Samsung S20 Fe Vs S22 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Is The Fe Still Good

For many smartphone users, the decision to upgrade isn’t just about having the latest device—it’s about whether the new model offers meaningful improvements over what they already own. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition), released in 2020, was a standout for delivering flagship-level features at a mid-range price. Fast forward to 2022, and the Galaxy S22 brought refined design, improved cameras, and next-gen processing power. But does that justify an upgrade for current S20 FE owners? Or can the FE still hold its own in today’s mobile landscape?

This comparison dives deep into key areas—performance, display, camera, battery life, software support, and overall value—to help you make an informed decision.

Performance: Chipset and Real-World Speed

The heart of any smartphone is its processor, and this is where the S22 pulls significantly ahead. The S20 FE uses either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (in most regions) or the Exynos 990 (in select markets), both of which were top-tier chips in 2020. In contrast, the S22 features the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200 depending on region), built on a more efficient 4nm process compared to the 7nm used in the S20 FE’s chip.

In practical terms, the S22 handles multitasking, gaming, and app launches with noticeably less lag. High-end games like Genshin Impact run smoother at higher settings, and AI-powered camera features process faster. However, for everyday tasks—browsing, messaging, social media, and even moderate photo editing—the S20 FE remains perfectly capable.

Tip: If you're not a heavy gamer or power user, the S20 FE’s performance may still meet your needs without needing an upgrade.

Display and Design: Refinement Meets Functionality

Both phones feature vibrant AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, but there are subtle yet important differences. The S20 FE has a 6.5-inch flat screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. It’s bright, colorful, and excellent for media consumption. The S22, while slightly smaller at 6.1 inches, uses a higher-quality Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with better peak brightness (up to 1750 nits vs. 1200 nits) and improved outdoor visibility.

The S22 also adopts a more compact, premium design with Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+, making it more durable than the S20 FE’s plastic frame and Gorilla Glass 3. While the FE feels sturdy, the S22 simply looks and feels more refined in hand.

“Design evolution matters—especially when it comes to daily comfort and durability. The S22’s build quality reflects two years of material science advancements.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: From Good to Great

The S20 FE’s triple rear setup—12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom—is competent and produces solid daylight photos. However, low-light performance and detail retention fall short compared to newer flagships.

The S22 improves across the board. Its 50MP main sensor captures significantly more detail, especially in dynamic scenes. The addition of advanced Nightography means dramatically better low-light shots, and the improved AI processing enhances color accuracy and HDR balance. The front-facing camera also jumps from 32MP to a 10MP auto-focus unit that delivers sharper selfies in various lighting conditions.

One real-world example illustrates this well: A user taking indoor concert photos with the S20 FE often struggles with motion blur and noise. With the S22, the same scene results in clearer, brighter images thanks to larger pixel binning and stabilized shutter timing.

Camera Feature Breakdown

Feature	S20 FE	S22
Main Sensor	12MP f/1.8	50MP f/1.8 (larger sensor)
Low-Light Performance	Moderate, noisy in dark	Excellent with Nightography
Video Recording	4K@30fps, basic stabilization	4K@60fps, Super Steady mode, HDR10+
Front Camera	32MP f/2.2	10MP f/2.2 with autofocus
Zoom Capability	3x optical, up to 30x digital	3x optical, 10x space zoom (improved processing)

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The S20 FE packs a 4,500mAh battery—larger than the S22’s 3,700mAh cell. Yet, due to the more power-efficient processor and optimized software, the S22 often matches or slightly exceeds the FE in daily usage. In real-world testing, both phones last a full day with moderate use, though heavy users may find the FE lasting longer under continuous load.

Charging speeds differ too. The S20 FE supports 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless. The S22 drops wired charging to 25W (same) but removes the charger from the box entirely. Wireless charging remains at 10W, down from 15W on the FE—a minor step back.

Tip: If long battery life is critical, the S20 FE still holds an edge. But if you value all-day endurance with smarter power management, the S22 compensates well despite the smaller battery.

Software and Long-Term Support

This is a crucial factor for upgraders. The S20 FE launched with Android 10 and is eligible for three major OS updates, meaning it will receive updates up to Android 13. As of 2024, it's likely near the end of its update cycle.

In contrast, the S22 launched with Android 12 and qualifies for four generations of OS upgrades—going all the way to Android 16—with five years of security patches. That means supported software until at least 2027. For users who prioritize longevity, security, and access to new features, this is a decisive advantage.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Switch?

• ✅ Are you experiencing slowdowns or app crashes?
• ✅ Do you want better low-light photos or video quality?
• ✅ Is software support beyond 2024 important to you?
• ✅ Do you prefer a more compact, premium-feeling phone?
• ✅ Are you using the phone for gaming or creative apps?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the S22 is a worthwhile upgrade.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah has been using her S20 FE since late 2020. She loves the large screen and battery life but noticed over time that her camera struggled in dim lighting, and some newer apps started feeling sluggish. By early 2023, her phone stopped receiving major updates, and she became concerned about security.

After researching, she upgraded to the S22. Though the smaller screen took some getting used to, she immediately appreciated the crisper display, faster app response, and vastly improved night photography. Most importantly, knowing her phone would stay updated through 2027 gave her peace of mind. For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about chasing specs—it was about future-proofing her daily tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S20 FE still good in 2024?

Yes, the S20 FE remains a solid device for everyday use. It handles calls, messaging, streaming, and light productivity well. However, it no longer receives major OS updates, and performance may lag with demanding apps. If you’re not a power user, it’s still functional and reliable.

How much faster is the S22 than the S20 FE?

Benchmarks show the S22’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is around 30–40% faster in CPU tasks and up to 60% faster in GPU-intensive workloads. In real use, this translates to quicker app launches, smoother animations, and better gaming performance, especially at high settings.

Can I save money by sticking with the S20 FE?

Absolutely. If your current phone works well and meets your needs, upgrading offers diminishing returns. Repair costs are low, cases and accessories remain widely available, and the resale value of the S22 may not justify trading in a functioning FE unless you specifically need the improvements.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

The Galaxy S20 FE was one of Samsung’s best mid-tier flagships, and it still performs admirably for basic to moderate use. But technology moves quickly. The S22 brings tangible benefits: superior camera systems, longer software support, better build quality, and more efficient performance.

If you rely on your phone for photography, security, or future compatibility, the S22 is a smart investment. But if your S20 FE still runs smoothly and you don’t need cutting-edge features, holding off on an upgrade is not only reasonable—it’s financially wise.

Ultimately, upgrading should solve a problem or enhance your experience meaningfully. For many, the S20 FE continues to do exactly that.

💬 Still on the fence? Share your experience with the S20 FE or S22 below. Your insights could help others decide their next move.