Galaxy S20 FE vs iPhone 15 Pro

Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$268.29

Versus A$578.00 new

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iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$873.00

Versus A$1,849.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, released in October 2020, and the iPhone 15 Pro, launched in September 2023, represent different generations and operating systems within the smartphone landscape. While the Galaxy S20 FE offers a larger display and a focus on user-requested features, the iPhone 15 Pro introduces a more advanced camera system and a newer, more powerful internal architecture. These devices operate on Android and iOS, respectively, providing distinct user experiences.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates and repairability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 FE was released in October 2020, making it an older device compared to the iPhone 15 Pro, which launched in September 2023. This age difference directly impacts the remaining period of official software support.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S20 FE initially received three major Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches, with official software support concluding around October 2025. [19, 39] In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro is guaranteed a minimum of five years of software updates from its release, and historically, Apple often extends support beyond this period, potentially until 2030 or later. [20, 31, 33, 43]
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S20 FE is considered moderately repairable, with some sources giving it a repairability score of around 7.5 out of 10, noting that components like the battery and screen are accessible with some effort. [10, 40] The iPhone 15 Pro initially received a lower repairability score, but subsequent software changes improved its score to 7 out of 10, allowing for easier part calibration after repairs. [4, 5, 12, 24, 41]

Release year

2020

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

Operating system

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with the newer iPhone 15 Pro offering a more advanced internal architecture designed for demanding tasks, while the Galaxy S20 FE provides solid performance for everyday use.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 15 Pro features a current-generation chip that delivers substantial improvements in processing speed and graphical rendering, making it highly capable for intensive applications, advanced gaming, and complex multitasking. [1, 7, 11, 13, 16, 25] The Galaxy S20 FE, equipped with a capable processor for its time, handles daily tasks, app usage, and moderate gaming smoothly. [15, 17, 26, 30]
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 15 Pro comes with 8GB of RAM and offers storage options up to 1TB, providing ample space and efficient multitasking capabilities for users who manage many applications simultaneously or store large files. [7, 8, 13] The Galaxy S20 FE typically offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card, catering to users who prefer physical storage expansion. [15, 17, 26, 30]
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 15 Pro is designed to provide all-day battery life for typical usage, supporting fast wired and wireless charging. [4, 13, 16, 25] The Galaxy S20 FE features a larger battery capacity, also designed to last through a full day of use, and supports fast wired, wireless, and reverse wireless charging. [15, 17, 30]

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer vibrant displays, but they differ in technology, refresh rate capabilities, and overall viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, high contrast, and a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels at 460 pixels per inch (ppi), resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. [1, 7, 11, 13] The Galaxy S20 FE has a larger 6.5-inch Super AMOLED Infinity-O Display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080x2400 pixels and a pixel density of 407 ppi, providing clear and vibrant colors. [15, 17, 23, 30]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 15 Pro includes ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsiveness, along with high brightness levels of up to 1000 nits typical and 2000 nits peak for outdoor visibility. [1, 7, 11, 13] The Galaxy S20 FE also features a 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth visual experience, and its display supports HDR10+ for enhanced color and contrast. [2, 3, 15, 23, 30]
  • Additional Display Features: The iPhone 15 Pro incorporates the Dynamic Island, which dynamically adapts to alerts and activities, and an Always-On display feature. [1, 7, 11] Both devices offer excellent color reproduction suitable for media consumption and general use.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Super AMOLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these smartphones offer distinct capabilities, catering to different photography and videography needs.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 15 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 48MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, designed for detailed photos across various lighting conditions. [1, 7, 11, 13, 16, 25, 28] The Galaxy S20 FE also has a triple-camera system, comprising a 12MP wide-angle lens with OIS, an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens, providing good performance for everyday photography. [15, 26, 30]
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The iPhone 15 Pro excels in low-light photography and offers advanced video recording capabilities, including 4K Dolby Vision video capture at up to 60 frames per second, providing professional-grade results. [32] The Galaxy S20 FE delivers competent low-light performance and records video at 4K resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second. [30]
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the iPhone 15 Pro is equipped with a 12MP front camera. [13] The Galaxy S20 FE features a higher-resolution 32MP front camera. [15, 26, 30] Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption and good microphone quality for calls and recordings. [15, 29, 30]

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily functionality of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 15 Pro supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, and features a USB-C port with faster data transfer speeds. [7, 13, 14] The Galaxy S20 FE (5G variant) also supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, and includes a USB-C 3.2 port. [21, 30, 46] Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. [21, 30]
  • Build Materials and Durability: The iPhone 15 Pro features a lightweight yet strong titanium frame, a Ceramic Shield front, and a textured matte glass back, contributing to its durability and premium feel. It also has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. [16, 28] The Galaxy S20 FE has a glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, offering a robust build with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. [6, 17, 30]
  • Biometric Security and Dimensions: The iPhone 15 Pro relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. [1] It measures 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25 mm and weighs 187 grams. [7, 18, 37] The Galaxy S20 FE incorporates an optical in-screen fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. [17, 30] It is slightly larger and weighs similarly at 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm and 190 grams. [6, 17, 30]

Weight

190 oz

187 oz

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.1

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the iPhone 15 Pro cater to different user preferences, largely due to their release timelines and operating systems. Users often praise the Galaxy S20 FE for its vibrant display, expandable storage, and solid all-around performance for its category. [23, 26] Some common criticisms have revolved around its plastic back, which some users perceive as less premium, and its software update longevity compared to newer devices. [6, 9]

The iPhone 15 Pro, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for its powerful performance, advanced camera capabilities, and the seamless integration of the iOS ecosystem. [16, 25] Users appreciate its premium build materials and the consistent, long-term software support Apple provides. [20, 28, 31] Criticisms sometimes point to the closed nature of iOS and the lack of expandable storage, which can be a consideration for some users. [13]

Users prioritizing a device with a larger screen, expandable storage, and a more open operating system might find the Galaxy S20 FE well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value cutting-edge performance, a highly refined camera system, and extended software support within the Apple ecosystem may lean toward the iPhone 15 Pro. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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