Galaxy S20 Fe Vs S20 Plus Is The Fan Edition Actually Worth It

When Samsung introduced the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition (FE), it wasn’t just another mid-tier release—it was a bold statement about what value means in the premium smartphone market. Positioned between the flagship S20 Plus and more budget-conscious models, the S20 FE promised flagship-level features at a significantly lower price. But how does it really stack up against the S20 Plus? For buyers weighing cost versus capability, the question remains: is the Fan Edition actually worth it?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world performance, longevity, user experience, and whether cutting corners on certain features truly impacts daily use. Let’s break down the key differences and similarities to help you decide which phone aligns with your priorities.

Design and Build: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price

The Galaxy S20 Plus exudes luxury. Its glass back, aluminum frame, and sleek silhouette make it a standout in hand. It feels dense, solid, and unmistakably high-end. The S20 FE, by contrast, swaps glass for plastic on the back—specifically, a polycarbonate shell that mimics glass but resists fingerprints better. While this reduces the “luxury” feel, it also makes the device lighter and less prone to shattering.

Both phones are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, meaning they can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. That parity matters for real-world durability. However, the S20 Plus measures 7.8 mm thick and weighs 186g, while the S20 FE is slightly thicker at 8.4 mm but lighter at 190g. The weight difference is negligible, but the S20 Plus feels more balanced due to its slimmer profile.

Tip: If you prioritize drop protection over prestige, the S20 FE’s plastic body may actually serve you better in the long run—especially without a case.

Display Quality: Bright, Smooth, But Not Identical

Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with 120Hz refresh rates—a rarity even among flagships at their release. This means smooth scrolling, responsive touch input, and excellent motion clarity. However, there are subtle but meaningful differences.

The S20 Plus sports a 6.7-inch QHD+ (3200 x 1440) display with automatic brightness adjustment up to 1200 nits. The S20 FE uses a 6.5-inch FHD+ (2400 x 1080) panel, peaking at around 800 nits. In direct sunlight, the S20 Plus wins with superior visibility. The higher resolution also delivers crisper text and image detail, especially noticeable when viewing HDR video or editing photos.

That said, for most users, the S20 FE’s screen is more than sufficient. The colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures fluidity across apps and games. Unless you’re a visual professional or watch a lot of 1440p content, the downgrade is unlikely to bother you.

Performance and Hardware: Nearly Identical Under the Hood

Performance is where the S20 FE shines brightest. Depending on region, it comes with either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990—same as the S20 Plus. RAM options go up to 12GB, matching the Plus model, and both support UFS 3.0 storage for fast app loading and file transfers.

In everyday use—browsing, multitasking, streaming, gaming—the two phones perform almost identically. Benchmark scores show only minor variances, and real-world tasks like opening large files or switching between apps feel indistinguishable.

Battery life is another close contest. The S20 FE packs a 4,500mAh battery, while the S20 Plus has a slightly larger 4,500mAh unit (despite common belief, both are rated similarly). In practice, both last a full day with moderate to heavy use. Fast charging is supported on both (25W wired, 15W wireless, reverse wireless charging), though chargers are sold separately.

“Samsung nailed the balance with the S20 FE—flagship-grade performance without the flagship tax.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: Capabilities vs. Consistency

Here’s where trade-offs become more apparent. The S20 Plus features a triple rear setup: 64MP telephoto (3x hybrid zoom), 12MP wide, and 12MP ultra-wide, plus a 10MP front camera. The S20 FE uses a different configuration: 12MP wide, 8MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 12MP ultra-wide, and a 32MP front shooter.

On paper, the S20 Plus seems superior. Its higher-resolution telephoto sensor allows for better digital zoom and lossless cropping. In low light, the larger pixel size and advanced processing give it an edge in dynamic range and noise reduction.

But in most conditions, the S20 FE holds its own. Daylight shots are sharp and well-balanced. The ultra-wide lens captures nearly the same field of view, and the 32MP selfie camera produces highly detailed portraits. Video recording is limited to 4K@60fps on both, so no advantage there.

The real gap emerges in zoomed photography beyond 3x. The S20 Plus maintains clarity further into digital zoom thanks to its higher-resolution telephoto sensor. For casual photographers, this won’t matter. But if you frequently capture distant subjects—wildlife, concerts, architecture—the S20 Plus offers noticeably better results.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Galaxy S20 Plus	Galaxy S20 FE
Display Size & Resolution	6.7\", QHD+ (3200 x 1440)	6.5\", FHD+ (2400 x 1080)
Brightness (Peak)	~1200 nits	~800 nits
Processor	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990
Rear Cameras	64MP (tele), 12MP (wide), 12MP (ultra-wide)	8MP (tele), 12MP (wide), 12MP (ultra-wide)
Front Camera	10MP	32MP
Battery Capacity	4,500mAh	4,500mAh
Build Material	Glass back, aluminum frame	Plastic back, aluminum frame
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68
Starting Price (Launch)	$999	$699

Real-World Example: Choosing Based on Lifestyle

Consider Sarah, a freelance photographer who travels often. She values color accuracy, zoom capability, and a bright outdoor-visible screen. For her, the S20 Plus is the clear choice. The QHD+ display helps her preview edits accurately, and the superior telephoto lens allows tighter framing without moving closer.

Now meet James, a college student who uses his phone for social media, streaming, note-taking, and occasional photography. He wants strong performance and good battery life but doesn’t edit RAW images or shoot wildlife. The S20 FE meets all his needs—and saves him $300, which he puts toward textbooks and a new pair of headphones.

This contrast illustrates that “worth it” depends entirely on usage patterns. The S20 FE isn’t inferior; it’s optimized.

Is the Fan Edition Actually Worth It? A Value Breakdown

At launch, the S20 Plus retailed for $999, while the S20 FE started at $699—a $300 difference. What do you lose for that savings?

• Slightly dimmer, lower-resolution display
• Less refined zoom performance
• Plastic rather than glass back
• Minor reductions in haptic feedback and speaker stereo separation

What do you keep?

• Nearly identical processor and RAM
• Same 120Hz refresh rate
• Equal battery life and charging speeds
• IP68 rating and software support cycle (3 major Android updates)

Tip: Look beyond launch prices. Today, both phones can be found refurbished or secondhand for under $400, making the FE an even smarter buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S20 FE run demanding games as well as the S20 Plus?

Yes. Both phones use the same flagship chipset and GPU. Games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile run at high settings with minimal frame drops on either device.

Does the S20 FE get the same software updates as the S20 Plus?

Yes. Samsung provides the same update policy across its S-series lineup, including the Fan Edition. Both received three major Android OS upgrades and monthly security patches for four years.

Is the plastic back on the S20 FE a dealbreaker?

Not necessarily. While it lacks the premium feel, it’s more durable, lighter, and less slippery. Many users prefer it once they adjust expectations. Using a case eliminates the material difference entirely.

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

The Galaxy S20 Plus remains the better device overall—there’s no denying that. It offers a superior display, more capable cameras, and a build quality that screams premium. If you demand the best and budget isn’t tight, go for the Plus.

But the S20 FE delivers 90% of the experience at 70% of the price. For the average user, the compromises are barely noticeable. It’s faster than most mid-range phones, lasts just as long on a charge, and supports the same ecosystem of accessories and software features.

If you're looking for maximum value without sacrificing core flagship functionality, the Fan Edition isn’t just worth it—it’s one of the smartest Android purchases of its generation.

🚀 Ready to make your decision? Reassess your priorities: Do you need the absolute best camera and screen, or would you rather save hundreds without losing performance? Your answer determines which Galaxy truly fits your life.