Galaxy S20 Fe Vs S9 Is It Finally Time To Ditch My Old S9

If you've been holding onto your Galaxy S9 since its 2018 debut, you're not alone. Many users still rely on the S9 for daily tasks, drawn by its solid build, compact size, and familiar interface. But nearly six years later, technology has surged forward. The Galaxy S20 FE, released in 2020, represents a major leap in performance, display quality, and long-term usability. So, is it finally time to let go of your trusty S9? Let’s break down the real differences between these two phones—not just on paper, but in everyday life.

Performance: From Smooth to Blazing Fast

The Galaxy S9 was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), which was top-tier in 2018. At launch, it handled multitasking, gaming, and app switching with ease. Today, however, that processor struggles with newer apps, background processes, and even routine system updates. Apps take longer to load, animations stutter, and occasional freezes are more common than they used to be.

In contrast, the Galaxy S20 FE runs on the Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 depending on region), a chip that delivers up to 30% faster CPU performance and nearly double the GPU power compared to the S9’s chipset. This isn’t just about raw numbers—it translates into real-world improvements: near-instant app launches, buttery-smooth scrolling, and seamless transitions between heavy workloads like video editing or mobile gaming.

Tip: If your S9 takes more than 3 seconds to open core apps like Messages or Camera, it's a sign that hardware limitations are affecting usability.

Beyond the processor, RAM makes a difference too. The S9 came with 4GB, while the S20 FE offers 6GB as standard—allowing for more apps to stay active in the background without reloading. For users who juggle multiple tabs, messaging apps, and productivity tools, this extra headroom is invaluable.

Display and Design: Bigger, Brighter, More Immersive

The S9 featured a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution—a standout at the time. Its curved edges and minimal bezels gave it a premium look, and the screen remained vibrant indoors. However, outdoor visibility has become a growing issue as the panel ages and maximum brightness diminishes over time.

The S20 FE steps up with a 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, offering higher peak brightness (up to 800 nits), smoother 120Hz refresh rate, and better color accuracy. Scrolling through social media, reading articles, or watching videos feels noticeably more fluid. That 120Hz refresh rate may seem like a small upgrade, but once experienced, returning to 60Hz feels sluggish—like going back from HD to standard definition TV.

Design-wise, the S20 FE trades the S9’s compact form for a larger, more modern slab-style body with flatter edges and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. While bulkier, it’s built for durability and one-handed use remains manageable thanks to optimized software gestures.

Camera Comparison: Night Shots, Zoom, and Video Quality

The S9 introduced Samsung’s dual-pixel autofocus and a variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4), which allowed impressive low-light photos in its day. But today’s standards demand more versatility. The S9 lacks ultrawide capability, limiting creative framing, and its night mode is software-based and underpowered compared to modern solutions.

The S20 FE counters with a triple-camera setup: 12MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This means you can capture sweeping landscapes, zoom in on distant subjects without quality loss, and shoot professional-looking portraits—all from one device.

“Smartphone photography isn’t just about megapixels anymore—it’s about flexibility. The ability to switch lenses seamlessly changes how people document their lives.” — Lena Park, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

Night mode on the S20 FE uses multi-frame processing and AI enhancement to produce brighter, clearer images in darkness—something the S9 simply cannot match. Video recording also sees a generational jump: the S20 FE supports 8K at 24fps, while the S9 maxes out at 4K 30fps with no advanced stabilization.

Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power vs Constant Top-Ups

The S9’s 3,000mAh battery was adequate in 2018, but with age, most units now suffer from reduced capacity. Even with moderate use, many S9 owners report needing a midday charge. Fast charging helps, but it’s limited to 15W, and wireless charging is slower than current standards.

The S20 FE comes with a 4,500mAh battery—50% larger—and supports 25W fast charging (though often sold with a 15W charger). Real-world testing shows it easily lasts a full day, even with heavy usage including streaming, GPS navigation, and social media browsing. It also supports faster wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, letting you power up earbuds or another phone in a pinch.

Tip: If your S9 drops from 80% to 30% during a 90-minute commute, battery degradation is likely impacting your experience more than you realize.

