The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022 and ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme represent interesting points in the smartphone market. The S20 FE 2022, a revised version of a popular flagship, aims to deliver a premium experience at a more accessible price. The Axon 20 5G Extreme, meanwhile, offered an under-display camera as a novelty, coupled with a mid-range chipset. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device provides the best overall value in today's market.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 865 chipset delivers significantly better performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks and gaming. While the Axon 20 5G Extreme offers a unique under-display camera, the performance trade-off isn't worth it for the average user.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat19 1800/200 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 03. Released 2020, December 22 | 2022, April 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, April 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, eco leather back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 172.1 x 77.9 x 8 mm (6.78 x 3.07 x 0.31 in) | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm (6.29 x 2.93 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.92 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10, MiFavor 10.5 | Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 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 |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), under display | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 32-bit/384kHz audio
Tuned by AKG |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing
Bixby natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, QC4, 60% in 30 min | 25W wired, PD3.0
15W wireless (Qi)
4.5W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 4220 mAh | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunrise Yellow | Cloud White, Cloud Lavender, Cloud Navy |
| Models | A2121 | SM-G781NK, SM-G781NK22 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 520 EUR |
ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme
- Unique under-display camera design
- Potentially lower price point
- 30W fast charging
- Inferior Snapdragon 765G performance
- Likely compromised camera quality due to under-display camera
- Less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022
- Significantly more powerful Snapdragon 865 chipset
- Superior camera system with OIS
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging
- Slightly slower wired charging (25W)
- May be more expensive
- Traditional notch or punch-hole camera
Display Comparison
Both devices feature 7nm fabrication, but the display differences are notable. While specific display specs (resolution, refresh rate) aren't provided, the Axon 20 5G Extreme's key feature is its under-display camera, sacrificing some display uniformity. The S20 FE 2022, likely utilizing a Super AMOLED panel typical of Samsung, will offer superior color accuracy and potentially higher peak brightness. The absence of LTPO technology in either device suggests standard refresh rate management, impacting battery efficiency during dynamic content.
Camera Comparison
The camera systems are a key differentiator. While the Axon 20 5G Extreme’s under-display camera is a novelty, it likely compromises image quality. The S20 FE 2022, with its Snapdragon 865 ISP, benefits from superior image processing capabilities. Without specific sensor details, we can assume the S20 FE 2022’s main sensor is larger and offers better low-light performance. The S20 FE 2022’s inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a significant advantage, resulting in sharper images and smoother video. The 2MP macro camera on the Axon 20 5G Extreme is likely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022’s Snapdragon 865 (7nm+) significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm). The 865’s Cortex-A77 prime core, clocked at 2.84 GHz, provides a substantial CPU performance boost over the 765G’s Kryo 475 Prime at 2.4 GHz. The 865 also boasts a more powerful Adreno 650 GPU, crucial for gaming. While both support 5G, the 865’s superior processing power will handle 5G-intensive tasks more efficiently. The 765G, while capable, will likely exhibit more throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but the S20 FE 2022’s 25W wired charging (PD3.0) is faster than the Axon 20 5G Extreme’s 30W (QC4). The S20 FE 2022 also adds 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, offering greater versatility. The Snapdragon 865’s more efficient architecture, despite its higher performance, can partially offset the potential battery drain from its power. The Axon 20 5G Extreme’s 30W charging might reach 60% faster, but the S20 FE 2022’s wireless charging options provide convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme if you prioritize a unique, almost bezel-less display and are willing to compromise on performance for a lower price. It's suitable for casual users who primarily browse, stream, and use social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 2022 if you demand smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and photography, and value a more refined software experience and a proven track record of reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the Axon 20 5G Extreme struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is a mid-range chipset and will likely struggle to maintain consistent frame rates in demanding games like Genshin Impact, even on medium settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The S20 FE 2022’s Snapdragon 865 offers a significantly smoother gaming experience.
❓ Is the under-display camera on the Axon 20 5G Extreme actually usable for high-quality selfies?
While innovative, the under-display camera on the Axon 20 5G Extreme suffers from image quality compromises. Light has to pass through the display, resulting in softer images, reduced dynamic range, and potential distortion. It's suitable for casual video calls, but not ideal for high-quality selfies or portraits. The S20 FE 2022’s front-facing camera will deliver far superior results.
❓ How does the thermal management compare between the two phones during prolonged use?
The Snapdragon 865 in the S20 FE 2022, while powerful, is known to generate heat. However, Samsung’s thermal solutions are generally effective. The Snapdragon 765G in the Axon 20 5G Extreme will likely throttle sooner under sustained load due to its less efficient architecture and cooling system. Expect the S20 FE 2022 to maintain peak performance for longer periods.
