Galaxy S24 Over S20 Fe Is The Upgrade Really Worth It For The Specs

When Samsung releases a new flagship like the Galaxy S24, it's natural to wonder whether upgrading from a still-capable device like the Galaxy S20 FE makes sense. The S20 FE, once praised for delivering flagship-level performance at a mid-tier price, has aged gracefully. But does it hold up against the cutting-edge advancements in the S24? For users weighing cost versus capability, this decision isn't just about raw specs—it's about real-world impact, longevity, and how much smarter your phone truly becomes.

The answer depends on your usage, priorities, and expectations. While both phones share Samsung’s DNA—clean software, solid build quality, and reliable cameras—the differences go beyond numbers on a spec sheet. Let’s break down what’s changed, what matters, and whether the S24 delivers enough meaningful improvements to justify the jump.

Performance: From Capable to Cutting-Edge

The Galaxy S20 FE launched with either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990, depending on region. At the time, it offered smooth multitasking, excellent gaming performance, and efficient app handling. Today, it still manages daily tasks well, but heavier apps and newer games show their limits. Thermal throttling can occur during extended use, and app reloads are more frequent as RAM management struggles with modern demands.

In contrast, the Galaxy S24 features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in most markets), built on a 4nm process. This brings not only faster CPU and GPU speeds but also significant gains in efficiency. Real-world benefits include:

• Near-instant app launches, even after days of continuous use
• Smoother 120Hz display experience under load
• Better sustained performance in gaming and video editing
• Improved AI processing for camera, voice assistants, and on-device features

Tip: If you frequently use AR apps, multitask across DeX, or edit high-resolution videos, the S24’s processor will feel like a generational leap.

Display & Design: Refinement Over Revolution

The S20 FE featured a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate—a standout feature at its price point. It was bright, colorful, and fluid. However, the screen used a plastic layer instead of glass, making it more prone to scratches, and the punch-hole camera was noticeably large.

The S24 improves on this foundation with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, now protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. While smaller, it’s sharper (QHD+ resolution), brighter (up to 2600 nits peak), and uses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that’s faster and more reliable. The bezels are slimmer, and the overall fit and finish feel more premium.

Design-wise, the S24 adopts a flatter display and more compact form factor, making it easier to handle with one hand. The aluminum frame and matte back reduce fingerprints and improve grip. The S20 FE wasn’t poorly built, but the S24 feels like a refinement in every tactile aspect.

Camera Comparison: Smarter, Not Just Sharper

The S20 FE’s triple-camera setup—12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP telephoto—delivered solid photos in daylight but struggled in low light and lacked advanced computational photography. Zoom was limited to 3x hybrid, and video maxed out at 30fps in 8K (a gimmick for most).

The S24 introduces a 50MP main sensor with larger pixels (1.8µm) and advanced pixel-binning for superior low-light performance. The ultrawide remains 12MP but with reduced distortion. Most importantly, the new 10MP telephoto supports 3x optical zoom and up to 30x “AI-enhanced” zoom using machine learning.

“Modern smartphones aren’t just capturing images—they’re interpreting scenes. The S24’s camera stack leverages AI to adjust tone, focus, and detail in real time, something the S20 FE simply can’t match.” — Lena Park, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechLens

In practical terms, this means:

• Better dynamic range in high-contrast scenes
• More natural skin tones and improved HDR
• Faster focusing in dim environments
• ProVisual Engine enhances detail in post-processing

Software & Longevity: Where the Real Value Lies

One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade isn’t hardware—it’s software support. The Galaxy S20 FE launched with Android 10 and is eligible for updates up to Android 13 or 14, depending on region. It received four years of security patches, ending around 2023–2024.

The Galaxy S24, however, promises seven years of OS and security updates—meaning it will be supported through Android 17 and beyond. This is a game-changer for long-term ownership. You’re not just buying a phone; you’re investing in future-proof software that will stay secure, compatible, and feature-rich for years.

This extended support includes access to Samsung’s latest AI tools, such as Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Generative Edit—all powered on-device. These features are not coming to older models like the S20 FE.

Detailed Spec Comparison

Feature	Galaxy S20 FE	Galaxy S24
Processor	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM	6GB / 8GB	8GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB (expandable)	256GB / 512GB (no expandable)
Display	6.5\" FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED (plastic)	6.2\" QHD+ 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Rear Cameras	12MP + 12MP + 8MP	50MP + 12MP + 10MP
Front Camera	32MP	12MP
Battery	4500mAh	4000mAh
Charging	25W wired, 15W wireless	25W wired, 15W wireless
OS Launch	Android 10	Android 14
Update Support	3 OS upgrades (up to Android 13/14)	7 OS upgrades (up to Android 20/21)
IP Rating	IP68	IP68

Mini Case Study: Alex’s Upgrade Decision

Alex has used his Galaxy S20 FE since 2020. He’s a freelance photographer who relies on his phone for client previews, social media posting, and communication. By late 2023, he noticed slowdowns when transferring RAW files via cloud apps and occasional crashes in Lightroom. His battery lasted only a full day with moderate use.

He considered waiting another year but ultimately upgraded to the S24 in early 2024. The difference was immediate: faster file rendering, seamless gallery navigation with hundreds of images, and reliable autofocus tracking during client shoots. More importantly, knowing his phone will receive updates until 2031 gave him peace of mind for his business continuity.

For Alex, the upgrade wasn’t about chasing specs—it was about maintaining professional reliability.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the switch, ask yourself these questions:

1. Is your S20 FE slowing down? Frequent app reloads, lag in multitasking, or overheating during basic tasks indicate hardware strain.
2. Do you need better low-light photos? If night shots or indoor events matter, the S24’s larger sensor and AI enhancements make a tangible difference.
3. Are you concerned about software support? With the S20 FE no longer receiving major updates, security and app compatibility will degrade over time.
4. Do you use AI or productivity tools? Features like Live Translate, Note Assist, and Circle to Search are exclusive to newer devices.
5. Can you afford the upgrade? The S24 starts at $799, while the S20 FE can be found used for under $250. Consider trade-in options to reduce cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the S24 have a headphone jack?

No, neither the S24 nor the S20 FE includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. Both require USB-C or Bluetooth audio.

Is the smaller battery on the S24 a concern?

Despite having a 500mAh smaller battery, the S24 lasts comparable to the S20 FE thanks to the more efficient chipset and optimized software. In real-world testing, both deliver about 6–7 hours of screen-on time.

Can I transfer data easily from my S20 FE?

Yes. Samsung Smart Switch handles contacts, messages, photos, apps, and settings seamlessly. The process typically takes under 15 minutes over Wi-Fi Direct.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

For casual users who browse, message, and take occasional photos, the S20 FE may still suffice. If it’s functioning well, there’s no urgent need to upgrade purely for specs.

However, for professionals, creatives, or anyone who values speed, long-term software support, and camera intelligence, the Galaxy S24 is absolutely worth the investment. It’s not just a new phone—it’s a platform built for the next era of mobile computing.

The upgrade isn’t about filling a gap. It’s about unlocking capabilities that redefine what your phone can do.

🚀 Ready to make the move? Evaluate your current needs, check trade-in values, and consider how much longer you want your phone to perform at its best. The S24 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a forward step into smarter, more sustainable smartphone use.