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

When Samsung introduced the Fan Edition (FE) line, it struck a balance between flagship features and mid-range pricing that appealed to a broad audience. The Galaxy S20 FE launched in 2020 as a compelling alternative to high-end models, while the S24 FE arrived in 2024 with updated hardware and AI-powered software. For owners of the S20 FE wondering whether to upgrade, the decision hinges on more than just specs—it's about real-world performance, longevity, and value.

The two phones are separated by four years of technological advancement. That gap brings significant changes in processing power, display quality, camera capabilities, and software support. But does that automatically make the S24 FE a must-have upgrade? Or can the S20 FE still deliver solid performance in 2024 and beyond?

Design and Build: Subtle Evolution, Not Revolution

Both the S20 FE and S24 FE share a familiar design language—glass front, plastic back, and aluminum frame—with a focus on durability and comfort. The S20 FE was available in vibrant colors like Cloud Blue and Oxygen Green, while the S24 FE leans into minimalist tones such as Graphite and Mint. Despite the color shift, both devices maintain a lightweight, ergonomic profile ideal for one-handed use.

The S24 FE improves on water resistance, upgrading from IP68 (S20 FE) to IP68 with enhanced dust protection. While both can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, the newer model offers slightly better sealing. Neither has a headphone jack, but both support stereo speakers and wireless charging—a rarity in this price segment.

Tip: Use a protective case and screen protector on either model to preserve resale value and prevent scratches on the plastic back.

Performance: Generational Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The heart of any smartphone is its processor, and here the difference is stark. The S20 FE runs on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990, depending on region—both powerful in their time but now showing their age. In contrast, the S24 FE uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400 in select markets), a chip designed for AI workloads, multitasking, and sustained gaming performance.

In real-world usage, this means the S24 FE handles app switching, photo editing, and 4K video rendering far more smoothly. Benchmark scores show the S24 FE nearly doubling the CPU and GPU performance of the S20 FE. More importantly, the newer chipset is built on a 4nm process, offering better battery efficiency and less heat generation.

“Upgrading from a 2020 flagship to a 2024 mid-tier device isn’t just about speed—it’s about responsiveness, future-proofing, and daily usability.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Display and Audio: Brighter, Smoother, More Immersive

The S20 FE featured a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate—a standout feature at its price point. The S24 FE retains the same size but upgrades to a brighter, more efficient Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with peak brightness of 1,750 nits (vs. 1,000 nits on the S20 FE). This makes outdoor visibility significantly better, especially under direct sunlight.

While both support HDR10+, the S24 FE includes adaptive tone mapping and Vision Booster technology for improved color accuracy in varying lighting conditions. The audio experience is also refined: stereo speakers are tuned with Dolby Atmos support optimized for voice clarity and spatial effects.

Feature	Samsung S20 FE	Samsung S24 FE
Display Size	6.5 inches	6.5 inches
Panel Type	Super AMOLED	Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Refresh Rate	120Hz	120Hz (adaptive)
Peak Brightness	1,000 nits	1,750 nits
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68 (enhanced)

Camera System: From Capable to Competitive

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

The S24 FE overhauls the imaging system with a 50MP main sensor featuring larger pixels (1.0µm → 1.2µm) and improved light capture. The ultra-wide remains 12MP, but gains autofocus—useful for macro shots. The telephoto lens is replaced with a 10MP unit offering 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom, powered by AI-enhanced Super Resolution Zoom.

Nightography sees a dramatic improvement. The S24 FE uses multi-frame noise reduction, AI scene optimization, and real-time HDR processing to produce cleaner, more detailed images after dark. Video recording jumps from 8K@24fps on the S20 FE to 8K@30fps on the S24 FE, with improved stabilization and cinematic blur effects.

Real-World Example: A Travel Photographer’s Dilemma

Maya, a freelance travel blogger, used her S20 FE for three years across Southeast Asia. While it handled social media content well initially, she noticed increasing lag when editing RAW files and exporting videos. On a recent trip to Mongolia, she borrowed an S24 FE for comparison. “The difference in low-light performance was shocking,” she said. “I could shoot at dusk without a tripod and still get usable shots. The AI editing tools saved me hours in post.” She upgraded within a week.

Battery and Software: Longevity Meets Future-Proofing

The S20 FE packs a 4,500mAh battery with 25W fast charging and wireless charging support. In 2020, this offered all-day use for most. By 2024, however, battery degradation affects many units, and software updates have slowed. Samsung ended major Android version updates for the S20 FE in 2023, though it may receive security patches until 2025.

The S24 FE introduces a 4,700mAh battery with 25W charging, but thanks to the more efficient processor, delivers up to 1.5 days of moderate use. More critically, it’s guaranteed five years of OS upgrades (up to Android 19) and seven years of security patches—aligning it with Samsung’s current top-tier devices.

Tip: If you're keeping your S20 FE, enable Adaptive Battery and reduce screen brightness to extend usable life.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Is your S20 FE experiencing slow performance or frequent app crashes?
• ✅ Do you want better low-light photos or smoother video recording?
• ✅ Are you concerned about running out of battery before evening?
• ✅ Do you plan to keep your phone for 3+ more years?
• ✅ Is Android 14 or future AI features important to you?

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 messaging, browsing, and streaming. However, demanding apps like Google Maps with Live View, AR tools, or high-end games may lag. Multitasking is noticeably slower compared to newer chips.

Is the S24 FE much more expensive?

The S24 FE launched at $649, while the S20 FE originally cost $699. Today, refurbished S20 FE units sell for $200–$250, whereas the S24 FE retails near full price. The newer model offers better long-term value despite the higher upfront cost.

Does the S24 FE support AI features like Circle to Search?

Yes. The S24 FE includes Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite: Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist, and generative photo editing. These require the latest processor and are not available on the S20 FE, even with software updates.

Final Verdict: Upgrade for the Future, Stay for Now

The Samsung S20 FE remains a capable device for light users who prioritize cost over cutting-edge features. If you're satisfied with its performance and don’t need advanced cameras or AI tools, there’s no urgent reason to replace it immediately.

But if you rely on your phone for productivity, content creation, or staying ahead of tech trends, the S24 FE is a meaningful upgrade. It’s faster, brighter, smarter, and supported longer. The leap in software support alone—five additional years of updates—makes it a more sustainable choice.

Technology evolves, but so do our expectations. What felt premium in 2020 now meets only baseline standards in 2024. The S24 FE doesn’t just improve on its predecessor; it redefines what a mid-range Samsung phone can do.

💬 Still on the fence? Try the S24 FE for a weekend via a carrier trial or friend’s loan. Real-world feel often beats spec sheets. Share your upgrade story in the comments!