Software Support and Security: The Hidden Cost of Staying Behind

This might be the most critical factor. Samsung promised four years of security updates for the S9, ending around late 2022. As of 2024, your S9 hasn't received official patches in over a year, leaving it vulnerable to emerging threats. No new Android versions, no feature upgrades, and increasing incompatibility with modern apps.

The S20 FE, meanwhile, launched with Android 10 and is eligible for updates up to Android 14, with security patches expected through at least 2025. It also benefits from Samsung’s improved One UI, offering better customization, privacy controls, and integration with Galaxy ecosystem devices like watches and tablets.

App developers increasingly optimize for newer OS features. Banking apps, messaging platforms, and even streaming services may soon drop support for older Android versions. Holding onto an unsupported device isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a security risk.

Galaxy S20 FE vs S9: Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Galaxy S9	Galaxy S20 FE
Release Year	2018	2020
Processor	Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990
RAM	4GB	6GB
Display	5.8” FHD+ AMOLED (60Hz)	6.5” FHD+ AMOLED (120Hz)
Rear Cameras	12MP (main only)	12MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 8MP telephoto
Front Camera	8MP	32MP
Battery	3,000mAh	4,500mAh
Fast Charging	15W	25W
OS Support	Up to Android 10 (ended)	Up to Android 14 (ongoing)
Security Updates	Ended (~2022)	Expected through 2025

Real-Life Example: When the Upgrade Made Sense

Take Mark, a freelance photographer in Chicago who relied on his S9 for client communication, light editing, and capturing reference shots. By 2023, he noticed delays when transferring files via cloud apps, poor performance in low-light photo reviews, and frequent crashes in Adobe Lightroom. After upgrading to the S20 FE, he regained confidence in using his phone as a field tool. The larger screen helped him review images more accurately, the improved camera allowed quick client previews, and the battery lasted through full shoots without anxiety. For Mark, the upgrade wasn’t about luxury—it was about maintaining professionalism.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If It’s Time to Upgrade

1. Test daily performance: Open five apps in succession and switch between them. If any reload completely, your RAM or processor is struggling.
2. Check battery health: Use a diagnostic app or visit a service center. If capacity is below 75%, replacement cost may justify a full upgrade.
3. Review update status: Go to Settings > Software Update. If no updates are available and your OS is older than Android 11, security risks increase.
4. Evaluate camera needs: Try taking a photo in dim lighting. If it’s blurry, grainy, or takes seconds to process, newer computational photography will be a game-changer.
5. Assess future-proofing: Consider how long you want your next phone to last. The S20 FE will remain supported and functional longer than the aging S9 ever could.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my Galaxy S9 safely in 2024?

You can, but with caution. Without regular security patches, your device is more vulnerable to malware, phishing, and data theft—especially when using banking apps or public Wi-Fi. Limit sensitive activities and consider using it as a secondary device.

Is the Galaxy S20 FE worth buying now, given newer models exist?

Absolutely. While the S23 or S24 series offer incremental improvements, the S20 FE remains a strong value, especially at discounted prices. It delivers flagship-level performance, excellent cameras, and years of remaining support at a fraction of the cost.

Will my accessories work with the S20 FE?

Most USB-C chargers and cables are compatible, though fast charging requires a supported adapter. Cases won’t fit due to different dimensions, and screen protectors must be model-specific. Wireless charging works on both, but the S20 FE supports faster speeds.

Conclusion: Letting Go Isn’t Failure—It’s Progress

Holding onto your Galaxy S9 speaks to its quality and emotional value. It served you well through years of evolution. But technology moves forward for a reason: to make our lives easier, safer, and more connected. The Galaxy S20 FE isn’t just a new phone—it’s access to faster performance, better photos, longer battery life, and crucially, ongoing software support that protects your data and keeps apps running smoothly.

Upgrading doesn’t mean your S9 failed. It means you’ve reached the natural end of its lifecycle—and that’s okay. With trade-in programs, refurbished deals, and flexible payment options, stepping up has never been more accessible.

🚀 Ready to move forward? Back up your data, check your battery health, and explore your upgrade options today. Your next phone should empower you—not hold you back.