Galaxy S20 Fe Vs A15 Is The Older Flagship Still Worth It Or Is The A15 Good Enough

When shopping for a new Samsung smartphone under $500, two models consistently rise to the top: the Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) and the newer Galaxy A15. The S20 FE launched as a premium mid-ranger with flagship DNA, while the A15 represents Samsung’s latest effort in the entry-level space. But years later, with both devices available at similar price points used or refurbished, which one actually delivers better value today?

The answer isn’t as simple as “newer is better” or “flagship specs win.” Real-world usability, longevity, software support, and personal priorities all play a role. Let’s break down how these phones compare across key categories and determine whether the older S20 FE still holds up — or if the A15 is finally good enough for most users.

Performance: Snapdragon 865 vs MediaTek Dimensity

The Galaxy S20 FE was built around Qualcomm’s high-end Snapdragon 865 processor, a chip that powered many 2020 flagships. Even by 2024 standards, this SoC handles multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps with ease. Paired with 6GB of RAM, it remains surprisingly capable for everyday use and even demanding titles like Genshin Impact at medium settings.

In contrast, the Galaxy A15 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ — a modest chip designed for efficiency over power. It manages basic tasks smoothly: browsing, messaging, streaming video. However, app switching feels slower, background apps reload frequently, and games like Call of Duty Mobile struggle at higher graphics settings.

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, prioritize raw processing power. The S20 FE’s Snapdragon 865 will age far more gracefully than the A15’s entry-level chipset.

Benchmarks confirm the gap: the S20 FE scores roughly 600,000 on AnTuTu v10, while the A15 hovers around 320,000. That’s nearly double the performance, which translates into real-world responsiveness and future-proofing.

Display and Build Quality

The S20 FE features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate — a rarity even in mid-range phones from 2023. Scrolling is buttery smooth, animations are crisp, and colors pop with deep blacks typical of AMOLED panels. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, and the overall build uses a polycarbonate body with an IP68 water resistance rating — something the A15 lacks entirely.

The A15 offers a 6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display too, which is impressive for its class. However, it’s capped at 60Hz, making motion feel less fluid. While the resolution matches the S20 FE, brightness and outdoor visibility fall short. There’s no official water or dust resistance, and the plastic build feels flimsier in hand.

“High refresh rate screens aren’t just a luxury — they change how responsive a phone feels. Once you go 120Hz, going back to 60Hz feels like stepping into slow motion.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Comparison: Flagship Sensors vs Entry-Level Modules

The S20 FE comes with a triple rear setup: a 12MP main sensor (f/1.8), a 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. In daylight, photos are detailed and well-balanced. Low-light performance benefits from Night Mode and larger pixel sensors. Video recording tops out at 4K@30fps, suitable for social media creators.

The A15 relies on a quad-camera array: 50MP main (f/1.8), 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth. On paper, the megapixel count wins, but in practice, the smaller sensor size and weaker image processing result in inconsistent detail, washed-out colors, and excessive noise in dim lighting. The lack of optical zoom limits versatility.

Feature	Galaxy S20 FE	Galaxy A15
Processor	Snapdragon 865	Dimensity 6100+
RAM / Storage	6GB / 128GB	4GB / 64GB or 128GB
Display	6.5\" FHD+, 120Hz AMOLED	6.5\" FHD+, 60Hz AMOLED
Rear Cameras	12MP (main), 12MP UW, 8MP telephoto	50MP (main), 5MP UW, 2MP macro, 2MP depth
Front Camera	32MP	5MP
Battery	4,500mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	25W fast charging	25W fast charging
Water Resistance	IP68	None
Software Support	Up to Android 13 (ended)	Android 13, up to Android 15 + 4 security updates

Battery Life and Software Longevity

The A15 has a slight edge in battery capacity with a 5,000mAh cell versus the S20 FE’s 4,500mAh. However, the more efficient software and lighter system load on the A15 don’t fully compensate for the S20 FE’s superior optimization. In real-world testing, both last about a day with moderate use, though the S20 FE drains faster during intensive tasks due to its powerful chip.

