Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the Galaxy S21 FE comes down to a few key differences. The S21 FE has a slightly newer processor, possibly offering better performance, and it supports 4K video recording at a higher framerate which could matter if you record a lot of videos. It also has a marginally better camera quality overall, especially for video. On the other hand, the S20 FE has a slightly longer battery life, which might be more important if you're often away from a charger. Screen sizes are nearly the same, with the S20 FE being just a bit larger, and both phones have no headphone jack and support wireless charging. Both are quality phones at a midrange price; the best choice depends on whether you prioritize camera and video capabilities (S21 FE), or longer battery life and slightly larger screen (S20 FE). Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Good battery life
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE.
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
6.2/10
7.0/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has only fair overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE offers a better photography experience than the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, particularly for selfie enthusiasts, due to its higher quality selfie capabilities. Additionally, the overall camera system on the S21 FE is more capable in handling diverse shooting conditions, offering improved low-light performance and dynamic range, along with more refined software experiences for both photo and video.
Photo Quality
6.3/10
6.9/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE both have only fair photos, though the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE takes somewhat better photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE takes better selfies than the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE due to improvements in its selfie camera performance, classed as good compared to the S20 FE's fair classification. Contributing factors to this difference are likely advancements in camera software experience, photo resolution, dynamic range, and low light performance that typically accompany newer models.
Battery
7.8 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has 7.8 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has a screen size of 6.5 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is 6.4 inches.
Cost
$198
$600
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has a price of $198 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE costs $600.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE both have poor videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE delivers good video quality with effective video stabilization and a satisfying video software experience, while its successor, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, enhances the video experience by offering HDR10+ support and even better video software, ensuring more dynamic range and detail in various lighting conditions. Both phones capture sharp videos with high resolution and frame rates, and they have commendable microphone quality, but the S21 FE's advancements in video shooting capabilities create richer, more striking footage especially in challenging lighting scenarios.
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How the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE compare to other phones
"The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is a fine phone. The flat display glass may turn off some, but the 120Hz refresh rate turned me on. I really liked the overall size and usability of the phone, and the six different colors mean you’ll likely find a version to suit your personal style. Other pros include solid performance, excellent battery life, and straightforward software."
"The Galaxy S21 FE is a fine addition to Samsung's S21 lineup, retaining the very best features of those flagship phones for a more modest price. This is a solid phone, matching the performance of the top Android flagships from a year ago and delivering photos that hold their own against some of the best camera phones we've tested."
Get a great deal on the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE or the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Phones Expert
Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.