Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022 vs. S20 FE 5G: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) was a hit, offering flagship features at a more accessible price. But with the 2022 refresh, questions arise: is the newer model a significant upgrade, or is the original S20 FE 5G still a compelling choice? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The S20 FE 5G remains a strong contender, especially at its current price point. The 2022 version offers minor improvements, primarily in display and potentially software support, but the core experience is largely the same. If budget is a concern, the original is a fantastic value.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022 Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - USA
5G bandsSA/NSA/Sub62, 5, 41, 66, 71 Sub6 - USA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat19 1800/200 Mbps, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat19 1800/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 Sub6 - International
Launch
Announced2022, April 012020, September 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 01Available. Released 2020, October 02
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm (6.29 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm (6.29 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~407 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 101.0 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 650
OSAndroid 12, One UI 4.1Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, auto-HDR, panoramaLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Single-2 MP
Triple12 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", 1.12µm12 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@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, 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
Browser-HTTP / WAP 2.0
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)Virtual proximity sensing Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)
Battery
Charging25W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless25W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless
Stand-by-Up to 300 h
Talk time-Up to 5 h
TypeLi-Ion 4500 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsCloud White, Cloud Lavender, Cloud NavyCloud Lavender, Cloud Mint, Cloud Navy, Cloud White, Cloud Red, Cloud Orange
ModelsSM-G781NK, SM-G781NK22SM-G781B, SM-G781B/DS, SM-G781U, SM-G781U1, SM-G781W, SM-G7810, SM-G781N, SM-G781V
PriceAbout 520 EUR$ 137.00 / C$ 531.23 / £ 169.00 / € 199.00
SAR-0.70 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.50 W/kg (head)     1.35 W/kg (body)
Pricing
128GB 6GB RAM-$ 361.99
128GB 8GB RAM-$ 589.97
256GB 8GB RAM-$ 769.99
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 110h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.3 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 543986 (v8) GeekBench: 3296 (v5.1) GFXBench: 45fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022

  • Slightly brighter display
  • Potentially longer software support
  • Modern design

  • Minor upgrades over the original
  • Higher price compared to the original

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G

  • Excellent value for money
  • Flagship performance
  • Great camera
  • Impressive battery life (110h endurance rating)

  • Older model
  • Potentially shorter software support

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The S20 FE 2022 boasts a slightly higher peak brightness (around 822 nits measured) compared to the original S20 FE 5G, resulting in better outdoor visibility. Contrast ratios are excellent on both, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The original has an 'Infinite' contrast ratio which is a nominal value.

Camera Comparison

The camera systems are largely similar. Both feature a triple-lens setup: a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens. Image quality is excellent in both good and low-light conditions. Minor software tweaks might exist in the 2022 version, but the overall photographic experience will be comparable.

Performance

Under the hood, both devices share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G chipset and CPU configuration. Performance will be virtually identical in everyday tasks and gaming. RAM options vary, with the S20 FE 5G available in 6GB or 8GB configurations, and the S20 FE 2022 also offering both. Expect smooth and responsive performance on both.

Battery Life

Both phones have a 4500mAh battery. The original S20 FE 5G boasts an impressive endurance rating of 110 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. The S20 FE 2022's battery life is expected to be similar, though real-world usage may vary slightly. Both support 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022? Those prioritizing the slightly brighter display and potentially longer software support. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G? Budget-conscious buyers seeking flagship performance and a great camera experience without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the S20 FE 2022 worth the extra money?
It depends. If you prioritize a slightly brighter display and potential for longer software updates, then yes. Otherwise, the original S20 FE 5G offers excellent value.
❓ How long will Samsung support the S20 FE 5G with software updates?
Samsung typically provides 3-4 years of software updates for its flagship devices. The S20 FE 5G has already received several updates, and while future updates may be less frequent, it should remain secure and functional for some time.