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

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, released in late 2020, and the OnePlus 12, launched in late 2023, are both Android smartphones that offer distinct experiences. While the Galaxy S20 FE 5G aimed to deliver flagship features at a more accessible point, the OnePlus 12 represents a more recent generation of high-performance devices. The primary differentiators lie in their release timelines, resulting in significant advancements in processing power, display technology, and camera capabilities.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical durability. These two devices, separated by several years, offer different expectations in terms of longevity.

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G was globally released in October 2020, with its 5G variant launching in India in March 2021. The OnePlus 12, in contrast, had its global launch in January 2024, making it a much newer device.
• Software Support: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G launched with Android 10 and was upgradable to Android 12 (One UI 4.1). Samsung typically provides several years of software updates, but as an older model, its update cycle is nearing its end. The OnePlus 12, launching with Android 14 and OxygenOS 14, benefits from a longer expected period of software support, ensuring access to newer features and security patches for an extended duration.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a glass front with Gorilla Glass 3 protection, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The OnePlus 12 offers enhanced protection with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, encased in an aluminum frame. It carries an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, which provides protection against water jets but is a step below the immersion protection of IP68.

Performance is a key area where the generational gap between these two smartphones becomes evident, impacting everything from app responsiveness to demanding tasks like gaming.

• Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is powered by a processor that, while capable at its release, belongs to an older generation. This means it handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly but may show limitations with the most graphically intensive games or future demanding software. The OnePlus 12 features a significantly more advanced processor, enabling it to manage complex applications, high-fidelity gaming, and extensive multitasking with greater efficiency and speed.
• Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G was available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with expandable storage via a microSDXC slot. The OnePlus 12 offers higher configurations, typically starting with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, utilizing faster UFS 4.0 technology for quicker data access.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G includes a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for many users, though heavy usage, especially with the 120Hz display enabled, can reduce this. The OnePlus 12 is equipped with a larger 5400 mAh battery, and user reports indicate it offers extended battery life, often lasting through two days of normal usage or a full day of intense activity.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with notable differences in technology and capabilities.

• Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display. The OnePlus 12 boasts a larger 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display, which allows for more dynamic refresh rate adjustments.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing clear visuals for everyday content. The OnePlus 12 steps up to a QHD+ resolution of 3168 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a sharper image with finer detail, particularly noticeable on its larger screen.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. However, the OnePlus 12's display can reach significantly higher peak brightness levels, up to 4500 nits, making it exceptionally visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The OnePlus 12's LTPO technology also allows its refresh rate to dynamically adjust from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing power consumption.

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of moments, but the newer OnePlus 12 benefits from more advanced sensor technology and computational photography.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12 MP wide-angle main lens, an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The OnePlus 12, co-developed with Hasselblad, includes a 50 MP main camera with a newer Sony LYT-808 sensor, a 64 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 48 MP ultrawide lens.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G delivers good image quality in well-lit conditions, with its main and telephoto lenses performing well. Some users noted the ultrawide camera was less impressive. The OnePlus 12's camera system is praised for its versatility, natural color reproduction, and improved low-light performance, especially from its main sensor. The telephoto lens is also noted for producing good results.
• Video and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording at 30/60fps. For selfies, both phones are equipped with a 32 MP front-facing camera.