Samsung Galaxy S20 FE LAB test: an alternative (very) interesting to the Galaxy S20 and S20

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Ultra Grand Angle Module) © LABOFNAC

Galaxy S20 FE 5G Test

You plan to offer yourself the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G, but don’t know if it’s really worth it ? SFR Actus Answers all your questions about the Korean firm smartphone.

In October 2020, almost 7 months after the release of the Galaxy S20, Samsung marketed a new model: the Galaxy S20 Fe 5G. A smartphone that remains in line with the S20 series, but offers some new features to delight the brand’s favorite users.

Today, he is the only phone in the S20 series has always been marketed. Since then, Samsung has released the Galaxy S21 and prepares its next models. Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5g ? We answer all the questions you ask about the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G.

What is Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5g: What does “Fe” mean ?

“Fe” simply means “Fan Edition”. This means not only that the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G was thought of fans, but especially that when designing the smartphone, the South Korean manufacturer wanted to integrate features that followers of the series of phones claimed For a long time already.

These specificities requested by fans, precisely, these are those that we have come across on various models of Galaxy S: a powerful processor, the possibility of improving storage capacity, an IP 68 waterproofing index, a screen Amoled, wireless load or a triple lens at the rear.

However, to provide your smartphone dedicated to fans of all these features, without selling an overpriced product, Samsung was forced to separate from certain details. Thus, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a lower RAM, a plastic finish in glass effect, a reduced display resolution. Also, the brand has not opted for the return of the jack, however claimed by many fans.

What is the difference between the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G, the Samsung Galaxy S21 ?

Shortly separate the two Samsung models: the Galaxy S20 FE 5G was marketed in October 2020, while the Galaxy S21 was made available to the public in January 2021. However, these are two very different models.

Let’s start with the common points between the two smartphones: both are compatible with the 5G network, have the same sealing index, have the wireless load and a fingerprint sensor, as well as a similar screen definition and an equivalent RAM.

On the other hand, the two models have many differences. Starting with their screen: 6.5 inches for the S20 Fe, against 6.1 inches in S21. The battery is also much more efficient at the smartphone created specially for fans, with greater autonomy, but in return, a longer charging time. In general, the two models remain fairly equivalent, even if the S21 slightly is ahead of its predecessor on almost all categories. It is only on the battery that the Galaxy S20 FE 5G remains the undisputed great champion.

What is the size of the screen of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G ?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a fairly large screen diagonal, without it being too large and does not hinder a comfortable grip. It is therefore a beautiful 6.5 inch touching slab offered to us by the South Korean manufacturer.

And it is not enough to have a large screen, it is also necessary, and above all, have a quality screen. And on this side, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G does not disappoint. It is equipped with AMOLED technology and thus offers a definition in Full HD+, as well as 120 Hz refreshment for images with always more fluidity and an extraordinary brightness.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5g is waterproof ?

It’s been a while now that Samsung offers us waterproof smartphones. And the Galaxy S20 FE 5G is no exception to the rule. But not just any way, since it has a high sealing index: it is certified IP 68.

What does IP 68 mean ? Simply that your smartphone can withstand prolonged immersion in water, up to 1m50 deep. It is therefore perfectly waterproof. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is also protected from dust, which will not fit into the components of the device to make everything bug.

Note that there are several protection indices. If the IP 68 remains very widespread, we also find the IP 67, which means that your smartphone is protected against temporary immersion within a meter deep, or the IP 65 and 66, indicating that your phone is simply protected against water jets, but not against immersion. Fortunately, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G has the best seals.

Can we play with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G ?

On the performance side, and especially when it comes to playing demanding games on your smartphone, Samsung has never been at the top of the competition. In Europe at least. Because in Korea-du-Sud, the world’s largest manufacturer of phones uses a chip different from that of smartphones it sells in Europe, and which guarantees much more fluid use, especially on 3D games.

