Samsung A15 5g Vs S20 Fe Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade

When Samsung releases a new budget-friendly phone like the Galaxy A15 5G, it's natural to wonder whether it outshines older flagships such as the Galaxy S20 FE. On paper, newer doesn’t always mean better—especially when comparing an entry-level device with a mid-range powerhouse that once carried flagship ambitions. The decision to upgrade should be based on real-world performance, longevity, software support, and personal usage patterns, not just release dates.

The Galaxy S20 FE launched in 2020 as a “Fan Edition” of the premium S20 series, offering high-end features at a more accessible price. Fast forward to 2024, and the Galaxy A15 5G enters the market as an affordable 5G-enabled device targeting first-time smartphone upgraders or secondary device users. But does its modern connectivity and fresh design outweigh the superior hardware of the older S20 FE?

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S20 FE was built with durability and style in mind. It features a polycarbonate back with an optional silicone cover, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a sleek, modern look available in vibrant colors. Its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display delivers deep blacks and excellent contrast, making media consumption a pleasure.

In contrast, the A15 5G adopts a more utilitarian design. While it retains a glass-like front and plastic body, it lacks IP certification, meaning it’s not officially protected against water or dust. The 6.5-inch PLS LCD panel is functional but noticeably less vibrant than the S20 FE’s AMOLED screen. Colors appear flatter, and blacks are grayish under dark conditions.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or near water, prioritize devices with IP68 ratings like the S20 FE for long-term reliability.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, the differences become even more pronounced. The S20 FE runs on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (global models) or Exynos 990 (some regions), both of which were top-tier chips in 2020. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, this configuration handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps with ease—even by today’s standards.

The Galaxy A15 5G, however, uses the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+, a modest octa-core processor designed for efficiency rather than raw power. With only 4GB or 6GB of RAM, it struggles with heavy multitasking and graphically intensive games. Apps may reload frequently, and transitions can feel sluggish compared to the fluid experience on the S20 FE.

“Even three years after launch, the S20 FE remains one of the best-performing mid-tier phones we’ve tested. Its chipset still competes with many current budget offerings.” — TechRadar, Smartphone Performance Review 2023

Camera Capabilities: Real-World Results

Photography is where the S20 FE continues to shine. It features a triple rear setup: a 12MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide shooter. OIS ensures sharper low-light photos and smoother video recording. The front-facing 32MP camera captures detailed selfies and performs well in video calls.

The A15 5G steps down significantly here. Its quad-camera array includes a 50MP main sensor, but due to smaller pixel size and lack of OIS, image quality suffers in anything less than ideal lighting. The additional sensors—5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth—are largely gimmicky, producing soft images with poor edge detection. Night mode exists but delivers inconsistent results with excessive noise.

In daylight, both phones capture usable shots, but the S20 FE offers better dynamic range, color accuracy, and consistency across lenses. For anyone who values photography without spending flagship prices, the older model still wins.

Battery Life and Charging

The A15 5G comes with a larger 5000mAh battery, which translates to solid endurance—often lasting a full day and a half with moderate use. However, it charges slowly, limited to 15W fast charging, and ships with only a 10W charger in the box.

The S20 FE packs a slightly smaller 4500mAh battery, yet thanks to its efficient processor tuning and adaptive refresh rate (up to 120Hz), it manages around a full day of use. It supports faster 25W wired charging (charger sold separately) and 15W wireless charging—a feature absent on the A15 5G.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy A15 5G	Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Display	6.5\" PLS LCD, 90Hz	6.5\" Super AMOLED, 120Hz
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 6100+	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990
RAM Options	4GB / 6GB	6GB / 8GB
Rear Cameras	50MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP	12MP (OIS) + 8MP + 12MP
Front Camera	13MP	32MP
Battery	5000mAh	4500mAh
Charging	15W wired (10W included)	25W wired, 15W wireless
Water Resistance	None	IP68
Software Support	Up to Android 16 (3 OS upgrades)	Mainly ended (last update: Android 13)

Software and Long-Term Value

Here’s where the A15 5G gains ground. Launched in early 2024, it qualifies for four years of security updates and three major Android OS upgrades, meaning it could run Android 16 or later. This future-proofing is crucial for security, app compatibility, and resale value.

The S20 FE, while powerful, has largely reached the end of its official software lifecycle. Most variants received updates up to Android 13 with One UI 5.1, and no further major OS upgrades are expected. Security patches may continue sporadically, but app developers are increasingly optimizing for newer Android versions.

If you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, the A15 5G offers better long-term software viability. However, if you typically upgrade every 18–24 months, the S20 FE’s hardware superiority may matter more than extra software years.

Tip: Always check Samsung’s official update policy for your region. Software support can vary between carriers and countries.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her Galaxy S20 FE since 2021. She loves the smooth performance and great camera but noticed occasional slowdowns in late 2023. Her carrier offered her a $150 trade-in credit toward the A15 5G. Excited about 5G and longer software support, she upgraded.

After two weeks, she regretted the switch. The screen felt dull, apps reopened constantly, and her favorite mobile game lagged. The larger battery helped, but the overall experience felt like a downgrade. She eventually returned the A15 5G and purchased a refurbished S21 instead—balancing modern software with strong hardware.

Maria’s story highlights a common pitfall: assuming newer automatically means better. For users already on capable hardware, stepping down to budget tiers can result in noticeable regression.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready for the A15 5G?

Before switching from the S20 FE to the A15 5G, consider this checklist:

• ✅ Do you primarily use your phone for calls, messaging, and light browsing?
• ✅ Is 5G coverage essential in your area and for your usage?
• ✅ Are you concerned about long-term software updates and security?
• ❌ Do you play graphics-heavy games or use professional photo/video apps?
• ❌ Do you rely on consistent camera quality in low light?
• ❌ Do you value wireless charging or water resistance?

If most checked items are positives, the A15 5G might suit you. If negatives dominate, holding onto the S20 FE—or upgrading to a different mid-tier model—makes more sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy A15 5G replace the S20 FE as a daily driver?

For casual users, yes. But power users will notice slower performance, inferior display quality, and weaker cameras. The S20 FE remains a stronger all-around device despite its age.

Is 5G on the A15 5G worth the trade-offs?

Only if you live in an area with robust 5G coverage and regularly consume large amounts of data on the go. Otherwise, 4G on the S20 FE is still fast and sufficient for most tasks.

Should I repair my S20 FE or buy a new phone?

If your S20 FE is damaged, assess repair costs. A new battery or screen fix under $80 keeps it viable for another year or two. Replacing it with the A15 5G may save money upfront but sacrifices performance and features.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Galaxy A15 5G is a competent entry-level phone with solid battery life and access to modern 5G networks. But calling it an “upgrade” over the Galaxy S20 FE is misleading. In almost every meaningful category—display, processor, camera, build quality, and charging—the S20 FE outperforms its successor.

The only areas where the A15 5G pulls ahead are software longevity and 5G readiness. Unless those factors are non-negotiable for your lifestyle, sticking with the S20 FE or exploring other mid-tier options like the Galaxy A34 or a refurbished S21 offers far better value.

Don’t let release dates dictate your decisions. Evaluate what you actually need from your phone: speed, reliability, photo quality, or future updates. Sometimes, the older device isn’t just good enough—it’s genuinely better.

🚀 Still on the fence? Try the A15 5G on a 14-day return window. Use your usual apps, take photos, and test battery life. Real-world experience beats any spec sheet.