Galaxy S20 FE vs Motorola Moto G14

Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$268.29

Versus A$578.00 new

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Motorola Moto G14
Motorola Moto G14
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$182.00

Versus A$271.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, released in October 2020, and the Motorola Moto G14, launched in August 2023, are smartphones designed for different user expectations and market segments. While the Galaxy S20 FE aimed to bring flagship-level features to a wider audience, the Moto G14 focuses on delivering essential smartphone capabilities with a modern design. Key differentiators include display technology, processing power, and camera versatility, reflecting their respective release timelines and design philosophies.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 FE was released in October 2020, making it an older device compared to the Moto G14, which launched in August 2023. This difference in release year impacts their respective software support cycles and the expected duration of future updates.
  • Software Support: The Galaxy S20 FE initially received a commitment for three major Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches, with official software support concluding around October 2025. The Moto G14 launched with Android 13 and is promised an upgrade to Android 14, along with three years of security updates. This means the Moto G14 will receive software support for a longer period from its release date.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S20 FE features a glass front with Gorilla Glass 3 protection, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Moto G14 has a plastic body, with some variants offering a vegan leather back, and carries an IP52 rating, indicating splash resistance.

Release year

2020

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a critical aspect for daily smartphone use, encompassing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles various tasks.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S20 FE is equipped with a processor that was considered high-end at its release, enabling it to handle demanding applications, multitasking, and graphically intensive games with fluidity. The Moto G14 features a processor designed for everyday tasks, providing smooth performance for general use, web browsing, and lighter applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S20 FE typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking and app switching. The Moto G14 usually offers 4GB of RAM, which is suitable for moderate multitasking. Both devices offer 128GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card, providing ample space for files and applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 FE houses a 4500mAh battery, generally providing a full day of mixed usage, with some users reporting excellent endurance. It supports 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging. The Moto G14 has a larger 5000mAh battery, often lasting beyond a full day for many users, and supports 15W or 20W wired charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for user interaction, and its quality significantly impacts the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S20 FE features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. The Moto G14 uses a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel, which offers good color reproduction and viewing angles. Both devices provide Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels), ensuring sharp visuals for text and images.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A notable difference is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S20 FE boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, which results in noticeably smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially during gaming or fast-paced content consumption. The Moto G14 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient for most daily tasks but offers less visual fluidity compared to a higher refresh rate display.
  • Brightness and Protection: The Super AMOLED display of the Galaxy S20 FE generally achieves higher peak brightness, making it more comfortable to view outdoors in bright conditions. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The Moto G14's IPS LCD panel offers adequate brightness for indoor and typical outdoor use and includes Panda Glass for screen protection.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Super AMOLED

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, influencing how they capture and share moments.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 FE features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom with OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. This configuration provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from expansive landscapes to zoomed-in subjects. The Moto G14 comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP macro lens. The high-resolution main sensor is capable of capturing detailed images in good lighting.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S20 FE's camera system, particularly its main sensor, delivers strong performance in various lighting conditions, including decent low-light capabilities, and its telephoto lens provides clear zoomed-in shots. The Moto G14's 50MP main camera performs well in well-lit environments, producing clear and vibrant photos, though its low-light performance and versatility are more limited compared to the Galaxy S20 FE.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: For video, the Galaxy S20 FE supports 4K recording at both 30fps and 60fps with both its rear and front cameras, offering high-quality video capture. It has a 32MP front-facing camera for detailed selfies and video calls. The Moto G14 records video at Full HD (1080p) at 30fps from both its rear and 8MP front cameras.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S20 FE supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, offering faster network speeds and efficient wireless connections. It features a USB Type-C 3.2 port but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Moto G14 supports 4G LTE (without 5G), Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.1 (or 5.0 depending on source). It includes a USB Type-C 2.0 port and retains the 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Audio and Sensors: Both devices are equipped with stereo speakers, enhancing the audio experience for media consumption. The Moto G14 further benefits from Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound. The Galaxy S20 FE features an optical in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Moto G14 utilizes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S20 FE weighs 190 grams and measures 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm, featuring an aluminum frame and a plastic back with a matte finish. The Moto G14 is slightly lighter at 177 grams and has dimensions of 161.4 x 73.82 x 7.99 mm, with a plastic body that can include a vegan leather option.

Weight

190 oz

177 oz

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.5

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the Motorola Moto G14 involves weighing priorities such as performance, camera capabilities, and software longevity. The Galaxy S20 FE, despite its earlier release, was praised by users for its fast processing power, versatile camera system with optical zoom, and vibrant Super AMOLED display with a high refresh rate. Common criticisms for the S20 FE included its plastic back, which some found less premium, and some users reported battery drain issues after certain software updates.

The Motorola Moto G14, a more recent offering, is frequently lauded for its large battery capacity, ensuring extended usage, and its inclusion of stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, providing an enhanced audio experience. However, some users expressed concerns about the Moto G14's more limited software update policy, typically guaranteeing only one major OS upgrade, and some instances of battery drain post-updates have been noted.

Users prioritizing a highly responsive display, a more capable and versatile camera system with optical zoom, and a device that once offered flagship-tier performance may find the Galaxy S20 FE well-suited to their needs. Its IP68 water and dust resistance also adds a layer of durability for active users. Conversely, individuals who value extended battery life, a modern design with a headphone jack, and a device that is newer in terms of its initial software version might lean towards the Motorola Moto G14. Its splash-resistant design and focus on multimedia consumption make it a practical choice for everyday use.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the life of these electronics and offering a sustainable choice for consumers.

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