Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW is equipped with a wide range of connectivity options. It supports various generations of mobile networks such as GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G. This makes it highly versatile and able to connect in almost any area with cellular coverage. The supported 5G bands include mmWave bands 260 and 261, offering high-speed data capabilities. The device also supports HSPA at speeds up to 42.2 Mbps, LTE Cat20 up to 2000/200 Mbps, and 5G speeds exceeding 5 Gbps for downloads.

Launch and Availability

The Galaxy S20 5G UW was announced on May 20, 2020, and became available on June 4, 2020. Even after several years since its release, it remains a relevant device for users seeking robust 5G connectivity in a trusted Samsung package.

Body and Design

The smartphone boasts a sleek design, with dimensions measuring 151.7 x 69.1 x 8.1 mm and weighing in at just 168.1 grams. The body features a premium build quality with a glass front and back, protected by Gorilla Glass 6, and an aluminum frame. This ensures durability and a premium feel in the hand. It comes with a pre-installed Nano-SIM, eliminating the need for additional setup.

Display Specifications

One of the standout features of the Galaxy S20 5G UW is its stunning display. The device is equipped with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and an enhanced viewing experience. With HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 1200 nits, it delivers vibrant colors and clarity even under bright sunlight. The screen resolution is an impressive 1440 x 3200 pixels with a 20:9 ratio, resulting in approximately 566 ppi density, making it one of the sharpest displays available.

Platform and Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy S20 5G UW runs on Android 10 with Samsung's One UI 2.5. It's powered by the Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G chipset, built on a 7 nm+ technology. The CPU architecture is Octa-core, consisting of 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55, providing a balance between high performance and power efficiency. The Adreno 650 GPU ensures smooth graphics performance, making it capable of handling demanding games and applications with ease.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 8GB of RAM, facilitating smooth multitasking and quick app switching. It features 128GB of internal storage, which should be ample for most users to store their photos, videos, and applications. However, it does not include a card slot for expandable storage, which means users must rely on cloud services or manage internal storage efficiently.

Camera Capabilities

Main Camera

The Galaxy S20 5G UW is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup. It includes a 12 MP wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture and dual pixel PDAF, along with OIS for stable shots. The second is a 64 MP telephoto lens with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of 1.1x optical zoom and 3x hybrid zoom. The third camera is a 12 MP ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots. The camera features include LED flash, auto-HDR, and panorama. For video, it offers options ranging from 8K@24fps to 720p@960fps, with HDR10+ support and both gyro-EIS and OIS stabilization.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera is a 10 MP single sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, supporting dual pixel PDAF for sharp and clear selfies. It supports dual video calls and Auto-HDR, with video recording capabilities up to 4K at 30/60fps and 1080p at 30fps.

Audio and Sound

The audio experience on the Galaxy S20 5G UW is enhanced by stereo speakers, providing a clear and immersive sound environment suitable for multimedia consumption. However, it notably lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which necessitates the use of wireless or USB Type-C audio solutions.

Communication and Features

In terms of wireless communication, the device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 with dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct for efficient and fast connectivity. Bluetooth 5.0 allows for stable and high-speed connections with peripherals and audio devices. It includes GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO for precise location tracking. NFC is available for convenient mobile payments and device pairing. It also retains an FM radio feature, which has become rare in modern smartphones. The USB Type-C 3.2 port supports OTG for connection with external devices.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Galaxy S20 5G UW comes equipped with a suite of sensors including an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer. These enhance the overall experience by allowing for improved security, navigation, and interaction with the device.

Battery and Charging

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery, which supports a full day of heavy use. Fast charging capabilities include 25W wired charging with PD3.0 support, and 15W wireless charging with Qi/PMA compatibility. Additionally, it offers 4.5W reverse wireless charging, allowing users to charge other devices on the go.

Miscellaneous and Pricing

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW is available in various color options such as Cloud Pink, Cosmic Grey, and Cloud White, catering to different aesthetic preferences. The model number for this device is SM-G981V. In terms of safety, the device has a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 0.91 W/kg for the head and 1.05 W/kg for the body. As of its release, the price was approximately 880 EUR, placing it in the high-end tier but justified by its rich set of features and premium build.