S20 Fe Vs S20 Plus Is The S20 Plus Still Worth It Or Is The Fe Good Enough 3

Three years after their release, Samsung’s Galaxy S20 FE and S20 Plus remain relevant choices in the used and refurbished smartphone market. While both devices launched under the same flagship family, they catered to different audiences—one balancing premium features with affordability, the other delivering a full flagship experience. With newer models available, the real question today is: does the S20 Plus still justify its higher price tag, or has the S20 FE proven to be “good enough” for most users?

This article breaks down every key aspect—design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and long-term usability—to help you decide which phone aligns best with your needs and budget in 2024.

Design and Build: Premium vs Practical

The Galaxy S20 Plus leans into luxury with a sleek glass-and-metal build, Gorilla Glass 6 on both front and back, and an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. It feels solid in hand, with subtle curves and a refined finish that signals high-end craftsmanship. At 7.8mm thick and 186g, it’s slim but substantial.

In contrast, the S20 FE opts for polycarbonate (plastic) back instead of glass. While this makes it more durable against drops, it lacks the premium tactile feel. However, it retains IP68 certification and comes in vibrant color options like Cloud Red and Cloud Blue, appealing to those who prefer personality over polish. At 8.7mm and 190g, it’s slightly thicker and heavier but remains comfortable for daily use.

Tip: If you prioritize drop resistance and don’t mind sacrificing some elegance, the S20 FE’s plastic back may actually extend real-world durability.

Display Quality: Resolution and Refresh Rate Compared

One of the most noticeable differences lies in the display. The S20 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with QHD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels) and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This results in incredibly sharp text, vivid colors, and buttery-smooth scrolling. The screen brightness peaks at around 1300 nits, making it excellent for outdoor visibility.

The S20 FE uses a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) and a fixed 120Hz refresh rate. While still bright and responsive, the lower pixel density means fine details aren’t as crisp, especially when viewing high-resolution images or reading small text.

For media consumption and gaming, the S20 Plus clearly wins. But for general browsing, messaging, and social media, the FE’s display is more than sufficient.

“Even in 2024, the S20 Plus’s display sets a benchmark for clarity and motion smoothness. It’s one of the few screens from that era that still competes with mid-range 2024 devices.” — TechRadar Mobile Analyst, 2023 Review

Performance and Software Longevity

Both phones launched with the Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), ensuring strong performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and even demanding games. In real-world usage, there’s no meaningful difference in app launch speed or system responsiveness between the two.

However, software support tells a different story. Both devices received four years of Android OS updates and five years of security patches. As of 2024, they are at the tail end of this cycle. The S20 series officially supports up to Android 13, meaning neither will receive Android 14 or beyond.

If you plan to keep your phone beyond 2025, consider that app developers may begin optimizing less for older Android versions, potentially affecting performance and compatibility.

Real-World Example: Daily Use After 3 Years

Take Sarah, a freelance photographer who bought the S20 Plus in early 2020. By 2023, she noticed slower app loading in Adobe Lightroom and occasional stutters during video exports. Meanwhile, her friend Mark, using the S20 FE for email, banking, and Instagram, reported no slowdowns. His usage profile simply didn’t stress the hardware.

This illustrates a key point: performance satisfaction depends heavily on how you use your phone. For light to moderate users, the FE performs just as well as the Plus over time.

Camera Capabilities: When More Lenses Matter

The S20 Plus includes a triple rear setup: 12MP main (f/1.8), 64MP telephoto (3x hybrid zoom), and 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2). The telephoto lens allows for lossless 3x zoom and digital zoom up to 30x, useful for distant subjects. Front camera is 10MP with 4K recording.

The S20 FE also has three rear cameras: 12MP main (f/2.0), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), and 8MP telephoto with 3x hybrid zoom—but the implementation is less refined. Image processing in low light tends to be noisier, and zoom quality degrades faster than on the Plus.

