Galaxy S20 FE 5G • Unlocked vs iPhone 11 Pro • Unlocked

Galaxy S20 FE 5G • Unlocked
Galaxy S20 FE 5G • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$135.00

Versus $903.28 new

See options
iPhone 11 Pro • Unlocked
iPhone 11 Pro • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$200.00

Versus $749.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, released in October 2020, and the iPhone 11 Pro, launched in September 2019, are both premium smartphones that offer distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S20 FE 5G runs on Android and emphasizes a high refresh rate display and expandable storage, the iPhone 11 Pro operates on iOS, focusing on a refined camera system and a compact, durable design.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and repairability.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 11 Pro was released in September 2019, making it approximately a year older than the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, which launched in October 2020. This difference in age can influence the remaining period of official software support.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 11 Pro, running iOS, typically receives major operating system updates for about 5-6 years from its release, with iOS 18 being current as of March 2026. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G, initially on Android 10, was upgradable to Android 12 and is not eligible for Android 14 or later. Its security updates shifted to a quarterly schedule in November 2024, with final updates expected around late 2025 or early 2026.
  • Repairability: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating it is moderately repairable, with accessible battery and screen components. While a specific repairability score for the iPhone 11 Pro was not readily available, iPhones generally present more challenges for repair due to proprietary components and adhesive use.

Release Year

2020

2019

Last OS Compatibility

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both devices offer robust performance for their respective generations, handling daily tasks and demanding applications with efficiency, though their underlying architectures differ.

  • Storage Options: The iPhone 11 Pro is available with 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, without the option for expansion. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of microSDXC card support for further expansion up to 1TB.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 11 Pro, equipped with a 3046mAh battery, is frequently praised by users for its excellent battery life, often lasting more than a full day even with heavy usage. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a larger 4500mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use, though its 120Hz display and 5G connectivity can lead to faster drainage for heavy users.
  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 11 Pro, powered by its A13 Bionic chip, delivers smooth and responsive performance across applications and multitasking. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G, with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, also provides a fluid experience for demanding apps and gaming, supported by its 6GB or 8GB of RAM.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is characterized by vibrant displays, though they employ different technologies and refresh rates.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 11 Pro features a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, high contrast, and a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 458 ppi. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G comes with a larger 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, providing a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a pixel density of 407 ppi.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 11 Pro's OLED screen can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G's Super AMOLED display also offers good brightness and vibrant colors, though some users have noted that outdoor visibility can be challenging in direct sunlight compared to some flagship devices.
  • Refresh Rate: A key differentiator is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S20 FE 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable in gaming and general navigation. The iPhone 11 Pro has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, though it features a 120Hz touch-sensing rate for responsive interactions.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1125 x 2436

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, each with its own strengths in different scenarios.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The iPhone 11 Pro features a triple 12MP camera system, including Ultra Wide (f/2.4), Wide (f/1.8 with OIS), and Telephoto (f/2.0 with OIS and 2x optical zoom) lenses. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G also has a triple camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide (f/1.8 with OIS), an 8MP telephoto (f/2.4 with OIS and 3x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) lens.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 11 Pro is highly regarded for its excellent camera performance, particularly its Night mode, which significantly improves low-light photography, and its ability to capture natural colors and detail. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G's main camera also performs well in various conditions, with its 3x optical zoom telephoto lens being a notable advantage. Its ultrawide camera is effective in good lighting but can show noise in low-light situations.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both phones support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The iPhone 11 Pro is known for its strong video stabilization and overall video quality. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G also offers good video quality, with effective stabilization in its standard modes.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily usability of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity Options: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G supports 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds where available, along with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The iPhone 11 Pro supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, but lacks 5G capabilities.
  • Port Types: The iPhone 11 Pro utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a more universal USB Type-C 3.2 port. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 11 Pro relies on Face ID, a secure 3D facial recognition system, for unlocking and authentication. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers an in-display optical fingerprint sensor and supports face unlock.
  • Build Materials and Durability: The iPhone 11 Pro features a glass body with a stainless steel frame, contributing to a premium feel and robust construction. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), a plastic back, and an aluminum frame. Both devices are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance.
  • Dimensions and Weight: The iPhone 11 Pro is more compact and slightly lighter, measuring 144 x 71.4 x 8.1 mm and weighing 188g. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G is larger and slightly heavier at 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm and 190g.

Weight

6 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.5

5.8

Network

5G

LTE

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G and the iPhone 11 Pro each present a compelling package, catering to different preferences and priorities. User feedback often highlights the iPhone 11 Pro's exceptional battery life and its consistently strong camera performance, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Its compact size is also frequently praised by those who prefer a device that is easy to handle with one hand.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G is often lauded for its vibrant 120Hz display, which provides a noticeably smoother visual experience, and the flexibility of expandable storage. Its inclusion of 5G connectivity is also a significant advantage for users seeking faster network speeds.

Users prioritizing a highly optimized and long-supported software ecosystem with a focus on camera consistency and a compact form factor may find the iPhone 11 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a larger, high-refresh-rate display, the versatility of expandable storage, and access to 5G connectivity might lean towards the Galaxy S20 FE 5G. Both devices remain viable options, especially when considering quality-assured refurbished alternatives, offering a sustainable choice for consumers.

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