Galaxy S20 FE 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, released in October 2020, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, are both 'Fan Edition' smartphones designed to offer a blend of flagship features. While they share a similar design philosophy and run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, the newer S21 FE 5G brings a more advanced processor, enhanced display protection, and a longer software support commitment.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G was initially released in October 2020, making it an older device compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, which launched in January 2022. This difference in release date directly impacts their remaining software support.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G received three major Android OS updates, concluding with Android 13. Its security updates transitioned to a quarterly schedule in late 2024 or early 2025, with final updates expected around late 2025 or early 2026. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is promised four major Android OS upgrades, extending its support up to Android 16, along with five years of security updates. This means the S21 FE 5G offers a significantly longer period of official software and security updates.
• Repairability and Build: Both devices feature an aluminum frame and a plastic back, contributing to a balance of durability and manufacturing considerations. The S20 FE 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection, while the S21 FE 5G benefits from the more robust Gorilla Glass Victus. Both models generally score well in repairability, with the S20 FE 5G rated around 7.5/10 and the S21 FE 5G around 7.5/10 or 8.2/10, indicating that common repairs like screen or battery replacements are feasible.

The performance of these smartphones is largely driven by their internal components, influencing how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking efficiently, providing a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, featuring a newer generation processor, offers enhanced capabilities for more intensive tasks such as advanced gaming and video editing, resulting in generally smoother operation and quicker app loading times.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices come with options for 6GB or 8GB of RAM, allowing for competent multitasking. Users of the S20 FE 5G generally report good performance for daily use, with some noting occasional stutters when exiting heavy applications. The S21 FE 5G's newer processor contributes to a more consistently fluid experience, even under heavier loads.
• Storage and Battery Behavior: Both models offer 128GB or 256GB internal storage options. A notable difference is that the S20 FE 5G includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature absent in the S21 FE 5G. Both devices house a 4500mAh battery. Users of the S20 FE 5G often report good battery life, lasting a full day with moderate use. For the S21 FE 5G, battery life is generally considered average, with heavy usage or 5G connectivity potentially requiring more frequent charging.

The visual experience on both devices is a strong point, though there are subtle differences in their display technology and protection.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a slightly smaller 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Both offer a Full HD+ resolution of 1080x2400 pixels, providing clear and sharp visuals for everyday viewing, from text to multimedia content. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the S21 FE 5G supports HDR10+, which can offer a slightly more vibrant and dynamic range for compatible content.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both phones boast a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable in gaming and general navigation. In terms of brightness, the S20 FE 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1200 cd/m², while the S21 FE 5G offers a slightly higher peak brightness of 1300 cd/m², which can improve outdoor visibility in bright conditions.
• Screen Protection: The S20 FE 5G is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, an older but still effective standard against scratches and minor impacts. The S21 FE 5G benefits from the more advanced Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering enhanced durability and resistance to drops and scratches.

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, with similar specifications across their main lenses.

• Camera System Capabilities: Both the Galaxy S20 FE 5G and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G feature a triple-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens, an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. For selfies and video calls, both devices are equipped with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.
• Photography Performance: Users generally find the cameras on both models to perform well in everyday lighting conditions, producing detailed and vibrant images. The S21 FE 5G, with its newer processor, may offer slight improvements in image processing and overall consistency, particularly in challenging scenarios. Both support features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the main and telephoto lenses, which helps in capturing sharper photos and more stable videos.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 30/60 frames per second, and 1080p video at 30/60 frames per second, with gyro-EIS for stabilization. The S21 FE 5G also supports HDR10+ video recording. Both phones include stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.