Galaxy S20 FE vs Nokia G22

Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$268.29

Versus A$578.00 new

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Nokia G22
Nokia G22
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The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, released in October 2020, and the Nokia G22, launched in February 2023, are both smartphones designed to offer a balanced user experience. While the Galaxy S20 FE aimed to bring flagship features to a wider audience, the Nokia G22 focuses on user repairability and extended battery life. These devices cater to different priorities, with the Galaxy S20 FE emphasizing performance and display quality, and the Nokia G22 highlighting longevity through ease of maintenance and robust battery capacity.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators. The Galaxy S20 FE, being an older model, has reached the end of its official software update cycle, while the Nokia G22 was designed with repairability in mind to extend its practical lifespan.

  • Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, launched in 2020, received three major Android operating system updates, concluding its support around Android 13, with security patches ending in October 2025. The Nokia G22, released in 2023, was promised two Android OS upgrades (up to Android 14) and three years of security updates, expected to last until April 2026.
  • Repairability: The Nokia G22 stands out with a design focused on user repairability, earning an 8/10 score from iFixit. It allows for easy replacement of components like the battery, screen, and charging port with readily available guides and parts. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is considered moderately repairable, scoring around 7.5/10 or 8.1/10, though some repairs may require more effort due to adhesive use.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software and security updates will find the Nokia G22 offers a slightly longer period of official support from its release date. However, the Nokia G22's emphasis on self-repair means its hardware can be maintained more easily, potentially extending its physical usability beyond its software support window.

Release year

2020

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy S20 FE and the Nokia G22 reflect their different design philosophies and target user experiences. The Galaxy S20 FE offers a more robust processing foundation, while the Nokia G22 provides adequate performance for everyday tasks.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, equipped with a more powerful processor, handles demanding applications and multitasking with greater fluidity. Users generally report a smooth experience for daily use and gaming. The Nokia G22, powered by a less intensive processor, is suitable for basic web browsing, social media, and lighter applications, though some users have noted occasional lag and slower app loading times.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S20 FE typically comes with 6GB of RAM, which supports more applications running simultaneously without significant slowdowns. Both devices offer 128GB of internal storage, and both include a microSD card slot for expandable storage, with the Nokia G22 supporting up to 2TB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Nokia G22 features a larger 5050 mAh battery, which, combined with its less demanding processor and lower resolution screen, often translates to extended usage times, with some users reporting up to three days of battery life with moderate use. The Galaxy S20 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, and while some users experience a full day of heavy use, others find it requires more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these two smartphones presents a clear distinction, primarily due to their display technologies and resolutions. Each offers a different level of clarity, brightness, and smoothness.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. It offers a Full HD+ resolution (2400x1080 pixels), resulting in sharp images and text. The Nokia G22 has a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel with an HD+ resolution (1600x720 pixels). While it provides a decent viewing experience, it does not match the color richness or sharpness of an AMOLED display.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy S20 FE boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more responsive feel during interactions and gaming. The Nokia G22 offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which is an improvement over standard 60Hz displays, providing a smoother experience than older models. In terms of brightness, the Galaxy S20 FE generally offers better outdoor visibility, while the Nokia G22's screen can be challenging to read in bright sunlight.
  • Viewing Experience: Users prioritizing a premium visual experience for media consumption, gaming, and detailed content will likely prefer the Galaxy S20 FE's display. For general browsing and casual use, the Nokia G22's screen is functional, though it may not offer the same level of immersion or clarity.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

720 x 1600

Screen type

Super AMOLED

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the Nokia G22 cater to different photographic expectations, with the Galaxy S20 FE offering a more versatile and capable setup for various scenarios.

  • Rear Camera Capabilities: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE features a triple-camera system with a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, providing good photography potential and versatility for different shots. The Nokia G22 also has a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. However, user reviews suggest the overall camera performance is mediocre, with the macro and depth sensors offering limited practical utility.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The Galaxy S20 FE generally performs well in various lighting conditions, and its video recording capabilities extend to 4K at 60fps. The Nokia G22's camera can be slow to start up, and its low-light performance is not a strong point. It records videos at 1080p resolution.
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies, the Galaxy S20 FE includes a 32MP front camera, though some users note that Samsung's software applies a beauty mode that can make images appear softer. The Nokia G22 has an 8MP front camera. Both phones offer loudspeaker functionality, and the Galaxy S20 FE supports Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio. The Nokia G22 retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the Galaxy S20 FE.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish the Galaxy S20 FE and the Nokia G22, influencing daily usability and overall device experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE offers 5G connectivity (on specific variants), Wi-Fi 6, and NFC. It uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Nokia G22 supports 4G connectivity and Wi-Fi 5, with NFC available on some models. It includes a USB-C port and retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be a convenience for users with wired headphones.
  • Build Materials and Durability: The Galaxy S20 FE features a plastic back, which Samsung refers to as 'Glasstic,' and an aluminum frame. While durable, some users perceive the plastic back as less premium and prone to scratches. It carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering robust protection against immersion. The Nokia G22 also has a plastic back and frame and is rated IP52 for dust and splash resistance, meaning it can withstand light rain but not full immersion.
  • Sensors and Handling: Both devices include fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S20 FE has an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, while the Nokia G22 typically features a side-mounted sensor. In terms of dimensions and weight, both are similarly sized, offering a comfortable grip for most users.

Weight

190 oz

196 oz

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.5

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the Nokia G22 cater to distinct user needs, reflecting their different market positions and release strategies. The Galaxy S20 FE, a device from 2020, was praised for bringing a near-flagship experience with a vibrant AMOLED display, capable cameras, and strong performance for its time. Users appreciated its smooth operation and photographic potential. However, common criticisms included its 'Glasstic' back, which some found less premium, and mixed reports on battery life under heavy usage. Some users also noted a lack of a headphone jack and the end of its software update cycle as drawbacks.

The Nokia G22, released in 2023, garnered attention for its strong emphasis on repairability and an impressive battery life, often lasting multiple days on a single charge. Its partnership with iFixit for self-repair guides and parts was a significant positive, appealing to users looking for a more sustainable choice. Conversely, frequent criticisms pointed to its slower performance, particularly with demanding apps, and a less impressive camera system. The HD+ LCD screen was also noted as a compromise compared to higher-end displays.

Users prioritizing a powerful processor, a high-quality AMOLED display, and a more advanced camera system for photography and video will find the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE well-suited to their needs, especially if they are comfortable with an older device that no longer receives software updates. Conversely, users who value exceptional battery life, the ability to perform basic repairs themselves, and a more recent, albeit less powerful, software experience may lean towards the Nokia G22. Both devices offer a pathway to informed, sustainable choices, particularly when considering quality-assured refurbished options that extend their lifecycle.

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