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In this article, I give you my Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G review with specs included. This is not Galaxy S20 again, it’s the FE which stands for Fan Edition 5G phone. Let’s see what sets this apart from a normal S20.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, or Fan Edition, represents a notable departure from its predecessors, particularly in terms of its build material and price point. Let’s delve into the details of this device, considering its features, performance, and how it compares to its competitors.

Firstly, it’s essential to note that the Galaxy S20 FE features a “glastic” back panel, which is essentially plastic engineered to mimic the feel of glass. While this may initially seem like a downgrade from the glass backs of previous models, there are advantages to this choice, as we’ll explore further.

The “Fan Edition” moniker indicates that this device offers all the essential features and functionalities of a Galaxy flagship but at a more affordable price point. For instance, it retains the impressive 120Hz refresh rate OLED display found in its pricier counterparts. Although it doesn’t boast the same ultra-high resolution as other S20 models, the Full HD+ resolution is more than adequate for most users, especially considering that higher resolutions often drain battery life without offering significant perceptible improvements in visual quality.

In terms of performance, the Galaxy S20 FE packs either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset (in the United States) or the Exynos CPU (overseas), both of which deliver robust performance and 5G support. The device also inherits the triple-camera setup from the S20 series, comprising main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, providing users with versatile photography capabilities on par with its pricier siblings.

Despite its more accessible price point, the Galaxy S20 FE doesn’t skimp on essential features. It includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, Wi-Fi 6 support, Bluetooth 5, NFC for contactless payments, and IP68 water resistance—features typically associated with premium smartphones.

Moreover, the device supports fast charging up to 25 watts, although users should note that only a 15-watt charger is included in the box. Additionally, it features 15-watt Qi wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing users to wirelessly charge compatible accessories or other smartphones.

The inclusion of a 32-megapixel front camera with pixel binning down to 8 megapixels ensures high-quality selfies, although some users may find the reflective iridescent lens design somewhat unconventional.

Regarding the rear camera setup, the Galaxy S20 FE maintains the same 12-megapixel cameras found in its predecessors, delivering excellent image quality and versatile shooting modes, including Pro mode, 4K video recording, and slow-motion video capture.

Furthermore, the device supports Samsung DeX, enabling users to transform their smartphone into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor or TV. With a sizable 4,500mAh battery, the Galaxy S20 FE offers all-day battery life, ensuring users stay connected and productive throughout the day.

In terms of pricing and positioning within Samsung’s product lineup, the Galaxy S20 FE fills a crucial gap between more affordable mid-range devices and premium flagship smartphones. With its competitive price point, expansive feature set, and robust performance, it competes favorably against both older flagship devices and offerings from competitors like OnePlus and Apple.

Overall, the Galaxy S20 FE delivers a compelling combination of performance, features, and value, making it an attractive option for users seeking a flagship-level smartphone experience without breaking the bank. Its durable build, robust camera system, and long-lasting battery further enhance its appeal, making it a worthy contender in the mid-range smartphone segment.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, also known as the Fan Edition, offers a blend of flagship features and affordability. Let’s explore its pros and cons in detail:

Pros:

1. Affordable 5G: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G brings 5G connectivity to a more accessible price point, allowing users to experience faster network speeds and low latency without breaking the bank.
2. High Refresh Rate Display: It features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate display, offering a responsive and fluid user experience, especially when scrolling through content and navigating the interface.
3. Vibrant OLED Display: The device sports a vibrant OLED display with Full HD+ resolution, providing vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
4. Triple Camera Setup: Equipped with a versatile triple camera setup, including a main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G delivers impressive photography capabilities, allowing users to capture a wide range of scenarios with ease.
5. Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos) Chipset: Powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset (in the United States) or the Exynos CPU (overseas), the device offers robust performance and smooth multitasking, ensuring a lag-free user experience.
6. Expandable Storage: With a microSD card slot, users can expand the device’s storage capacity, providing ample space for storing photos, videos, apps, and other media files without worrying about running out of storage.
7. IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G boasts IP68 water and dust resistance, offering peace of mind against accidental spills, splashes, and exposure to dust and dirt.
8. Fast Charging and Wireless Charging: Supporting fast charging up to 25 watts and wireless charging up to 15 watts, the device ensures quick and convenient charging options for users, allowing them to top up their battery quickly.
9. Samsung DeX Support: With Samsung DeX support, users can transform their smartphone into a desktop-like experience by connecting it to a monitor or TV, enhancing productivity and multitasking capabilities.
10. Long-Lasting Battery Life: With a sizable 4,500mAh battery, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers all-day battery life, enabling users to stay connected and productive throughout the day without constantly worrying about recharging.
11. Android Updates and Software Support: Samsung promises three years of OS updates for the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, ensuring that users receive the latest security patches, features, and enhancements over the device’s lifespan.

Cons:

1. Plastic Back: Unlike its pricier counterparts, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a “glastic” back panel, which may feel less premium compared to glass-backed smartphones. Some users may prefer the more premium look and feel of glass.
2. Lower Display Resolution: While the device offers a vibrant OLED display, it lacks the ultra-high resolution found in other S20 models, potentially resulting in slightly less sharp visuals, particularly when viewing content up close.
3. No 45W Charger Included: Although the device supports fast charging up to 25 watts, Samsung only includes a 15-watt charger in the box, requiring users to purchase a separate 25-watt charger for optimal charging speeds.
4. Reflective Front Camera Lens: The reflective iridescent lens design of the front camera may be considered unconventional by some users, detracting from the overall aesthetic appeal of the device.
5. Limited Optical Zoom: While the device features a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, its digital zoom capabilities are limited compared to flagship smartphones like the Galaxy S20 Ultra, potentially affecting long-range photography.
6. No Headphone Jack: Similar to other recent flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G lacks a headphone jack, requiring users to use wireless headphones or USB-C adapters for audio connectivity.
7. Limited Color Options: While the device offers a choice of six different colors, some users may find the color options limited compared to other smartphones in its price range, potentially limiting personalization options.
8. 2D Facial Recognition: The device only features 2D facial recognition for biometric authentication, which may be less secure compared to more advanced facial recognition systems found in other smartphones.
9. Exynos Processor for International Models: International models of the Galaxy S20 FE 5G may feature Samsung’s Exynos chipset instead of the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor found in the US models, potentially leading to variations in performance and efficiency.
10. Competitive Market: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G faces stiff competition from other mid-range and flagship smartphones in its price range, requiring Samsung to continuously innovate and offer compelling features to stand out in the market.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers a compelling blend of features, performance, and affordability, making it an attractive option for users seeking a flagship-level smartphone experience without the premium price tag. While it may have some limitations compared to its pricier counterparts, its competitive pricing and robust feature set make it a worthy contender in the mid-range smartphone segment.