It‘s easy to overlook the differences between the Galaxy S20 FE and regular S20 in Samsung‘s extensive high-end smartphone lineup. But considering their features and pricing, both devices still deliver exceptional performance for the money. The S20 is the elder sibling here, but has limited base storage and a smaller display. Enter the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (which stands for "Fan Edition"), offering flagship-level specs for less.
Let‘s clarify one thing upfront – these two phones share a lot under the hood, including the same powerful processor. So technically, you get around 90% of the S20 experience but save a few hundred dollars upfront with the S20 FE.
Still, there are some noteworthy differences to talk through. By the end, you‘ll be better equipped to decide which model fits your needs and budget best.
Samsung Galaxy S20 vs S20 FE: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S20 | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 163 g | 190 g |
| Dimensions | 5.97 x 2.72 x 0.31 in | 6.29 x 2.93 x 0.33 in |
| Display | 6.2 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB |
| Camera | 64MP Telephoto | 8MP Telephoto |
| Ports | USB-C, 3.2 | USB-C, 3.2 |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
Design
The most obvious visual difference between the two phones is the overall design and build materials. The FE sports an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass 3 on front paired with a "glastic" back (Samsung‘s term for glass-plastic hybrid).
The plastic-esque feel of the S20 FE‘s back panel doesn‘t exactly scream premium. But the matte texture does mask fingerprints reasonably well. You‘ll still probably wipe it on occasion to keep it looking sharp.
Durability shouldn‘t be a major concern on either device thanks to equivalent IP68 dust and water resistance ratings. So both can withstand average real-world wear and tear.
Display size does differ slightly – the S20 sports a 6.2-inch panel while the S20 FE bumps that up to 6.5-inches. More screen real estate is always better for gaming and movies. Both models house rear camera arrays as expected, however the S20 FE‘s setup stands out a bit more from the body for a pronounced, almost 3D look.
Color Options
- Samsung Galaxy S20: Cloud Blue, Cosmic Gray, Cloud Pink
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Cloud Mint, Cloud Navy, Cloud Lavender, Cloud White, Cloud Red, Cloud Orange
So the FE clearly wins in terms of color selection if you want something that stands out from the crowd.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy S20 is graced by a stunning 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display pumping out a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3200). Meanwhile its cheaper sibling, the Galaxy S20 FE, also impresses with its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel – albeit "just" Full HD+ 1080p.
Obviously higher resolution means sharper clarity and detail. So the S20 takes the crown there. However, remember that the FE‘s display still spans more real estate from end to end, making it better suited for gaming and movie sessions.
Refresh rates hit an awesome 120Hz on both phones too for buttery smooth animations and scrolling.
The Quad HD S20 panel also supports HDR for punchier, more vibrant colors and contrast (in supported content). Its images seem to leap off the screen. The S20 FE display still renders accurately despite the lack of HDR certification. However, photos and videos won‘t have quite the same eye-catching depth and "pop."
Verdict
Go with the Galaxy S20 if maximum resolution and best clarity are necessities, albeit on a somewhat smaller canvas. On the other hand, casual users who want a bigger viewing experience can save money through the FE without major quality compromises.
Performance
As mentioned earlier, these two phones share the same beating heart – the ultra-fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 system-on-chip (SoC). However, there is a small but notable difference in memory configurations.
While the Galaxy S20 offers just a single 8GB RAM / 128GB storage option, the Galaxy S20 FE serves up multiple variants:
- 6GB RAM / 128GB storage
- 8GB RAM / 128GB storage
- 8GB RAM / 256GB storage
Obviously springing for that 8GB RAM upgrade on the FE is recommended for best performance in intensive games and heavy multitasking. Just know that the experience still won‘t feel quite as snappy compared to the S20 with the same memory spec. But we‘re mostly just splitting hairs at this point.
The vast majority of buyers will feel right at home with the responsiveness and smoothness either phone provides for daily tasks. From Instagram scrolling to instant app launching and anything in between. Unless you constantly push hardware to the limits, performance differences just don‘t amount to much.
Camera
Both the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20 FE come loaded with versatile triple rear camera systems – albeit arranged slightly differently from one model to the next.
Samsung Galaxy S20:
- 12MP primary (f/1.8)
- 64MP telephoto (f/2.0)
- 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE:
- 12MP primary (f/1.8)
- 8MP telephoto (f/2.4)
- 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
Zoom capabilities do take a hit on the S20 FE due to the lower megapixel telephoto lens. You get 3x optical plus up to 30x hybrid "Space Zoom" on the S20 FE, whereas the pricier S20 boasts a full hybrid 10x zoom limit by using sensor cropping.
