When it comes to flagship smartphones, Samsung consistently hits the mark, offering high-performance devices that cater to a variety of user needs. The Samsung Galaxy S20 and the Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) are two of the most popular smartphones in the Samsung lineup, each designed to appeal to different segments of the smartphone market. In this detailed comparison, we will explore the essential differences between these two models, helping you make an informed choice based on your preferences and requirements.
Design and Build Quality
One of the most noticeable differences between the Samsung Galaxy S20 and the S20 FE lies in their design and materials.
Build Materials
The Samsung Galaxy S20 sports a premium glass design with a glass back made of Gorilla Glass 6, which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also enhances durability. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE features a plastic back, which contributes to its lighter weight and lower cost but sacrifices some of the high-end feel that the S20 offers.
Dimensions and Weight
Both models have a similar footprint, but the S20 FE is slightly taller and broader than the S20. While the S20 measures 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm and weighs approximately 163 grams, the S20 FE measures 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm and tips the scales at around 190 grams. This difference makes the S20 easier to handle for one-handed use, although the S20 FE’s larger display can be appealing for multimedia consumption.
Color Options
Samsung offers a more vibrant array of color options for the S20 FE, including Cloud Lavender, Cloud Mint, Cloud Orange, and more. In contrast, the S20 is available in more subdued color choices, such as Cosmic Grey, Cloud Blue, and Cloud Pink. This variety in colors allows users to express their personal style better when opting for the S20 FE.
Display Quality
The display is a critical component of any smartphone experience. Both the Galaxy S20 and the S20 FE feature Samsung’s stunning AMOLED technology, but they come with different specifications that can affect your viewing experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Samsung Galaxy S20 boasts a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, leading to a pixel density of about 525 ppi. Meanwhile, the S20 FE features a larger 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, yielding a pixel density of around 405 ppi. Although the S20 has a higher resolution, the differences in everyday usage may not be stark unless you’re comparing content side by side.
Refresh Rate
Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate, which significantly enhances the scrolling experience and improves overall fluidity in motion. This is particularly beneficial for gamers and those who appreciate smoother transitions.
HDR Support and Brightness
The S20 has an upper hand in terms of HDR10+ support and peak brightness, which reaches up to 1200 nits. The S20 FE also has HDR10+ but can only reach a peak brightness of 800 nits, making the S20 a better choice for outdoor usage in bright conditions.
Performance
When it comes to performance, performance specifications can often determine a device’s capability to handle daily tasks, gaming, and more.
Processor Comparison
Both the Samsung Galaxy S20 and S20 FE are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 in the US and the Exynos 990 in international markets. This enables them to provide robust performance, making multitasking a breeze and running resource-intensive apps effortlessly.
RAM and Storage Options
The S20 offers 8GB of RAM with a choice of either 128GB or 512GB of internal storage. Meanwhile, the S20 FE provides 6GB or 8GB of RAM with 128GB of storage, expandable via microSD up to 1TB. The expandable storage option in the S20 FE caters to users who wish for increased flexibility in managing files and media.
Camera Capabilities
Camera technology has become a major deciding factor for today’s consumers. Both the Samsung Galaxy S20 and S20 FE offer impressive camera setups, but there are notable differences worth exploring.
Rear Camera Setup
In terms of rear cameras, the Samsung Galaxy S20 features a triple-camera array:
- 12 MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.2)
- 12 MP wide lens (f/1.8)
- 64 MP telephoto lens (f/2.0) with 3x hybrid zoom
On the other hand, the Galaxy S20 FE has a similar camera configuration but the specifications are slightly reduced:
- 12 MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.2)
- 12 MP wide lens (f/1.8)
- 8 MP telephoto lens (f/2.4) with 3x optical zoom
While the S20 features a more advanced telephoto lens, the S20 FE compensates with cost efficiency while still delivering excellent photography capabilities.
Front Camera Comparison
When it comes to selfies, the S20 houses a 10 MP front camera, while the S20 FE also features a 32 MP camera. This gives the S20 FE an edge for users who prioritize high-resolution selfies and better portrait shots.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is paramount, especially for users who rely on their devices throughout the day.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, while the S20 FE has a slightly larger 4500 mAh battery. This difference translates to longer battery life for the S20 FE, which should realistically offer better performance for heavy users.
Charging Options
Both smartphones support fast wired charging at 25W and wireless charging at 15W. The S20 FE adds an interesting bonus with its reverse wireless charging capability, enabling users to charge other devices on the back of the phone, which can be quite handy for those with wireless earbuds or smartwatches.
Software and Features
Both smartphones come pre-installed with Samsung’s One UI software based on Android, offering a smooth user experience and numerous customization options.
Software Updates
Samsung has committed to providing extended software support, meaning both devices will receive several years of updates, enhancing their longevity and ensuring users can take advantage of the latest features and security patches.
5G Connectivity
Both the S20 and S20 FE support 5G connectivity, paving the way for ultra-fast internet experiences. Users can enjoy seamless streaming, online gaming, and downloading without worrying about connectivity issues.
