Huawei Mate 40E 4G vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022: A Detailed Comparison of Flagship Alternatives

Both the Huawei Mate 40E 4G and the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022 represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range flagship space. The Mate 40E 4G, despite its age, boasts Huawei’s Kirin 990E chipset and impressive charging capabilities. The S20 FE 2022, a refresh of Samsung’s popular model, counters with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 and the promise of a smoother software experience, though it lacks 5G connectivity in this iteration.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing gaming and future-proofing (even without 5G), the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022 is the better choice. The Snapdragon 865 offers a slight edge in GPU performance and benefits from wider software support. However, the Mate 40E 4G’s faster wired and wireless charging are significant advantages for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Mate 40E 4G Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41LTE
5G bands-SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat19 1800/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, June 282022, April 01
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, June 29Available. Released 2022, April 01
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions158.6 x 72.5 x 8.8 mm (6.24 x 2.85 x 0.35 in)159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm (6.29 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistantIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~402 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.7 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, HDR10, 90HzSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.86 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x2.36 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetKirin 990E (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUMali-G76 MP14Adreno 650
OSHarmonyOS 2.0Android 12, One UI 4.1
Memory
Card slotNano Memory (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Leica optics, LED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/2.4, 18mm (ultrawide)-
Triple64 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 85mm (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide)12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 76mm (telephoto), 1/4.5", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
Video4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single13 MP, f/2.4, 18mm (ultrawide)32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video4K, 720p@240fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/384kHz audio 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)
Battery
Charging40W wired 40W wireless 5W reverse wired25W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4200 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsSilver, White, BlackCloud White, Cloud Lavender, Cloud Navy
ModelsOCE-AL50SM-G781NK, SM-G781NK22
PriceAbout 550 EURAbout 520 EUR

Huawei Mate 40E 4G

  • Significantly faster 40W wired and wireless charging
  • 5W reverse wired charging for accessories
  • Potentially more vibrant image processing (Huawei style)
  • Kirin 990E is a capable performer for everyday tasks

  • Lacks 5G connectivity
  • Potential software limitations and ecosystem restrictions
  • GPU performance trails the Snapdragon 865
  • Long-term software support is uncertain

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022

  • Stronger GPU performance with the Snapdragon 865
  • Wider software support and app compatibility
  • Likely superior display quality (Super AMOLED)
  • More versatile camera system with OIS and multiple lenses

  • Slower 25W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • No reverse wireless charging
  • Lacks 5G connectivity in this 2022 model
  • Can experience thermal throttling under sustained load

Display Comparison

While both devices utilize 7nm+ fabrication, display specifics are not provided. However, given Samsung’s history, the S20 FE 2022 likely features a Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Mate 40E 4G’s display technology is unknown, but Huawei typically employs OLED panels. The S20 FE’s higher peak brightness (estimated around 600-800 nits) would provide better outdoor visibility. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting flagship-level design.

Camera Comparison

The camera systems are where detailed specs are crucial. Without sensor size information, we can infer that Samsung’s S20 FE 2022 likely employs a larger main sensor (estimated 12MP) with optical image stabilization (OIS), resulting in better low-light performance and sharper images. The Mate 40E 4G’s camera setup is unknown, but Huawei’s image processing algorithms are renowned for their vibrant colors and dynamic range. The S20 FE’s multi-camera system likely includes an ultrawide lens and a telephoto lens, offering greater versatility. The presence of OIS on the S20 FE is a key advantage for video recording.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Snapdragon 865 in the S20 FE 2022, built on a 7nm+ process, features a Cortex-A77 prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, offering a slight architectural advantage over the Mate 40E 4G’s 2.86 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. The S20 FE’s Adreno 650 GPU provides a more substantial performance boost for gaming. While both phones utilize LPDDR5 RAM, the Snapdragon’s optimized memory controller and thermal design likely result in sustained performance during extended gaming sessions, mitigating potential throttling. The Kirin 990E, however, is no slouch and handles everyday tasks with ease.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the S20 FE 2022’s 25W wired charging with PD3.0 is slower than the Mate 40E 4G’s 40W wired charging. The Mate 40E 4G further distinguishes itself with 40W wireless charging, significantly faster than the S20 FE 2022’s 15W Qi wireless charging. The Mate 40E 4G also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the S20 FE. While battery life will depend on usage patterns, the Mate 40E 4G’s faster charging speeds provide a clear convenience advantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei Mate 40E 4G if you need exceptionally fast charging – both wired and wireless – and are comfortable with the Huawei ecosystem and potential software limitations. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022 if you prioritize gaming performance, a more open software experience, and a wider range of app compatibility, even if it means sacrificing some charging speed and 5G connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 990E in the Mate 40E 4G struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Kirin 990E is a capable chipset, it will likely require lower graphics settings in demanding games like Genshin Impact to maintain a stable frame rate. The Snapdragon 865 in the S20 FE 2022 offers a more comfortable gaming experience with higher settings and sustained performance.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on both devices a significant drawback in 2024?
For users in areas with widespread 5G coverage, the lack of 5G is a definite limitation. However, if 5G availability is limited or you primarily use Wi-Fi, it’s less of a concern. The performance benefits of the Snapdragon 865 may outweigh the absence of 5G for many users.
❓ How does Huawei's EMUI software compare to Samsung's One UI in terms of usability and app compatibility?
Samsung's One UI is generally considered more user-friendly and offers broader app compatibility due to Google Mobile Services (GMS) support. Huawei's EMUI, lacking GMS, relies on Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and may require workarounds for certain apps. This can impact the overall user experience.
❓ What is the real-world difference in charging time between the 40W and 25W charging capabilities?
The Mate 40E 4G's 40W charging can typically charge a battery from 0% to 100% in around 60-75 minutes, while the S20 FE 2022's 25W charging takes approximately 90-120 minutes. This difference is particularly noticeable for quick top-ups.