In daylight, both capture vibrant, well-balanced photos. But in low-light scenarios or when zooming, the S20 Plus consistently delivers cleaner, more detailed shots.

Feature	S20 Plus	S20 FE
Main Camera	12MP, f/1.8	12MP, f/2.0
Telephoto Lens	64MP, 3x hybrid zoom	8MP, 3x hybrid zoom
Ultra-Wide Aperture	f/2.2	f/2.2
Front Camera	10MP, f/2.2	32MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 60fps	4K @ 60fps

Note: The S20 FE has a higher-resolution front camera (32MP), which benefits selfies and video calls, though detail retention in challenging lighting is limited by sensor size.

Battery Life and Charging: Capacity vs Efficiency

The S20 FE packs a larger 4500mAh battery compared to the S20 Plus’s 4000mAh. Despite the smaller capacity, the Plus benefits from more efficient power management due to its adaptive refresh rate, which drops to 60Hz when static content is displayed.

In practice, both last a full day with moderate use. Heavy users—streaming video, playing games, or using GPS—will likely need to charge by evening. The FE often edges ahead in endurance tests due to its larger cell.

Charging speeds are identical: 25W wired (charger not included), 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging. Neither supports faster charging tiers found in later models.

Tip: Enable Power Saving Mode and reduce screen resolution to FHD+ to extend battery life significantly on either device.

Is the S20 Plus Still Worth It in 2024?

At launch, the S20 Plus cost nearly $100 more than the FE. Today, on the secondhand market, prices have converged. Refurbished units of both models now sell for $200–$270, depending on storage and condition.

Given this pricing reality, the S20 Plus offers better value *if* you care about:

• Sharper, brighter display
• Better low-light and zoom photography
• Premium build materials
• Adaptive refresh rate for improved battery efficiency

But if your priorities are:

• Battery longevity
• Durability (plastic resists cracks)
• Vibrant design and selfie quality
• Lower upfront cost

…then the S20 FE is absolutely “good enough”—and in some ways, better suited for practical daily use.

Checklist: Choosing Between S20 FE and S20 Plus

1. ✅ Assess your primary use: media, photography, work, or casual?
2. ✅ Decide if display sharpness matters for reading or video.
3. ✅ Consider whether you take many zoomed or low-light photos.
4. ✅ Evaluate how much you value premium materials vs. drop resistance.
5. ✅ Check current prices—don’t pay a large premium for the Plus unless justified.
6. ✅ Confirm the device is unlocked and in good condition if buying used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can both phones run modern apps smoothly in 2024?

Yes, both handle everyday apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, YouTube, and Instagram without issue. Demanding games or professional photo/video editing may show minor lag, but overall performance remains usable.

Which has better resale value?

The S20 Plus traditionally held value slightly better due to its flagship status. However, three years post-launch, depreciation has leveled the field. Condition and storage capacity now matter more than model differences.

Should I upgrade if I own either phone?

If you're satisfied with performance and battery, staying put is reasonable. But if you want longer software support, better cameras, or faster charging, upgrading to a Galaxy S23 FE or S24 series would offer noticeable improvements.

Final Verdict: Make the Right Choice for Your Lifestyle

The Galaxy S20 Plus was the definitive flagship experience in early 2020—superior screen, stronger camera system, and elite build. Today, its advantages remain visible but are no longer essential for most users.

The S20 FE was designed as a “fan edition”: accessible, colorful, and packed with core flagship features. Over time, it has proven remarkably resilient and capable, earning its reputation as a smart alternative.

If you’re shopping now, ask yourself: do you need the best possible display and zoom camera, or are you looking for reliable, long-lasting performance at a fair price? For enthusiasts and creatives, the S20 Plus still holds appeal. For everyone else, the S20 FE isn’t just “good enough”—it’s an outstanding value.

🚀 Ready to make your move? Whether you choose the polished S20 Plus or the practical S20 FE, both are testament to Samsung’s ability to deliver lasting quality. Share your experience or questions below—your insight could help others decide!