This time, the Korean manufacturer has decided to change things, for the 5G model of the Galaxy S20, which is well equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SOC, and not a Exynos 990 SOC as on the 4G version . And immediately, the results are very different. The smartphone then becomes one of the best models to play and offers gamers nearly 60 images per second. What offer them an extraordinary experience.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5g take good photos ?

On the photo side, Samsung has decided to put the full package on the triple lens of the Galaxy S20 Fe 5G. It therefore has a much better quality of shooting than that of all its predecessors. The Korean brand offers you a triple camera module with a main objective of 12 Mpix. To this, it is obviously necessary to add an ultra-wide-angle lens, as well as a telephoto lens.

And hang on well, because on the video side, the results are completely dishevery: the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G allows you to film, not in 4K, but in 8K. A special device of excellent quality that will give you the possibility of making large zooms without fear of any loss of quality. To answer the initial question, so, yes, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G takes good photos. Very good photos, even.

What is the autonomy of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G ?

In recent times, Samsung has been criticized for having somewhat neglected the legendary autonomy of its smartphones. But with the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, the Korean brand clearly corrects the shot. In normal use, it offers a range of just over 13 hours and 30 minutes. So it’s a very good figure. And that is if you use your phone continuously, without ever taking a break.

But of course, like everyone else, sometimes you leave your smartphone in your pocket without using it. In this case, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G can easily last two days before its battery falls flat.

And if you want more figures: its 4,500 mAh battery allows you to read video content for about 12 hours, as well as to telephone continuously for almost 30 hours. Rather, you have an interest in having things to tell your friends.

So let the singer Samsung Galaxy S20 Fr 5G on the SFR store !

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Samsung Galaxy S20 FE LAB test: an alternative (very) interesting to the Galaxy S20 and S20+

Tests and measures of the Fnac lab have been carried out independently of trade or manufacturers since 1972. Test managers guarantee measures through their expertise, and the most specific measures. To find out more, see our charter. And to compare all the products, visit our comparator.

In summary

Samsung signs with the Galaxy S20 FE a nice proposal. A little less premium than the other models in the series due to its flat screen and its plastic hood, it compensates by a comfortable grip and offers equipment to say the least. Its AMOLED and FULL HD+ 6.5 inch slab offers a contrasting and rather well calibrated display and it is possible to take advantage of it as well to watch videos as to play, the Galaxy S20 Fe being rather well provided for the game with sound 120 Hz refreshment rate and its Exynos 990 processor, in the 4G version tested here. The 5G version could also be a little even more efficient with its Snapdragon 865 and its GPU Adreno, but it is not guaranteed. Like its big brothers, the Galaxy S20 FE also offers a fairly practical fingerprint reader under the screen, the wireless load, a generous battery, as well as many exclusive features via oneui 2.5.
It is in shooting that the most drastic compromises were carried out, but, again, the Galaxy S20 Fe seems to have little to envy to the other models of the series, or at least to the Galaxy S20 and S20+. He also retains the main module of 12 megapixels, but abandons that of 64 megapixels having to offer a 3x -free, but digital zoom, in favor of a real 8 -megapixel teleobixel module also offering a 3X magnification, and which seemed a little less demanding in light. Equipped with this with a satisfactory ultra-big module, this new model therefore seems to fully fulfill its objective of offering an experience as rich as the Galaxy S20 at a reduced price, and is easily imposed as the best value for money of the series, and as one of the best on the market. Note, however, that the Galaxy S20 Ultra should remain the model of choice for the most demanding users.

