Galaxy S20 FE 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S9 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, released in late 2020, and the Samsung Galaxy S9, launched in early 2018, represent different generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both offer a premium Android experience, the S20 FE 5G introduces more contemporary features, including enhanced connectivity and a more versatile camera system, building upon the foundational design and display strengths of the earlier S9.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical resilience. These two devices, separated by a couple of years, offer different expectations in these areas.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G, released in October 2020, benefits from a more recent launch, meaning it has received and will continue to receive software updates for a longer period compared to the Galaxy S9, which debuted in March 2018. The S20 FE 5G launched with Android 10 and was upgradable to Android 12, with some sources indicating Android 13 support. The Galaxy S9 launched with Android 8.0 Oreo and officially ended its major OS updates with Android 10. This difference impacts access to new features, security patches, and app compatibility over time.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S9 utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and back, offering robust scratch and drop protection for its time. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G, on the other hand, features Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and a plastic back, which can be more resistant to shattering than glass but may show scuffs more readily.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software and security updates will find the S20 FE 5G offers a longer runway. For those who value physical resilience, both devices offer good protection against environmental elements, though the S9's glass back might be more prone to cracking than the S20 FE 5G's plastic back.

The internal components of these smartphones dictate their responsiveness and capability to handle various tasks, from everyday browsing to more demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G is equipped with a more advanced processor, allowing it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-rich games with greater fluidity and efficiency. Users will experience faster app loading times and smoother transitions. The Galaxy S9, while a capable device at its release, features an older generation processor that performs well for daily tasks but may show limitations with newer, more resource-intensive applications or heavy multitasking.
• Battery Endurance: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G houses a larger 4500 mAh battery, designed to provide extended usage throughout the day, even with features like its high refresh rate display enabled. It also supports faster wired and wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging. The Galaxy S9 has a 3000 mAh battery, which, for many users, may require more frequent charging, especially with moderate to heavy use.
• Storage and Multitasking: The S20 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. This provides ample space for applications and media, and the higher RAM configurations contribute to smoother multitasking. The Galaxy S9 generally offers 4GB of RAM and 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage, also expandable with a microSD card. While sufficient for many, the lower RAM might lead to more frequent app reloads when switching between many active applications.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both Samsung devices offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S20 FE 5G and the Galaxy S9 feature Super AMOLED displays, known for their deep blacks, high contrast, and vivid colors. The S20 FE 5G offers a 6.5-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing clear and sharp visuals. The Galaxy S9 has a smaller 5.8-inch display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, resulting in a slightly higher pixel density for even finer detail.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key differentiator is the refresh rate. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling, animations, and gaming appear noticeably smoother and more fluid. The Galaxy S9 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is still perfectly functional for most users but lacks the enhanced fluidity of the S20 FE 5G.
• Brightness and Viewing Experience: Both displays offer good brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor use. The S20 FE 5G's larger screen provides a more expansive viewing area, which can be beneficial for media consumption and productivity. The S9's slightly smaller size and curved edges contribute to a more compact feel in hand.

The camera systems on these devices reflect advancements in mobile photography over their respective release periods, offering different capabilities for capturing images and videos.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from expansive landscapes to distant subjects. The Galaxy S9 has a single 12MP main camera on the rear, notable for its variable aperture (f/1.5 and f/2.4), which allows it to adapt to different lighting conditions.
• Photography Performance: The S20 FE 5G generally offers improved low-light performance and more advanced image processing, leading to clearer and more detailed photos in challenging conditions. Its ultra-wide and telephoto lenses expand creative possibilities. The S9's variable aperture was a significant innovation, allowing it to capture more light in dark environments, but it lacks the versatility of multiple focal lengths found on the S20 FE 5G.
• Front Camera and Video: For selfies, the S20 FE 5G has a higher-resolution 32MP front camera. The S9 features an 8MP front camera. Both devices are capable of recording 4K video, with the S20 FE 5G offering more frame rate options and potentially better stabilization. Both also include stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience during media consumption.