Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 5G
Starting at
£161.35£1,009.00 new
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at
£215.40£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 5G and iPhone 11 Pro Max?
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 5G starts at £161.35, £54.05 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The Galaxy S20 5G is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- The Galaxy S20 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- Battery: 4000 mAh on the Galaxy S20 5G, 3969 mAh on the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 6.2 inch.
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S20 5G and the iPhone 11 Pro Max offer different strengths suited to distinct users. The Galaxy S20 5G stands out with more RAM, a higher refresh rate screen, 5G support, and expandable storage, making it ideal for those who want smooth multitasking and future mobile speeds. Both phones have similar battery capacities and unlocked network compatibility but differ in operating systems and connectors.
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating system. These factors affect how long the phone lasts each day and how long it stays current with software improvements.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 5G has a 4000 mAh battery while the iPhone 11 Pro Max has 3969 mAh. Both offer a similar battery size, which should support a full day of typical use. Differences in battery life will depend on software and usage rather than capacity alone.
Operating Systems
The Galaxy S20 5G runs on Android, offering a wide range of customisation and app options. The iPhone 11 Pro Max runs on iOS, known for its integration with Apple services and consistent updates. Your choice depends on your preference for Android or iOS.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels. Differences in size, resolution, refresh rate and screen technology influence viewing comfort and smoothness.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1242 x 2688. The Galaxy S20 5G has a slightly smaller 6.2 inch screen but with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3200. The iPhone's bigger screen offers more room for video and reading, while the Galaxy's higher resolution means sharper detail on a smaller display.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S20 5G features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling appear smoother. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 60 Hz refresh rate, the standard for most phones. Users who appreciate extra smoothness in apps and games may prefer the Galaxy's screen.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S20 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which also provides rich colours and high brightness. Both deliver excellent image quality suitable for media consumption.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro Max camera
Camera features influence your photography and video experience, including how many lenses you have and their resolution.
Main Camera Setup
The Galaxy S20 5G has a quadruple camera system, offering four lenses to cover a range of photography styles. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a triple camera system. Both have a main camera of 12 megapixels, delivering similar resolution for standard photos.
Front Camera
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, slightly higher resolution than the Galaxy S20 5G's 10 megapixels. This could give a small advantage for selfies and video calls in terms of detail.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro Max size and design
Other features include network support, connectivity, size, weight and storage options that affect everyday convenience and compatibility.
Mobile Network
The Galaxy S20 5G supports 5G networks, allowing faster mobile data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone 11 Pro Max supports 4G, which is widely available and reliable for everyday use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S20 5G is stocked in 128GB and 256GB versions with microSDXC support, so you can add extra storage via a memory card. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is available in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options but does not support expandable storage.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S20 5G offers dual physical SIM slots, useful if you want to use two separate phone numbers with physical cards. The iPhone 11 Pro Max uses one physical SIM slot plus an eSIM, which provides flexibility without needing a second physical card.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S20 5G measures 151.7 mm in height, 69.1 mm in width, and 7.9 mm in depth, weighing 163 g. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is slightly taller at 158 mm, wider at 77.8 mm, and 8.1 mm deep, with a weight of 226 g. The Galaxy is more compact and lighter, which may suit users who prefer a smaller, lighter phone.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S20 5G uses a USB-C connector, common for many devices, which simplifies charging and accessories. The iPhone 11 Pro Max uses the Lightning connector, standard for many Apple products.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 5G or iPhone 11 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £54.05 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
Buy the iPhone 11 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.2 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S20 5G often describe it as looking like new and working perfectly, noting its speed and responsiveness. Battery life generally meets a full day's use, though some mention topping up in the evening or occasional heating. The phone's condition is praised for being clean and scratch-free, with easy data transfer and good performance for multitasking. Some customers highlight the 120 Hz screen and camera quality positively.
Those who chose the iPhone 11 Pro Max appreciate its excellent condition and reliability, with many saying it looks like new and performs well. Battery life is often described as lasting a couple of days, though some note concerns with heating or battery compatibility messages. The larger screen and camera quality receive positive remarks, and users find transferring data and setup straightforward. The phone suits those who prefer iOS and want ongoing software updates.
Overall, the Galaxy S20 5G appeals to users who want more RAM, a higher refresh rate screen, 5G connectivity, and expandable storage in a lighter, smaller phone. The iPhone 11 Pro Max fits those who prioritise a larger screen, front camera detail, software updates, and an iOS experience.
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S20 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB. Battery: 4000 mAh on the Galaxy S20 5G, 3969 mAh on the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S20 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £215.40 for the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S20 5G has 4000 mAh and the iPhone 11 Pro Max has 3969 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 5G ended in Mar 2025. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 5G comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
