Samsung S20 Fe Vs A52 5g Is The Fan Edition Still Worth It In 2024

As smartphone lifecycles shorten and new models flood the market, consumers are left wondering whether older flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE still hold their ground against newer mid-rangers such as the Galaxy A52 5G. Released two years apart—2020 for the S20 FE and 2021 for the A52 5G—these devices represent different eras in Samsung’s strategy. But in 2024, with both available at steep discounts, which one delivers better value today?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world usability, software longevity, repairability, and how well each phone adapts to modern demands like multitasking, photography, and long-term updates.

Performance and Hardware: Flagship Roots vs Mid-Range Muscle

The S20 FE runs on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990, depending on region—both flagship-tier chips from 2020. The A52 5G uses the Snapdragon 750G, a solid mid-range processor designed for efficiency over raw power.

In daily tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming, both phones perform smoothly. However, under heavy loads—such as gaming, video editing, or running multiple apps—the S20 FE pulls ahead significantly. The Snapdragon 865 remains more capable than the 750G, even in 2024, especially when paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM compared to the A52 5G’s standard 6GB or 8GB (depending on variant).

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone beyond two years, prioritize raw processing power—it ages slower than any other component.

Benchmarks confirm this: the S20 FE scores around 600,000 on AnTuTu v9 (Snapdragon model), while the A52 5G averages 320,000. That’s nearly double the performance, which translates into smoother animations, faster app launches, and better future-proofing.

Display and Build Quality

The S20 FE features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution. The A52 5G also has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with 120Hz support, making them visually comparable in smoothness and color accuracy.

However, build differences emerge. The S20 FE uses a polycarbonate back but retains IP68 water and dust resistance—a rarity even among premium mid-range phones. The A52 5G also offers IP67 rating, slightly less robust than IP68, meaning it can handle splashes and brief immersion but not prolonged submersion.

While both feel solid, the S20 FE’s flatter screen edges and symmetrical bezels give it a more premium aesthetic. The A52 5G leans toward practicality with its textured plastic back that resists fingerprints better.

Camera Comparison: Versatility vs Consistency

Both phones feature quad-camera setups, but their approaches differ.

Feature	Samsung S20 FE	Samsung A52 5G
Main Sensor	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	64MP, f/1.8, OIS
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV	12MP, f/2.2
Telephoto	8MP, f/2.4, 3x Optical Zoom	5MP, f/2.4, 4x Hybrid Zoom
Macro	Not present	5MP, f/2.4
Front Camera	32MP, f/2.2	32MP, f/2.2

The S20 FE excels in low-light photography thanks to its larger pixel size and superior image processing from the flagship chipset. Its 3x optical zoom provides sharper distant shots than the A52 5G’s digital-heavy hybrid zoom.

Conversely, the A52 5G’s 64MP main sensor captures more detail in daylight and allows for greater cropping flexibility. However, it often oversharpenens images and struggles in dim environments where noise becomes apparent.

“Even in 2024, the S20 FE produces some of the most natural-looking photos in its price range. Its tuning hasn’t aged a day.” — David Kim, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

Battery Life and Charging

The S20 FE packs a 4,500mAh battery; the A52 5G increases that to 4,500mAh as well, though Samsung claims improved optimization.

In real usage, both last a full day with moderate use. The S20 FE benefits from more aggressive background app management due to One UI based on Android 10 at launch, now upgradable to Android 13. The A52 5G launched with Android 11 and supports updates up to Android 14, giving it an edge in software lifespan.

Charging speeds favor the A52 5G: it supports 25W fast charging out of the box, while the S20 FE is limited to 25W wired charging only if you buy a compatible charger separately (it ships with 15W). Neither supports wireless charging, despite the S20 FE’s flagship lineage.

Software Support and Longevity

This is where the narrative shifts. The S20 FE received four years of major OS updates and five years of security patches, meaning it will be supported until late 2025. The A52 5G, released later, gets four OS upgrades (up to Android 15) and five years of security updates, extending into 2026.

For users planning to keep their device until 2025 or beyond, the A52 5G offers slightly longer official support. However, actual performance degradation may offset this advantage. Older flagships tend to slow down faster due to thermal throttling and aging batteries.

Tip: Replace the battery on older phones after 2–3 years. A fresh battery can restore near-original performance and extend usable life by 1–2 years.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a freelance designer in Barcelona, needed a reliable phone for client calls, photo editing, and navigation. She found both the S20 FE and A52 5G discounted below €200 online.

She chose the S20 FE for its superior camera and smoother multitasking. After six months, she reported excellent performance with Adobe Lightroom and Zoom, though she noticed occasional warmth during extended use. When her battery dropped to 82% health, she replaced it locally for €45 and regained full all-day endurance.

Her friend opted for the A52 5G, appreciating its crisper daylight photos and faster charging. But by month eight, he experienced minor stutters when switching between design apps, likely due to memory compression on the mid-tier SoC.

Their experiences highlight a key truth: hardware foundation matters more over time than incremental improvements in secondary features.

Checklist: Choosing Between S20 FE and A52 5G in 2024

• ✅ Prioritize performance? → Choose S20 FE
• ✅ Need longest software support? → Choose A52 5G
• ✅ Want best camera in low light? → Choose S20 FE
• ✅ Prefer faster charging and newer design? → Choose A52 5G
• ✅ Planning to keep phone past 2025? → Check battery condition before buying S20 FE
• ✅ On a tight budget under €200? → Both are viable; test units in person if possible

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S20 FE still good for gaming in 2024?

Yes, especially titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings. The Snapdragon 865 handles these well, though sustained play causes noticeable heat. Lowering graphics settings improves stability.

Does the A52 5G have better speakers than the S20 FE?

No. The S20 FE has stereo speakers tuned by AKG with richer bass and louder output. The A52 5G has a single bottom-firing speaker and lacks audio depth in comparison.

Which phone holds resale value better?

Historically, S-series devices retain value longer, but given age and market saturation, both now depreciate rapidly. Condition and storage capacity (128GB vs 256GB) impact resale more than model alone.

Final Verdict: Is the Fan Edition Still Worth It?

The Galaxy S20 FE remains a compelling option in 2024—if you can verify its battery health and source the correct charger for full-speed charging. Its combination of flagship processor, excellent main and telephoto cameras, IP68 rating, and vibrant 120Hz display makes it stand out against newer mid-range competition.

The A52 5G counters with longer software support, marginally better daylight photography, and faster included charging. But its weaker processor limits long-term viability for demanding users.

If you're tech-savvy enough to assess battery wear or replace it yourself, the S20 FE offers unmatched value. For those seeking hassle-free ownership and don’t mind sacrificing peak performance, the A52 5G is a safer, more future-proofed choice.

“The S20 FE was built to mimic the S20 experience at half the price. In 2024, it still does that better than most phones twice its cost.” — TechRadar Archive, 2023 Retrospective

Conclusion: Make Your Move Based on Needs, Not Hype

Smartphone decisions shouldn’t hinge solely on release dates. The S20 FE proves that flagship DNA lasts. With thoughtful maintenance, it can serve reliably well into 2025. Meanwhile, the A52 5G appeals to those who value consistency and longer update cycles over outright speed.

💬 Have you used either phone in 2024? Share your experience below. Help others decide whether the Fan Edition flame still burns bright.