Samsung Galaxy S20 Series Press Renders & Prices Leak
Yes, press renders and pricing for the Samsung Galaxy S20 series have leaked online, revealing a triple-model lineup (Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra) with prices starting at around €899 in Europe. The renders, which match earlier CAD-based mockups, show a centered hole-punch camera, a rectangular rear camera module, and a curved-edge display on all three models.
What the Leaked Renders Show
The leaked press images, published by reputable leakers like Evan Blass and WinFuture, depict the S20 series in official marketing poses. Key design details visible in the renders include:
- A centered punch-hole camera on the front, smaller than the S10’s right-aligned cutout
- A rectangular camera bump on the back, housing three or four lenses depending on the model
- Curved edges on the display for all three variants, though the curve is less pronounced than on the Note 10
- Color options like Cosmic Grey, Cloud Blue, and Cosmic Black
The renders also show the S20 Ultra with a distinctive periscope telephoto lens, confirming the 100x Space Zoom feature that Samsung later announced officially.
Pricing Leaks and Regional Variations
European pricing leaks, which surfaced through retailers like Belsimpel in the Netherlands, suggested:
- Galaxy S20: €899 (128GB storage)
- Galaxy S20+: €1,099 (128GB)
- Galaxy S20 Ultra: €1,399 (128GB) or €1,499 (512GB)
US pricing was expected to be lower due to taxes being excluded, with estimates of $999, $1,199, and $1,399 respectively. These leaked prices were later confirmed almost exactly when Samsung announced the devices on February 11, 2020. The S20 Ultra’s 512GB model did launch at $1,399 in the US, while the 128GB version was not sold there initially.
How the Leaks Compare to Official Specs
The leaked renders and prices aligned closely with the official announcement. Samsung confirmed:
- All three models feature a 120Hz refresh rate display (QHD+ resolution, though 120Hz only works at FHD+)
- The S20 Ultra has a 108MP main camera and a 48MP periscope telephoto with 10x optical zoom
- The S20 and S20+ have a 64MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom
- All models ship with Snapdragon 865 (US/China) or Exynos 990 (Europe/Global)
The only major discrepancy was the battery capacity: leaks suggested 4,000mAh for the S20, 4,500mAh for the S20+, and 5,000mAh for the S20 Ultra. These were accurate, though some early leaks claimed the S20 Ultra would have a 6,000mAh battery.
Why Leaks Happen and Their Reliability
Press renders typically leak because Samsung distributes marketing materials to carriers and retailers weeks before launch. These images are often watermarked and intended for internal use, but they get passed to leakers who publish them. The reliability of such leaks depends on the source:
- Evan Blass (evleaks) has a near-perfect track record for official renders
- WinFuture and 91mobiles often obtain carrier listings with accurate pricing
- CAD-based leaks from OnLeaks are less precise but usually capture the overall design
However, prices can vary by region due to taxes, import duties, and currency fluctuations. The leaked European prices included VAT, which is why they appear higher than US prices.
Common Misconceptions About the Leaks
One common misconception is that the S20 Ultra’s 100x Space Zoom is a gimmick. In reality, it combines a 10x optical zoom with digital cropping and AI enhancement, producing usable images at 30x and acceptable ones at 100x on a tripod. Another misconception is that the S20 series is simply an S10 with a new camera. The 120Hz display, improved camera sensors, and 5G support (standard on all models) are significant upgrades.
How to Verify Leaks
If you encounter a leak, you can verify it by:
- Checking the source’s past accuracy (e.g., Evan Blass vs. unknown Twitter accounts)
- Looking for corroborating leaks from multiple independent sources
- Waiting for official announcements from Samsung Newsroom
- Cross-referencing with regulatory filings (FCC, TENAA) that often reveal specs
For the S20 series, the leaks were so consistent that most tech journalists were confident they were accurate a week before launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were the leaked prices accurate?
Yes, the European prices leaked were almost exactly the official launch prices. The S20 launched at €899, the S20+ at €1,099, and the S20 Ultra at €1,399 in Europe. US prices were slightly lower due to tax differences.
Did the S20 Ultra really have a 100x zoom?
Yes, the S20 Ultra features a periscope telephoto lens that provides 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom, branded as “Space Zoom.” The 100x mode uses AI to stabilize the image, but it works best with a tripod.
Why did Samsung skip from S10 to S20?
Samsung skipped the S11 and S12 names to align the series with the year 2020. This was a marketing decision to avoid confusion with the iPhone 11 and to signal a new decade.
Are the leaks still relevant after the official launch?
They are useful for understanding the pre-launch hype and how accurate early leaks can be. They also show how Samsung’s marketing strategy evolved, especially the focus on camera zoom and 5G.
Did the S20 series have any issues at launch?
Yes, some early units had camera autofocus problems, particularly on the S20 Ultra, which Samsung addressed with software updates. The Exynos 990 variant also had battery life and heating complaints compared to the Snapdragon 865 version.
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