Galaxy S20 FE 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, released in late 2020, and its successor, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in early 2022, are both designed to offer a selection of premium features from their respective flagship series in a more accessible package. While sharing a similar design philosophy and the Android operating system, the newer model brings updates to its internal components and display protection. Both devices aim to provide a balanced smartphone experience for users seeking robust performance and camera capabilities.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G was released in October 2020, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G followed in January 2022. This nearly 15-month difference in launch dates directly impacts their expected software longevity.
• Software Support: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G launched with Android 10 and received three major Android OS updates, concluding with Android 13. Its security updates transitioned to a quarterly schedule in late 2024, with final updates anticipated around October 2025. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades, potentially up to Android 16. Its security updates moved to a quarterly schedule in October 2025.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches for the longest possible duration will find the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers an extended period of support due to its later release and more generous update policy. Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, contributing to their physical durability.

The performance of these smartphones is driven by their internal processing units and memory configurations, influencing how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G is equipped with a processor known for efficient performance and stable operation. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a newer generation processor, which generally offers enhanced speed and graphical capabilities. However, some users have noted that this newer processor can generate more heat under heavy load.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both models offer configurations with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature absent in the Galaxy S21 FE 5G. This means users of the S21 FE 5G must rely solely on the internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 4500mAh battery. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G is often praised by users for its consistent battery life, often lasting a full day even with moderate to heavy use. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's battery performance can vary, with some users reporting more frequent charging for heavy usage, particularly when the high refresh rate display and 5G connectivity are consistently active.

The visual experience on both devices is a highlight, featuring vibrant displays with smooth interactions.

• Display Technology: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a Super AMOLED display, known for its rich colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G upgrades to a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which offers enhanced brightness and color accuracy.
• Resolution and Smoothness: Both phones have a 6.5-inch (S20 FE 5G) or 6.4-inch (S21 FE 5G) display with a 1080x2400 pixel resolution, providing clear and sharp visuals for everyday viewing. Both also support a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid user interface experience.
• Durability: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G's display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features the more advanced Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering increased resistance to scratches and drops.

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments with clarity and detail.

• Rear Camera System: Both the Galaxy S20 FE 5G and Galaxy S21 FE 5G feature a triple-camera setup on the rear. This typically includes a 12-megapixel wide-angle main lens, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The main and telephoto lenses on both models include optical image stabilization for clearer shots.
• Photography Performance: In good lighting conditions, both devices produce detailed and vibrant photos. User feedback for the S20 FE 5G often highlights the main camera's strong performance, though the ultrawide can be less consistent. The S21 FE 5G's camera system is also praised for its image quality, with good detail and color reproduction across various lighting scenarios.
• Video and Selfie Capabilities: Both phones are capable of recording video at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. For selfies, both are equipped with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera, delivering high-resolution self-portraits.