Galaxy S20 FE 5G • Unlocked vs iPhone 12 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G (Fan Edition), released in October 2020, and the Apple iPhone 12, also launched in October 2020, represent two distinct approaches to smartphone design and user experience. While both devices offer 5G connectivity and capable camera systems, they differ significantly in their operating systems and display technologies. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G runs on Android, offering a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 12 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined ecosystem.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors like software support, physical durability, and ease of repair play a crucial role.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 12, running on iOS, is known for receiving major software updates for an extended period, typically 6 to 7 years from its release, meaning it is expected to continue receiving updates until at least 2027. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G, an Android device, launched with Android 10 and was eligible for three major OS upgrades, reaching Android 13. As of November 2024, its software update frequency has shifted to quarterly security updates, and it is not eligible for Android 14 or later OS updates, indicating a shorter major OS update cycle compared to the iPhone 12. [17, 37, 38]
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, offering protection against immersion. The iPhone 12 introduced a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed to improve drop performance, while the Galaxy S20 FE 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for its display protection and features a plastic back with an aluminum frame. [9, 14, 29]
• Repairability: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G generally scores higher in repairability assessments, with a score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating that it is moderately repairable with some effort, and components like the battery are relatively accessible. [7] The iPhone 12 received a repairability score of 6 out of 10, with modular components but enhanced waterproofing measures and software checks for parts potentially hindering independent repairs. [3, 10, 28, 44]

The performance of a smartphone is determined by its internal components, influencing how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and how efficiently power is managed.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 12 is equipped with a powerful processor that delivers responsive performance for everyday tasks, demanding applications, and graphics-intensive games. Users generally report a smooth and fluid experience across the iOS ecosystem. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G, powered by a capable current-generation processor, also handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, providing a strong performance for gaming and general use. [11, 22, 25, 32]
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 features a standard amount of RAM for its operating system, contributing to efficient app switching and overall system responsiveness. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers more RAM options, which can benefit users who frequently switch between many applications or engage in heavy multitasking. [3, 4, 9, 12]
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G includes a larger battery capacity, which, combined with its display resolution, often translates to reliable all-day usage for many users, even with the higher refresh rate enabled. [23, 26] The iPhone 12, despite having a smaller battery, is optimized by its operating system and processor for good battery life, typically lasting a full day for average use. [11, 29, 32, 40, 42]
• Storage Options: The iPhone 12 is available with internal storage starting from 64GB, with options for 128GB and 256GB, but without expandable storage. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers 128GB and 256GB internal storage options and includes a microSDXC card slot, allowing users to expand storage by up to 1TB. [2, 4, 9, 11, 21]

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high pixel density, resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. [1, 2, 29] The Galaxy S20 FE 5G sports a larger 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, also providing rich colors and good contrast. [4, 6, 9, 19, 33]
• Refresh Rate: A key differentiator is the refresh rate. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a noticeably smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations, particularly beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. [6, 8, 16, 19, 23, 35] The iPhone 12 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which offers smooth visuals for most applications but lacks the enhanced fluidity of a higher refresh rate display. [1, 13, 15, 20, 24]
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both displays offer good brightness levels. The iPhone 12's OLED panel can reach high peak brightness for HDR content, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions. [1] The Galaxy S20 FE 5G's Super AMOLED display also provides ample brightness, though some users have noted that outdoor visibility can be challenging in very bright sunlight. [22]

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, though with different strengths and features.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 features a dual 12-megapixel camera system, comprising a wide and an ultrawide lens. It excels in capturing sharp, detailed photos with natural color reproduction, and its Night mode is effective across all cameras, significantly improving low-light performance. [11, 14, 29, 32, 37] The Galaxy S20 FE 5G comes with a versatile triple camera setup on the rear: a 12-megapixel wide lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. Users often praise its main camera for excellent quality in good lighting and the utility of the optical zoom. [4, 8, 9, 23, 25, 27]
• Front Camera Performance: The iPhone 12 has a 12-megapixel front camera that delivers clear and detailed selfies, with Night mode also available for improved low-light self-portraits. [29] The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a higher resolution 32-megapixel front camera, though some user feedback suggests that its quality can sometimes appear washed out compared to the iPhone's front camera. [4, 9, 27, 39]
• Video Recording Capabilities: The iPhone 12 is particularly strong in video recording, offering 4K video capture with Dolby Vision HDR at up to 30 frames per second, resulting in high-quality, stable, and color-accurate footage. [14, 29, 37] The Galaxy S20 FE 5G also records 4K video at 30/60 frames per second and includes features like gyro-EIS for stabilization. [9]
• Audio Experience: Both devices offer stereo speakers for an immersive media consumption experience. The iPhone 12 provides clear and balanced audio output. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G also delivers good speaker output, and its microphone quality is generally well-regarded for calls and recordings. [9, 22]