Galaxy S20 FE vs Oppo Find X5 Pro

Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$270.29

Versus A$578.00 new

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Oppo Find X5 Pro
Oppo Find X5 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$641.00

Versus A$1,769.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition), released in October 2020, and the Oppo Find X5 Pro, launched in March 2022, are both Android smartphones that offered flagship-level experiences at their respective times of release. While the Galaxy S20 FE aimed to deliver essential premium features to a broader audience, the Oppo Find X5 Pro positioned itself as a high-end device with a focus on advanced camera technology and display innovation. These devices run on the Android operating system, with the Find X5 Pro benefiting from a more recent software foundation and longer expected support.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates, as well as its physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 FE was released in October 2020, making it an older device compared to the Oppo Find X5 Pro, which launched in March 2022. This age difference directly impacts the duration of future software support.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S20 FE launched with Android 10 and received major OS updates up to Android 13. The Oppo Find X5 Pro, starting with Android 12, is expected to receive updates for a longer period, potentially up to Android 15, offering extended access to new features and security patches.
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. However, the Find X5 Pro incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus for its display, a newer and generally more robust glass than the Gorilla Glass 3 found on the S20 FE.

Release year

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Evaluating the performance of these two smartphones involves looking at their core components and how they translate to real-world user experience, from daily tasks to more demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 FE is powered by a processor that, while capable at its release, is now several generations older than the one in the Oppo Find X5 Pro. The Find X5 Pro features a more current-generation processor, designed for enhanced efficiency and speed.
  • System Responsiveness and Multitasking: Users of the Find X5 Pro will generally experience smoother app loading, more fluid transitions, and better handling of multiple applications simultaneously due to its more powerful internal components and higher RAM configurations (up to 12GB compared to the S20 FE's up to 8GB). This difference is particularly noticeable in graphically intensive games or when editing high-resolution media.
  • Battery Performance: The Oppo Find X5 Pro includes a larger 5000 mAh battery, offering a greater capacity than the 4500 mAh battery in the Galaxy S20 FE. Both devices are generally reported to provide a full day of use for many users, but the Find X5 Pro's larger capacity, combined with its adaptive refresh rate display, may offer slightly longer endurance under similar usage patterns.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S20 FE and Oppo Find X5 Pro offer compelling visual experiences, though with distinct differences in technology and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature AMOLED display technology, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S20 FE has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The Oppo Find X5 Pro steps up with a larger 6.7-inch LTPO2 AMOLED display, offering a higher resolution of 1440 x 3216 pixels, resulting in a sharper image with more detail.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions. However, the Find X5 Pro's LTPO2 panel allows for an adaptive refresh rate, dynamically scaling from 1Hz to 120Hz. This adaptive capability can contribute to better power efficiency by reducing the refresh rate when static content is displayed.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: The Oppo Find X5 Pro generally offers higher peak brightness levels, which can improve outdoor visibility and the viewing experience for HDR content. The larger screen size and higher resolution of the Find X5 Pro also provide a more expansive and immersive viewing experience for media consumption and productivity.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440 x 3216

Screen type

Super AMOLED

LTPO2 AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, but the Oppo Find X5 Pro benefits from newer technology and specialized imaging hardware.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S20 FE features a triple camera setup with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The Oppo Find X5 Pro also has a triple rear camera system, but with higher resolution sensors: a 50MP main, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 13MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Find X5 Pro integrates a dedicated MariSilicon X Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and benefits from a collaboration with Hasselblad, which aims to enhance color accuracy and low-light performance, particularly for video. While the S20 FE's camera was well-regarded at its launch, the Find X5 Pro generally offers more advanced image processing, better detail retention, and improved performance in challenging lighting conditions, especially for night video.
  • Video and Audio Capabilities: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video. The Find X5 Pro's MariSilicon X NPU specifically enhances 4K Night Video, allowing for better dynamic range and detail in low light. For audio, both offer stereo speakers, and the S20 FE includes features like Dolby Atmos support.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core performance and display, several practical features and design elements differentiate the Galaxy S20 FE and the Oppo Find X5 Pro, influencing daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth. They both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. The Find X5 Pro supports a newer Bluetooth 5.2 standard compared to the S20 FE's Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Biometric Security and Build: Both phones feature in-display optical fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. In terms of build, the Galaxy S20 FE has a plastic back with a premium matte finish and an aluminum frame. The Oppo Find X5 Pro uses more premium materials, featuring a ceramic back and an aluminum frame, which contributes to a distinct in-hand feel and aesthetic.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S20 FE is slightly lighter at 190 grams and has dimensions of 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm. The Oppo Find X5 Pro is heavier at 218 grams and measures 163.7 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm, reflecting its larger screen and potentially more robust build.

Weight

190 oz

218 oz

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.7

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the Oppo Find X5 Pro cater to slightly different user expectations, largely due to their respective release timelines and design philosophies. The Galaxy S20 FE was widely praised for delivering a strong balance of features and performance, particularly its capable camera system and reliable battery life, making it a popular choice for users seeking a well-rounded device without the highest-tier price tag. Some users noted its plastic back as a less premium material compared to other flagships, though its matte finish was appreciated for resisting fingerprints.

The Oppo Find X5 Pro, being a more recent release, garnered acclaim for its advanced display, powerful processing capabilities, and innovative camera system, especially its low-light video performance and unique ceramic design. Criticisms sometimes pointed to its telephoto camera not offering the longest zoom range compared to some competitors, and the powerful processor could lead to noticeable warmth during extended demanding tasks.

Users prioritizing a device with a longer software update lifespan, a more advanced and higher-resolution display, and cutting-edge camera technology, particularly for low-light video, may find the Oppo Find X5 Pro better suited to their needs. Its robust performance also makes it ideal for demanding applications and mobile gaming. Conversely, users who value a slightly lighter device, expandable storage, and a still-competent overall experience for everyday tasks and photography might lean towards the Galaxy S20 FE. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those looking to make a sustainable choice.

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