Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 vs S20+ 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Chipsets, Cameras, and Value

The Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 and S20+ 5G represent different points in Samsung’s flagship strategy. The Quantum 2, released later, focuses on security with its integrated QRNG, while the S20+ 5G aimed for all-around premium features at its initial launch. Now, with price drops on the S20+ 5G, the choice isn't as straightforward. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing security and a stable, if slightly older, performance profile, the Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 is the better buy. Its Snapdragon 855+ offers consistent performance, and the QRNG provides a unique security advantage. However, the S20+ 5G’s potential for faster 5G speeds (depending on region) and wireless charging capabilities make it a compelling alternative for those willing to potentially manage thermal throttling.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - SM-G986B
5G bands78 Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - SM-G986B
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G (5+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, April 132020, February 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 23Available. Released 2020, March 06
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions161.9 x 73.8 x 8.1 mm (6.37 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm (6.37 x 2.90 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight176 g (6.21 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~524 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~525 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
 120Hz@FHD / 60Hz@QHD refresh rate-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - GlobalOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - USA
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm), QRNG security chipsetExynos 990 (7 nm+) - GlobalQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) - USA
GPUAdreno 640 (700 MHz)Mali-G77 MP11 - GlobalAdreno 650 - USA
OSAndroid 11, One UI 3.1Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (telephoto), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 1.1x optical zoom, 3x hybrid zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, f/1.0, (depth)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps; gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single10 MP, f/2.2, (wide)10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.24", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoFM radio (Snapdragon model only; market/operator dependent)
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging25W wired25W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, VioletCosmic Black, Cosmic Grey, Cloud Blue, Cloud White, Aura Red, Aura Blue
ModelsSM-A826SSM-G986, SM-G986F, SM-G986F/DS, SM-G986U, SM-G986U1, SM-G9860, SM-G986B/DS, SM-G986N, SM-G986B, SM-G986W, SCG02
PriceAbout 520 EUR$ 174.17 / C$ 684.99 / € 299.97
SAR-1.08 W/kg (head)     1.02 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.09 W/kg (head)     1.57 W/kg (body)

Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2

  • Enhanced security with QRNG chipset
  • Stable performance with Snapdragon 855+
  • Generally more affordable

  • Older chipset compared to Snapdragon 865
  • Lacks wireless charging

Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G

  • Potentially faster 5G speeds (Snapdragon variant)
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging
  • Potentially better camera performance

  • Exynos variant prone to thermal throttling
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

Both devices feature similar display technologies, though specific details like peak brightness aren't provided. The S20+ 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s advancements in display calibration and potentially higher peak brightness. However, without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. Both are expected to offer vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles, typical of Samsung’s AMOLED panels. The S20+ 5G’s slightly larger screen size may appeal to users who consume more media.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely share similar image processing algorithms, the S20+ 5G likely has an edge in overall camera quality due to its potentially larger sensor and more advanced features. Details on sensor sizes are missing, but the S20+ 5G’s flagship status suggests a more sophisticated camera system. The Quantum 2’s camera is competent, but it doesn’t appear to offer any significant advantages over the S20+ 5G. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the S20+ 5G is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Quantum 2 utilizes the Snapdragon 855+, a 7nm processor known for its stability and solid performance. The S20+ 5G, however, comes in two variants: the Exynos 990 (globally) and the Snapdragon 865 (US). The Snapdragon 865 offers a clear performance advantage over both the Exynos 990 and the 855+ due to its newer architecture and 7nm+ process. The Exynos 990, while powerful, has been known to suffer from thermal throttling under sustained load, impacting long gaming sessions. The Quantum 2’s 855+ avoids this issue, offering consistent performance. The S20+ 5G (Snapdragon variant) benefits from faster RAM speeds (LPDDR5) compared to the Quantum 2 (likely LPDDR4X), further enhancing its performance.

Battery Life

Both devices support 25W wired charging, offering similar charging speeds. However, the S20+ 5G adds 15W wireless charging (Qi standard) and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, providing greater versatility. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the S20+ 5G’s larger size suggests a potentially larger battery. The Snapdragon 855+ in the Quantum 2 is more power-efficient than the Exynos 990, potentially offsetting the S20+ 5G’s larger battery capacity. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 if you need enhanced security features thanks to the QRNG chipset and prefer a consistently performing device without worrying about potential throttling issues. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G if you prioritize faster 5G connectivity (particularly in the US with the Snapdragon 865 variant), wireless charging, and are comfortable with the possibility of occasional performance dips under sustained load.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 990 in the S20+ 5G overheat during demanding tasks like gaming?
Yes, the Exynos 990 variant of the S20+ 5G is known to experience thermal throttling under sustained load. This means that performance will decrease over time during long gaming sessions or when running other demanding applications. The Snapdragon 855+ in the Quantum 2 is less prone to this issue.
❓ What is the QRNG feature on the Galaxy Quantum 2 and how does it improve security?
QRNG stands for Quantum Random Number Generator. Unlike traditional pseudo-random number generators, QRNG utilizes quantum physics to generate truly random numbers. This is crucial for security applications like encryption, as it makes it significantly harder for attackers to predict the random numbers used to protect your data.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the S20+ 5G actually useful?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras often lack the detail and clarity needed to produce truly impressive macro shots. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful addition to the camera system. You'll likely get better results cropping into a standard photo taken with the main sensor.
❓ Which phone is better for 5G connectivity?
The S20+ 5G, particularly the US Snapdragon 865 variant, is better equipped for 5G connectivity. The Snapdragon 865 has a more advanced 5G modem than the 855+ in the Quantum 2. However, 5G availability and performance vary greatly depending on your location and carrier.