S20 Fe Vs S20 Plus Is The S20 Plus Even Worth It Anymore

When Samsung released the Galaxy S20 series in early 2020, it set a new standard for Android flagships. The lineup included the base S20, the larger S20 Plus, and the ultra-premium S20 Ultra. Later that year, the Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) arrived as a more affordable alternative with flagship-level features. Today, several years later, buyers looking for a used or refurbished premium Samsung phone often face a tough decision: should they go for the once-high-end S20 Plus or settle for the more budget-friendly S20 FE? With both devices now available at steep discounts, the question isn’t just about price—it’s about whether the S20 Plus still holds enough advantages to justify its higher cost.

Design and Build: Premium Feel vs Practical Durability

The Galaxy S20 Plus and S20 FE differ significantly in materials and overall feel. The S20 Plus features a glass back (Gorilla Glass 6) and an aluminum frame, giving it a sleek, high-end aesthetic. In contrast, the S20 FE uses a polycarbonate (plastic) back and frame, which makes it lighter and more resistant to drops but less luxurious in hand.

The S20 Plus is also slightly slimmer and more refined in design, with curved edges on its display that enhance immersion. However, this curvature can make screen protection trickier and increase accidental touches. The S20 FE opts for a flat display, which many users prefer for usability and ease of applying screen protectors.

Both phones are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance—meaning they can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. This is a key advantage over many mid-range alternatives, and it’s one area where Samsung didn’t cut corners on the FE model.

Tip: If you prioritize durability and drop resistance over luxury feel, the S20 FE's plastic build may actually be more practical in daily use.

Display Quality: Curved AMOLED vs Flat Clarity

The display is one of the most noticeable differences between these two phones. The S20 Plus sports a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a QHD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels) and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It delivers stunning color accuracy, deep blacks, and buttery-smooth scrolling. The screen brightness peaks around 1200 nits, making it excellent for outdoor visibility.

The S20 FE, while still using AMOLED technology, has a slightly smaller 6.5-inch display with a lower Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels). It supports a 120Hz refresh rate too, but only at the lower resolution—switching to FHD+ is required to maintain the smooth experience. While the difference isn’t drastic in everyday use, media enthusiasts will notice sharper text and crisper images on the S20 Plus.

For gamers and frequent video watchers, the S20 Plus offers a more immersive visual experience. But for general browsing, messaging, and social media, the S20 FE’s display is more than sufficient.

“High-resolution displays matter most when consuming media or doing creative work. For average users, the FE’s screen is functionally excellent.” — David Kim, Mobile Display Analyst at TechInsight Group

Performance and Software: Nearly Identical Under the Hood

Both phones launched with top-tier processors. In most regions, the S20 Plus used either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or Samsung’s Exynos 990, depending on the market. The S20 FE also used the Snapdragon 865 in global versions, making their raw performance very similar.

In real-world tasks—app launches, multitasking, gaming—the difference between the two is negligible. Both handle modern apps and games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile with ease, though sustained gaming may cause thermal throttling over time due to aging batteries.

Software support is another critical factor. Both devices originally shipped with Android 10 and were promised four generations of OS updates and five years of security patches. As of 2024, they should have received updates up to Android 14. However, actual availability depends on region and carrier. Users considering either device today should verify current software status before purchasing.

Performance Comparison Table

Feature	Galaxy S20 Plus	Galaxy S20 FE
Processor	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990	Snapdragon 865
RAM	8GB / 12GB	6GB / 8GB
Storage Options	128GB / 512GB	128GB / 256GB
MicroSD Support	No	Yes (up to 1TB)
Battery Capacity	4500 mAh	4500 mAh
Charging Speed	25W wired, 15W wireless	25W wired, no wireless charging*

*Note: Some regional variants of the S20 FE lack wireless charging, while others include it. Verify model number before purchase.

Camera Capabilities: More Lenses, Better Flexibility?

The S20 Plus comes with a triple rear camera setup: a 64MP telephoto lens (3x hybrid zoom), a 12MP wide lens (f/1.8), and a 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2). It supports up to 30x Space Zoom and records 8K video at 24fps.

The S20 FE also has three rear cameras, but with different specs: a 12MP main sensor (f/1.8), an 8MP 3x telephoto (not 64MP), and a 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2). It lacks 8K video recording and has a more limited zoom capability. The front camera is also downgraded from 10MP on the S20 Plus to 32MP on the FE—a higher number, but not necessarily better in low light.

