Samsung S20 Fe Vs Note 10 Plus Three Years Later Is The Upgrade Worth It

Three years after their respective launches, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and Galaxy Note 10 Plus represent two distinct eras of Samsung’s flagship design philosophy. The Note 10 Plus, released in 2019, was the pinnacle of productivity-focused Android flagships—featuring the iconic S Pen, sleek glass build, and top-tier specs. The S20 FE, launched in 2020 as a “fan edition,” offered flagship-level performance at a more accessible price, with modern touches like a 120Hz display and improved cameras.

For users still relying on the Note 10 Plus in 2023 and beyond, the question isn’t just about new features—it’s whether the upgrade delivers meaningful improvements in daily use. Is the jump from one powerhouse to another actually worthwhile after three years of heavy usage? The answer depends on your priorities: performance longevity, camera quality, software support, or stylus functionality.

Performance and Hardware Longevity

The Note 10 Plus ran on either the Exynos 9825 or Snapdragon 855 (depending on region), both of which were cutting-edge in 2019. By today’s standards, they remain functional but show signs of aging—especially when multitasking, launching large apps, or playing graphics-intensive games. Thermal throttling becomes noticeable over time, and app load times have slowed compared to newer devices.

In contrast, the S20 FE launched with the Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some markets), offering around 25–30% better CPU performance and significantly improved GPU efficiency. This translates to smoother animations, faster app launches, and better handling of modern applications like video editing tools and AR experiences. More importantly, the S20 FE supports up to three major Android OS updates and four years of security patches, meaning it received updates through 2024—something the Note 10 Plus stopped receiving earlier.

Tip: If you rely on future-proofing, choose devices that are still receiving monthly security updates—this ensures better protection against emerging threats.

Display and Usability Comparison

The Note 10 Plus featured a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 3040×1440 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. While the screen remains vibrant and sharp, the lack of high refresh rate technology makes scrolling feel less fluid compared to modern standards.

The S20 FE introduced a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1080×2400 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Though slightly smaller and lower in pixel density, the higher refresh rate dramatically improves perceived smoothness during everyday navigation, gaming, and web browsing. For users accustomed to 60Hz, the jump to 120Hz is one of the most immediately noticeable upgrades.

“High refresh rate displays change how users perceive responsiveness—even if raw specs are similar, the experience feels faster.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Analyst at TechInsight Group

Camera Capabilities After Three Years

Both phones launched with strong camera systems, but their evolution over time reveals key differences in processing and versatility.

The Note 10 Plus came with a triple rear setup: 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. Its photos were excellent in daylight, with natural color reproduction and solid dynamic range. However, low-light performance has degraded slightly due to aging sensors and outdated image processing algorithms. Night mode was not available at launch and added later via software—but never matched Google or newer Samsung implementations.

The S20 FE upgraded to a quad-camera array: 12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and a 32MP front shooter. It also includes AI-powered Night Mode, Space Zoom, and Single Take mode. In real-world use, the S20 FE produces brighter night shots, more consistent HDR results, and better detail retention in zoomed images. Software optimizations continue to improve photo quality even years after release.

Feature	Note 10 Plus	S20 FE
Main Sensor	12MP f/1.5-2.4 Dual Aperture	12MP f/1.8
Ultra-Wide	16MP f/2.2	12MP f/2.2
Telephoto	12MP f/2.1 (2x zoom)	8MP f/2.4 (3x zoom)
Front Camera	10MP f/2.2	32MP f/2.2
Night Mode	Limited, added via update	Advanced, built-in
Video Recording	4K@60fps	4K@60fps + 8K@24fps

Battery Life and Charging Evolution

The Note 10 Plus packed a 4,300mAh battery with 25W fast charging and wireless power sharing. In 2019, this was competitive, but daily endurance has diminished with battery degradation. Many units now struggle to last a full day under moderate use.

The S20 FE increased capacity to 4,500mAh and retained 25W wired charging, but removed wireless power sharing. What sets it apart is better power management thanks to the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (which drops to 60Hz when appropriate) and more efficient processor architecture. Users report consistently longer screen-on time—often exceeding six hours of STP (Screen Time Per Charge) even after prolonged use.

Tip: Enable adaptive refresh rate and dark mode to extend battery life on AMOLED screens without sacrificing usability.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, used her Note 10 Plus heavily for sketching, client calls, and photo editing. By late 2022, she noticed frequent app crashes, slow export times in Adobe apps, and declining battery life. She considered repairing the battery but found replacement costs high and performance limitations unavoidable.

After testing the S20 FE, she upgraded primarily for the smoother display and improved multitasking. The 120Hz screen made navigating layered designs in Procreate smoother, and the faster processor reduced lag when switching between Photoshop Express and Slack. Although she missed the S Pen integration, she adapted using third-party styluses compatible with the S20 FE’s screen. Within weeks, her workflow became noticeably more responsive.

What You Lose: The S Pen Dilemma

The most significant trade-off when moving from the Note 10 Plus to the S20 FE is the absence of embedded S Pen support. While the S20 FE allows Bluetooth stylus use (like the Samsung Galaxy Pencil via Air Command), it lacks the physical slot, precision latency, and deep app integration that made the Note series beloved by artists, note-takers, and professionals.

If you regularly annotate PDFs, take handwritten meeting notes, or draw directly on your phone, this loss may outweigh other gains. However, if you only occasionally used the S Pen—or relied on it mostly for air gestures—the practical impact is minimal.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Your Upgrade Need

1. Assess current device health: Check battery health (via settings or diagnostics apps). If capacity is below 80%, performance will degrade regardless of software.
2. Test app responsiveness: Open your most-used apps. Do they crash or freeze frequently? Are updates failing?
3. Evaluate software status: Is your phone still receiving security updates? The Note 10 Plus stopped official major updates in 2022.
4. Determine primary use: Prioritize camera, multitasking, or stylus functionality? Match needs to device strengths.
5. Try before you buy: Visit a retailer to test the S20 FE side-by-side. Pay attention to screen smoothness and weight balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an S Pen with the S20 FE?

You can pair a compatible Bluetooth S Pen (like those from S21 Ultra or Z Fold series) for remote functions and basic writing, but there's no storage silo, and palm rejection or pressure sensitivity isn't optimized like on Note devices.

Is the S20 FE still getting updates?

As of 2024, the S20 FE has reached the end of its major OS update cycle (shipped with Android 10, upgraded to Android 13, then Android 14 via One UI 6). Security patches may continue into early 2025 depending on region.

Does the S20 FE feel cheaper than the Note 10 Plus?

It uses a polycarbonate back instead of glass, giving it a lighter, more durable—but less premium—feel. Some users prefer the grippier texture, especially without a case.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For most Note 10 Plus users still holding onto their 2019 flagship, the move to the S20 FE offers tangible benefits: a smoother display, better battery efficiency, stronger camera performance in low light, and extended software support. These improvements compound in daily use, making interactions feel snappier and more reliable.

However, the decision hinges on your reliance on the S Pen. If it's central to your workflow, consider upgrading to a newer Note successor like the S23 Ultra or Z Fold series instead. But if you value overall performance, display quality, and long-term stability over stylus integration, the S20 FE remains a compelling upgrade—even three years later.

💬 Have you made the switch from Note 10 Plus to S20 FE? Share your experience—what surprised you, what you miss, and whether you’d recommend it to others.