Where the A15 pulls ahead is in software support. As a 2023 device, it’s guaranteed updates through Android 15 and four years of security patches — meaning support until late 2027. The S20 FE, released in 2020, received its final major update with Android 13 and only sporadic security patches now. For long-term ownership, this makes a significant difference in security and compatibility.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a college student, needed a reliable phone for classes, social media, and occasional photography. She found a refurbished S20 FE for $220 and a new A15 5G for $240. Initially drawn to the S20 FE’s camera and smooth screen, she chose the A15 after learning about longer software support and newer Bluetooth/Wi-Fi standards. Six months later, she reports stable performance, appreciates the cleaner One UI 6 experience, and values knowing her phone will receive updates for years. While she misses the 120Hz display, she says the trade-off was worth it for peace of mind.

Value Proposition: Is the S20 FE Still Worth It?

If you find the S20 FE at a steep discount — say under $180 — and plan to use it casually for one to two years, it remains a compelling option. Its superior processor, smoother display, better cameras, and IP68 rating offer a near-flagship experience. Gamers, multitaskers, and photography enthusiasts will notice the difference.

However, if you’re buying new or want a phone that will stay secure and functional for three-plus years, the A15 is the smarter investment. Despite weaker hardware, its modern software lifecycle, consistent performance for daily tasks, and lower cost make it “good enough” for the average user. Plus, being new means warranty coverage and no wear-and-tear concerns.

Tip: Always check the battery health when buying a used S20 FE. After four years, many units show degraded capacity below 80%, leading to shorter battery life regardless of original specs.

Checklist: Choosing Between S20 FE and A15

• ✅ Need high performance for gaming or multitasking? → Lean toward S20 FE
• ✅ Want the smoothest possible screen experience? → S20 FE (120Hz)
• ✅ Prioritize long-term software updates and security? → A15 wins
• ✅ Planning to keep the phone for 3+ years? → A15 recommended
• ✅ On a tight budget and can find S20 FE cheap? → Great short-term deal
• ✅ Care about water resistance or durability? → S20 FE has IP68
• ✅ Use your phone mainly for calls, texts, and social apps? → A15 is sufficient

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy A15 handle TikTok and Instagram Reels editing?

Yes, the A15 handles basic video editing and social media creation without issue. Apps launch quickly enough, and the 50MP camera captures decent-quality footage for platforms like TikTok. Just avoid complex multi-layer edits or 4K rendering.

Is the S20 FE obsolete in 2024?

Not entirely. While it no longer receives OS updates, its core performance and display remain competitive. For light to moderate users, especially those who appreciate high refresh rates and strong cameras, it’s still functional. However, app bloat and background limitations may increase over time due to aging software.

Does the A15 support expandable storage?

Yes, the Galaxy A15 includes a dedicated microSD card slot, supporting up to 1TB. The S20 FE also supports expansion, though some regional variants share the SIM tray.

Final Verdict: Balance Specs vs Sustainability

The Galaxy S20 FE was a standout in its time — a true fan favorite that brought flagship-tier experiences to a broader audience. Today, it remains technically superior in almost every hardware category. But technology isn’t just about specs; it’s about sustainability, security, and consistent performance over time.

The Galaxy A15 may not dazzle on paper, but it reflects how far budget phones have come. With a clean software roadmap, adequate performance, and essential features like AMOLED and fast charging, it proves that for most people, “good enough” is exactly what they need.

If you crave speed, smooth visuals, and photographic flexibility for short-term use, the discounted S20 FE is still worth considering. But if you value reliability, future updates, and a fresh start, the A15 is the more responsible choice in 2024.

🚀 Ready to decide? Assess your usage patterns, timeline, and priorities. Whether you choose legacy power or modern practicality, both phones prove Samsung continues to deliver value across tiers.