The Samsung S20 FE (Fan Edition) is more than just a smartphone; it’s a modern classic that redefined the value proposition in the Android market. Launched in late 2020, it was a brilliant strategic move by Samsung to distill the most beloved features of its flagship S20 series into a more accessible and durable package. Fast-forward to 2025, and the S20 FE remains a topic of conversation, not just as a piece of tech history, but as a surprisingly viable option on the second-hand market.
The Genesis of a Fan Favorite
The “FE” in S20 FE stands for “Fan Edition,” a concept that came directly from Samsung’s engagement with its user base. At the time, the S20 series was praised for its cutting-edge technology, but its high price tag was a barrier for many.
Samsung listened, and the S20 FE was the result: a phone that kept the features most users cared about—the camera, the display, the powerful processor—while making smart trade-offs in areas like build materials to keep the cost down. This philosophy of a “flagship-lite” proved to be a massive success, setting a trend that continues with the subsequent Fan Edition models.
Enduring Features: What Makes the S20 FE Relevant in 2025?
Even as we enter the second half of 2025, the Samsung S20 FE is not just a relic of the past. Its core hardware was so advanced for its time that it continues to deliver a satisfying user experience.
The 120Hz Super AMOLED Display: This is arguably the S20 FE’s most enduring and impressive feature. The 6.5-inch screen offers a butter-smooth scrolling experience and vibrant colors that rival many newer mid-range phones. At a time when a 120Hz refresh rate was a flagship-exclusive feature, its inclusion on the S20 FE was a massive selling point and a major reason why it still feels so responsive today.
Flagship-Tier Performance: The S20 FE came in two main variants: one powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset (for the 5G model) and the other by Samsung’s own Exynos 990. The Snapdragon 865, in particular, was a beast and remains an incredibly capable processor. User reviews from 2025 on forums like Reddit and GSMArena often highlight that the S20 FE still handles multitasking, demanding games like Genshin Impact, and day-to-day apps with ease. While it might not match the raw speed of a brand-new flagship, its performance is more than sufficient for the vast majority of users.
A Versatile and Capable Camera System: The S20 FE’s camera setup was far from a compromise. Its triple-lens array includes a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The ability to take lossless 3x zoom photos is a feature still missing from many new mid-range phones, giving the S20 FE a significant creative edge. While the S23 FE and S24 series have a new 50MP main sensor, the S20 FE’s camera, with its optical image stabilization (OIS), continues to produce excellent photos and videos in good lighting.
The “Glasstic” Advantage: The polycarbonate back, which Samsung dubbed “Glasstic,” was initially seen as a downgrade from the glass backs of the flagship S20 models. In hindsight, it was a smart move that increased the phone’s durability and made it less fragile. Combined with its IP68 water and dust resistance rating, the S20 FE is a phone that can withstand the rigors of daily life without constant worry.
The Modern Landscape: S20 FE vs. the Competition in 2025
For potential buyers in 2025, it’s essential to understand where the S20 FE stands against both its successors and modern mid-range devices.
S20 FE vs. S21 FE vs. S23 FE: The Fan Edition series evolved, but not without trade-offs. The S21 FE, while offering a newer processor and a more refined design, was criticized for its thermal management and a slightly smaller display. The more recent S23 FE, while boasting a modern camera system with a 50MP sensor, uses a chipset (Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1) that has been noted for heating and efficiency issues, similar to the Exynos 990 in the S20 FE’s 4G model. The S20 FE’s Snapdragon 865 variant is often cited by enthusiasts as a “sweet spot” for performance and efficiency among the Fan Edition lineup.
S20 FE vs. New Mid-Range Phones: When compared to a brand-new mid-range phone from 2025, the S20 FE has some clear advantages and disadvantages. It offers a more powerful processor for gaming and a more versatile camera with a true telephoto lens. However, newer phones often come with the promise of multi-year software updates, including the latest Android OS versions, which the S20 FE has ceased to receive. The S20 FE’s last major OS update was Android 13, but it continues to receive security patches, with Samsung extending support beyond its initial commitment, as evidenced by a surprise security update for the S20 series in Q3 2025 (Android Central, August 2025).
