Samsung Galaxy S20 vs S20 Fe: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options available. If you’re considering a Samsung Galaxy, you’ve likely stumbled upon the battle of the titans: the Samsung Galaxy S20 vs S20 FE. Both phones offer impressive features, but which one reigns supreme for your needs?
The Samsung Galaxy S20, the original flagship, boasts top-of-the-line specs and a premium design. However, the S20 FE, or Fan Edition, enters the arena with a slightly different approach, focusing on delivering the best features at a more accessible price point. This comparison will delve into the key differences and similarities.
We’ll explore everything from performance and camera capabilities to battery life and design. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. Get ready to discover the ultimate champion in the Samsung Galaxy S20 vs S20 FE showdown!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | S20 | S20 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Processor | Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865 | Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865 |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB / 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 12MP + 12MP + 8MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Weight | 163g | 190g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Features a vibrant 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. Its smaller size makes it more pocketable. However, this premium display comes at a higher price.
- S20 Fe: Boasts a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a fluid visual experience. While not as technically advanced as the S20’s, it’s still excellent and larger, making it great for media consumption.
- Winner: S20 FE
Processor
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Equipped with either the Snapdragon 865 (US) or Exynos 990 (International), delivering top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming. The Exynos variant sometimes faced criticisms regarding efficiency.
- S20 Fe: Also uses the Snapdragon 865 (US) or Exynos 990 (International), offering similar performance capabilities. Performance is generally very good.
- Winner: Tie
Camera
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Features a versatile triple-lens camera system with a 12MP main, 64MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide lens. It excels in image quality and offers advanced features like 8K video recording.
- S20 Fe: Comes with a triple-lens camera setup, including a 12MP main, 8MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide lens. While still capable, it slightly lags behind the S20 in some image quality tests, particularly in low light.
- Winner: S20
Battery
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Houses a 4000mAh battery. Battery life is decent but can be strained with heavy use, especially at 120Hz refresh rate.
- S20 Fe: Includes a larger 4500mAh battery, offering significantly better battery life than the S20, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use.
- Winner: S20 FE
Build Quality & Design
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Features a premium glass and aluminum build, exuding a sleek and sophisticated design. It feels more premium in hand.
- S20 Fe: Constructed with a plastic back and aluminum frame, making it more durable and potentially less prone to scratches. It comes in a wider range of colors.
- Winner: S20
Price
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Originally launched at a higher price point, reflecting its premium features and build. Now available at discounted prices, but still usually more expensive.
- S20 Fe: Positioned as a more affordable option, offering excellent value for its features. Often available at lower prices than the S20.
- Winner: S20 FE
Water Resistance
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, providing robust protection against the elements.
- S20 Fe: Also has an IP68 rating, offering the same level of protection.
- Winner: Tie
Software & Updates
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Receives regular software updates from Samsung, ensuring it stays up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
- S20 Fe: Receives similar software support and updates, with a promise of consistent updates from Samsung.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | S20 |
| Performance | Tie |
| Battery Life | S20 FE |
| Camera (Overall) | S20 |
| Value for Money | S20 FE |
| Design | S20 |
What They Have in Common
- 5g Connectivity: Both the Samsung Galaxy S20 and S20 FE offer 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download and upload speeds where available. This ensures users can enjoy a seamless online experience.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68 rated, providing protection against dust and water submersion up to a certain depth and duration. This adds an extra layer of durability.
- Processor: Both phones are equipped with either the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865 processor, depending on the region, ensuring powerful performance for various tasks. This provides similar processing capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to power up the device without the need for cables. This offers flexibility in charging options.
- Amoled Display: Both phones feature vibrant AMOLED displays, delivering rich colors and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience. This ensures a high-quality visual experience.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Vs S20 FE Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy S20 boasts a premium design with a glass back and an aluminum frame, exuding a luxurious feel. Its compact size makes it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The S20 FE, on the other hand, features a plastic back, offering a more durable and less fragile build. While it sacrifices the premium feel, it provides a wider range of vibrant color options and is less prone to fingerprints. Both phones are water-resistant, but the S20 FE’s design prioritizes practicality and a more casual aesthetic, appealing to users who value durability.
