Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus Vs. Tecno Camon 40 Pro
Here’s the detailed comparison for the Samsung Galaxy S20+ vs. Tecno Camon 40 Pro:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus | Tecno Camon 40 Pro | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1440 x 3200 pixels (~525 ppi), 120Hz (at FHD+), HDR10+ | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi), 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, HDR | S20+ offers a higher resolution (QHD+) and pixel density, while both have a 120Hz refresh rate (S20+ at lower resolution). Camon 40 Pro has newer Gorilla Glass. |
| Brightness | 800 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak) | 800 nits (typical), 1200 nits (HBM) | Both offer comparable excellent brightness levels. |
| Processor | Exynos 990 (7 nm+) / Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+, USA/China) | MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate (6 nm) | S20+ has a flagship-level processor from its time, which is generally more powerful than the mid-range Helio G100 Ultimate in the Camon 40 Pro. |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB | Both offer 8GB RAM, with S20+ having an option for 12GB. |
| Battery Life | 4500 mAh | 5200 mAh | Camon 40 Pro has a significantly larger battery capacity, likely offering superior battery life. |
| Rear Camera | 12MP (Wide, OIS, f/1.8) + 64MP (Telephoto, 3x hybrid optical zoom, OIS) + 12MP (Ultrawide) + TOF 3D | 50MP (Wide, OIS, f/1.9) + 8MP (Ultrawide) + 2MP (Macro) | S20+ offers a more versatile camera system with a higher resolution telephoto lens (for 3x hybrid zoom) and a TOF 3D sensor for depth. Camon 40 Pro has a higher resolution main sensor with OIS. |
| Front Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, Dual Pixel PDAF) | 50MP (f/2.5) | Camon 40 Pro has a significantly higher resolution front camera, which is a major difference for selfies. |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame, IP68 | Glass front (Corning Gorilla Glass 7i), plastic back, plastic frame, IP68/IP69 | S20+ has a more premium build with an aluminum frame and glass back. Camon 40 Pro has newer Gorilla Glass and a higher IP68/IP69 rating, indicating better dust/water resistance. |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP68/IP69 (dust tight, high-pressure water jets; immersible up to 2m for 30 min) | Camon 40 Pro is listed with a superior IP68/IP69 rating for even better resistance to dust and high-pressure water. |
| S Pen | No | No | Neither phone features an S Pen. |
| Software | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 15, HIOS 15 (Out of box) | Camon 40 Pro launches with a significantly newer Android version and will receive more future software updates. |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | 45W wired, 50% in 23 min (advertised) | Camon 40 Pro offers significantly faster wired charging. S20+ uniquely has wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Special Features | 120Hz display (at FHD+), Stereo Speakers, Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint, Samsung DeX (wired/wireless), Wireless PowerShare | 120Hz display, Stereo Speakers, In-display fingerprint, Infrared port, Promised long-term software support | Both offer a 120Hz display and stereo speakers. S20+ features DeX and Wireless PowerShare. Camon 40 Pro has an IR port and promises longer software support. |
| Price | KES 31,000 – 35,000 Ex-Uk/Ex-Usa | KES 31,800 | S20+ was a flagship phone at a much higher price point at launch. Camon 40 Pro is a significantly more affordable mid-range device. |
My Choice and Why:
This comparison is particularly interesting because the Samsung Galaxy S20+, released in 2020, was a highly acclaimed flagship, while the Tecno Camon 40 Pro is a modern mid-range contender. It highlights the rapid advancements in mid-range phone capabilities.
For the Samsung Galaxy S20+:
* Pros: The S20+ still boasts a superior display resolution (QHD+) with a 120Hz refresh rate (though limited to FHD+ for 120Hz). Its flagship processor from 2020, while older, is still very capable and often outperforms newer mid-range chipsets in raw power. The camera system, particularly the telephoto lens for optical-like zoom, is more versatile. Features like Samsung DeX, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add significant value for power users. The premium glass-and-metal build feels more luxurious.
* Cons: The biggest drawback is software support. It’s likely at the end of its major Android updates, meaning less future-proofing and potentially fewer new features or security updates. Battery life, while decent, might not match the Camon 40 Pro’s larger cell. Finding a new S20 Plus will be difficult; you’d primarily be looking at second-hand markets.
For the Tecno Camon 40 Pro:
* Pros: It comes with the latest Android 15 out of the box and is guaranteed to receive more future software updates, making it more future-proof. The significantly larger battery capacity means excellent battery life. The 50MP front camera is a huge advantage for selfies. The faster wired charging is convenient. Its IP68/IP69 rating offers superior dust and water resistance. The price point is a major deciding factor, offering great value for money.
* Cons: The processor, while good for a mid-range, won’t match the raw power of the S20+’s older flagship chip for very demanding tasks like high-end gaming. The display, while good, doesn’t have the same QHD+ resolution. The build materials are less premium (plastic back and frame).
Conclusion:
If you are a power user who can find a well-maintained Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus at a competitive second-hand price, and you prioritize a higher-resolution display, a more capable and versatile camera system (especially for zoom), premium build quality, and features like wireless charging and DeX, and you’re comfortable with limited future software updates, the S20+ still offers a compelling experience.
However, for most users looking for a reliable, modern, and future-proof daily driver, the Tecno Camon 40 Pro is the more practical and recommended choice, aligning with your previous interest in mid-range phones. It offers a fantastic balance of a smooth 120Hz display, excellent battery life, a high-resolution front camera, the latest Android version with guaranteed long-term software support, and superior water/dust resistance, all at a significantly more affordable price point. You get a phone that will feel current and supported for a longer period.
