When Samsung introduced the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition, it was hailed as a breakthrough—a flagship experience at a mid-range price. Two years later, the Galaxy A72 emerged as a polished contender with strong all-around features. Today, both phones are available at similar price points in the refurbished or discounted market, making consumers pause: Is the S20 FE still the smarter buy, or has the A72 closed the gap enough to dethrone it?
This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world usability, longevity, software support, and value for money. Whether you’re upgrading from an older device or choosing your first Android flagship-level phone, this comparison cuts through the marketing to deliver practical insights.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) inherits much of the premium feel of its flagship siblings. It features a polycarbonate back with a matte finish that resists fingerprints, paired with an aluminum frame. At 6.5 inches, its Infinity-O Super AMOLED display curves slightly at the edges, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The screen supports 120Hz refresh rate—a rarity even among mid-tier devices—which makes scrolling and animations noticeably smoother.
In contrast, the Galaxy A72 opts for a more utilitarian design. It uses a glossy plastic back and plastic frame, which feels less premium but offers better grip. Its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is larger but capped at 90Hz refresh rate. While still sharp and bright, the difference in fluidity becomes apparent when switching between apps or browsing social media feeds.
Both phones are IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, a feature rarely seen in the A-series. This gives the S20 FE a slight edge in durability under accidental exposure, though neither should be submerged regularly.
Performance and Software Experience
Under the hood, the S20 FE runs on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 (depending on region), both of which were top-tier chips in 2020. Even by 2024 standards, they handle multitasking, high-end games, and photo editing with ease. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, the S20 FE remains responsive years after release.
The A72, meanwhile, uses the Snapdragon 720G—a capable mid-range processor designed for efficiency rather than raw power. It performs well for everyday tasks like messaging, web browsing, and video streaming, but stutters slightly in demanding games or when running multiple apps simultaneously.
Software support is another critical factor. Samsung promises four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the S20 FE, meaning it will likely receive updates until 2025 or beyond. The A72, while also eligible for four Android upgrades, may not get the same level of optimization due to hardware limitations.
“Flagship-derived processors age significantly better. The S20 FE’s Snapdragon 865 still competes with many current mid-rangers.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia
Camera Comparison: Real-World Results
On paper, the A72 appears to have the upper hand with a 64MP main sensor, compared to the S20 FE’s 12MP. But megapixels don’t tell the full story. The S20 FE uses larger pixel sizes (1.8µm vs 0.8µm), allowing it to capture more light and produce cleaner images in low-light conditions.
In daylight, both cameras deliver crisp, color-accurate photos. However, the S20 FE’s AI processing and HDR optimization result in more balanced exposures, especially in high-contrast scenes. Its ultrawide and telephoto lenses (12MP and 8MP respectively) outperform the A72’s 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and 5MP macro setup, which often struggle with detail retention at longer ranges.
The A72 does offer one advantage: a dedicated depth sensor and macro lens, useful for portrait shots and close-up photography. But these are niche features, and most users find them gimmicky over time.
Video recording is where the S20 FE pulls ahead decisively. It supports 8K at 24fps and 4K at 60fps, while the A72 maxes out at 4K 30fps. For content creators or those who value future-proofing, this difference matters.
Camera Feature Breakdown
| Feature | S20 FE | A72 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 12MP, f/2.0, Dual Pixel AF | 64MP, f/1.8 |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV | 12MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 3x Optical Zoom | 8MP, f/2.4, 3x Optical Zoom |
| Macro | No | 5MP, f/2.4 |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.2 |
| Video Recording | 8K @24fps, 4K @60fps | 4K @30fps |
Battery Life and Charging
The A72 packs a 5,000mAh battery, slightly larger than the S20 FE’s 4,500mAh unit. In practice, this translates to about half a day more endurance under moderate use—roughly 1.5 days versus 1 full day. Both phones support 25W fast charging, though Samsung often ships chargers separately now.
Where the A72 gains ground is in charging versatility. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and supports 25W fast charging, but more importantly, it features **reverse wireless charging**—a rare perk in its class. You can charge earbuds or another phone by placing them on the back, a convenience the S20 FE lacks.
However, the S20 FE’s more efficient processor and adaptive refresh rate mean it doesn’t drain as quickly as expected despite the smaller battery. With screen brightness auto-adjusted and 5G toggled off, it easily lasts a full workday plus evening streaming.
Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma
Maria, a freelance photographer based in Manila, needed a reliable secondary phone for client communication and quick social media uploads. She considered both the A72 and S20 FE, priced within $50 of each other on a refurbished site.
She chose the S20 FE. “I tested both in-store,” she said. “The screen felt faster, and the low-light shots from the S20 FE were clearer. I shoot mostly indoors, so dynamic range matters. Plus, knowing it’ll get updates longer gave me peace of mind.”
After three months, she reports no lag, excellent gallery organization via Samsung Gallery’s AI tagging, and consistent Wi-Fi calling performance—something the A72 struggled with during her trial.
Is the Fan Edition Still Worth It? A Final Verdict
The answer depends on what you prioritize.
If you want the closest thing to a flagship experience—smooth performance, superior camera quality, and longer software support—the **S20 FE remains the better choice**, even in 2024. Its combination of 120Hz AMOLED, flagship-grade processor, and advanced camera system justifies a slight premium over the A72.
But if battery life, physical durability (thanks to Gorilla Glass 5 front and back), and budget-friendliness are paramount, the **A72 holds its own**. It’s an excellent all-rounder for casual users, students, or anyone who values longevity over peak performance.
Checklist: Which Phone Should You Buy?
- ✅ Choose the S20 FE if:
- You care about screen smoothness (120Hz)
- You take photos in varied lighting
- You plan to keep the phone for 3+ years
- You want 8K video capability
- ✅ Choose the A72 if:
- You need maximum battery life
- You prefer a larger display (6.7”)
- You use wired headphones (3.5mm jack included)
- You want reverse wireless charging
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Galaxy A72 run heavy games smoothly?
The A72 handles games like *Among Us*, *Genshin Impact* (on medium settings), and *Call of Duty Mobile* adequately, but expect frame drops during prolonged play. The S20 FE delivers consistently higher FPS thanks to its superior GPU.
Does the S20 FE still receive software updates?
Yes. As part of Samsung’s extended update policy, the S20 FE continues to receive monthly security patches and major Android upgrades. Most units are now on Android 14 with One UI 6.
Which phone has better resale value?
The S20 FE retains value better due to its flagship pedigree. Refurbished models typically sell for 15–20% more than equivalent-condition A72 units.
Conclusion: Make the Choice That Fits Your Lifestyle
The Galaxy S20 FE wasn’t just a stopgap—it redefined what a “fan edition” could be. Years later, it still outperforms many mid-range phones released today. While the Galaxy A72 offers compelling improvements in battery and accessory flexibility, it doesn’t match the holistic excellence of the S20 FE.
For users who value speed, camera quality, and long-term reliability, the Fan Edition proves it’s still worth every penny. But for those seeking dependable everyday performance without breaking the bank, the A72 stands tall as a worthy alternative.
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