Technical note

The most and the least

• Beautiful 120 Hz screen
• Photos quality with the main module
• A real 3x zoom
• All the software functions of S20s at the rendezvous

• No jack
• Plastic dorsal shell

Detail of sub -notes

Network and connectivity
This note reflects the overall quality of the screen
Contrast and progressiveness
Color loyalty
This note reflects the performance of the device to produce quality shots
Photo quality of the main sensor (rear)
Frontal sensor photo quality (selfie)
The higher the note, the more the smartphone will remain on without having to be recharged.
Performance and speed
A smartphone that performs all kinds of tasks as quickly as possible will get a 10/10
Simple use performance
Middle use performance
Complex use performance
Extreme use performance
This note reflects the overall quality of the smartphone audio system
In stock partner partner

Our detailed test

Newcomer to Samsung’s S family, the Galaxy S20 FE promises to offer as many features as the Galaxy S20 for a more affordable price. Successful mission ? We have tested it for you.

Usually concentrated on his galaxy note after summer, Samsung a little jostles his habits this year and returns, after the announcement of the Galaxy Note 20, to the S series with a certain Galaxy S20 Fe, for Fan Edition. So this is a new version of its flagship at the start of the year. News even in its appellation, this variation is not really in its positioning, however. By promising to make the features of the Galaxy S20 accessible to all fans of the series, and especially those that the price increase in recent years could have cooled, this fan edition is actually positioned as a lite version and is closer closer Prices charged by Samsung a few years ago for its flagships.

The Galaxy S20 Fe was thus launched at 659 euros, or rather from 659 euros since several versions are offered, and in particular 5G versions from 759 euros. Prices which therefore remain high, but nevertheless attractive given the promise, and also the equipment. Samsung seems to have given itself the means to succeed, even offering one of the most affordable snapdragon 865 smartphones. The latest high -end Qualcomm processor remains reserved for the 5G version of the Galaxy S20 Fe, the 4G version relying on an identical exynos 990, moreover, the Galaxy S20 processor launched at the start of the year on the old continent. For the rest, the two versions are however identical.

They thus include a Super Amoled and Full HD+ 6.5 inch screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a punch hosting a 32 megapixel camera for selfies, 6 and 128 GB or 8 and 256 GB of memory, or even A rear photo block composed of a 12 megapixel main module, another of 12 megapixels also, but with ultra-wide-angle optics and a last 8 megapixels acting as a 3X zoom. A 4,500 mAh battery is also integrated to power the Galaxy S20 Fe, which also benefits from a quick load system in USB-C (25W) as in wireless (15W). Finally, note the presence of Wi-Fi 6 connections, Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC, without forgetting Android, delivered here in its version 10 accompanied by one UI 2.5.

Ergonomics and design

If Samsung has therefore made some changes on the technical level, mainly in the photo department, the Galaxy S20 Fe is also distinguished from Galaxy S20 by its design. Exit the curved screen at the front, but also the glass on the back. Here we are dealing with a flat slab and a matt plastic back. Compromises that some may regret.

For our part, we find the Galaxy S20 Fe both pretty and pleasant in hand. In addition to being offered in many colors, it has a slightly more rounded hood than that of the Galaxy S20 while offering a larger contact with the hand at the slices to hold it firmly. Plastic is also less fragile than glass, and less easily retains fingerprints.

On the other hand, it is a shame that the new model of the S series has relatively large borders around the screen, compared not only of its big brothers, but also the Galaxy Note 20, also equipped with a flat slab. It is not really embarrassing to use, the 6.4 inch screen limiting the use of the smartphone anyway to one hand, but this still takes a little premium appearance that we usually find in galaxy s.

It is therefore only really here through the metal frame, and the small punch reserved for the front camera in the top of the screen. IP68 certification also remains in order, as well as the microSD port, the wireless load-certainly limited to 15 W, against 25W in USB-C-and the fingerprint reader under the screen.

