Samsung A71 5g Vs S20 Fe Is The Fan Edition Really Worth The Upgrade

Choosing between Samsung’s mid-range flagships can be tricky. The Galaxy A71 5G carved a niche as one of the most compelling mid-tier phones in 2020, offering solid specs at an accessible price. Fast forward to 2021, and the Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) enters the ring — a device designed to bring flagship-level experiences down to a more affordable bracket. But is the jump from the A71 5G to the S20 FE truly justified? For users considering an upgrade, this detailed breakdown evaluates design, performance, camera quality, battery life, and long-term value to determine whether the Fan Edition delivers on its promise.

Design and Build Quality

The first noticeable difference lies in how each phone feels in hand. The Galaxy A71 5G uses a polycarbonate (plastic) back with a glossy finish that attracts fingerprints but gives off a premium look for its class. It's lightweight at 183g and measures 7.7mm thick, making it comfortable for daily use. However, the lack of IP rating means it isn't protected against dust or water — a notable omission if you're frequently outdoors or near moisture.

In contrast, the S20 FE steps up significantly with an IP68 rating, allowing full submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Its back is also plastic, but Samsung opted for a matte texture across most color options, reducing smudges and improving grip. At 190g, it’s slightly heavier, but the trade-off is enhanced durability. The aluminum frame adds structural rigidity and elevates the overall feel beyond typical mid-range devices.

Tip: If you often use your phone near water or in dusty environments, the S20 FE’s IP68 rating alone may justify the upgrade.

Display and Screen Experience

Both phones feature 6.7-inch displays, but the technology diverges sharply. The A71 5G uses a Super AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400), delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of Samsung OLEDs. It refreshes at 60Hz, which feels standard but not particularly smooth during fast scrolling or gaming.

The S20 FE, however, boasts a 120Hz refresh rate on its Super AMOLED Plus display — a game-changer for fluidity. Scrolling through social feeds, switching apps, or playing high-frame-rate games feels noticeably smoother. While both have similar brightness levels indoors, the S20 FE’s screen peaks higher and performs better under direct sunlight. Additionally, HDR10+ support enhances streaming quality on platforms like Netflix and YouTube.

“High refresh rate screens aren’t just about specs — they fundamentally change how responsive a phone feels.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, the gap widens. The A71 5G runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G — a capable chipset for everyday tasks, moderate multitasking, and light gaming. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, it handles WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and even PUBG Mobile at medium settings without major hiccups. However, prolonged usage reveals thermal throttling and occasional stutters over time.

The S20 FE, depending on region, uses either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 — both flagship-grade processors from 2020. This translates to faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and superior gaming performance. With 6GB or 8GB RAM configurations, it maintains background apps more efficiently and sustains peak performance longer. More importantly, Samsung committed the S20 FE to four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches — double what the A71 5G receives.

This extended software support makes the S20 FE far more future-proof. Users upgrading today can expect reliable performance and security well into 2025–2026, whereas the A71 5G reached end-of-life updates by late 2023.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

On paper, both phones list quad-camera setups, but real-world outcomes differ substantially.

Feature	Galaxy A71 5G	Galaxy S20 FE
Main Sensor	64MP (f/1.8)	12MP (f/2.0, Dual Pixel AF)
Ultra-Wide	12MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2)
Telephoto	5MP Macro	8MP (3x Hybrid Zoom)
Depth Sensor	5MP	TOF Sensor (on some models)
Front Camera	32MP (f/2.0)	32MP (f/2.2, Auto-Focus)

Despite the A71 5G’s higher megapixel count, the S20 FE produces more consistent, detailed photos thanks to larger pixel sizes, optical image stabilization (OIS), and advanced processing algorithms. Its 3x hybrid zoom is practical for distant subjects, unlike the A71’s macro lens, which offers limited utility. In low light, the S20 FE preserves dynamic range and reduces noise far better.

Videography is another area where the S20 FE excels. It supports 4K recording at 60fps, while the A71 5G maxes out at 4K/30fps. The inclusion of Director’s View mode and improved audio focusing adds creative flexibility for content creators.

Battery Life and Charging Speeds

The A71 5G packs a 4500mAh battery and supports 25W fast charging (though often shipped with a 15W charger). Under mixed use — browsing, messaging, video playback — it lasts a full day, sometimes stretching into a second with conservative usage. Wireless charging is absent.

The S20 FE also has a 4500mAh cell but benefits from more efficient power management due to its optimized hardware-software integration. It consistently achieves 1.2 to 1.5 days of moderate use. It supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging — letting you power up earbuds or another phone in a pinch. These features add convenience the A71 5G simply doesn’t match.

Mini Case Study: Daily Use Over Six Months

Jessica, a freelance photographer based in Barcelona, upgraded from her aging A71 5G to the S20 FE after six months of struggling with slow gallery loading times and blurry night shots. “I used my A71 for client previews, but clients noticed the soft focus and inconsistent white balance,” she said. After switching, she found the faster processor made editing smoother, and the stabilized main camera allowed her to capture usable images in dimly lit cafes. “It’s not a replacement for my DSLR, but now I can confidently send sample shots directly from my phone.”

Value Proposition: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

At launch, the A71 5G retailed around $550, while the S20 FE started at $699. Today, both are available secondhand or refurbished, with the S20 FE typically priced only $100–$150 above the A71 5G. Given the improvements in display, performance, camera, software support, and durability, that price delta represents strong value.

Consider this checklist when deciding:

• Do you need water resistance? → S20 FE wins
• Do you scroll a lot or play games? → 120Hz screen matters
• Are you planning to keep the phone for 3+ years? → Longer software support is critical
• Do you record videos or take low-light photos? → S20 FE captures better quality
• Is wireless charging important? → Only available on S20 FE

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S20 FE run demanding games smoothly?

Yes. Thanks to the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990, the S20 FE handles titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile at high settings with minimal frame drops. The A71 5G struggles with sustained performance in these scenarios.

Does the A71 5G still receive updates?

No. Samsung provided two major Android upgrades (from Android 10 to Android 12) and three years of security patches. Support ended in 2023, leaving the device vulnerable to newer threats.

Is the plastic body of the S20 FE durable?

While it’s not glass, the matte polycarbonate back resists scratches and cracks better than glass-backed phones. Combined with the aluminum frame, it strikes a balance between durability and cost.

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

If you’re still using the Galaxy A71 5G and notice lag, poor photo quality, or frustration with outdated software, the S20 FE is absolutely worth the upgrade. It’s not merely a newer version — it’s a step into a different tier of smartphone experience. The 120Hz display, flagship processor, superior cameras, and longer update cycle deliver tangible benefits that accumulate over time.

The extra investment pays dividends in reliability, functionality, and longevity. For anyone seeking a balanced blend of performance, durability, and value without stepping into ultra-premium pricing, the Galaxy S20 FE stands as one of the smartest Android choices in its class.

💬 Have you made the switch from A71 5G to S20 FE? Share your experience, tips, or questions in the comments — your insights could help others decide their next move!