S20 Fe Vs A71 Is The Fan Edition Still Worth It Or Is The A71 Enough

When Samsung released the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition (FE), it was positioned as a near-flagship experience at a mid-range price. Around the same time, the Galaxy A71 emerged as a solid contender in the upper mid-tier segment. Both phones share design DNA and overlapping features, making consumers question: is the extra cost of the S20 FE justified, or can the A71 handle daily demands just as well?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world performance, longevity, camera quality, software support, and overall value. For users upgrading from an older device or entering the Samsung ecosystem, the decision hinges on how much phone they actually need—and how long they plan to keep it.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S20 FE and A71 both adopt Samsung’s modern aesthetic with glass fronts, plastic backs, and slim bezels. However, there are subtle but meaningful differences. The S20 FE uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on the back and Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, while the A71 only has basic scratch-resistant glass—no Gorilla Glass certification. This makes the FE more resilient against everyday drops and abrasions.

The S20 FE also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, a feature absent on the A71. If you frequently use your phone near water or in unpredictable environments, this alone could be a deciding factor.

Tip: Always consider durability when choosing between models. Water resistance may seem minor until you drop your phone in the sink.

Display and Performance Comparison

The display is where the gap becomes visible. The S20 FE features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen with a 120Hz refresh rate—smoother scrolling, faster touch response, and better gaming fluidity. In contrast, the A71 has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display but runs at a standard 60Hz. While the resolution is similar (both Full HD+), the higher refresh rate on the FE delivers a noticeably more responsive experience.

Under the hood, the S20 FE typically comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), placing it firmly in flagship territory for its release year. The A71, however, relies on the Exynos 9611—a capable chip, but built on a less efficient 11nm process and lacking in multi-core performance.

In practical terms, the S20 FE handles multitasking, high-end games, and future software updates with ease. The A71 manages everyday apps smoothly but stutters under heavy loads like prolonged gaming or photo editing.

“Phones aren’t just for today—they should last three years. That means investing in processing headroom.” — Raj Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Capabilities: Real-World Differences

Both devices come with quad-camera setups, but execution varies significantly. The S20 FE features a 12MP main sensor (f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF), 8MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 12MP ultra-wide, and a depth sensor. The A71 uses a 64MP main sensor on paper, but due to pixel binning, it outputs 16MP images. Its ultra-wide is 12MP, macro is 5MP, and depth is 5MP.

Despite the higher megapixel count, the A71's smaller pixel size and weaker image processing result in noisier low-light photos and less dynamic range. The S20 FE, leveraging flagship-grade HDR10+ processing and advanced AI enhancements, consistently produces sharper, more balanced images—even in challenging lighting.

Videography is another area where the FE pulls ahead. It supports 4K recording at 60fps, whereas the A71 maxes out at 4K 30fps. The FE also includes gyro-EIS for stabilized footage, making handheld videos far smoother.

Feature	S20 FE	A71
Main Camera	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	64MP (16MP output), f/1.8
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2
Telephoto	8MP, 3x optical zoom	No telephoto lens
Video Recording	4K @ 60fps, gyro-EIS	4K @ 30fps, basic EIS
Front Camera	32MP, f/2.0	32MP, f/2.2

Battery Life and Software Support

Battery capacity favors the A71 slightly with a 4500mAh cell versus the S20 FE’s 4500mAh (US variant) or 4500mAh globally. However, the FE’s more efficient processor and adaptive refresh rate mean it often lasts longer despite identical capacity. Real-world testing shows both lasting a full day, but the FE handles intensive tasks without draining as quickly.

Software support is critical. The S20 FE launched with Android 10 and is eligible for **three major OS upgrades**, meaning it will reach Android 13 officially and likely receive security patches into 2024. The A71, released around the same time, only guarantees **two OS upgrades** (up to Android 12) and shorter patch cycles. For users who want their phone to stay secure and updated, this difference matters.

Tip: Always check official Samsung update policies. Longer software support extends your phone’s usable life and resale value.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a freelance photographer and traveler, needed a reliable phone for capturing landscapes and managing client edits on the go. She considered both the A71 and S20 FE. Initially drawn to the A71’s lower price and larger screen, she tested both in-store. The 120Hz display on the FE felt dramatically smoother, and the telephoto lens allowed her to frame distant subjects without digital zoom loss.

After researching software updates, she realized the A71 would stop receiving major updates by late 2022, while the FE would stay current through 2023. She opted for the S20 FE, noting that “the extra $100 now saves me from upgrading again in two years.” Eighteen months later, she still edits RAW files using Lightroom and praises the FE’s sustained performance.

Value Analysis: Is the S20 FE Worth the Premium?

To determine whether the S20 FE is worth the typical $150–$200 premium over the A71, consider your usage patterns:

• If you prioritize camera quality, smooth performance, and long-term software updates, the S20 FE delivers tangible benefits.
• If your needs are basic—calls, messaging, social media, occasional photos—the A71 is sufficient and more budget-friendly.
• If you play mobile games or use productivity apps heavily, the FE’s 120Hz display and superior chipset make a noticeable difference.

The S20 FE isn’t just a rebranded mid-ranger; it’s a decontented flagship. You lose some materials (plastic back instead of glass) but retain core performance, camera hardware, and features that define a premium experience.

Checklist: Choosing Between S20 FE and A71

1. ✅ Assess your daily usage: Do you multitask or play graphics-heavy games?
2. ✅ Prioritize camera versatility: Do you need optical zoom or better low-light shots?
3. ✅ Consider software lifespan: Will you keep the phone for 3+ years?
4. ✅ Evaluate durability needs: Is water resistance important for your lifestyle?
5. ✅ Compare prices: Has the S20 FE dropped close to A71 pricing secondhand or refurbished?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A71 handle gaming as well as the S20 FE?

The A71 can run popular titles like Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact at medium settings, but experiences frame drops and heating during extended sessions. The S20 FE maintains stable performance thanks to its flagship processor and better thermal management.

Is the lack of water resistance a dealbreaker on the A71?

It depends on your habits. If you often use your phone near sinks, outdoors in rain, or at the beach, yes—it’s a significant drawback. For indoor, controlled environments, it may not matter as much.

Will either phone get Android 13?

The S20 FE officially received Android 13. The A71 stopped at Android 12. No further OS upgrades are expected for either model, though the FE will continue receiving monthly security patches longer.

Final Verdict: Make the Right Choice for Your Needs

The Galaxy A71 remains a competent device for casual users who want a large screen, decent cameras, and Samsung’s One UI interface without overspending. But the Galaxy S20 FE offers a broader package: faster performance, superior cameras, longer software support, and IP68 protection. These advantages compound over time, especially if you plan to keep your phone beyond two years.

Today, the price gap has narrowed. Refurbished or open-box S20 FE units often sell within $50 of new A71 models, making the FE an even more compelling choice. If your budget allows, the extra investment pays off in longevity and user experience.

💬 Have you used both phones? Share your experience in the comments below—your insights could help someone make their next upgrade decision.