The screen

With its 6.5 -inch Amoled slab, this fan edition is positioned between the classic Galaxy S20 (6.2 inches) and its plus (6.7 inch) declination in terms of format, while retaining the same rate of refreshing rate 120 Hz, but not the WQHD+ resolution on the other hand. It is indeed necessary to be satisfied here with a definition of 2400 x 1080 pixels however sufficient to enjoy a beautiful density of pixels (405 ppi) and therefore a fine display. This will also avoid the frustration caused by the incompatibility of the 120 Hz and the WQHD+ on the other Galaxy S20 … It is also possible here to activate this refresh rate at any time, and the absence of curved edges seems to us be a better choice to play, or even watch videos.

The screen of the Galaxy S20 FE offers with this an excellent contrast measured at 707: 5, a controlled color palette despite slight drifts observed in the red and a low directivity allowing to enjoy good readability without being found in front. From the 215 cd/m2 of brightness measured opposite, 200 cd/m2 could still be measured by our probe in a 15 ° angle, a completely negligible loss. The loss is more significant at 30 °, but, with 154 cd/m2 measured, there is still acceptable. In short, the Galaxy S20 FE combines the right points with its AMOLED screen.

Color loyalty
Contrast and progressiveness

The user interface

The Galaxy S20 FE comes with Android 10 and the latest version of Oneui, numbered 2.5. It therefore offers all the features introduced by other models in the series, and even by the Galaxy Note 20 launched more recently. We thus find Quick Share there for sharing files between Samsung devices, the inverted wireless load, wireless dex mode, or link integration with Windows for interactions with PCs. Let us add to the passage that the Galaxy S20 FE also benefits from the new Samsung policy in terms of update. He should thus receive the next 3 versions of Android.

Performances

The Galaxy S20 Fe is based in its 5G version on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, but this is the 4G version taking up the exynos 990 of the other Galaxy S20 that we are testing. The performance should be very close in both cases. Nevertheless, the comparisons made over the years between the high -end fleas of Samsung and Qualcomm tend to show that the seconds are a little better. A point that we will therefore not be able to check here. However, it should be noted that the Galaxy S20 Fe, even in its 4G version, slightly ahead of the classic Galaxy S20 on our JavaScript performance test, undoubtedly advantaged by its Full HD+ display since we therefore find exactly the same chip, Including in particular an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.73 GHz and a Mali G77 MP11 GPU, and even a little less RAM in addition: 6 GB for the Galaxy S20 tested, against 8 for the Galaxy S20.

The most affordable of the Galaxy S20 FE thus managed to perform the first JavaScript sequence of our performance test in 47 ms, which can be translated as a display rate of 21 FPS. A little less comfortable with the second (95 ms, 10 fps), it accuses another significant drop with the third (184 ms, 5 fps), but has the good taste not to fall much lower at the From our most demanding test (250 ms, 4 fps). Overall, this remains a little better than what the Galaxy S20 had been capable of when it comes to our lab, but the gap is thin and imperceptible to use. On the side of smartphones under Snapdragon 865 that we were able to test, some are doing a little better in the image of Asus Zenfone 7, when others are less well, like the Xperia 1 II of Sony. The hope of being able to take advantage of increased performance with the 5G version is therefore always allowed, but it is far from being guaranteed.

Photo and video

If it is an area in which the Galaxy S20 FE really moves away from its big brothers, in addition to design, this is the photo. It certainly keeps the main module of 12 megapixels of the Galaxy S20 and S20+, with a sensor of 1/1.76 ”and optical 26 mm (in 35 mm equivalent) opening to f/1.8, but the zoom completely changes formula. The 64 megapixel sensor is replaced by a sensor of only 8 megapixels to which Samsung adds a real telephoto lens, with a focal length equivalent to 76 mm. The Galaxy S20 and S20+ actually offer a hybrid zoom to reach the 3X magnification promised with a 29 mm optics. The calculation therefore does not seem so bad.

Our few trials have also shown very correct results using this 3X zoom and even, on some scenes at least, pushing up to 10x with the Space Zoom. The latter also makes it possible to push the magnification up to 30x, but the limits of the sensor therefore already feel at 10x.