Display Quality
Both phones share a similar display technology, but the S20 holds a slight edge with its higher pixel density and slightly sharper image quality. The S20 features a dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. The S20 FE also offers a 120Hz refresh rate, making the user experience fluid. Both displays offer vibrant colors and excellent brightness levels, making them suitable for media consumption and gaming. The S20 FE offers a flat display, which some users prefer for its ease of use.
Performance and Software
The S20 and S20 FE deliver flagship-level performance, though the processor can vary by region. The S20 may use either the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865, both of which are powerful chips. The S20 FE typically uses the Snapdragon 865, known for its excellent performance and efficiency. Both phones run Samsung’s One UI, offering a feature-rich and customizable Android experience. The software experience on both devices is smooth and responsive, capable of handling demanding tasks and multitasking with ease. Software updates are regularly provided.
Camera Capabilities
The Galaxy S20 features a versatile triple-camera system, including a telephoto lens for impressive zoom capabilities. It excels in low-light photography and offers various shooting modes for creative expression. The S20 FE also has a triple-camera system, with a slightly different configuration. While it may not match the S20’s zoom capabilities, it still captures excellent photos and videos in most lighting conditions. Both phones offer excellent image stabilization and the ability to record high-quality video. The S20 FE is competitive with its image processing.
Battery Life and Charging
The S20 FE generally offers better battery life compared to the standard S20, thanks to its larger battery capacity and efficient components. The S20 may require more frequent charging depending on usage. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging, providing convenient options for topping up the battery. The S20 FE’s slightly larger battery allows users to enjoy their devices for longer periods without needing to reach for a charger. The charging times are similar for both devices.
Price and Value
The S20 initially launched at a higher price point than the S20 FE. However, the S20 FE offered a more affordable entry point into the Samsung flagship experience. The S20 FE provides excellent value for its price, offering a compelling blend of features and performance. As time passes, the prices of both devices tend to fluctuate. Considering the features and performance offered, the S20 FE offers a great balance of affordability and functionality, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious consumers seeking a premium experience. The S20 is for those who want the best.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung galaxy s20 If…
- You prioritize a more compact and lightweight design.
- You want the highest possible display resolution.
- You prefer a slightly more premium build.
- You want a slightly better main camera system.
Buy s20 fe If…
- You want a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You prefer a more affordable option.
- You want a better front-facing camera.
- You value a larger battery for longer usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the S20 and S20 FE?
The primary differences lie in the design, build materials, and price point. The S20 features a glass back and a more premium feel, while the S20 FE uses plastic. The S20 FE also tends to offer longer battery life and is generally more affordable. Both phones share similar performance and software experiences, making the choice about which features matter most.
Does the S20 FE have a microSD card slot?
Yes, the S20 FE does include a microSD card slot. This allows users to expand the internal storage capacity of the phone, providing more space for photos, videos, apps, and other files. This is a welcomed feature for users who need to store large amounts of data on their phones.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones have excellent displays. The S20 has a slightly sharper image and may be perceived as a bit better. Both have 120Hz refresh rates for smooth scrolling and animations. The S20 FE’s flat display may appeal to some users. The quality is very similar.
How does the camera compare between the two?
Both phones have very capable camera systems. The S20 has a slightly more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens offering more zoom capabilities. The S20 FE still captures excellent photos and videos in most conditions. Image quality is very competitive. Both offer great features.
Which phone is better for battery life?
The S20 FE generally offers better battery life due to its larger battery capacity and efficient components. The S20 may require more frequent charging depending on usage. If battery life is a priority, the S20 FE is the better choice. Both offer fast charging.
What about software updates?
Both phones receive regular software updates from Samsung, including security patches and Android version upgrades. Samsung is known for its good track record in providing software support for its devices. The update frequency is similar, ensuring users stay up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.
Which phone should I buy?
The best phone for you depends on your priorities. The S20 offers a premium build and a slightly more advanced camera system. The S20 FE provides excellent value, better battery life, and a more durable design. Consider your budget and desired features.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S20 and S20 FE both offer compelling features, but they cater to different needs. The S20 boasts a premium design and a more versatile camera. The S20 FE excels in value, providing excellent performance and a longer-lasting battery. Ultimately, the S20 FE presents a more practical and budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much in terms of performance or features.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE