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

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, released in late 2020, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer robust performance and capable camera systems, they cater to different user preferences through their respective operating systems and hardware philosophies. The primary distinctions lie in their release timelines, software ecosystems, and display technologies.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors such as software support, physical resilience, and ease of repair are important. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G and iPhone 15 Plus offer different profiles in these areas.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 15 Plus, being a more recent release, benefits from a longer expected period of major iOS updates, typically extending for 5-6 years from its launch in 2023. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G, launched in 2020, received major Android updates up to Android 13 and transitioned to quarterly security updates, with its software support concluding around late 2025.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion. The iPhone 15 Plus incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover and a color-infused glass back, paired with an aluminum frame. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass 3 for its display, an aluminum frame, and a plastic back.
• Repairability: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, suggesting it is moderately repairable with accessible components, though some adhesive is used. Specific repairability scores for the iPhone 15 Plus are not detailed in available information, but Apple devices generally offer moderate repair access.

The performance of a smartphone is central to its daily operation, influencing everything from app responsiveness to gaming experiences. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G and iPhone 15 Plus offer different levels of processing power and battery endurance.

• Processing Capabilities: The iPhone 15 Plus is equipped with a more recent generation processor, enabling brisk performance for demanding applications, smooth multitasking, and efficient handling of graphics-intensive games. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a processor that delivered excellent performance at its release, capably handling everyday tasks and offering a responsive user experience for its time.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices are noted for their substantial battery life. The iPhone 15 Plus often lasts more than a full day of use, with some users reporting up to two days with lighter usage. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G, with its 4500 mAh battery, also provides excellent endurance, frequently lasting a full day of heavy use or two days for less intensive users.
• Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card. The iPhone 15 Plus comes with internal storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, without the option for external expansion. Both devices typically include 6GB of RAM, contributing to smooth multitasking.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S20 FE 5G and iPhone 15 Plus offer vibrant viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display. The iPhone 15 Plus comes with a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Both technologies provide deep blacks and vibrant colors.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers a 1080x2400 pixel resolution, providing clear visuals. The iPhone 15 Plus has a higher resolution of 2796x1290 pixels, resulting in sharper images and text. Both displays have a pixel density of approximately 460 pixels per inch.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: A key difference is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S20 FE 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone 15 Plus operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate. For brightness, the iPhone 15 Plus offers higher peak brightness levels, reaching up to 2000 nits for outdoor visibility, making it easy to read in direct sunlight. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G also provides a bright display with good color reproduction.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both smartphones offer advanced systems for capturing photos and videos, albeit with different strengths.

• Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 15 Plus features a dual-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Its 48MP main camera utilizes computational photography to produce detailed 24MP photos and offers a 2x optical zoom option by cropping the main sensor. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G comes with a versatile triple-camera system, including a 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The iPhone 15 Plus excels in capturing detailed images with accurate colors and strong low-light performance, thanks to its larger main sensor and advanced image processing. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G delivers good everyday photography, though its low-light performance may not match the newer iPhone. The dedicated telephoto lens on the S20 FE 5G provides true optical zoom capabilities.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video. The iPhone 15 Plus offers excellent video recording quality, supporting 4K at up to 60 frames per second with strong stabilization. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G also records 4K video. For selfies, the iPhone 15 Plus has a 12MP front camera, while the Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a higher-resolution 32MP front camera.