When Samsung releases a new mid-range phone, expectations run high. The Galaxy A53 5G arrived as a successor in spirit to the popular Galaxy S20 FE 5G, offering a modern design, improved software, and updated internals. But does “newer” automatically mean “better”? For users deciding between the A53 5G and the still-relevant S20 FE 5G, the choice isn’t just about release dates—it’s about real-world performance, longevity, and value for money.
This comparison dives deep into both devices across key categories: design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and software support. Whether you’re upgrading from an older device or choosing your next daily driver, understanding where each phone excels—and where it falls short—can save you from buyer’s remorse.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy A53 5G and S20 FE 5G take different approaches to design philosophy. The S20 FE, released in 2020, carries a more aggressive aesthetic with its colorful plastic back and bold camera housing. It’s lightweight at 190g and features an IP68 water and dust resistance rating—a rarity in its price range at launch.
In contrast, the A53 5G opts for a minimalist look. Its flat edges and symmetrical bezels give it a premium feel despite also using a plastic frame and back. At 189g, it’s nearly identical in weight but feels slightly more balanced in hand. However, it only offers IP67 certification, meaning it has less protection against submersion than the S20 FE.
Display: Brightness and Usability
Both phones feature 6.5-inch Super AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates—an increasingly standard feature for smooth scrolling and responsive touch input. However, differences in panel technology affect real-world usability.
The S20 FE uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, capable of peak brightness up to 800 nits. This makes it easier to view under direct sunlight. The A53 5G, while technically also Super AMOLED, peaks around 600–650 nits. Users in sunny climates often report needing to shade the screen to read content outdoors.
Resolution is identical (FHD+, 1080 x 2400), and both have similar color accuracy out of the box. But the S20 FE’s display still holds up remarkably well against newer competitors, thanks to its superior contrast and deeper blacks.
Performance and Hardware Comparison
Under the hood, these phones diverge significantly. The S20 FE launched with flagship-tier hardware: either the Snapdragon 865 (global Exynos 990 in some regions) and 6GB/8GB RAM options. Even in 2024, this chipset handles multitasking, gaming, and app switching with ease.
The A53 5G, meanwhile, uses the Exynos 1280—a capable mid-range processor built on a 5nm process. While efficient and adequate for everyday tasks, it lacks the raw power of the S20 FE’s chip. Benchmark scores show the S20 FE outperforming the A53 by 30–40% in CPU and GPU tests.
Real-world implications? The S20 FE runs demanding games like Genshin Impact at higher settings without throttling as quickly. The A53 can handle them too, but with reduced frame rates and occasional stutters during extended sessions.
“Hardware longevity isn’t just about how fast a phone is today—it’s about how well it ages. The S20 FE’s processor gives it staying power that many current mid-rangers can’t match.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly
Camera Capabilities: Evolution or Stagnation?
On paper, the A53 5G appears to have the edge: a 64MP main sensor compared to the S20 FE’s 12MP. But megapixels don’t tell the full story.
Samsung retains the same proven 12MP sensor used in the Galaxy S20 series—one known for excellent dynamic range and low-light performance. Paired with optical image stabilization (OIS), the S20 FE captures sharper, more consistent photos, especially in motion or dim lighting.
The A53 5G lacks OIS. Its 64MP sensor relies on pixel binning (combining pixels into 16MP images), which helps but doesn’t fully compensate. In daylight, results are comparable. But in low light, the A53 produces noisier images with less detail and inconsistent HDR processing.
Front cameras are similarly matched: 32MP on the A53 vs 32MP on the S20 FE. Selfie quality is nearly identical, though the S20 FE benefits from better skin tone rendering and background blur in portrait mode.
Camera Feature Checklist
- ✅ Main sensor with OIS – S20 FE only
- ✅ 120Hz display on both models
- ✅ Night mode available on both
- ✅ Ultra-wide and macro lenses included
- ❌ No telephoto lens on either device
- ✅ Video recording up to 4K@30fps on both
Battery Life and Charging
Battery capacity is nearly identical: 4500mAh on the S20 FE and 5000mAh on the A53 5G. In practice, the A53 often lasts slightly longer due to its more efficient Exynos 1280 and optimized One UI 5+ software.
However, charging speed tells a different story. The S20 FE supports 25W fast charging (charger sold separately), allowing a 0–50% charge in about 30 minutes. The A53 5G is limited to 25W charging as well, but Samsung ships it with only a 15W adapter, slowing down real-world refills unless you upgrade separately.
Neither phone supports wireless charging, which may disappoint some users expecting it even in upper-mid-tier devices.
Software and Long-Term Support
Here, the A53 5G clearly wins. Launched with Android 12 and guaranteed four major OS updates and five years of security patches, it will be supported through at least 2027.
The S20 FE, while still receiving monthly updates in early 2024, is nearing the end of its lifecycle. It launched with Android 10 and received three OS upgrades (up to Android 13). Security updates are expected to taper off by late 2024.
If long-term software support is a priority—especially for security and new features—the A53 5G is the safer investment.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | Galaxy A53 5G | Galaxy S20 FE 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2022 | 2020 |
| Processor | Exynos 1280 | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 |
| RAM Options | 6GB / 8GB | 6GB / 8GB |
| Display | 6.5\" FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.5\" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | ~650 nits | ~800 nits |
| Main Camera | 64MP (no OIS) | 12MP (with OIS) |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 4500mAh |
| Fast Charging | 25W (adapter: 15W) | 25W (sold separately) |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| OS Launch Version | Android 12 | Android 10 |
| OS Update Guarantee | 4 major updates | 3 major updates (completed) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Galaxy A53 5G faster than the S20 FE 5G?
No. Despite being newer, the A53 5G uses a mid-range Exynos 1280 chip, which performs slower than the S20 FE’s flagship Snapdragon 865. Daily tasks feel smooth on both, but the S20 FE handles heavy apps and games more efficiently.
Which phone has the better camera?
The S20 FE generally takes better photos, especially in low light, due to its optically stabilized 12MP sensor. The A53’s 64MP camera captures more detail in ideal conditions but struggles with noise and dynamic range when lighting is poor.
Should I buy the A53 5G or wait for a deal on the S20 FE?
If you prioritize performance and display quality and can find the S20 FE at a steep discount (under $300), it remains a compelling option. But if you want longer software support and don’t mind slightly weaker hardware, the A53 5G is the more future-proof pick.
Final Verdict: Newer Isn’t Always Better
The Galaxy A53 5G brings modern refinements—longer software support, a larger battery, and a sleeker design—but it doesn’t surpass the S20 FE 5G in every area. In fact, in core aspects like processing power, display brightness, and camera stabilization, the older model still holds its ground.
Ultimately, the “upgrade” depends on what you value. If you want a phone that will receive updates for years and deliver consistent daily performance, the A53 5G is the logical choice. But if you care more about responsiveness, photo quality, and a brighter, more durable display, the S20 FE remains surprisingly competitive—even in 2024.
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