Samsung S24 Fe Vs S20 Fe Is It Worth Upgrading Or Is The Older Model Still Good 2

Two years can feel like a lifetime in smartphone evolution. When Samsung released the Galaxy S20 FE in 2020, it set a new benchmark for mid-tier flagship experiences. Now, with the Galaxy S24 FE arriving in late 2023, many owners of the S20 FE are asking: should I upgrade? Or does the older model still hold up in today’s fast-moving mobile landscape? The answer isn’t just about specs—it’s about real-world usability, longevity, software support, and whether the improvements justify the cost.

Performance: Chipset, RAM, and Real-World Speed

The heart of any smartphone is its processor, and this is where the S24 FE pulls decisively ahead. The S20 FE launched with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), a powerful chip at the time but now showing its age when handling demanding apps and multitasking. In contrast, the S24 FE runs on the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (in most markets), delivering significantly better CPU and GPU performance.

Benchmarks tell part of the story. In Geekbench 6 tests, the S24 FE scores around 2,200 in multi-core performance—nearly double the S20 FE’s ~1,100. This translates to smoother app launches, faster photo editing, and better gaming frame rates, especially in titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.

Both phones have 6GB or 8GB RAM options, but the S24 FE benefits from more efficient memory management thanks to its newer Android version and One UI optimizations. Background apps stay active longer, and switching between them feels snappier.

Tip: If you frequently use productivity apps, play games, or edit media, the S24 FE’s processor will provide a noticeably smoother experience.

Display and Design: Subtle Refinements Over Revolution

Design-wise, both phones follow a similar formula: flat 6.4–6.6-inch displays, plastic backs, aluminum frames, and IP68 water resistance. But the S24 FE introduces subtle yet meaningful upgrades.

The display remains a 120Hz AMOLED panel, which is a win—many competitors in this range still use LCDs. However, the S24 FE features brighter peak output (up to 1,750 nits) compared to the S20 FE’s 800 nits, making outdoor visibility far superior. It also supports adaptive refresh rate tuning, adjusting dynamically between 48Hz and 120Hz based on content, improving battery life without sacrificing smoothness.

The design has been slightly refined. The S24 FE adopts a more modern, minimalist aesthetic with flatter edges and a flush camera bump, reducing pocket snagging. It’s also lighter by about 10 grams, tipping the scale at 172g versus the S20 FE’s 182g.

Feature	Samsung S20 FE	Samsung S24 FE
Display Size & Type	6.5” FHD+ Super AMOLED	6.4” FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Refresh Rate	120Hz	Adaptive 48–120Hz
Brightness (Peak)	800 nits	1,750 nits
Build Material	Plastic back, aluminum frame	Recycled plastic, aluminum frame
Weight	182g	172g

Camera Comparison: Evolution, Not Revolution

The S20 FE was praised for its triple-camera system: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. Two years later, the S24 FE keeps a similar setup but enhances image processing and low-light performance.

The main sensor remains 50MP (vs. 12MP on S20 FE), allowing for higher-resolution shots and better detail retention when cropping. Samsung’s newer AI processing improves dynamic range and color accuracy, particularly in mixed lighting. Night mode is faster and produces cleaner results with less noise.

Front cameras also see an upgrade—from 32MP on the S20 FE to a 10MP sensor on the S24 FE. While the megapixel count drops, the new sensor uses pixel binning and improved algorithms to deliver sharper selfies and more natural skin tones in video calls.

“Even with similar hardware, computational photography advancements over two years make a tangible difference in everyday photos.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse

Battery and Charging: Efficiency Matters More Than Capacity

The S20 FE packs a 4,500mAh battery, while the S24 FE steps down slightly to 4,400mAh. On paper, that sounds worse—but real-world usage tells a different story.

Thanks to the more power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and optimized software, the S24 FE often lasts longer despite the smaller capacity. Users report consistent 1.5-day battery life with moderate use, compared to the S20 FE’s fading endurance due to battery degradation over time.

Charging speeds remain unchanged: 25W wired, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging. Neither includes a charger in the box. However, the S24 FE supports USB Power Delivery 3.0 with better heat management during fast charging.

Tip: If your S20 FE battery drains quickly after two+ years, replacing it may extend its life—but eventual degradation is inevitable.

Software and Longevity: Where the S24 FE Truly Shines

This might be the most decisive factor. Samsung promises **four major Android OS updates** and **five years of security patches** for the S24 FE. That means it will be supported through Android 18, likely until 2028.

In contrast, the S20 FE, launched with Android 10, received its final major update to Android 13. Security patches continue sporadically but are expected to end by late 2024. Without regular updates, the phone becomes more vulnerable and gradually loses compatibility with newer apps.

If you plan to keep your phone for three or more years, the S24 FE offers peace of mind. Its longer support window ensures access to new features, better app compatibility, and critical security fixes.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has used her S20 FE since 2021. It still works, but she’s noticed slowdowns in messaging apps, occasional crashes in Instagram, and poor performance when scanning QR codes or using AR features. Her battery lasts only one full day now, even with light use.

After testing a friend’s S24 FE, she was struck by how much smoother everything felt—especially the camera focusing instantly in low light and apps loading without lag. She decided to upgrade, trading in her old device for partial credit. Six months later, she reports no slowdowns, excellent battery life, and confidence that her phone will remain secure and functional for years.

Is the S20 FE Still Good in 2024?

Yes—but with caveats. If you're a light user who mainly browses, texts, and streams videos, the S20 FE can still perform adequately. Many users continue using it daily without major issues. However, as app demands grow and websites become more complex, the aging processor and limited RAM begin to show strain.

Additionally, lack of future OS updates means missing out on new privacy tools, accessibility features, and performance enhancements. For anyone relying on their phone for work, banking, or smart home integration, staying on outdated software poses real risks.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Move to the S24 FE?

Use this checklist to determine if upgrading makes sense for you:

• ✅ Is your S20 FE experiencing frequent app crashes or lag?
• ✅ Has battery life dropped below one full day?
• ✅ Are you no longer receiving OS updates?
• ✅ Do you want better camera quality, especially at night?
• ✅ Do you plan to keep your phone for 3+ years?
• ✅ Can you take advantage of trade-in deals or carrier promotions?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, upgrading to the S24 FE is a smart investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S20 FE run modern apps smoothly?

Most basic apps work fine, but resource-heavy apps like TikTok, Snapchat filters, or AR navigation tools may lag or stutter. Multitasking across multiple tabs or apps can also cause slowdowns.

Is the price difference justified?

The S24 FE typically costs $100–$150 more than the current resale value of a used S20 FE. Given the generational leap in performance, display quality, and long-term software support, the premium is reasonable for users who rely on their phone daily.

Does the S24 FE have any notable downsides?

The main compromise is the plastic back, which attracts fingerprints. Also, the speaker volume is slightly quieter than premium flagships, though still loud enough for most environments.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

The Samsung S20 FE was a standout device in its time, and many units still function well. But technology moves fast. The S24 FE delivers meaningful improvements—not just in raw speed, but in display clarity, camera intelligence, and long-term reliability.

If you’re happy with your S20 FE and don’t need cutting-edge performance, there’s no urgent need to upgrade. But if you’ve noticed declining responsiveness, shorter battery life, or concern over outdated software, the S24 FE offers a future-proof alternative that balances flagship features with accessible pricing.

💬 Have you upgraded from the S20 FE to the S24 FE? Share your experience in the comments and help others decide whether the jump is worth it.