Switching From Iphone What Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe Users Say About The Change

For years, many smartphone users have remained loyal to the iPhone ecosystem, drawn by its seamless integration, consistent design language, and long-term software support. But as Android devices have matured—particularly Samsung’s mid-to-high-tier offerings—more iPhone users are making the switch. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition), released in 2020, has become a popular choice for those seeking flagship-level performance without the premium price tag. What do actual former iPhone users say about moving to this device? Their experiences reveal a mix of pleasant surprises, minor frustrations, and meaningful upgrades.

Performance and Speed: A Noticeable Boost

One of the most frequently cited improvements among switchers is raw performance. While recent iPhones continue to lead in single-core processor benchmarks thanks to Apple’s A-series chips, the Galaxy S20 FE, powered by either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 (depending on region), delivers smooth multitasking, faster app launches, and superior handling of intensive tasks like gaming and video editing.

Users accustomed to older iPhone models—especially the iPhone 7, 8, or even XR—report that the jump to the S20 FE feels like “moving into a sports car.” The 120Hz refresh rate display stands out immediately. Scrolling through social media, browsing web pages, or swiping between apps feels noticeably more fluid than the standard 60Hz found on most iPhones at the time.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Refresh Rate in Settings > Display to balance smoothness and battery life.

User Interface and Customization: Freedom vs. Simplicity

The shift from iOS to Samsung’s One UI (based on Android) represents one of the steepest learning curves. iPhone users praise iOS for its consistency and intuitive layout. In contrast, One UI offers far greater customization but comes with added complexity.

New S20 FE owners often mention spending extra time adjusting settings to match their preferences. This includes changing the navigation method (from gesture-based to button-based), disabling bloatware apps, and fine-tuning notification behavior. However, once acclimated, many appreciate features such as:

• Customizable home screen layouts and icon packs
• Split-screen multitasking
• Drag-and-drop file sharing between apps
• Always-on Display with personalized watch faces

“After two weeks, I realized how limited I’d been on iPhone. Being able to resize widgets and use split-screen for notes and email changed how I work.” — Daniel R., switched from iPhone XS to S20 FE

Camera Experience: Different Philosophy, Similar Results

The camera is often the make-or-break feature when switching platforms. iPhone cameras are renowned for color accuracy, dynamic range, and reliable portrait mode. The S20 FE, equipped with a triple-lens setup (12MP main, 8MP telephoto, 12MP ultra-wide), takes a different approach—offering more flexibility at the cost of some consistency.

Switchers note that while daylight photos are on par with the iPhone, the S20 FE excels in zoom capability (up to 30x digital zoom) and wider-angle shots. Night mode is also praised for capturing brighter low-light scenes, though some users report over-processing and unnatural skin tones in portraits.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S20 FE	iPhone (XR/11 Era)
Photo Color Accuracy	Slightly warm, vibrant	Natural, neutral
Night Mode	Brighter results, longer capture	More balanced, quicker shot
Ultra-Wide Lens	Yes, 123° FoV	Only on iPhone 11 Pro and later
Video Quality	8K at 24fps, excellent stabilization	4K up to 60fps, cinematic tone
Front Camera	32MP, great detail	12MP, better skin rendering

One common feedback is that the S20 FE tends to apply aggressive sharpening and saturation by default. Users recommend switching to Pro mode or using third-party apps like Open Camera for more control.

Battery Life and Charging: A Major Upgrade

Battery performance is where the S20 FE consistently wins praise from ex-iPhone users. With a 4,500mAh battery, it typically lasts a full day—even with heavy usage—something many iPhone XR and 11 users struggled with after a year or two of battery degradation.

Additionally, the inclusion of 25W fast charging (and compatibility with wireless and reverse wireless charging) is seen as a significant quality-of-life improvement. Former iPhone users, used to slower 18W charging on newer models, appreciate being able to go from 0% to 50% in under 30 minutes.

Tip: Use Samsung’s Adaptive Fast Charging to reduce long-term battery wear by slowing charge speed near 100%.

Real User Transition: A Mini Case Study

Lena M., a graphic designer from Portland, used an iPhone 8 for four years before upgrading to the S20 FE. Her decision was driven by the need for better multitasking and stylus support (she later paired it with a cheap capacitive stylus for sketching).

At first, she found the Samsung interface overwhelming. “I missed the simplicity of iOS,” she said. “But within ten days, I customized my home screen with work-specific folders and started using DeX mode on a monitor. Now I can edit mockups while referencing client emails side-by-side.”

She particularly values the larger screen and Always-On Display for checking time and notifications without unlocking. The only downside? iMessage. “My friends still use green bubbles as a joke, but I’ve accepted it. The phone does too much right for me to go back.”

Key Challenges When Switching

Despite the advantages, several pain points recur in user feedback:

• iMessage and FaceTime dependency: Group chats break when switching, and non-Samsung users don’t get read receipts or typing indicators.
• App ecosystem differences: Some iOS-exclusive apps either lack Android versions or offer reduced functionality.
• Data migration: Transferring photos, messages, and settings isn’t as seamless as Apple’s iCloud-to-device process.
• Software update longevity: While Samsung now offers 4 years of OS updates, it still lags behind Apple’s 5–6 year support cycle.

Step-by-Step: How to Smoothly Transition from iPhone to S20 FE

1. Back up your iPhone: Use iCloud or iTunes to ensure all data is saved.
2. Download Move to Android: Install this official Google app on your iPhone before setting up the S20 FE.
3. Transfer contacts, messages, and media: During initial setup, use the Move to Android tool via Wi-Fi connection.
4. Reinstall key apps: Download Android equivalents (e.g., Google Messages, WhatsApp, Dropbox).
5. Set up Samsung account: Enable cloud backup, Find My Mobile, and Smart Switch for future ease.
6. Customize One UI: Adjust dark mode, font size, gestures, and privacy settings to match your preferences.

“The first three days are awkward. By day five, you’ll forget you ever used an iPhone.” — Tech reviewer Jason Lee, Android Authority

FAQ: Common Questions from Potential Switchers

Can I keep using my AirPods with the S20 FE?

Yes. AirPods pair seamlessly via Bluetooth and work well for calls and music. However, features like automatic switching, spatial audio with head tracking, and battery pop-ups are limited or unavailable.

Will my iCloud photos and contacts transfer easily?

Photos won’t auto-sync, but you can upload them via the iCloud app for Android or manually transfer them. Contacts can be exported from iCloud and imported into your Google account for syncing.

Is Samsung’s software support good enough compared to Apple’s?

Historically, Samsung lagged, but the S20 FE received updates up to Android 13 and four years of security patches. For most users, this is sufficient. However, if you plan to keep your phone beyond four years, iPhone still offers better long-term support.

Final Thoughts: Is the Switch Worth It?

The decision to leave the iPhone ecosystem is rarely just about hardware. It involves breaking habits, relearning workflows, and sometimes losing access to exclusive features. Yet, for many S20 FE adopters, the benefits outweigh the trade-offs.

The combination of high refresh rate display, expandable storage (via microSD), headphone jack, robust battery, and advanced multitasking makes the S20 FE a compelling alternative—especially for users coming from older iPhones. While the transition requires patience, the end result is often a more flexible, powerful, and personalized mobile experience.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone to Galaxy S20 FE? Share your story, tips, or biggest surprise in the comments below—your experience could help someone else take the leap!