If you're looking for a phone with a better camera system, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ would be a superior choice as it offers higher quality in still photo and video capture, plus the inclusion of HDR10+ for video and a higher resolution telephoto lens. On the other hand, while the Galaxy S20 FE has a plastic back which may be less premium than the S21+'s glass, it provides a solid camera performance for its price range. The S21+ also benefits from a newer processor which could translate to snappier performance. Both phones have high refresh rate OLED displays, but the S21+'s screen is slightly larger and brighter which may be more appealing for media consumption. The Galaxy S20 FE still delivers a commendable screen quality at a lower price. Each has ample battery life, but the S21+ slightly edges out the S20 FE. The S20 FE is midrange priced, whereas the S21+ leans towards budget, making the latter a more cost-effective option if you're looking to save some money. Both run on Android and will provide a good smartphone experience, but if camera and performance are high priorities, and you can invest a bit more, the S21+ is likely the better option. 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
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S21+.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21+
Good for taking photos
Fair for recording videos
Very good battery life
Very good display quality
Good performance
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
6.2/10
7.2/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has only fair overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ boasts a higher selfie camera quality than the Galaxy S20 FE, which is particularly important for self-portrait photography. The S21+ also benefits from advancements in photos resolution, software experience, and low light performance, contributing to its overall superior camera system compared to the S20 FE.
Photo Quality
6.3/10
7.0/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes good photos, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE takes only fair photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has a lower photo software experience and selfie quality compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21+, which affects its overall photo performance including resolution, dynamic range, and low light capabilities, making the S21+ take better photos.
Video Quality
5.5/10
6.6/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes only fair videos, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE takes poor videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE captures good videos with its ability to deliver stable footage with fair dynamic range and low light performance, and it provides a satisfactory overall video software experience. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ edges out with superior video resolution and framerate, enhanced video software experience, and more reliable stabilization, dynamic range, and microphone quality.
Cost
$198
$340
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has a price of $198 and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ costs $340.
"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."
"All told, Samsung nailed it with the Galaxy S21 Plus. It has most of the strengths of the smaller S21 in a bigger package. It’s got a lot going for it. If you’re coming from an older device, like the Galaxy S10 series, this is a solid upgrade."
Get a great deal on the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE or the Samsung Galaxy S21+
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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