In daylight, both phones produce vibrant, well-balanced photos. The S20 Plus pulls ahead in zoomed shots and fine detail due to its superior telephoto sensor. In low-light conditions, the larger pixel size and better image processing give the S20 Plus a slight edge, though the FE still performs admirably for its class.

Tip: If you frequently take zoomed or detailed landscape photos, the S20 Plus remains the better choice. For casual photography, the FE is more than capable.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photographer’s Dilemma

Mark, a freelance travel blogger, needed a reliable phone for his Southeast Asia trip in 2023. He considered both the S20 FE and S20 Plus in the refurbished market. After testing sample photos side by side, he noticed that the S20 Plus captured clearer details in distant temple carvings and handled sunset silhouettes better. Despite the FE’s lower price, Mark chose the S20 Plus for its superior zoom and dynamic range. Two years later, he still uses it as his primary device, crediting its camera for helping him deliver professional-grade content without carrying a separate camera.

Battery Life and Charging: Same Capacity, Different Features

Both phones pack a 4500mAh battery, so real-world endurance is nearly identical. With moderate use—social media, streaming, messaging, and some navigation—either device will comfortably last a full day. Heavy users might need a top-up by late evening.

Where they diverge is in charging options. The S20 Plus supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging (PowerShare), allowing you to charge earbuds or another phone by placing them on the back. The S20 FE lacks wireless charging entirely in most models, limiting convenience for users invested in the wireless ecosystem.

If you own Galaxy Buds or a smartwatch, the S20 Plus’s wireless charging could be a meaningful quality-of-life upgrade. Otherwise, the absence on the FE won’t impact most users.

Is the S20 Plus Still Worth It in 2024?

As of 2024, both phones are well past their prime release cycle. Newer models like the Galaxy S23 FE and S24 offer better efficiency, longer software support, and improved cameras. However, if you're shopping secondhand or on a tight budget, the S20 FE vs S20 Plus debate still holds relevance.

The S20 Plus justifies its typically higher resale price with tangible benefits: a higher-resolution display, better camera hardware, wireless charging, and a more premium build. But the S20 FE closes the gap significantly, offering 90% of the flagship experience at 60–70% of the cost.

Unless you specifically need 8K video, advanced zoom, or wireless charging, the S20 FE represents smarter value. For under $200 used, it remains one of the best budget-friendly ways to access Snapdragon 865 performance and a great AMOLED display.

Checklist: Choosing Between S20 FE and S20 Plus

• ✅ Determine your budget – is the extra $80–$120 for the Plus justified?
• ✅ Prioritize display quality – do you want QHD+ and curved edges?
• ✅ Consider camera needs – will you use zoom or 8K video regularly?
• ✅ Check for wireless charging – is it essential for your accessories?
• ✅ Verify software status – ensure the device can run Android 14 securely.
• ✅ Inspect battery health – older units may need replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S20 FE run modern apps smoothly?

Yes. The Snapdragon 865 is still capable of handling most current apps and games. Performance may degrade slightly over time due to battery wear, but with proper maintenance, it remains functional for everyday use.

Does the S20 Plus have better battery life than the S20 FE?

Not significantly. Both have the same 4500mAh battery and similar power efficiency. Real-world usage shows almost identical endurance across typical scenarios.

Will Samsung continue to support these phones with updates?

Likely not beyond Android 14 and security patches through 2025. While official support timelines suggest five years, older Exynos models may receive updates slower or not at all. Always check your specific model’s update history.

Final Verdict: Make the Smart Choice for Your Needs

The Galaxy S20 Plus was a true flagship, and in 2020, it represented the pinnacle of Samsung’s engineering. Today, its advantages—higher-resolution display, better zoom camera, wireless charging—are real but increasingly niche. The S20 FE, meanwhile, proves that fan editions don’t have to mean major compromises. It delivers core flagship experiences at a fraction of the original cost.

If you’re buying in 2024, ask yourself: do you need the best possible screen and camera, or are you looking for solid performance and good-enough features at a low price? For most people, the answer leans toward the S20 FE. But if you find a well-maintained S20 Plus at a competitive price, its extra refinements may still enhance your daily experience.

💬 Have you used both the S20 FE and S20 Plus? Share your experience in the comments and help others decide which phone truly delivers long-term value.