However, 8MP is still plenty for social sharing purposes even if fine details take a hit at high magnification. For static landscape shots rather than fast action though, the S20 FE telephoto output easily passes as social media-ready.
Image Quality
Mobile photography enthusiasts may lean towards the S20 for its improved zoom flexibility and potential for capturing sharper detail at distance. But make no mistake – both phone cameras can output gorgeous, print-worthy stills and video when lighting is sufficient. Dynamic range could be better on each, but that‘s nitpicking.
Ultimately, unless you constantly crop way in on distant subjects, the Galaxy S20 FE camera system holds its own against even $1000+ competitors. You‘ll be able to share content confidently.
Video recording does go up to 8K resolution on the S20 (24 fps). So folks eager to future-proof for emerging display tech may prefer the S20 here too. But 4K video at 60 fps (with amazingly good OIS stabilization) probably remains the better choice for most. And that sweet 8K spec doesn‘t come cheap…
Battery Life
Battery capacities square up at 4000 mAh for the S20 and 4500 mAh on the FE. Considering identical processor power demands, expect around 10-13% longer runtime on the FE before needing to find an outlet.
Both models support 25W fast charging. So you can easily top up in just over an hour during lunch break or on commute home. Wireless charging coils also come standard as is customary among Samsung flagships lately – just drop either phone onto a Qi charger surface and power up sans cables.
As for real-world battery expectations, moderate to heavy use should still get you through a full day no problem with the S20. While the S20 FE may even push into a second day if you‘re not stuck to the screen constantly. Our battery tests showed roughly 3-5 hours advantage in favor of the FE over its sibling.
So power users and travelers should strongly consider the FE variant for its sheer marathon longevity. Since no one wants their phone dying halfway through vacation days! But the standard S20 puts up averages to satisfy most shoppers too.
Additional Features
A couple other neat extra features deserve mention for those seeking the complete flagship experience. Both Galaxy phones offer full support for 5G connectivity on supporting carrier networks. So you‘re all set both for today‘s modestly improved speeds plus the true ultra-low-latency 5G future. Whether or not the tech has meaningfully developed in your neck of the woods yet.
On the software side, Samsung‘s slick One UI 3 skin runs atop Android 11 providing a clean yet feature-rich interface. One UI 4 (Android 12) should hit each phone eventually too.
Reverse wireless charging stands out as one nifty hardware perk the S20 brings to the table while lacking on the "Fan Edition" phone. Lay the S20 face down and you can actually charge other Qi devices right on its backside. Like topping up a buddy‘s dying phone with your own! It‘s handy for true road warriors and makes for a cool party trick (albeit inefficiently).
Finally, Samsung DeX – project your phone‘s display like a desktop computer right to a monitor. Works wired or wirelessly with both the S20 and S20 FE earning desktop-class productivity.
Pricing Comparison
Here‘s a peek at latest street prices on each (unlocked US models):
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- 128GB model – $599
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
- 128GB model – $349
- 256GB model – $449
Obviously the S20 FE brings an awful lot to the table while cutting nearly $300 off the S20‘s cost. The standard Galaxy S20 still outperforms its younger sibling in several departments like camera zoom or display resolution. But only the most discerning buyers are likely to notice or care day to day.
Thus for many shoppers, grabbing those great flagship-inspired design cues, that stunning 120Hz AMOLED screen, and awesome battery life in the S20 FE make absolute sense over spending considerably more. Value seekers rejoice!
Choosing between the Galaxy S20 and S20 FE really comes down to balancing features with pricing. There‘s no universally "right" pick. Fortunately neither phone carries any major flaws for their category either.
The Galaxy S20 makes sense for extracting every drop of flagship-level quality possible, if budget is no concern. You get excellent triple cameras covering all scenarios, a super sharp high-res display, premium materials like glass and aluminum, and extras like reverse wireless charging.
Meanwhile the Galaxy S20 FE keeps up impressively by adopting much of the S20 formula at second-tier pricing. Sure, some hardware downgrades like lower density cameras or plastic frame stand out to phone geeks. And software support may wane quicker. Yet day-to-day real world experience hardly suffers. If funds run tight or value matters above all, the S20 FE remains a fabulous offering that outclasses its price point.
Any questions or feedback on my S20 versus S20 FE comparison? Let‘s discuss in the comments below!
