Galaxy S20 FE 5G • Unlocked vs iPhone 15 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, released in late 2020, and the iPhone 15, launched in late 2023, represent different generations and operating systems within the smartphone landscape. While the Galaxy S20 FE 5G runs on Android, offering a customizable experience, the iPhone 15 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. Key differentiators between these two devices include their display technology, camera capabilities, and long-term software support, catering to varying user preferences and needs.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are significant factors.

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G was released in October 2020, making it a device from an earlier generation. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, launched in September 2023, benefiting from more recent hardware and software advancements.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G initially ran Android 10 and received updates up to Android 12, with its software support concluding around November 2025, providing approximately five years of updates. The iPhone 15 launched with iOS 17 and is guaranteed to receive a minimum of five years of software support, extending at least until September 2028, with Apple typically providing updates for 5-7 years. This means the iPhone 15 offers a longer period of guaranteed feature and security updates.
• Durability Features: Both devices offer a degree of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a glass front with Gorilla Glass 3 and an aluminum frame, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone 15 boasts a Ceramic Shield front and a color-infused glass back with an aluminum design, also carrying an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, capable of withstanding submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components and how efficiently they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that delivers fast performance, capable of handling everyday tasks and most applications smoothly. The iPhone 15 features a more recent generation processor, providing powerful and proven performance, which translates to very smooth operation for demanding apps, multitasking, and graphics-intensive tasks.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, supporting efficient multitasking. It also offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB and includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, which is beneficial for users who require significant space for media and applications. The iPhone 15 comes with 6GB of RAM and offers internal storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, but does not include expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a 4500mAh battery, known for its excellent battery life, often lasting a full day of heavy use or up to two days with moderate usage. The iPhone 15, with its 3349 mAh battery, also offers impressive day-long battery life, providing up to 20 hours of video playback. Both devices support fast charging, with the Galaxy S20 FE 5G supporting 25W wired charging and the iPhone 15 supporting 20W wired charging to reach 50% in about 30 minutes.

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

• Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its rich colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 15 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers vibrant colors and deep contrast.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers a 1080x2400 pixel resolution, providing clear visuals, though some users note that text may not appear as sharp as on some higher-end displays. The iPhone 15 has a 2556x1179 pixel resolution at 460 pixels per inch (ppi), offering sharp and detailed images and text.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid user experience. Its brightness is generally good, though outdoor visibility can sometimes be challenging. The iPhone 15 maintains a 60Hz refresh rate but offers significantly higher brightness levels, with typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits and a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. The iPhone 15 also incorporates the Dynamic Island, an interactive area around the front camera and sensors.

Camera systems are a crucial aspect for many users, and both smartphones offer capable setups for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a triple-camera setup, including a 12MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The iPhone 15 has an advanced dual-camera system, comprising a 48MP main sensor with sensor-shift OIS that produces 24MP photos by default and enables a 2x telephoto option, alongside a 12MP ultrawide lens.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G's main camera is noted for excellent detail and good performance in various lighting conditions, with vibrant colors. The iPhone 15's main camera excels in capturing accurate colors and offers improved low-light performance, with the ability to capture more detail. The iPhone 15 also features next-generation portrait capabilities with focus and depth control.
• Video Recording: Both devices are capable of recording video at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps). The iPhone 15 further offers Cinematic mode for video recording up to 4K HDR at 30fps, providing a professional-looking depth effect.