Price and Availability
Price often plays a crucial role in determining your choice between these two models.
| Model | Starting Price | Available Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S20 | Approximately $999 | Cosmic Grey, Cloud Blue, Cloud Pink |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 FE | Approximately $699 | Cloud Lavender, Cloud Mint, Cloud Orange, Cloud Navy, Cloud Red |
The Galaxy S20 FE comes at a significantly lower price point while retaining many of the features found in its flagship counterpart, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers who still want a premium experience.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
In summary, both the Samsung Galaxy S20 and the Galaxy S20 FE cater to distinct user needs. If you prioritize premium build quality, superior camera capabilities, and a slightly higher resolution display, the Galaxy S20 may be the better option for you. Conversely, if value for money, larger battery capacity, and color variety are more important, the Galaxy S20 FE could be your ideal choice.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Both devices are excellent contenders in the smartphone market, offering top-notch performance, high-quality displays, and robust camera systems, ensuring either choice will serve you well.
What are the main differences in design between the Samsung S20 and S20 FE?
The Samsung S20 features a more premium design with a glass front and back, giving it a sleek and luxurious feel. It is also slightly smaller and lighter than the S20 FE, which can appeal to users who prefer a compact phone. The S20 utilizes Gorilla Glass 6, ensuring durability and a premium look, while its metal chassis adds to the overall strength of the device.
In contrast, the S20 FE adopts a polycarbonate back which makes it less expensive to manufacture but also more susceptible to scratches. However, this design choice results in a lighter phone that is easier to handle for extended periods. Additionally, the S20 FE comes in a wider variety of colors, catering to a broader range of style preferences.
How does the display technology differ between the two models?
Both the Samsung S20 and S20 FE feature Dynamic AMOLED displays, but there are notable differences in their specifications. The S20 boasts a 6.2-inch display with a higher resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, offering crisper and clearer visuals. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and enhanced gaming experiences.
On the other hand, the S20 FE has a slightly larger 6.5-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. While it also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, the lower resolution might not be as sharp as the S20’s. Nevertheless, the S20 FE’s display still delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of Samsung’s technology, making it an impressive option for multimedia consumption.
What are the camera capabilities like on the S20 compared to the S20 FE?
The Samsung S20 has a triple-camera setup that consists of a 12MP ultra-wide, a 12MP wide, and a 64MP telephoto lens. This combination allows for versatile photography, from wide landscapes to detailed distant objects. The S20 also supports 30x Space Zoom, enabling impressive zoom functionality, and features like Super Steady video and Single Take mode enhance the shooting experience.
In comparison, the S20 FE also features a triple-camera setup but with slightly different specifications: a 12MP ultra-wide, a 12MP wide, and an 8MP telephoto lens. This means that while it lacks the higher resolution optical zoom of its counterpart, it still performs admirably in most scenarios. The S20 FE also includes many of the same software enhancements as the S20, allowing users to capture high-quality shots with various modes.
What are the performance differences between the Samsung S20 and S20 FE?
The Samsung S20 is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 865 processor (or Exynos 990 in some regions), combined with 8GB of RAM. This powerhouse setup ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance whether you’re browsing, gaming, or using heavy applications. The S20 also comes with up to 512GB of internal storage options, which can be expanded using a microSD card.
The S20 FE, however, also utilizes the Snapdragon 865 processor (Exynos in some regions) but offers only a maximum of 8GB of RAM along with a choice between 128GB and 256GB of storage. While the performance in everyday tasks is comparable, users may notice some differences under heavy use or resource-intensive gaming. The S20 FE is still optimized for good performance, maintaining a balance between value and capability.
How do the battery life and charging capabilities compare?
When it comes to battery life, the Samsung S20 has a 4000mAh battery, which typically offers a full day of moderate use. It supports both wired and wireless fast charging, as well as reverse wireless charging. This lets users quickly top up their devices and share power with other gadgets, aligning with the needs of those who are constantly on the go.
The S20 FE, on the other hand, boasts a larger 4500mAh battery, providing even longer battery life. This added capacity generally results in more screen time and lower anxiety about charging throughout the day. It also supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, though it’s slightly less fast compared to the S20. Both phones excel in their charging capabilities, catering to users’ diverse preferences.
Which device offers better software support and features?
Both the Samsung S20 and S20 FE come with Samsung’s One UI interface, based on Android 10, and are expected to receive updates for several years. The S20, being a flagship model, generally receives updates and new features slightly ahead of the S20 FE, which is positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative. That said, both devices will receive similar key software functionalities, ensuring a competitive experience.
Additionally, the S20 may have exclusive features like advanced camera modes or enhanced gaming options available sooner due to its flagship status. However, the S20 FE is still packed with lots of functionalities such as Samsung DeX and a solid user interface experience. Overall, while both models will be well-supported, the S20 may lead in getting the latest updates slightly earlier.