Galaxy S20 FE vs Google Pixel 7 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition), released in September 2020, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, are both Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S20 FE aimed to deliver flagship features at a more accessible point, the Pixel 7 Pro focuses on advanced computational photography and a premium software experience. The primary differences lie in their release timelines, camera capabilities, and Google's integrated software approach versus Samsung's broader feature set.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and ease of repair.

• Software Support: The Galaxy S20 FE launched with Android 10 and was promised three major OS updates, concluding with Android 13, and five years of security patches, with official software support ending around October 2025. In contrast, the Google Pixel 7 Pro, released with Android 13, is designed to receive five years of both OS and security updates, offering a longer period of official support.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S20 FE generally scores higher in repairability, with some assessments giving it a score of 7.5 out of 10, noting that the battery and its cable are relatively accessible. The Pixel 7 Pro received a repairability score of 5.5 out of 10, with challenges noted in battery removal due to strong adhesive and the charging port being soldered to the main board.
• Build Materials: The Galaxy S20 FE features a plastic back, which can be more resilient to certain types of impact compared to glass. The Pixel 7 Pro incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, contributing to its overall durability.

Evaluating performance involves looking at how each device handles daily tasks, manages power, and stores data.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 FE (5G variant) is equipped with a processor that provides responsive performance for everyday applications and multitasking, though some users reported occasional minor lag when switching between numerous apps. The Pixel 7 Pro features a newer-generation processor designed to deliver smooth operation for demanding applications, advanced AI features, and seamless multitasking.
• Battery Life and Charging: The Galaxy S20 FE houses a 4,500 mAh battery, which typically provides a full day of use, though enabling the 120Hz display refresh rate can reduce its overall endurance. It supports 25W fast charging, but ships with a 15W charger. The Pixel 7 Pro comes with a larger 5,000 mAh battery. While it generally offers a full day of power, intensive tasks like heavy camera usage can lead to faster depletion. It supports 30W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging.
• Storage and Memory: The Galaxy S20 FE offers 128GB of internal storage and includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 1TB. It typically comes with 6GB of RAM. The Pixel 7 Pro provides storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, but does not include a microSD card slot for expansion. It is equipped with 12GB of RAM, supporting robust multitasking.

The display is a key interaction point, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S20 FE features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This technology provides vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, offering a sharper and more detailed visual experience.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S20 FE features a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Pixel 7 Pro offers an adaptive refresh rate that can dynamically adjust between 10Hz and 120Hz, optimizing for both smoothness and power efficiency.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both displays support HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and color reproduction. The Pixel 7 Pro can achieve a peak brightness of up to 1500 nits, which aids in visibility under bright outdoor conditions.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and these devices approach photography with different strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 FE includes a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It is capable of capturing detailed images with vibrant colors and offers decent performance in low-light conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro features a more advanced triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. It is particularly noted for its computational photography, delivering strong low-light performance and impressive zoom capabilities.
• Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S20 FE is equipped with a 32MP front camera. The Pixel 7 Pro features a 10.8MP front camera.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices support video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second. The Pixel 7 Pro has seen improvements in video performance, including features like cinematic blur. Both phones are expected to offer stereo speaker output for media consumption.