Samsung S24 Fe Vs S20 Fe Is It Worth Upgrading Or Is The Older Model Still Good 3

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and the S20 FE isn’t just about price—it’s about understanding how much technology has evolved in four years and whether those improvements matter to your daily use. The S20 FE launched in 2020 as a flagship killer, offering premium features at a mid-range price. The S24 FE arrives in 2024 with modern processing power, AI integration, and refined design. But does that justify an upgrade for existing S20 FE owners? Or can the older model still hold its ground in today’s smartphone landscape?

This comparison dives deep into real-world usability, not just specs on paper. Whether you're considering an upgrade or buying your first Samsung phone, this guide will help you make a confident decision.

Design and Build: Evolution of the Fan Edition

The Galaxy S20 FE introduced a bold, playful aesthetic with vibrant color options and a plastic back, differentiating itself from the glass-backed S20 series. It was lightweight and durable, though the polycarbonate build didn’t feel as premium as higher-end models. The S24 FE takes a more mature approach—retaining the plastic back but refining the edges, improving ergonomics, and adopting a flatter display with slimmer bezels.

Both devices feature aluminum frames and IP68 water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in everyday conditions. However, the S24 FE benefits from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, compared to the original’s Victus. This means better scratch and drop resistance, which matters if you often place your phone face-down or carry it loosely in a bag.

Tip: Even with IP68 rating, avoid submerging either phone in water. Saltwater and prolonged exposure can still cause damage.

The S24 FE is slightly heavier (207g vs 190g) due to a larger battery and sturdier construction, but the difference is barely noticeable in hand. If you prefer a lighter device, the S20 FE still wins for portability.

Performance and Software: Generational Leap in Power

Under the hood, the gap between these phones is significant. The S20 FE launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), a powerful chip in 2020 but now showing its age in multitasking and heavy gaming. The S24 FE uses the newer Exynos 2400 (in select regions) or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, depending on market—both are vastly superior in CPU and GPU performance.

In practical terms, the S24 FE handles 4K video editing, high-frame-rate gaming, and AI-powered photography with ease. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and background processes are managed more efficiently. The S20 FE, while still capable for social media, messaging, and streaming, may struggle with future app updates and demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings.

Software support is another critical factor. The S20 FE launched with Android 10 and received updates up to Android 13 with three major OS upgrades. The S24 FE ships with Android 14 and is guaranteed five years of OS and security updates—meaning it will be supported until at least 2029. For long-term ownership, this is a decisive advantage.

“Five years of software support changes the game. It means better security, longer usability, and fewer forced upgrades.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Display and Battery Life: Brighter, Bigger, Longer-Lasting

The S20 FE featured a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate—a standout at its price point. The S24 FE improves on this with a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, also at 120Hz, but with peak brightness reaching 2,200 nits (vs 1,000 nits). This makes outdoor visibility dramatically better, especially under direct sunlight.

While both screens are excellent for media consumption, the S24 FE offers HDR10+ support and improved color accuracy out of the box. Gamers and video editors will appreciate the reduced motion blur and sharper touch response.

Battery capacity increases from 4,500mAh in the S20 FE to 4,700mAh in the S24 FE. Combined with more efficient processors and adaptive refresh rate tech, this translates to about 1.5–2 hours more screen-on time per charge. Real-world testing shows the S24 FE lasting well into a second day with moderate use, whereas the S20 FE typically needs daily charging.

Charging speeds remain similar—both support 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. Neither includes a charger in the box, so you’ll need to reuse or purchase one separately.

Camera Comparison: From Good to AI-Enhanced Great

The S20 FE came with a solid triple-camera setup: 12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. It delivered reliable photos in daylight but struggled in low light and lacked advanced computational photography.

The S24 FE upgrades to a 50MP main sensor with larger pixels (1.0µm → 1.2µm effective via binning), improved OIS, and AI-driven processing. The ultra-wide remains 12MP, but the telephoto is replaced with a 10MP sensor offering 3x hybrid zoom and better detail retention. New features like Nightography, AI-powered single-take modes, and enhanced portrait lighting give the S24 FE a clear edge in photo quality and versatility.

In side-by-side tests, the S24 FE produces sharper images with more natural colors and less noise in dim environments. Video recording jumps from 8K@24fps on the S20 FE to 8K@30fps with improved stabilization and audio focus. For content creators or anyone who values photo quality, the upgrade is meaningful.

Feature	S20 FE	S24 FE
Main Camera	12MP, f/2.0	50MP, f/1.8, OIS
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2
Telephoto	8MP, 3x optical	10MP, 3x hybrid zoom
Front Camera	32MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2, AF
Video Recording	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps	8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, HDR10+

Real-World Example: Should You Upgrade?

Consider Maria, a freelance photographer who bought the S20 FE in 2021. For two years, it handled her social media uploads and casual shooting well. By 2023, she noticed slower app launches in Lightroom, inconsistent autofocus in low light, and shorter battery life during shoots. After switching to the S24 FE, she found that RAW file processing was nearly instant, night shots required less editing, and the brighter screen helped with on-location previews. For her workflow, the upgrade paid off within months.

On the other hand, John, a college student using his S20 FE mainly for calls, notes, and YouTube, sees no urgency to upgrade. His phone runs smoothly, and he values saving money for textbooks. For users like John, the S20 FE remains a capable device—especially if the battery is replaced.

Upgrade Checklist: Is the S24 FE Right for You?

Ask yourself the following before making a decision:

• Is your current phone slowing down or struggling with newer apps?
• Do you take photos or videos regularly and want better quality?
• Are you planning to keep your phone for 3+ years?
• Do you frequently use your phone outdoors and need better screen brightness?
• Are you concerned about long-term software updates and security?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S20 FE still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming. However, performance dips may occur with heavy multitasking, AR apps, or future Android versions. App optimization favors newer hardware.

Is the battery replaceable in both models?

Yes, both have sealed batteries, but authorized service centers can replace them. A new battery can extend the S20 FE’s life by 1–2 years at a fraction of the upgrade cost.

Does the S24 FE support expandable storage?

No—neither the S24 FE nor the S20 FE supports microSD cards. Both rely on internal storage (128GB/256GB options).

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE remains a surprisingly capable device in 2024. If yours is functioning well, has a healthy battery, and meets your daily needs, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade. With a battery replacement and careful usage, it can last another year or two.

However, the S24 FE offers tangible improvements: faster performance, superior cameras, longer software support, and a brighter, more durable display. If you rely on your phone for productivity, creativity, or want peace of mind for the next four years, the upgrade is justified. At a retail price typically $100–$150 higher than the current S20 FE resale value, the cost-benefit ratio leans positive for heavy users.

🚀 Ready to make your move? Evaluate your current phone’s condition and usage patterns. If you’re holding onto an aging S20 FE, consider a battery refresh. If you demand more, the S24 FE delivers a future-proof experience worth the investment.