Galaxy S20 Vs Galaxy S20 FE

Galaxy S20
Galaxy S20
Starting at

£130.00

£949.00 new

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Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at

£122.00

£900.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20, released in March 2020, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition), launched in October 2020, are both Android smartphones from the same generation. While the S20 offers a more premium build and a higher-resolution display, the S20 FE provides a larger screen and a bigger battery, often appealing to users seeking core flagship features in a slightly different package. Both devices launched with Android 10 and have received several major operating system updates.

Scores

Durability

The Galaxy S20 was released in March 2020, and the S20 FE followed in October 2020. Both devices received three major Android operating system updates, bringing them up to Android 13. Security updates for the S20 likely concluded in early 2024, while the S20 FE may have received security patches until late 2024 or early 2025 due to its later release date.

  • Software Longevity: As of 2026, both models are past their major OS update cycles, meaning they will not receive new Android versions, but can still run most current applications.
  • Build Materials: The S20 features Gorilla Glass 6 on both its front and back, offering a premium feel, while the S20 FE uses Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and a plastic back, which can be more resistant to minor impacts.
  • Water Resistance: Both devices carry an IP68 rating, indicating robust protection against dust and water immersion.

Year of Release

2020

2020

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S20 and S20 FE are equipped with similar generation processors, either the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865 depending on the region, providing comparable performance for daily tasks.

  • Processing Power: Both devices handle demanding applications, multitasking, and mobile gaming smoothly, offering a responsive user experience.
  • Multitasking Capability: The Galaxy S20 typically comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, while the S20 FE offers 6GB or 8GB. The S20's higher RAM options may provide a slight edge in extreme multitasking scenarios.
  • Battery Performance: The S20 FE features a larger 4500 mAh battery compared to the S20's 4000 mAh unit. This generally translates to longer usage times between charges for the S20 FE, especially for heavy users.

Memory

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display experience differs between the two models, primarily in resolution and size, while both offer smooth visuals.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy S20 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3200x1440), providing a very sharp and detailed image. The S20 FE has a larger 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution (2400x1080).
  • Visual Clarity: The S20's higher pixel density results in a noticeably sharper display, particularly for fine text and high-resolution content. The S20 FE's larger screen offers more viewing area.
  • Smoothness and Brightness: Both phones boast a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid scrolling and animations. They also offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sufficient brightness for comfortable outdoor viewing.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer versatile camera systems, though with some key differences in their telephoto and front-facing capabilities.

  • Main and Ultrawide Cameras: Both the Galaxy S20 and S20 FE feature a 12MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera, delivering clear and vibrant photos in various lighting conditions.
  • Telephoto Lens: The S20 includes a 64MP telephoto sensor that enables 3x hybrid optical zoom, capable of capturing detailed zoomed-in shots. The S20 FE uses an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, which also performs well for distant subjects.
  • Front Camera: The S20 FE is equipped with a higher-resolution 32MP front camera, which can capture more detailed selfies compared to the S20's 10MP front camera.
  • Video and Audio: Both phones are capable of recording high-quality video, with the S20 supporting up to 8K and the S20 FE up to 4K. They also provide clear audio recording and stereo speakers for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish the Galaxy S20 and S20 FE, impacting daily usability and handling.

  • Connectivity: Both models support 5G connectivity (depending on the S20 FE variant), Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections.
  • Physical Design: The S20 is slightly more compact and lighter, offering a premium feel with its glass back. The S20 FE, with its plastic back, is slightly larger and heavier, providing a different tactile experience and potentially more resilience to minor drops.
  • Biometric Security: Both devices incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, alongside face recognition capabilities.
  • Ports: Both phones utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither model includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.

Weight

163 g

193 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.5

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Users often praise the Galaxy S20 for its premium build quality, compact form factor, and its very sharp, high-resolution display. The Galaxy S20 FE is frequently lauded for its larger battery, expansive screen, and overall value, delivering many flagship features in a slightly different package. Some S20 users noted its battery life could be average for heavy use, while early S20 FE models sometimes had touch screen issues, which were largely addressed through software updates.

Users prioritizing a compact device with a very sharp, high-resolution display and a premium glass build may prefer the Galaxy S20. Those who value a larger screen, longer battery life, and a potentially more durable (plastic) back, while still getting a smooth 120Hz display, might lean towards the Galaxy S20 FE. Both devices, available as quality-assured refurbished options, offer an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking capable smartphones without the new device price tag. The decision ultimately comes down to whether a more compact, higher-resolution screen or a larger display with extended battery life is more important for daily use.