Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Review (2020): The Perfect Balance of Power and Price
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) arrived in 2020 as
Samsung’s answer to one big question:
What if you could get flagship features without paying flagship prices?
Launched on September 23, 2020, and released globally in October, this device quickly became one of the most talked-about smartphones of the year, and for good reason. It blends premium features, solid performance, and an attractive price point, making it a compelling option for both tech enthusiasts and everyday users.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything about the
Galaxy S20 FE, from design and display to performance, camera, battery, pricing, and how it compares to the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Overview
The Galaxy S20 FE is part of Samsung’s flagship S20 lineup but designed to be more affordable. Instead of stripping down the experience too much, Samsung carefully selected features that matter most to users.
It comes with:
- A 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Triple rear camera setup
- 4500mAh battery
- Flagship-grade processor (Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865 depending on region)
This combination makes it a true “flagship killer” in 2020.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Galaxy S20 FE looks very similar to the rest of the S20 lineup. However, there are some noticeable differences when compared to the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus.
Build Materials
- Galaxy S20 FE: Plastic back, aluminum frame
- Galaxy S20 Plus: Glass back, aluminum frame
Samsung opted for a “Glasstic” (glass-like plastic) finish on the S20 FE. While this might sound like a downgrade, it actually has some advantages:
- More durable (less prone to shattering)
- Less fingerprint smudging
- Lighter feel in hand
However, the S20 Plus still feels more premium due to its glass construction.
Size and Feel
- S20 FE: 6.5-inch display
- S20 Plus: 6.7-inch display
The S20 FE is slightly smaller and easier to handle, making it more comfortable for one-handed use.
Color Options
Samsung went bold with the FE lineup, offering vibrant colors like:
- Cloud Red
- Cloud Orange
- Cloud Lavender
- Cloud Mint
This makes it more youthful and expressive compared to the more conservative S20 Plus.
Water Resistance
Both devices feature
IP68 water and dust resistance, meaning they can survive splashes and brief submersion.
Display: Smooth and Stunning
The Galaxy S20 FE features a
6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
Key Highlights:
- 120Hz refresh rate (super smooth scrolling)
- HDR10+ support
- Vibrant colors and deep blacks
While the S20 Plus offers a slightly higher resolution, the difference is barely noticeable in everyday use. The 120Hz refresh rate is where the magic happens, it makes everything feel fast and fluid.
Whether you’re gaming, watching videos, or scrolling through social media, the display delivers a flagship-level experience.
Performance: Flagship Power Without the Price
The Galaxy S20 FE is powered by either:
- Exynos 990 (4G version)
- Snapdragon 865 (5G version)
RAM & Storage:
- 6GB / 8GB RAM
- 128GB / 256GB storage (expandable via microSD)
Real-World Performance:
- Smooth multitasking
- Excellent gaming performance
- Fast app loading
The Snapdragon 865 version especially shines in gaming and efficiency, making it one of the best performers in its price range.
Camera: Versatile and Reliable
The Galaxy S20 FE comes with a triple camera setup:
- 12MP main camera
- 12MP ultra-wide
- 8MP telephoto (3x zoom)
Camera Features:
- 4K video recording
- Super Steady video
- Night mode
- 30x Space Zoom
Front Camera:
Camera Performance:
- Excellent daylight photos
- Good dynamic range
- Reliable zoom performance
- Strong selfie quality
While it may not match the S20 Plus in every scenario, the difference is minimal for most users.
Battery Life: Built to Last
The S20 FE packs a
4500mAh battery, which is larger than many flagship devices of its time.
Battery Features:
- Fast charging (25W)
- Wireless charging
- Reverse wireless charging
Real Usage:
- Easily lasts a full day
- Moderate to heavy usage supported
- Great standby efficiency
The combination of a large battery and optimized software makes it very reliable.
Software Experience
Out of the box, the Galaxy S20 FE runs:
- Android 10 with One UI 2.5
Samsung’s One UI is known for:
- Clean interface
- Smooth animations
- Useful features like Edge Panels and Dark Mode
The phone also received multiple updates over time, improving performance and security.
Price at Launch
At launch, the Galaxy S20 FE was priced at approximately:
- $699 (USD)
- ₦265,000 – ₦300,000 (Nigeria, estimated launch range)
- £599 (UK)
- ₹49,999 (India approx at launch period)
This pricing made it significantly cheaper than the S20 Plus, while still offering most flagship features.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Strong camera performance
- Long battery life
- IP68 water resistance
- Expandable storage
Cons
- Plastic back instead of glass
- Exynos variant not as powerful as Snapdragon
- Slightly lower display resolution than S20 Plus
- No major design innovation
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE vs Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
| Feature |
Galaxy S20 FE |
Galaxy S20 Plus |
| Build |
Plastic back |
Glass back |
| Display |
6.5″ FHD+ |
6.7″ QHD+ |
| Refresh Rate |
120Hz |
120Hz |
| Camera |
Slightly downgraded |
More premium |
| Price |
More affordable |
Expensive |
Conclusion:
If you want
premium feel, go for the
S20 Plus.
If you want
value for money, the S20 FE is the smarter choice.
Final Conclusion: Should You Buy It?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is easily one of the best smartphones of 2020. It successfully delivers flagship-level performance at a more accessible price point.
It’s perfect for:
- Gamers
- Content creators
- Everyday users who want premium features
- Anyone looking for value
Samsung proved with this device that you don’t need to spend top dollar to get a top-tier experience.
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