iPhone X: More comfortable for one-handed use. S20+: Better for media consumption due to the larger screen, but more difficult to use one-handed.

Storytelling:

Imagine you're a busy professional:

  • iPhone X: You're constantly on the go, and the iPhone X is your trusty sidekick. Its compact size and intuitive gestures make it easy to check emails and respond to messages quickly, even when your hands are full.
  • Galaxy S20+ 5G: You're a creative entrepreneur who loves to consume content and create your own. The S20+'s immersive display is perfect for editing videos, and the customization features mean your phone always works just the way you need it to.

A Deep Dive into Features: Where the Magic Happens

Let's explore how these features translate to real-world use:

Display: A Visual Feast

  • iPhone X: The OLED display is beautiful, with vibrant colors and deep blacks. It's great for everyday use, but the size can feel a bit cramped for serious media consumption.
  • Galaxy S20+ 5G: The larger AMOLED display is a visual masterpiece. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel buttery smooth, and the higher brightness means you can easily see the screen, even in bright sunlight.

    • Scenario: Imagine you're watching a movie. The S20+'s larger screen and higher refresh rate make it an immersive experience, while the iPhone X can feel a bit confined by comparison.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

  • iPhone X: The A11 Bionic chip is still capable, and most users won't notice any lag.
  • Galaxy S20+ 5G: The Exynos 990 is a bit more powerful, and the extra RAM means it can handle multitasking and demanding games with ease.

    • Scenario: You're a hardcore mobile gamer. The S20+'s superior performance is a significant advantage, with higher frame rates and faster load times.

Camera: Capturing Moments

  • iPhone X: The dual-lens camera takes great photos in good lighting. It's a reliable everyday shooter.
  • Galaxy S20+ 5G: This phone boasts a quad-camera setup that includes a telephoto and a wide-angle lens, giving you greater flexibility. The S20+ also can shoot in 8k resolution.

    • Scenario: You're on a family vacation. The S20+'s wide-angle lens lets you capture stunning group photos, and its zoom capabilities let you get close-ups without losing quality.

Battery: Powering Your Day

  • iPhone X: Battery life can be a bit of a concern for heavy users.
  • Galaxy S20+ 5G: With a much larger battery and fast charging capabilities, you're less likely to run out of juice before the end of the day.

    • Scenario: You're traveling all day, using GPS, taking photos, and browsing the web. The S20+'s larger battery means you don't have to worry about finding an outlet to charge your phone.

Inclusive Technology Evaluation

  • For the Tech Novice: The iPhone X's simplicity may be more appealing, while the S20+ may seem overwhelming.
  • For the Power User: The S20+ is a clear winner, with its high customizability and premium features.
  • For the Creative Professional: The S20+'s camera and video features are a huge draw.
  • For the Budget-Conscious User: The iPhone X is more affordable today but also older technology.

Design-Centric Decision Framework

If you prioritize:

  • Simplicity & Ease of Use: iPhone X
  • Screen Size & Media Consumption: Galaxy S20+ 5G
  • Camera Versatility: Galaxy S20+ 5G
  • Performance for Gaming: Galaxy S20+ 5G
  • Battery Life: Galaxy S20+ 5G
  • Latest Technology: Galaxy S20+ 5G
  • Compact Form Factor: iPhone X
  • Customizability: Galaxy S20+ 5G

My Choice and Why

Given the detailed analysis, if I were choosing today, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G.

Here's why:

  1. Future-Proofing: The S20+ 5G, being newer, supports 5G and a host of features that are more relevant for modern use.
  2. Immersive Experience: The larger, higher refresh rate screen of the S20+ is ideal for media consumption.
  3. Camera Versatility: The multi-lens camera system is significantly more flexible, perfect for diverse shooting scenarios.
  4. Battery Life: The superior battery life and fast charging are essential for a modern mobile lifestyle.
  5. Performance: The S20+ has a clear performance edge, which translates to a smoother user experience, especially for gaming and multitasking.

While the iPhone X is a well-designed device and still a great phone for someone who wants an easy to use smartphone, the S20+ 5G offers a much more compelling overall package today. The Galaxy S20+ 5G offers more of what I need and I love the Android OS, making it the natural fit for my needs.

I hope this user-centered breakdown provides a good perspective on how to make your decision!

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.