Samsung A53 Vs S20 Fe Is The Newer Phone Actually Better Or Is The S20 Fe Still A Steal

When it comes to mid-range Android smartphones, Samsung offers compelling options across generations. The Galaxy A53 and the Galaxy S20 FE represent two strong contenders released just a year apart — 2022 and 2020 respectively. On paper, the A53 is newer, but does that automatically make it better? Or does the S20 FE, now discounted significantly, remain a smarter buy for budget-conscious users who don’t want to compromise on flagship-level features?

This breakdown dives deep into performance, display, camera quality, battery life, software support, and overall value to help you decide which device truly delivers more in real-world use.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) was designed as a more affordable version of the S20 lineup, featuring a polycarbonate back with an IP68 water and dust resistance rating — a rarity at this price point. It has a slightly bulkier profile but feels solid in hand. The A53, while also using plastic, adopts a more modern flat-edge design with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. It matches the S20 FE with IP67 certification, offering excellent protection against splashes and brief submersion.

Size-wise, the S20 FE is larger (155.7 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm) and heavier (190g), while the A53 is lighter (189g) and slightly taller but narrower. Both feature side-mounted fingerprint sensors and physical alert sliders — a feature many users appreciate but Samsung has since phased out on newer models.

Tip: If you prioritize durability and plan to use your phone near water often, the S20 FE’s IP68 rating gives it a slight edge over the A53’s IP67.

Display Comparison: Brightness vs. Refresh Rate

The S20 FE boasts a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate — one of its standout features. This high refresh rate makes scrolling, gaming, and general navigation noticeably smoother. It also reaches peak brightness levels around 800 nits, making it highly visible even under direct sunlight.

The A53 uses a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display too, but with a fixed 120Hz refresh rate only in certain modes (adaptive mode defaults to variable refresh rates). While technically matching the S20 FE in size and refresh capability, the A53's panel peaks at about 600 nits — a noticeable difference when outdoors.

In practical terms, if you spend a lot of time outside or prefer buttery-smooth animations, the S20 FE still holds an advantage here despite being two years older.

Performance: Chipset and Real-World Speed

This is where the narrative shifts. The S20 FE launched with either the Snapdragon 865 (global 5G models used Exynos 990), both of which were top-tier chips in 2020. In contrast, the A53 runs on the Exynos 1280 — a capable mid-range processor built on a more efficient 5nm process.

While the Snapdragon 865 outperforms the Exynos 1280 in raw CPU and GPU benchmarks, real-world usage tells a different story. For everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, streaming, and even moderate multitasking, both phones perform smoothly thanks to 6GB or 8GB RAM configurations and optimized One UI software.

However, heavy gaming or long-term app switching favors the S20 FE. Games like Genshin Impact run better on the S20 FE, though the A53 handles them adequately at medium settings. Thermal throttling can affect both devices during extended sessions, but the S20 FE tends to heat up faster due to less efficient cooling.

“Flagship processors from 2020 still hold up remarkably well in daily use, especially when paired with clean software.” — David Kim, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Capabilities: Which Takes Better Photos?

The A53 features a quad-camera setup: 64MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth. The S20 FE has a triple system: 12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom.

Despite the higher megapixel count, the A53’s main camera produces slightly softer images in low light compared to the S20 FE’s well-tuned 12MP shooter. Samsung’s processing on the S20 FE results in more natural color reproduction and better dynamic range. The inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens gives the S20 FE a clear edge in zoom photography — something the A53 lacks entirely.

On the front, the A53 has a 32MP selfie camera versus the S20 FE’s 32MP as well, but again, image tuning favors the older model in consistency.

Feature	Samsung A53	Samsung S20 FE
Main Camera	64MP (f/1.8)	12MP (f/2.0)
Ultra-Wide	12MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2)
Telephoto	None	8MP (f/2.4, 3x zoom)
Front Camera	32MP (f/2.2)	32MP (f/2.2)
Video Recording	4K @30fps	8K @24fps / 4K @60fps

If you frequently shoot portraits, distant subjects, or record high-frame-rate video, the S20 FE remains superior in versatility.

Battery Life and Charging

The A53 packs a 5000mAh battery, slightly larger than the S20 FE’s 4500mAh unit. Combined with the more power-efficient Exynos 1280 chip and adaptive refresh rate, the A53 typically lasts a full day and a half with moderate use. The S20 FE, while powerful, drains faster — especially when using the 120Hz screen at full brightness.

Charging speed is identical: both support 25W fast charging (charger not included), and neither supports wireless charging. However, the A53 includes an extra layer of software optimization through Adaptive Battery and improved Doze modes, extending standby time.

Software and Update Support

This may be the most decisive factor. The A53 launched with Android 12 and is guaranteed up to four OS upgrades, meaning it will receive updates through Android 16, plus five years of security patches — until at least 2027.

The S20 FE, launched with Android 10, already received its final major OS update (Android 13) and will continue receiving security patches until 2025. After that, no further official support is planned.

Long-term usability and security matter, especially if you plan to keep your phone for three years or more. In this regard, the A53 wins decisively.

Tip: Always consider software longevity when buying a smartphone — outdated software increases vulnerability and reduces app compatibility.

Real-World Example: Two Users, Two Choices

Consider Maria, a college student looking for a reliable phone under $400. She values long battery life, good cameras for social media, and wants her phone to last four years without slowing down. She opts for the A53, attracted by its longer software support and modern efficiency.

Then there’s James, a freelance photographer on a tight budget. He finds a refurbished S20 FE for $320 with all original accessories. He values the telephoto lens, superior outdoor visibility, and smooth 120Hz display for reviewing photos. Even with shorter software support, he plans to upgrade in two years anyway — so performance and camera flexibility win out.

Both made smart choices based on priorities — illustrating that “better” depends on context.

Checklist: Choosing Between A53 and S20 FE

• ✅ Need long-term software updates? → Choose A53
• ✅ Want better zoom and video capabilities? → Choose S20 FE
• ✅ Prioritize outdoor screen visibility? → Choose S20 FE
• ✅ Looking for maximum battery endurance? → Choose A53
• ✅ Play graphics-heavy games regularly? → S20 FE (but check thermal performance)
• ✅ Buying used/refurbished? → S20 FE offers flagship perks at a discount

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A53 waterproof?

Yes, the A53 has an IP67 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It’s dust-resistant too.

Can the S20 FE still run modern apps smoothly?

Absolutely. While it’s two generations old, the Snapdragon 865 handles most current apps and multitasking efficiently. Only very intensive workloads may expose limitations.

Does the A53 have a headphone jack?

No, neither the A53 nor the S20 FE includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need USB-C headphones or a Bluetooth pair.

Final Verdict: Newer Isn't Always Better — But Longevity Matters

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE remains a compelling option, particularly for those who find it heavily discounted or refurbished. Its vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, capable main camera, and rare-in-class IP68 rating give it lasting appeal. However, it’s aging — both in hardware efficiency and software support.

The Galaxy A53, while not as flashy, represents a smarter long-term investment. It delivers consistent performance, excellent battery life, and crucially, years of future-proofing through regular updates. For most users today, especially those planning to keep their phone beyond two years, the A53 is the more responsible choice.

That said, if you’re upgrading soon, value camera versatility and screen smoothness, and can find the S20 FE at a steep discount, it’s absolutely still a steal.

💬 Which phone would you choose — the newer A53 or the discounted S20 FE? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!