Samsung A55 Vs S20 Fe Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade 4

When Samsung releases a new mid-range device like the Galaxy A55, it’s natural to wonder whether upgrading from a still-popular phone like the Galaxy S20 FE makes sense. The S20 FE, launched in 2020, earned praise for delivering flagship-like features at a mid-tier price. Now, nearly four years later, the Galaxy A55 enters the market with modern refinements, better durability, and improved software support. But does that mean it’s time to switch? This detailed comparison cuts through marketing hype to assess real-world value, longevity, and practical improvements.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S20 FE made waves with its colorful, sporty design—available in vibrant shades like red, blue, and lavender. It featured a plastic back and frame, which kept costs low but sacrificed some premium feel. The 6.5-inch display was smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate, and the flat screen appealed to users who disliked curved edges. However, despite having IP68 water resistance, its plastic construction felt less durable over time, especially when dropped.

In contrast, the Galaxy A55 adopts a more mature, minimalist aesthetic. It features a matte aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back—making it the first A-series phone with this level of protection. The build feels significantly sturdier, and the subtle color options (like Awesome Iceblue and Awesome Navy) convey sophistication. While it retains a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen now uses a protective Armor Aluminum frame and has a more refined bezel design.

Tip: If you frequently drop your phone or use it outdoors, the A55’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and aluminum frame offer meaningful long-term durability benefits.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the differences become more pronounced. The S20 FE was powered by either the Snapdragon 865 (in most regions) or Exynos 990 (in others), both of which were flagship-grade chips in 2020. Even today, they handle everyday tasks well, but multitasking and gaming have started to expose limitations, especially as apps grow heavier.

The Galaxy A55 runs on the Exynos 1480—a mid-tier chip built on a 4nm process. While not as powerful as the Snapdragon 865 in raw benchmarks, it's more energy-efficient and optimized for sustained performance. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and Android 14 with One UI 6, the A55 delivers smoother animations, faster app launches, and better background management. More importantly, Samsung promises **four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security patches**—a major advantage over the S20 FE, which is nearing the end of its update cycle.

“Long-term software support is now just as critical as hardware specs. A phone that stays updated longer remains secure, compatible, and functional.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Evolution Over Revolution

The S20 FE came with a solid triple-camera setup: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. In good lighting, it captured vibrant, detailed photos. Low-light performance was decent for its time, though noise and loss of detail were common. Video recording topped out at 4K/60fps, which was impressive then but now lacks advanced stabilization seen in newer models.

The A55 simplifies to a dual rear system: a 50MP main sensor (with pixel binning for brighter 12.5MP shots) and a 12MP ultrawide. There’s no dedicated telephoto lens, relying instead on digital zoom up to 30x—functional but not comparable to optical quality. However, the newer sensor, larger aperture (f/1.8), and improved AI processing make a difference in dynamic range and night photography. The A55 also supports Super HDR and AI Single Take mode, enhancing usability.

For casual photographers, the A55 offers cleaner, more consistent results, especially in mixed lighting. Enthusiasts who valued the S20 FE’s telephoto lens may find its absence a step back unless they rely heavily on zoom.

Battery Life and Charging

The S20 FE packed a 4,500mAh battery, which delivered about a full day of moderate use. With its efficient 120Hz display and capable processor, it held up well in 2020. However, after years of charging cycles, many existing units show reduced capacity. It supports 25W fast charging, but Samsung didn’t include the charger in the box.

The A55 bumps capacity slightly to 5,000mAh, translating to 1–1.5 days of use for average consumers. Its power efficiency from the 4nm chipset and optimized software extends screen-on time noticeably. Fast charging remains capped at 25W (charger sold separately), but the inclusion of USB-C 3.2 enables faster data transfers. Both phones lack wireless charging, a feature reserved for higher-end models.

Feature	Samsung S20 FE	Samsung A55
Display	6.5” FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz	6.6” FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990	Exynos 1480
Rear Cameras	12MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 8MP (telephoto)	50MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide)
Front Camera	32MP	32MP
Battery	4,500mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	25W wired	25W wired
Water Resistance	IP68	IP67
Software Support	Ended or ending soon	4 OS + 5 security updates
Build	Plastic body, glass front	Aluminum frame, glass front/back

Real-World Upgrade Decision: A Mini Case Study

Take Maria, a teacher and part-time photographer, who’s used her S20 FE since 2021. She loves the phone’s responsiveness and color accuracy but has noticed slowdowns when editing photos or switching between Zoom, Google Classroom, and her camera app. Her battery now lasts only until mid-afternoon, and she’s concerned about recent security warnings due to outdated software.

After testing the A55, she found the camera produced sharper images in dimly lit classrooms, and the longer battery life meant she didn’t need to carry a power bank. Though she missed the telephoto lens, the improved macro mode and Night Mode compensated for most needs. Most importantly, knowing the A55 will receive updates through 2028 gave her peace of mind. For her, the upgrade wasn’t about chasing specs—it was about reliability, longevity, and daily usability.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

If you're still on the S20 FE, follow this decision timeline to determine if moving to the A55 is right for you:

1. Assess current performance: Does your phone lag during basic tasks? Do apps restart frequently?
2. Check battery health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If capacity is below 80%, degradation is significant.
3. Evaluate software status: Are you on Android 13 or lower with no update path? Security risks increase without patches.
4. Consider usage patterns: Do you need all-day battery, better cameras, or stronger build quality?
5. Compare cost: The A55 retails around $450. If your S20 FE is fully functional, weigh that against repair or accessory costs.

Tip: Trade-in programs can reduce the A55’s effective price by $100–$150 if your S20 FE is in good condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy A55 faster than the S20 FE?

Not necessarily in peak performance, but the A55 offers better sustained speeds and efficiency thanks to its modern architecture and software optimization. For daily use, it feels snappier and more responsive over time.

Does the A55 have a headphone jack?

No, neither the S20 FE nor the A55 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C adapter.

Can the A55 replace a flagship experience?

In many ways, yes. With a bright 120Hz display, strong build, excellent main camera, and long-term software commitment, the A55 delivers a near-flagship experience at a mid-range price—especially compared to aging devices like the S20 FE.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Galaxy A55 isn’t a radical leap in raw power over the S20 FE, but it represents meaningful progress in durability, software longevity, and everyday reliability. If your S20 FE is showing signs of age—slow performance, degraded battery, or halted updates—the A55 is a smart, future-proof upgrade. It trades the telephoto lens for a tougher build, longer support, and improved efficiency.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities. For users who value long-term ownership, security, and consistent performance, the A55 justifies its price. For those still enjoying a fully functional S20 FE, holding off is reasonable—unless durability and peace of mind are top concerns.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current phone using the checklist above, check trade-in values, and consider how much longer you want your next device to last. The best upgrade isn’t always the fastest—it’s the one that works reliably for years.