Is The Samsung S23 Ultra Really Worth The Upgrade From The S20 Fe

If you're still using the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, chances are it’s holding up surprisingly well. Released in 2020, it was designed as a premium mid-tier flagship with solid specs and long-term software support. But now, three years later, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands as one of the most powerful Android phones on the market. The question isn’t whether the S23 Ultra is better—it clearly is. The real question is: does the improvement justify the cost of upgrading?

This article dives deep into the tangible differences between these two devices, focusing on real-world usability, camera quality, longevity, and overall value. If you're on the fence, this breakdown will help you make an informed decision—without succumbing to marketing hype.

Performance: From Solid to Elite

The S20 FE runs on either the Snapdragon 865 (in most global models) or Exynos 990 (in select regions), both of which were top-tier chips in 2020. For everyday tasks—browsing, social media, video streaming, and even light gaming—it remains perfectly capable today. However, the S23 Ultra features the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, built on a more efficient 4nm process. This translates to faster processing, smoother multitasking, and significantly better thermal management.

In practical terms, apps launch quicker, AI-powered features respond faster, and high-end games like Genshin Impact run at max settings without throttling. The S23 Ultra also comes with a minimum of 8GB RAM (up to 12GB), compared to the S20 FE’s 6GB or 8GB options. While not revolutionary, that extra headroom ensures longer future-proofing.

Tip: If you frequently use productivity apps, split-screen mode, or high-performance games, the S23 Ultra’s upgraded chipset will deliver noticeably smoother operation.

Camera Comparison: Night and Day Difference

This is where the S23 Ultra pulls far ahead. The S20 FE has a respectable triple-camera setup: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. It performs well in daylight but struggles in low light and lacks advanced computational photography features.

The S23 Ultra, meanwhile, boasts a quad-camera system headlined by a 200MP main sensor—the highest resolution on any mainstream smartphone. Combined with larger pixel binning (2.4µm effective pixels), improved night mode algorithms, and laser autofocus, it captures stunning detail even in near-darkness.

Its telephoto capabilities are unmatched: dual zoom cameras offering 3x and 10x optical zoom, enabling up to 100x \"Space Zoom\" with usable results at 10x and even 30x in good lighting. Wildlife photographers, travel enthusiasts, and mobile content creators will find this a game-changer.

“Smartphone zoom used to be a gimmick. With the S23 Ultra, 10x optical zoom delivers professional-grade framing.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Reviewer at TechScope

Battery and Charging: Efficiency Over Raw Power

The S20 FE packs a 4,500mAh battery with 25W fast charging and wireless charging support. In typical use, it lasts a full day, though heavy users may need a top-up by evening. After three years, battery degradation likely means shorter endurance unless recently replaced.

The S23 Ultra has a slightly larger 5,000mAh battery, but its efficiency gains come from the newer processor and optimized software. Despite the higher-resolution display and more powerful hardware, it consistently achieves 1.2 to 1.5 days of moderate use. Fast charging has been upgraded to 45W, cutting charge time nearly in half compared to the S20 FE.

Additionally, the S23 Ultra supports reverse wireless charging, allowing you to power up earbuds or smartwatches directly from the phone—a small but increasingly useful feature.

Display and Build: Refined Luxury

Both phones have excellent displays. The S20 FE uses a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution—an impressive spec for its time. Colors are vibrant, and scrolling is smooth.

The S23 Ultra improves on this with a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, QHD+ resolution, and adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate. Brightness peaks at 1,750 nits (vs. 1,000 on the S20 FE), making outdoor visibility far superior. The flat-edged design also enhances usability with the S Pen, included in the S23 Ultra.

Build quality sees a major shift: the S23 Ultra uses Armor Aluminum 2.0 and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, giving it greater drop and scratch resistance. The S20 FE, while durable, feels more like a premium plastic build in hand.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Samsung S20 FE	S23 Ultra
Processor	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM	6GB / 8GB	8GB / 12GB
Main Camera	12MP (f/1.8)	200MP (f/1.7)
Zoom	3x Optical	3x + 10x Optical, up to 100x Digital
Battery	4,500mAh	5,000mAh
Fast Charging	25W	45W
Display	6.5” FHD+, 120Hz	6.8” QHD+, Adaptive 1–120Hz
S Pen Support	No	Yes (built-in)
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68
Software Support	Up to Android 14 (ending)	Android 13 → Up to Android 18 (until ~2028)

Real-World Example: A Photographer’s Upgrade Journey

Consider Sarah, a travel blogger who relied on her S20 FE for three years. She loved its durability and color-rich display but grew frustrated when shooting sunsets or indoor markets—the photos lacked dynamic range and fine detail. Low-light videos showed noticeable noise, and digital zoom made subjects unrecognizable.

After upgrading to the S23 Ultra, she immediately noticed sharper images, richer shadows, and the ability to crop into 200MP shots without losing clarity. Using 10x optical zoom, she captured distant landmarks without carrying a DSLR. The S Pen helped her annotate maps and sketch ideas on the go. Though the price sting was real, her content quality—and audience engagement—jumped significantly.

For professionals or passionate creators, the upgrade pays off in output quality. For casual users, the benefits are subtler but still meaningful over time.

When the Upgrade Makes Sense: A Checklist

Ask yourself the following before deciding:

• ✅ Are you experiencing slowdowns or app crashes on your S20 FE?
• ✅ Do you regularly take photos or videos in challenging lighting?
• ✅ Would 10x optical zoom or enhanced editing tools improve your workflow?
• ✅ Do you want at least 4–5 more years of software updates?
• ✅ Is the S Pen functionality appealing for notes, drawings, or remote control?
• ✅ Can your current phone hold a full day’s charge under normal use?

If four or more apply, the S23 Ultra is a justified investment. If not, consider waiting or exploring alternatives like the S23+ or refurbished models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the S23 Ultra feel drastically different in daily use?

Yes and no. Core functions like calling, messaging, and browsing feel similar due to familiar One UI software. However, the responsiveness, camera speed, screen brightness, and multitasking fluidity offer a noticeably more premium experience, especially under load.

Can I keep using my S20 FE for another year or two?

Absolutely. Samsung provided four years of OS updates for the S20 FE, ending with Android 14. Security patches may continue into 2024. As long as the battery holds and performance meets your needs, there's no urgent reason to upgrade.

Is the 200MP camera worth it?

Not for everyone. Most users won’t print giant posters or heavily crop images. But the sensor’s underlying technology—larger light capture, improved HDR, and advanced noise reduction—benefits every photo, even at 12MP output. It’s less about megapixels, more about image quality.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Samsung S23 Ultra is unquestionably superior to the S20 FE in every technical category. But superiority doesn’t always equal necessity. For power users, creatives, tech enthusiasts, or anyone whose phone is central to their work, the upgrade delivers measurable improvements in speed, imaging, and long-term reliability.

For average users who prioritize value and don’t push their devices hard, the S20 FE remains functional. Selling it or trading it in could fund part of the S23 Ultra—but only if you truly need what it offers.

Ultimately, this isn’t just about specs. It’s about how you use your phone and what you expect from it. The S23 Ultra isn’t a mandatory upgrade, but for those ready to leverage its capabilities, it’s one of the most complete smartphones ever made.

💬 Have you upgraded from the S20 FE to the S23 Ultra? Share your experience, regrets, or surprises in the comments below—your insight could help others decide.