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Zoom X3) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Zoom X10) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Zoom X20) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Zoom X30) © Labofnac

The shots remain exploitable, but the finest details disappear and chromatic aberrations are beginning to appear in the very contrast areas. Of course, these comments only apply to the shots taken in good light conditions. If it should be noted that the Galaxy S20 is awaiting a fairly low level of light before switching to a digital zoom, the quality, and especially the dive, deteriorates quickly as soon as the light is not optimal, as in An interior at the end of the day.

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Zoom X3) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Zoom X10) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Zoom X3) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Zoom X10) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Zoom X3) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Zoom X3) © Labofnac

On the side of its main module, the Galaxy S20 FE does not disappoint either. The tests carried out within our lab have highlighted an excellent image quality in the center as well as on the outskirts as well as interesting cropping possibilities despite its resolution of 12 megapixels. Light geometric deformations are nevertheless to be reported, as well as a drop in image quality when the light is lower. A final point which is however worth for all smartphones, and the Galaxy S20 FE effectively limits the breakage, since it still manages to restore a good amount of details at 500 lux, and it does not deserve 250 Lux.

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Main module) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Main module) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Main module) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Main module) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Main module) © Labofnac

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Main module) © Labofnac

A rather effective, but slow night mode is also proposed and we also appreciate the restitution of colors, quite faithful whatever the circumstances, and similar regardless of the module used. The Galaxy S20 Fe seems indeed showing a good consistency between these different modules, which also include an ultra-angle of 12 generally convincing megapixels, despite deformations still clearly visible on the outskirts of the clichés produced. Overall, the image quality remains much lower than that of the main module, and the gap obviously widens more in low light.

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Ultra Grand Angle Module) © LABOFNAC

Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe (Ultra Grand Angle Module) © LABOFNAC

If he is therefore not the most gifted photo smartphone, the Galaxy S20 FE certainly has a lot to offer for less than 800 euros, and ultimately not enough to envy the Galaxy S20 and S20+, the Galaxy S20 Ultra remaining all even far ahead. Its snapdragon 865 also allows it to film up to 4K UHD at 60 i/s at the back, as with its 32 megapixel front camera elsewhere.

However, it will not be too much to expect from the latter in terms of image quality, even for simple selfies. The tests carried out within our lab reveal a module unable to restore a good level of details even in good light conditions. We can still note almost absent optical defects, but hardly more. It should also be noted that the Galaxy S20 FE is trying to camouflage the lack of details by accentuating the contours. Selfies, reduced to a resolution of 8 default megapixels, can therefore lack natural. In comparison, the Galaxy S20 and S20+ are doing better with their frontal module with the certainly more modest resolution of 10 megapixels, but provided with an autofocus.

Audio rendering

Samsung has finally decided to abandon the headphone jack in its S series and notes this year, and the more affordable positioning of the Galaxy S20 Fe does not give it any preferential treatment. It is therefore also without it, and it will be necessary, in the absence of a USB-C to mini-jack adapter in the box, be content with the headphones provided or fall back on the Bluetooth to connect other headphones or a helmet.

The Galaxy S20 FE is also equipped with a speaker dedicated to multimedia to which it associates that of calls to create stereo sound. Quality, as often, is disappointing, the whole largely emphasizing the mediums. A good point for dialogues when viewing films and series for example, but the sound effects that accompany them cannot be fully appreciated.

Frequency response of speakers

Reception quality (radio performance)

As already indicated on several occasions, the Galaxy S20 FE tested here is not 5G compatible. It nevertheless offers a solid 4G connection, our measures showing good performance on all available bands (3, 7, 20, 1, 28, 8). You can also count on the Galaxy S20 FE for 3G and 2G, but also for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If we only test these latest connections for information only, it is indeed good to note that one as the other is efficient here, apart from small reception problems for Wi-Fi n and ac. No worries with other standards on the other hand, and we have measured good Bluetooth sensitivity: 56 dB.