Oneplus Nord 2 Vs Samsung S20 Fe Is The Samsung Still Worth It

In 2024, choosing between mid-range flagship contenders means balancing performance, longevity, and real-world usability. The OnePlus Nord 2 and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE were both released within months of each other, targeting users who want premium features without the top-tier price. While the S20 FE was marketed as a \"fan edition\" of the S20 series, the Nord 2 represented OnePlus’s push into AI-powered mid-range territory. Now, years later, consumers face a critical question: does the Samsung S20 FE still hold up against its slightly younger rival?

This isn’t just about specs on paper—it’s about daily experience, software support, camera consistency, and long-term reliability. Let’s break down where each device excels and whether the Samsung still offers enough to justify choosing it today.

Performance and Hardware: Chipset Showdown

The heart of any smartphone is its processor, and this is where the two devices diverge most dramatically. The OnePlus Nord 2 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI, a chipset built on a 6nm process with strong CPU efficiency and integrated AI enhancements. It competes well with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 in single-core tasks and delivers smooth multitasking and gaming performance.

On the other hand, the Samsung S20 FE uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), which was a flagship chip in 2020. While still capable, especially for everyday use, it runs hotter under load and lacks the architectural refinements seen in newer chips. In sustained gaming or heavy app switching, the Nord 2 often pulls ahead due to better thermal management and more modern memory handling.

Tip: If you prioritize future-proofing and smoother long-term updates, the Nord 2’s newer architecture gives it an edge despite similar benchmark scores.

RAM configurations are comparable—both offer 6GB, 8GB, and 12GB variants—but the Nord 2 pairs its memory with UFS 3.1 storage across all models, while the S20 FE sticks with UFS 3.0. This may seem minor, but over time, faster read/write speeds translate to quicker app launches and file transfers.

Display and Build Quality

The S20 FE has one clear advantage: its display. It features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility. Samsung’s screen calibration remains industry-leading, and the Dynamic AMOLED technology ensures consistent brightness and viewing angles.

The Nord 2 counters with a 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED display, also at 90Hz. While it’s sharp and responsive, the lower refresh rate is noticeable when scrolling through social media or playing fast-paced games. Additionally, OnePlus’s auto-brightness algorithm has historically been less accurate than Samsung’s, leading to occasional jarring jumps in screen brightness.

Build-wise, the S20 FE uses plastic for the back and frame, which keeps weight down but feels less premium. The Nord 2 opts for glass back and aluminum frame options depending on the model, giving it a more refined tactile feel. Both are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance—a rarity in this segment—and include stereo speakers, though Samsung tunes its audio output more consistently.

“Even after three years, the S20 FE’s display remains one of the best in its class. For media consumption, it’s hard to beat.” — David Lin, Mobile Review Analyst at TechPulse

Camera Comparison: Real-World Photography

Cameras are where personal preference plays a big role. The Nord 2 features a triple rear setup: a 50MP main sensor (Sony IMX766), a 8MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom, and a 2MP macro lens. Its standout feature is the large sensor size, which captures significantly more light than most competitors, resulting in superior low-light photos.

The S20 FE uses a 12MP main sensor (Dual Pixel AF), 8MP telephoto (3x hybrid zoom), and 12MP ultra-wide. Samsung’s processing leans toward oversaturation and aggressive sharpening, which can look punchy in daylight but unnatural in mixed lighting. The Nord 2, using OnePlus’s improved Hasselblad-tuned software, produces more balanced color science and natural skin tones.

In video recording, the S20 FE supports 8K at 24fps, a spec that looks impressive but sees little practical use. The Nord 2 maxes out at 4K/60fps, which is more than sufficient for most users and results in smaller file sizes and better stabilization.

Feature	Nord 2	S20 FE
Main Sensor	50MP (IMX766)	12MP (Dual Pixel)
Ultra-Wide	No dedicated lens	12MP
Zoom	2x optical	3x hybrid
Low-Light Performance	Excellent	Good
Video Max	4K @ 60fps	8K @ 24fps

Tip: If you frequently shoot indoors or at night, the Nord 2’s larger sensor will deliver noticeably clearer images.

