Galaxy S20 FE vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, released in October 2020, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, are both part of Samsung's 'Fan Edition' smartphone series. These models aim to deliver a selection of popular features from their respective flagship lines in a slightly different package. While they share a similar design philosophy and operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the S21 FE 5G introduces a more current internal processor and refined camera capabilities compared to its predecessor.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and subsequent software support, alongside its physical resilience.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S20 FE, launched in October 2020, originally ran on Android 10 and received major operating system updates up to Android 13. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, started with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major OS updates, extending its software longevity further into the future. This difference means the S21 FE 5G will benefit from newer features and security patches for a longer period.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. The S20 FE utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection, while the S21 FE 5G upgrades to the more robust Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering enhanced resistance against drops and scratches. Both models incorporate a plastic back and an aluminum frame, balancing durability with a lighter feel.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and enhanced screen protection may find the S21 FE 5G to be a more future-proof option. However, both devices are built to withstand daily use, with their IP ratings and sturdy construction contributing to a reliable practical lifespan.

The performance of these devices is primarily driven by their internal components, affecting how smoothly they handle applications and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 FE is equipped with a previous-generation processor, which capably handles everyday tasks, general web browsing, and most applications with ease. For more demanding activities like graphically intensive gaming or complex video editing, it delivers a consistent experience. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a newer generation processor, providing a noticeable boost in overall speed and efficiency. This translates to quicker app loading times, smoother transitions between applications, and a more responsive experience during intensive tasks.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both models offer configurations with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, allowing for efficient multitasking and keeping multiple applications open without significant slowdowns. A key difference lies in storage expansion: the Galaxy S20 FE includes a microSD card slot, enabling users to expand storage beyond the internal 128GB or 256GB options. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, while offering the same internal storage capacities, does not feature a microSD card slot, meaning users are limited to the built-in storage.
• Battery Performance: Both devices house a 4500 mAh battery. While the capacity is identical, the S21 FE 5G's more efficient processor and software optimizations may contribute to slightly improved battery endurance for some users, particularly under moderate usage. Both support fast wired and wireless charging.

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display technology, resolution, and responsiveness.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S20 FE features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant color reproduction. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with a slightly smaller 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which generally offers enhanced brightness and more accurate color calibration, particularly in varying lighting conditions. Both displays provide a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), ensuring sharp text and clear images.
• Smoothness and Brightness: Both models boast a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to a fluid scrolling experience and smoother animations, which is particularly beneficial for gaming and navigating user interfaces. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel on the S21 FE 5G typically achieves higher peak brightness levels, making it more comfortable to view content outdoors or in brightly lit environments.
• Screen Protection: The S20 FE is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering a good level of scratch resistance for its time. The S21 FE 5G steps up to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, providing increased durability against accidental drops and scratches.

Both devices offer versatile camera systems designed to capture a wide range of photographic and videographic moments.

• Rear Camera System: Both the Galaxy S20 FE and S21 FE 5G feature a triple-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12MP main wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for flexibility in capturing different perspectives, from expansive landscapes to detailed distant subjects. The S21 FE 5G benefits from improved image processing and AI enhancements, which can lead to more refined results, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
• Photography Features: Both phones offer features like Night Mode for improved low-light photography and Single Take, which captures multiple formats from a single shot. The S21 FE 5G introduces AI Face Restoration for selfies and an enhanced Night Mode with AI multi-frame processing, contributing to clearer and more vibrant low-light images. The S21 FE 5G also includes a 'Zoom Lock' feature for more stable zoomed-in shots.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording video at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. The S21 FE 5G adds features like Director's View, allowing users to switch between different lenses while recording, and Dual Recording, which captures video from both front and rear cameras simultaneously. Both phones feature stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience. The S20 FE also highlights a High AOP Mic for minimizing distortion in noisy recording environments.