Galaxy S20 Fe Vs S20 Is The Fan Edition Actually Better For Most People

The Samsung Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) launched within months of each other in 2020, targeting different segments of the flagship smartphone market. The S20 was positioned as a premium device with top-tier specs across the board, while the S20 FE offered a more affordable alternative without sacrificing too much on core features. But nearly four years later, with both devices still relevant in the used and refurbished markets, a key question remains: is the Fan Edition actually better for most people?

The answer isn't straightforward, but it leans heavily toward \"yes\"—for a significant portion of users. The S20 FE delivers 90% of the S20’s experience at around 60–70% of the original price. For everyday users who prioritize battery life, display quality, and camera performance over minor luxuries like a higher refresh rate or IP68 water resistance, the FE model often makes more sense.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S20 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a glass back and aluminum frame, exuding premium craftsmanship. It's compact, measuring 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm, and weighs just 163g. Its IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance, making it resilient in wet conditions—a feature missing from the S20 FE.

In contrast, the S20 FE uses a plastic back, which some may perceive as less luxurious, though it improves grip and reduces the risk of shattering. It's slightly larger and heavier at 159.8 x 74.7 x 8.9 mm and 190g. While this makes it less pocketable, the trade-off is a bigger battery and improved ergonomics for one-handed use.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or near water, the S20’s IP68 rating adds real-world durability the FE lacks.

Display and Screen Experience

The S20 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a native resolution of 3200x1440 pixels and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This results in buttery-smooth scrolling and exceptionally sharp visuals—ideal for media consumption and gaming.

The S20 FE, meanwhile, has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a lower resolution of 2400x1080 but retains the 120Hz refresh rate. While not as pixel-dense, the screen is bright, vibrant, and equally fluid in motion. The larger size benefits multitasking and video watching, even if the panel material and peak brightness fall slightly short.

For most users, the difference in sharpness is negligible outside of close inspection. The shared 120Hz refresh rate ensures both phones feel modern and responsive.

“High refresh rates have become table stakes for flagship experiences. The S20 FE proves you don’t need a $1,000 phone to enjoy smooth performance.” — James Lee, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Performance and Software

Both devices are powered by high-end chipsets—either the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865, depending on region. In real-world usage, there is minimal performance difference between them. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is seamless, and both support 5G connectivity.

They originally shipped with Android 10 and received up to four major OS updates, meaning both can run Android 14 comfortably. Security patches remain available for select carriers, extending their usable lifespan well beyond typical mid-range devices.

The S20 FE’s slightly larger chassis allows for better heat dissipation during extended gaming sessions, giving it a subtle edge in sustained performance under load—even though peak power is identical.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

The S20 packs a triple rear setup: 12MP main (f/1.8), 64MP telephoto (3x hybrid zoom), and 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2). It supports 8K video recording at 24fps and offers strong low-light performance thanks to its advanced image processing.

The S20 FE also has a triple camera system: 12MP main (f/1.8), 8MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2). While the hardware differs, especially in the telephoto department, the day-to-day photo quality is remarkably similar. Samsung tuned the FE’s software to mimic the S20’s color science and HDR behavior closely.

In daylight, both produce richly detailed, well-balanced images. Night mode performs almost identically, with only minor differences in shadow detail. Video stabilization is excellent on both, though the S20 holds a slight edge in wind noise reduction due to additional microphone shielding.

Feature	Galaxy S20	Galaxy S20 FE
Main Camera	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	12MP, f/1.8, OIS
Telephoto	64MP, 3x Hybrid Zoom	8MP, 3x Optical Zoom
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV	12MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV
Video Recording	8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 60fps	4K @ 60fps
Front Camera	10MP, f/2.2	32MP, f/2.2

Notably, the S20 FE includes a higher-resolution front-facing camera (32MP vs 10MP), which benefits selfie enthusiasts and video callers seeking crisper facial details.

Battery Life and Charging

This is where the S20 FE pulls decisively ahead. With a 4,500mAh battery compared to the S20’s 4,000mAh unit, the FE consistently delivers 5–7 hours of screen-on time, depending on usage. The S20 typically manages 4–5.5 hours under similar conditions.

Both support 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging, but only the S20 includes reverse wireless charging (PowerShare). However, this feature sees limited practical use for most consumers.

For users who rely on their phone throughout the day without easy access to chargers—commuters, travelers, field workers—the S20 FE’s endurance is a tangible advantage that outweighs many of the S20’s refinements.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery and Dark Mode on either device to extend daily battery life by up to 20%.

Who Should Choose Which Phone?

Consider the Galaxy S20 if you:

• Prioritize compact size and lightweight design
• Want maximum display sharpness (QHD+ resolution)
• Need IP68 water and dust resistance
• Shoot 8K video regularly
• Value the prestige of a full flagship build

Opt for the Galaxy S20 FE if you:

• Prefer longer battery life over portability
• Use your phone heavily for media and social apps
• Want a large, smooth 120Hz display at a lower cost
• Take frequent selfies (thanks to 32MP front camera)
• Seek the best value in the Samsung ecosystem

Mini Case Study: Sarah, Freelance Photographer

Sarah upgraded from an iPhone XR to a used Galaxy S20 in early 2021. She loved the camera quality and compact form factor but found herself charging twice daily during shoots. After six months, she switched to a refurbished S20 FE. Though she missed the glass back, the extra battery life allowed her to edit photos on-site without carrying a power bank. “The camera is 95% as good,” she said, “and I get through full workdays without anxiety about dying.”

FAQ

Is the Galaxy S20 FE waterproof?

No, the S20 FE does not have an official IP rating for water resistance. While it can withstand light splashes, it should not be submerged or exposed to heavy rain. The original S20 has IP68 certification for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Does the S20 FE support 5G?

Yes, both the Snapdragon and Exynos versions of the S20 FE include 5G support, making it future-proof for network upgrades in most regions.

Which phone lasts longer now in 2024?

Both devices perform well with Android 14, but the S20 FE’s larger battery gives it an edge in longevity per charge. Hardware degradation is similar, so long-term reliability depends more on usage patterns than model choice.

Final Verdict: The Fan Edition Wins for Most Users

The Galaxy S20 remains a technically superior device on paper—higher resolution display, better build materials, IP68 rating, and 8K video. But for the average user, these advantages are marginal. What matters more is how the phone performs in daily life: battery life, responsiveness, camera quality, and usability.

The S20 FE excels in all these areas while costing significantly less at purchase. It sacrifices minor luxuries to deliver a robust, enjoyable experience that meets the needs of the vast majority of smartphone owners. Whether you're browsing, streaming, messaging, or capturing memories, the FE doesn’t hold you back.

In fact, Samsung set a precedent with the S20 FE: proving that a “fan edition” isn’t just a budget cut-down, but a reimagined flagship tailored to what people actually use. Since then, the FE line has grown into one of Samsung’s most successful sub-brands—an evolution rooted in the S20 FE’s smart compromises.

💬 Ready to upgrade wisely? Consider the Galaxy S20 FE if you want flagship-level performance without paying full price. Share your thoughts—do you prefer pure specs or real-world value?