Battery Life and Charging Speed

The Nord 2 packs a 4500mAh battery with 65W fast charging—OnePlus’s Warp Charge technology. A full charge takes under 35 minutes, making it ideal for users who need quick top-ups during busy days. In real-world usage, it easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use.

The S20 FE has a slightly larger 4500mAh cell but only supports 25W fast charging (with charger sold separately). Full recharge times hover around 70 minutes. While battery life is solid, the slower charging becomes a drawback when comparing convenience.

Neither phone supports wireless charging in most global variants, though the S20 FE does offer reverse wireless charging—an interesting party trick but rarely used in practice.

Mini Case Study: Daily Driver Experience

Jessica, a freelance photographer based in Lisbon, used the S20 FE from 2020 to 2022 before upgrading to a Nord 2. She appreciated the S20 FE’s color accuracy for reviewing shots on the go but found herself frustrated by slow charging during travel shoots. After switching, she noted that “the Nord 2 charges so fast I barely need to carry a power bank anymore. The camera handles golden hour much better too.”

Her only regret? Missing the ultra-wide lens, which she occasionally used for environmental portraits. Still, she rates the overall upgrade as “worth it” for the speed and photo quality gains.

Software and Longevity

This is perhaps the most decisive factor in 2024. The S20 FE launched with Android 10 and received three major OS updates, bringing it to Android 13. Security patches continued into early 2024, but official support has now ended. No further OS upgrades are expected.

The Nord 2 launched with Android 11 and received two major updates (to Android 13), along with regular security patches until late 2023. While not exceptional, OnePlus’s update policy has improved, and community development (e.g., custom ROMs) extends usability for tech-savvy users.

If you're buying secondhand today, neither phone will receive new OS features, but the Nord 2 benefits from lighter OxygenOS-based software, which tends to run more efficiently over time compared to Samsung’s One UI, known for bloatware accumulation on older models.

Checklist: What to Consider Before Buying Either Phone Today

• ✅ Confirm the device is within safe charge cycles (under 500 full charges)
• ✅ Check for physical damage, especially around ports and screen edges
• ✅ Verify software version and last security patch date
• ✅ Test camera modules and autofocus function
• ✅ Ensure fast charging works properly (especially for Nord 2)
• ✅ Evaluate storage needs—avoid models with less than 128GB if possible

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung S20 FE still good in 2024?

Yes, for basic tasks like calling, messaging, browsing, and media playback. However, it no longer receives software updates, and performance may lag with newer apps. It’s best suited for light users or as a backup phone.

Which phone has better camera quality?

The Nord 2 wins in low-light and portrait photography thanks to its larger main sensor and improved processing. The S20 FE has a wider ultra-wide lens and better zoom reach, but overall image consistency favors the Nord 2.

Can either phone run modern games smoothly?

The Nord 2 handles Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and similar titles at medium-to-high settings with minimal throttling. The S20 FE can run them too but shows more heat buildup and frame drops over extended sessions.

Final Verdict: Is the Samsung S20 FE Still Worth It?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you value a top-tier display, wide ultra-wide photography, and brand reliability, the S20 FE still holds appeal—especially at discounted prices. But objectively, the OnePlus Nord 2 surpasses it in key areas: faster charging, better low-light cameras, more efficient hardware, and a more responsive software experience.

For anyone purchasing today—especially secondhand or refurbished—the Nord 2 represents better long-term value. It ages more gracefully, charges dramatically faster, and captures higher-quality photos in challenging conditions. The lack of an ultra-wide lens is a compromise, but not a dealbreaker given the rest of the package.

Samsung deserves credit for pushing high-refresh displays and IP68 ratings into the mid-range first, but OnePlus answered with meaningful innovation in charging and imaging. In a head-to-head today, the Nord 2 takes the win—not by a landslide, but with consistent advantages that matter in daily use.

💬 Have you used both phones? Share your experience below. Whether you’re team Samsung or rooted in OnePlus, your insights could help others make a smarter choice.