Sharp Aquos R5G vs Samsung Galaxy S20: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The Sharp Aquos R5G and Samsung Galaxy S20 were both flagship contenders in their time, boasting impressive features and performance. But with time moving on, how do they stack up against each other today? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, from display quality to camera capabilities, to help you decide which phone is the better choice.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy S20 offers a more polished and feature-rich experience with its established ecosystem and refined software. However, the Aquos R5G's unique display and powerful Snapdragon 865 chipset provide a compelling alternative, especially for those seeking a less mainstream device. The S20 wins on overall usability.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos R5G Samsung Galaxy S20
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, February. Released 2020, February2020, February 11
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, March 06
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions162 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.95 x 0.35 in)151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm (5.97 x 2.72 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)163 g (5.75 oz)
 IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1440 x 3168 pixels (~544 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~563 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 99.5 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.2 inches, 93.8 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIGZO IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby VisionDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display 120Hz@FHD/60Hz@QHD refresh rate
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)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 SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - GlobalQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) - USA
GPUAdreno 650Mali-G77 MP11 - GlobalAdreno 650 - USA
OSAndroid 10Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.0UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panoramaLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Triple12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.7, 52mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom, OIS 48 MP, f/2.9, 19mm (ultrawide), 0.8µm TOF 3D (depth)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
Video8K@30fps, 1080p@30fps8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm10 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
 24-bit/192kHz audio32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoFM radio (Snapdragon model only; market/operator dependent)
USBUSB Type-C 3.1USB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) ANT+ Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)
Battery
Charging-25W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 3730 mAhLi-Ion 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGlare Black, Aurora WhiteCosmic Grey, Cloud Blue, Cloud Pink, Cloud White, Aura Red
ModelsSH-51A, SHG01, SH-R50SM-G980, SM-G980F, SM-G980F/DS
PriceAbout 700 EUR$ 252.72 / C$ 249.99 / £ 185.00 / € 185.00
SAR-0.76 W/kg (head)     1.01 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.28 W/kg (head)     1.52 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 71h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -23.9 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 525029 (v8) GeekBench: 12557 (v4.4), 2750 (v5.1) GFXBench: 44fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sharp Aquos R5G

  • Unique IGZO Display
  • Powerful Snapdragon 865
  • High Refresh Rate
  • Compact Design

  • Less Common Brand
  • Limited Software Updates
  • Less Versatile Camera

Samsung Galaxy S20

  • Excellent AMOLED Display
  • Versatile Camera System
  • Established Ecosystem
  • Regular Software Updates

  • Older Chipset (compared to newer phones)
  • Battery Life Could Be Better
  • Plastic Back (on some models)

Display Comparison

The Aquos R5G boasts a truly exceptional 6.5-inch IGZO display with a 120Hz refresh rate and incredible brightness. While the Galaxy S20's Dynamic AMOLED display is also excellent, the R5G's technology offers superior color accuracy and clarity. The S20's display is still vibrant and sharp, but the R5G takes the crown here.

Camera Comparison

The Galaxy S20's camera system is more versatile, offering a wider range of features and shooting modes. While the Aquos R5G's camera is capable, it lacks the S20's telephoto lens and advanced software processing. The S20 consistently delivers excellent image quality across various conditions.

Performance

Both phones are powered by high-end chipsets. The Aquos R5G utilizes the Snapdragon 865 5G, while the Galaxy S20 uses either the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865 (region dependent). The Snapdragon 865 generally offers slightly better performance and efficiency. Both phones handle demanding tasks and games with ease, but the R5G has a slight edge.

Battery Life

The Galaxy S20 has a slightly larger battery and generally offers better battery life, achieving the stated 71h endurance rating. The Aquos R5G's battery life is respectable, but not as impressive as the S20's. Charging speeds are comparable, with both supporting fast wired and wireless charging.

Buying Guide

The Sharp Aquos R5G is ideal for tech enthusiasts who appreciate a unique display and raw processing power, and don't mind a less common brand. The Samsung Galaxy S20 is a better choice for users who prioritize a seamless Android experience, a wider range of apps, and a strong brand reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Sharp Aquos R5G worth buying in 2024?
It depends. If you prioritize a unique display and powerful performance, and don't mind a less common brand, it can be a good option. However, consider that software updates may be limited.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 has significantly better software support and receives more frequent updates compared to the Sharp Aquos R5G.