Is The Samsung S20 Fe Still Worth It In 2024 Or Is The A03s Good Enough For Basic Use

In 2024, smartphone choices are more varied than ever. At one end of the spectrum, you have devices like the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE — once a flagship contender — now several years old but still capable. On the other, budget phones like the Samsung Galaxy A03s offer affordability and simplicity. For users deciding between performance and price, the question arises: Is the S20 FE still relevant, or has the A03s become sufficient for everyday needs?

This comparison isn’t just about specs. It’s about how each phone performs in real life — whether you’re texting, browsing, watching videos, or occasionally using demanding apps. The answer depends on your usage patterns, expectations, and how long you plan to keep the device.

Performance and Hardware: Where They Stand in 2024

The Galaxy S20 FE, released in late 2020, was built as a “fan edition” with near-flagship specs. It featured the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and a 120Hz AMOLED display. Even today, this combination delivers smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and responsive gaming.

In contrast, the Galaxy A03s runs on the MediaTek Helio P35 — a chip designed for entry-level tasks. With only 3GB or 4GB of RAM and a 60Hz LCD screen, it handles calls, messaging, and light web browsing adequately but struggles with multiple open apps or video playback at higher resolutions.

Tip: If you frequently switch between apps or watch HD content, a 120Hz display and 6GB+ RAM make a noticeable difference in fluidity.

One major consideration in 2024 is software support. The S20 FE received three major Android updates (up to Android 13) and four years of security patches, ending in late 2024. The A03s, while newer, only supports two Android upgrades and receives shorter security updates, limiting its longevity.

Real-World Usage: Who Benefits From Which Phone?

To understand which device suits whom, consider actual daily routines. Let’s look at two users:

Mini Case Study: Maria vs. James

• Maria, a college student, uses her phone for online classes, streaming YouTube, social media, and note-taking. She values responsiveness and screen quality. The S20 FE’s vibrant AMOLED display and faster processor let her smoothly toggle between Zoom, Google Docs, and Spotify without lag.
• James, a retiree, primarily uses his phone for calls, WhatsApp, and checking the weather. He rarely downloads apps or watches videos. For him, the A03s is perfectly adequate — simple, affordable, and easy to use.

This illustrates a key point: the “best” phone depends on what you do with it. Heavy users benefit from stronger hardware; light users don’t need it.

“Smartphone value isn’t just about specs — it’s about alignment with user behavior. A high-end device underutilized is a poor investment.” — Lena Park, Mobile Technology Analyst at GadgetInsight

Comparison Table: S20 FE vs. A03s at a Glance

Feature	Samsung S20 FE	Samsung A03s
Release Year	2020	2022
Processor	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990	MediaTek Helio P35
RAM	6GB / 8GB	3GB / 4GB
Display	6.5\" FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz	6.5\" HD+ PLS LCD, 60Hz
Rear Cameras	12MP + 12MP + 8MP	13MP + 2MP + 2MP
Battery	4500mAh	5000mAh
Charging Speed	25W fast charging	15W max
Software Updates	3 OS + 4 years security	2 OS + 3 years security
Current Price (Used/New)	$200–$250 (used)	$100–$130 (new)

Note that while the A03s has a larger battery, its lower efficiency processor and lack of optimization mean real-world endurance may not outperform the S20 FE significantly — especially under moderate use.

When the A03s Makes Sense

The A03s isn’t a bad phone — it’s designed for a specific audience. It excels when:

• You're on a tight budget and need a new device immediately.
• Your primary needs are calling, texting, and accessing basic apps like Facebook or Gmail.
• You want a secondary phone for a child or elderly family member.
• You prefer buying new over used and want warranty coverage.

It also runs Samsung’s One UI, which offers a clean interface and useful features like Digital Wellbeing and parental controls. However, the experience is constrained by the hardware. Opening a browser with multiple tabs can cause slowdowns, and app reloads are frequent due to limited RAM.

Tip: If buying the A03s, opt for the 4GB RAM version — the 3GB model feels sluggish even for basic multitasking.

Why the S20 FE Still Holds Value in 2024

Despite being older, the S20 FE remains surprisingly competitive. Its strengths include:

• A bright, smooth 120Hz display ideal for reading and media.
• Faster app performance and better camera processing.
• Water resistance (IP68 rating), which the A03s lacks.
• Support for expandable storage and dual SIM functionality.

For around $200–$250 on the secondhand market, you get a device that handles modern apps with ease. Even TikTok, Instagram Reels, and mid-tier mobile games run smoothly. The triple-camera system produces noticeably better photos in low light, with optical image stabilization on the main sensor.

However, there are caveats. Battery degradation is common in units over three years old. Always check battery health before purchasing used. Also, after 2024, no further official updates will be released, leaving the device vulnerable to unpatched security flaws over time.

Checklist: Choosing Between S20 FE and A03s

Use this checklist to guide your decision:

1. ✅ Do you regularly use multiple apps at once? → Lean toward S20 FE.
2. ✅ Is screen quality important for videos or reading? → S20 FE wins.
3. ✅ Are you on a strict $100 budget? → A03s may be your only option.
4. ✅ Do you want a new phone with warranty? → A03s is available new.
5. ✅ Will you keep the phone for 2+ years? → S20 FE offers better longevity.
6. ✅ Is water resistance or faster charging valuable? → Choose S20 FE.
7. ✅ Are you sensitive to lag or app reloading? → Avoid A03s with 3GB RAM.

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Can the A03s handle WhatsApp and YouTube smoothly?

Yes, for basic use. You can send messages, view status updates, and watch YouTube at 480p or 720p. However, switching between apps may trigger reloads, and full-screen ads can cause stutters.

Is the S20 FE too old to buy in 2024?

Not necessarily. If you find a well-maintained unit with healthy battery life (above 80%), it remains a powerful device. Just ensure it’s updated to the latest firmware for security.

Does either phone support 5G?

The standard S20 FE does not support 5G (except the S20 FE 5G variant, which uses the Snapdragon 865+). The A03s is strictly 4G LTE. Neither is future-proof for widespread 5G adoption.

Final Verdict: Balancing Cost, Performance, and Longevity

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is still worth it in 2024 — if you can find a reliable used unit and prioritize performance over brand-new condition. It delivers a near-flagship experience at a fraction of its original cost. For anyone doing more than just texting and calling, it offers tangible benefits in speed, display quality, and camera capability.

The Galaxy A03s, meanwhile, is “good enough” — but only for the most basic users. It’s a functional starter phone, best suited for those who need affordability and simplicity above all else. While newer, its hardware limitations make it feel outdated quickly, especially as apps grow more demanding.

If your budget allows $200, stretch for the S20 FE. The upgrade in daily experience is significant. But if you absolutely cannot exceed $130 and need a working phone now, the A03s will get the job done — just don’t expect it to last beyond two years of regular use.

🚀 Ready to make a smart choice? Assess your real usage, check battery health on used models, and invest where it matters. Share your thoughts — have you switched from a budget to a used premium phone? We’d love to hear your story!