iQOO 5 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Charging

The vivo iQOO 5 5G and Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G represent distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. The iQOO 5 5G, arriving later in the 5G cycle, prioritized raw performance and charging speed, while the S20+ 5G aimed for a more balanced package with a refined software experience and versatile camera system. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw speed and incredibly fast charging, the iQOO 5 5G is the clear winner. Its consistent Snapdragon 865 performance and 55W charging significantly outperform the Galaxy S20+ 5G, especially the Exynos variant. However, the S20+ 5G offers a more polished software experience and a more versatile camera system.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 5 5G 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, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - SM-G986B
5G bands1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 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 / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA-
Launch
Announced2020, August 17. Released 2020, August 242020, February 11
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, March 06
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 6)Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions160 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm (6.37 x 2.90 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight197 g (6.95 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~525 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
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 10, IQOO UI 1.5Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF 13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
Triple-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)
Video8K, 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (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 YesYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoFM radio (Snapdragon model only; market/operator dependent)
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging55W wired, 100% in 50 min Reverse wired25W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless
Type4500 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, GrayCosmic Black, Cosmic Grey, Cloud Blue, Cloud White, Aura Red, Aura Blue
ModelsV2024ASM-G986, SM-G986F, SM-G986F/DS, SM-G986U, SM-G986U1, SM-G9860, SM-G986B/DS, SM-G986N, SM-G986B, SM-G986W, SCG02
PriceAbout 490 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)

vivo iQOO 5 5G

  • Significantly faster 55W charging
  • Consistent Snapdragon 865 performance
  • Reverse wired charging capability

  • Less refined software experience
  • Potentially less versatile camera system

Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G

  • More polished software experience (One UI)
  • Versatile camera system with strong image processing
  • 120Hz display for smoother visuals

  • Exynos 990 variant prone to throttling
  • Slower 25W charging

Display Comparison

While both phones utilize 7nm+ fabrication, display details are limited. The S20+ 5G likely features a higher peak brightness and potentially better color calibration, typical of Samsung's displays. However, without specific nit ratings for the iQOO 5 5G, it's difficult to quantify the difference. Both likely employ AMOLED panels, but the iQOO 5 5G's refresh rate is unknown, while the S20+ 5G is confirmed to have a 120Hz display. This gives the S20+ an edge for smoother scrolling and gaming.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specs are missing, but the S20+ 5G is expected to have a more comprehensive camera system with a larger main sensor and more versatile lens options. Samsung’s image processing is known for its vibrant colors and strong dynamic range. The iQOO 5 5G likely focuses on delivering solid image quality, but may lack the advanced features and processing capabilities of the S20+ 5G. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the iQOO 5 5G is likely a marketing feature with limited real-world benefit.

Performance

The chipset is the core differentiator. The iQOO 5 5G consistently features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G, utilizing a Cortex-A77 prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz. The Galaxy S20+ 5G, however, shipped with either the Exynos 990 (globally) or the Snapdragon 865 (USA). The Exynos 990, with its Mongoose M5 cores, often exhibited thermal throttling under sustained load, impacting long-term performance. The Snapdragon 865 in both phones benefits from the same Cortex-A77 architecture, but the iQOO 5 5G’s consistent implementation provides a more reliable performance profile. Both utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the iQOO 5 5G’s optimized thermal design allows it to sustain peak performance for longer.

Battery Life

The iQOO 5 5G’s 55W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving a 100% charge in just 50 minutes. The Galaxy S20+ 5G’s 25W charging, while supporting Power Delivery 3.0, is significantly slower. The iQOO 5 5G also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the S20+ 5G. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the iQOO 5 5G mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO 5 5G if you need uncompromising performance for gaming and demanding tasks, and value the convenience of extremely fast charging. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G if you prefer a more refined user experience, a versatile camera system with strong image processing, and the broader ecosystem of Samsung services and accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 990 in the Galaxy S20+ 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
Yes, the Exynos 990 variant of the Galaxy S20+ 5G is known to exhibit thermal throttling under sustained load, particularly during demanding games. This can lead to reduced performance and frame rate drops over time. The Snapdragon 865 variant, and especially the iQOO 5 5G with its optimized cooling, handles heat much more effectively.
❓ Is the 55W charging on the iQOO 5 5G compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
While the iQOO 5 5G supports 55W charging, it's best to use the included charger for optimal performance. It may work with some PD chargers, but achieving the full 55W requires a compatible charger and cable. The S20+ 5G supports PD3.0 with its 25W charging.
❓ How does the image processing differ between the iQOO 5 5G and the Galaxy S20+ 5G?
Samsung's image processing typically prioritizes vibrant colors and high dynamic range, often resulting in images that are visually appealing but may not be entirely natural. The iQOO 5 5G likely aims for a more balanced and realistic image processing style, though detailed analysis requires direct comparison samples.
❓ Does the iQOO 5 5G support 90fps or higher frame rates in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 865 in the iQOO 5 5G is capable of supporting high frame rates in PUBG Mobile. However, achieving 90fps or higher depends on the game settings and the phone's thermal management. The iQOO 5 5G's cooling system should allow for sustained high frame rates for longer periods compared to the Exynos S20+ 5G.