Pixel 6 Vs S20 Fe Is The Newer Pixel Actually Worth The Upgrade

For users still holding onto the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, the arrival of Google’s Pixel 6 presents a tempting proposition: modern design, AI-powered photography, and guaranteed software updates. But does the Pixel 6 deliver enough meaningful improvements to justify leaving behind a phone that was once considered a flagship killer? The answer isn’t just about specs—it’s about real-world experience, longevity, and personal priorities.

The S20 FE, released in 2020, offered premium features at a mid-range price—excellent display, solid build, and strong performance with the Snapdragon 865. Meanwhile, the Pixel 6, launched in 2021, brought Google’s first in-house Tensor chip, a fresh design language, and industry-leading camera processing. On paper, it seems like an easy win for the newer device. But when daily usability, ecosystem preferences, and future-proofing come into play, the decision becomes more nuanced.

Design and Build: A Shift in Philosophy

The most immediate difference between the two phones lies in their design language. The S20 FE embraces Samsung’s classic approach—glass front and back with an aluminum frame, available in vibrant colors, and IP68 water resistance. It feels sturdy, familiar, and slightly curved for comfortable handling. At 190g, it’s light enough for one-handed use but doesn’t feel flimsy.

In contrast, the Pixel 6 introduces a bold new aesthetic. Its horizontal camera bar spans the width of the back, creating a distinctive look. The matte finish on the plastic-coated sides reduces fingerprints, while the Gorilla Glass Victus on the front enhances scratch resistance. It's heavier at 207g, giving it a more substantial feel—some may interpret this as premium; others might find it bulky.

Tip: If you prioritize pocketability and lightweight design, the S20 FE still holds up well. But if you value visual uniqueness and sturdier drop protection, the Pixel 6’s build may appeal more.

Display and Usability Experience

The S20 FE boasts a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate—a feature that remains desirable even years later. Scrolling is smooth, colors are vibrant, and outdoor visibility is excellent. It supports HDR10+ and delivers a consistently high-quality viewing experience across apps and video content.

The Pixel 6 also uses an OLED panel (6.4 inches), but caps its refresh rate at 90Hz. While still fluid, it lacks the buttery smoothness of the S20 FE’s higher refresh rate. However, Google implemented better adaptive brightness and improved indoor auto-brightness tuning, which many users report as more natural in everyday lighting conditions.

One notable advantage of the Pixel 6 is its flat display, which reduces glare and makes screen protector application easier. The S20 FE’s slight curve can cause color shifting at angles and complicate accessory compatibility.

Display Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S20 FE	Google Pixel 6
Display Size	6.5 inches	6.4 inches
Panel Type	Super AMOLED	OLED (Smooth Display)
Refresh Rate	120Hz	90Hz
Curvature	Slight curve	Flat
Brightness & Visibility	Excellent (up to 842 nits)	Very good (adaptive tuning)

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, the S20 FE runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, a chip that delivered flagship-level performance in 2020. Even today, it handles multitasking, gaming, and app switching without major hiccups. However, Samsung officially ended major Android updates for the S20 FE after Android 13, meaning no Android 14 or beyond—only security patches until 2024.

The Pixel 6, powered by Google’s custom Tensor G1 chip, focuses less on raw speed and more on machine learning tasks—like voice transcription, photo enhancement, and real-time translation. While its CPU benchmarks trail behind the Snapdragon 888 (used in the S21 series), the Tensor chip excels in AI-driven features unique to Pixel devices.

“Google’s commitment to seven years of OS and security updates sets a new standard. For long-term ownership, Pixels now outshine most competitors.” — Mark Rivera, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

This is perhaps the most compelling reason to upgrade: the Pixel 6 will receive updates through 2028. That means Android 15, 16, 17, and likely 18—all guaranteed. In contrast, the S20 FE is already nearing end-of-life.

Camera: Computational Photography vs. Versatility

The camera is where the Pixel 6 truly shines. Despite using older sensor hardware (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide), Google’s computational photography engine produces stunning results—especially in low light, dynamic range, and portrait mode accuracy. Features like Magic Eraser, Face Unblur, and Real Tone ensure photos look natural and professional with minimal effort.

The S20 FE packs a capable triple camera system (12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto with 3x hybrid zoom). It offers more versatility with optical zoom and faster autofocus, but image processing often oversaturates colors and struggles with noise in dim environments.

In practical terms, the Pixel 6 takes more consistent, lifelike photos across conditions. The S20 FE gives you flexibility with zoom and faster shot-to-shot response, but requires more manual tweaking for optimal output.

Tip: If you frequently share photos on social media or value point-and-shoot excellence, the Pixel 6’s camera intelligence is unmatched in this price bracket.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photography Showdown

Lena, a travel blogger using her S20 FE for three years, upgraded to the Pixel 6 before a trip to Iceland. She noticed immediate differences: snow scenes retained detail without overexposure, night shots of the Northern Lights were clearer without manual pro-mode settings, and group portraits automatically corrected skin tones across diverse complexions. While she missed the telephoto lens for distant landscapes, she saved time editing thanks to Pixel’s automated enhancements—allowing her to post content faster.

Battery Life and Charging Realities

The S20 FE houses a 4,500mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging and wireless charging. With moderate use, it comfortably lasts a full day, though heavy users may need a top-up by evening.

The Pixel 6 has a slightly smaller 4,614mAh battery but benefits from more efficient power management via the Tensor chip and aggressive Doze modes. Google claims 24-hour battery life, which aligns with average usage patterns. However, fast charging tops out at 21W, and there’s no charger in the box—Samsung includes one.

Both phones support wireless and reverse charging, but Samsung’s ecosystem integration (e.g., sharing power with Galaxy Buds) gives the S20 FE a slight edge for existing Samsung users.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Make the Switch?

Before deciding, consider these factors:

• Are you still satisfied with your S20 FE’s performance? If yes, delay unless camera or update lifespan is critical.
• Do you want guaranteed Android updates until 2028? Pixel wins decisively here.
• Is low-light photography important? Pixel 6 delivers superior night shots.
• Do you rely on telephoto zoom? S20 FE has a clear advantage.
• Are you invested in Samsung’s ecosystem? Switching may disrupt continuity with tablets, watches, or earbuds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 6 run demanding games smoothly?

Yes, but not at peak graphical fidelity. Games like Genshin Impact run well on medium settings, though sustained gameplay may lead to throttling due to thermal limitations. The S20 FE performs comparably in real-world gaming scenarios.

Is the lack of 120Hz a dealbreaker on the Pixel 6?

For most users, no. The 90Hz display is still smooth, and Google optimizes UI animations to feel responsive. Only enthusiasts who notice细微 differences in scroll fluidity may miss the higher refresh rate.

Will my accessories work with the Pixel 6?

Most cases and screen protectors won’t be compatible due to the different dimensions and camera bar. Wireless chargers and headphones will work fine, but Samsung DeX and Smart Switch functionality are lost.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Pixel 6 isn’t a massive leap in raw performance over the S20 FE, nor does it offer a better display or zoom capability. But it represents progress in areas that matter long-term: software support, camera intelligence, and ecosystem innovation.

If you value hassle-free photography, care about privacy and timely updates, or simply want a phone that will stay relevant for five years, the Pixel 6 is absolutely worth the upgrade. But if you're happy with your current device, enjoy Samsung’s feature set, and don’t mind aging software, holding onto the S20 FE—or considering a newer Galaxy model—might make more sense.

🚀 Ready to future-proof your mobile experience? Evaluate what matters most—camera, updates, or ecosystem—and choose accordingly. Share your upgrade journey in the comments below.