Introduction
In the crowded world of smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy A20 stands out as a budget-friendly device that doesn’t compromise on essential features. Released in April 2019, the Galaxy A20 quickly carved out a niche for itself, appealing particularly to users who seek good performance without the premium price tag. This article will delve into the various aspects of the Galaxy A20, covering its design, display, performance, battery life, camera quality, software and more.
Design and Build Quality
Sleek and Stylish Design
The Samsung Galaxy A20 presents itself with a sleek and modern design, making it an attractive option for users. The smartphone features a glossy plastic back that resembles glass, contributing to its premium feel. The rounded edges and slim profile further enhance its ergonomic appeal, allowing it to fit comfortably in one’s hand. Samsung has integrated a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing quick and easy access to unlock the device securely.
Durability
Despite its stylish appearance, the Galaxy A20’s plastic build might be a minor letdown for those expecting a more durable material like metal or Gorilla Glass. However, the plastic construction makes the phone lighter, weighing just 169 grams. This is beneficial for users who don’t like carrying bulky devices. The phone’s overall build quality is robust, and it withstands everyday wear and tear reasonably well, though it might not fare as well against severe drops or impacts.
Display Quality
Super AMOLED Excellence
One of the standout features of the Galaxy A20 is its display. The phone boasts a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen, a rarity in its price range. Super AMOLED technology is known for producing vibrant colors and deep blacks, making the viewing experience more immersive. The display offers a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels, translating into a pixel density of around 268 PPI (pixels per inch). While this is not as high as some of the more premium models, it’s more than adequate for everyday use.
Viewing Experience
The large screen size coupled with Super AMOLED technology enhances the viewing experience whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or browsing social media. The colors are rich and vivid, and the contrast is impressive. Viewing angles are also excellent, ensuring that the screen remains clear and colorful even when viewed from different angles. Outdoors, the display performs relatively well, though it may struggle slightly under direct sunlight.
Performance
Hardware Components
The Galaxy A20 is powered by Samsung’s in-house Exynos 7884 chipset, an octa-core processor clocked at 1.6 GHz. This is paired with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage, expandable up to 512 GB via a MicroSD card. For a phone in its price range, this combination ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks. Multi-tasking, switching between apps, and even casual gaming are handled with relative ease.
Real-World Use
In real-world usage, the Galaxy A20 performs admirably for its segment. Apps open quickly, and the user experience is generally smooth. While it may not be suited for high-end gaming or heavy multitasking, it capably handles day-to-day tasks. Browsing the internet, watching videos, and using social media apps occur without noticeable lag. The limitations of the processing power might show when running more demanding applications, but for average users, the performance is satisfactory.
Camera Features
Dual Rear Cameras
The Galaxy A20 features a dual-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 13 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP ultra-wide sensor. The primary sensor has an aperture of f/1.9, making it fairly capable in low-light conditions. The ultra-wide sensor allows you to capture a wider field of view, making it ideal for landscape shots and group photos. This versatility adds to the appeal, allowing users to experiment with different types of photography.
Front Camera
The front camera on the Galaxy A20 is an 8 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture. It’s suitable for selfies and video calls, delivering clear and sharp images under good lighting conditions. The camera app includes various modes like Live Focus for bokeh effects, Pro mode for more manual control, and several filters and effects to enhance your pictures.
Image Quality
Image quality is commendable for a phone in this category. Under good lighting conditions, photos appear sharp with vibrant colors. The ultra-wide-angle lens, though sometimes producing a bit of distortion at the edges, is a fun and useful addition. Low-light performance is not its strongest suit, but the primary camera does a decent job considering the price point. Overall, the camera set up on the Galaxy A20 is impressive for everyday photography.
Battery Life
Longevity
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy A20 with a sizable 4000 mAh battery, ensuring that it can easily last through a full day of moderate to heavy usage. The Super AMOLED display, combined with the power-efficient Exynos chipset, contributes to the battery’s longevity. Whether you’re streaming videos, browsing the web, or playing games, the A20’s battery holds up well.
Charging Convenience
The device supports 15W fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. With the included charger, the phone can go from 0 to 50% in just about 30 minutes, a notable feature for those constantly on the go. The convenience of fast charging reduces downtime and keeps you connected and productive.
Software Experience
One UI Integration
The Galaxy A20 runs on Samsung’s One UI, layered on top of Android 9.0 Pie out of the box, with updates available for higher versions. One UI is designed with user convenience in mind, featuring a clean interface and intuitive navigation. The layout is user-friendly, making one-handed use more feasible, even on a large screen.
Features and Updates
One UI provides several useful features like Night Mode, which reduces eye strain in low-light conditions, and Digital Wellbeing, which helps users manage their screen time. Regular software updates from Samsung ensure that the device stays up-to-date with the latest security patches and features, contributing to its longevity.
Connectivity and Extras
Network and Connectivity
The Galaxy A20 supports a wide range of connectivity options, including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. These features make it well-suited for both everyday use and travel. The phone also includes a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, reflecting modern standards.
Additional Features
The smartphone comes with dual SIM capabilities, allowing users to manage personal and work numbers on the same device. Additionally, the 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome inclusion for users who prefer wired audio options. The phone also includes a variety of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the overall user experience.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy A20 is an impressive entry in the budget smartphone category. It excels in several key areas like display quality, battery life, and camera versatility, making it a strong contender for anyone seeking a balanced and affordable smartphone. While it may have some limitations in terms of build quality and high-end performance, the Galaxy A20 offers excellent value for its price. For users who need a reliable, stylish, and feature-rich phone without breaking the bank, the Samsung Galaxy A20 is a compelling choice.