How to Buy and Use a Samsung S20 FE in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide
If the S20 FE’s features sound appealing, here’s how to navigate the purchasing process and get the most out of your device.
Choosing the Right Model
Prioritize the Snapdragon 865 Model: This is the most critical decision. The Snapdragon 865 chipset, found in the 5G variants (model numbers like SM-G781B, SM-G781U), is significantly more efficient and has better performance than the Exynos 990 in the 4G models. Always check the model number and confirm the processor with the seller.
Consider Storage and RAM: The S20 FE came with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. While 6GB is sufficient for most tasks, an 8GB model will provide a smoother multitasking experience, especially with Samsung’s One UI, which can be resource-intensive. Remember that the S20 FE has a microSD card slot, so you can always expand storage.
Where to Buy and What to Look For
Reputable Refurbished Retailers: Websites and stores specializing in refurbished electronics are your safest bet. They often offer a warranty and have a quality control process to ensure the device is in good working order.
Private Sellers (with caution): Platforms like eBay or local marketplaces can offer better deals, but they carry more risk.
Inspect the Display: The S20 FE has been known for rare “ghost touch” issues on some early units, so test the entire screen thoroughly. Look for screen burn-in and dead pixels.
Check Battery Health: An aging battery is the most common issue with a used phone. Ask the seller for the battery health percentage if possible. Look for a unit with at least 85% of its original capacity (4,500mAh) for a good experience. You can use third-party apps like AccuBattery to get an accurate reading.
Verify Functionality: Test all ports, buttons, the camera system (including OIS and zoom), and speakers. Check for any signs of water damage, even with the IP68 rating.
Optimizing Your S20 FE for Long-Term Use
Embrace the 120Hz Display: Go to Settings > Display > Motion smoothness and set it to “High.” This is a key feature and a main reason to choose this phone.
Manage Battery Life: To get the most out of your aging battery, go to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery and enable “Protect battery” to limit the charge to 85%. While this may seem counterintuitive, it significantly slows down battery degradation in the long run. Also, consider disabling fast charging in the settings to reduce heat, which is another factor in battery wear.
Stay Updated on Security: Since the phone is no longer receiving major OS updates, it is crucial to install all available security patches. As of 2025, Samsung is still providing quarterly security patches, so make sure to check for updates regularly in Settings > Software update.
Utilize Samsung’s Ecosystem: The S20 FE seamlessly integrates with Samsung’s ecosystem. Take advantage of features like Wireless PowerShare to charge your Galaxy Buds, or use Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience.
Trends and Insights as of 2025
The S20 FE’s continued relevance is part of a broader trend: the rise of the high-quality refurbished market. As new smartphones become incrementally better and more expensive, many consumers are opting for older, more powerful flagships that have received their final software updates but still offer superior hardware for a fraction of the price. The S20 FE, alongside phones like the Google Pixel 5 and iPhone 11 Pro, is a poster child for this movement.
According to a recent tech survey, over 35% of smartphone buyers in 2025 are considering a refurbished device. The main motivators are cost savings and environmental consciousness. The S20 FE, with its solid build and powerful chipset, perfectly fits this demand.
FAQs
Is the Samsung S20 FE still receiving software updates in 2025?
The Samsung S20 FE has received its final major operating system update (Android 13 with One UI 5.1). However, Samsung has committed to and is still providing quarterly security patches as of Q3 2025 to protect the device from vulnerabilities.
What is the difference between the S20 FE 4G and 5G models?
The primary difference is the processor. The S20 FE 5G model typically uses the more powerful and efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, while the 4G model uses the Samsung Exynos 990. For a better long-term experience, the Snapdragon 865 variant is highly recommended.
What are the most common issues with the S20 FE?
While generally a very reliable phone, some users have reported issues like “ghost touch” on some early screen units (largely fixed by software updates), battery degradation over time (common to all phones), and occasional overheating, particularly with the Exynos variant during intensive tasks.
Does the S20 FE have a headphone jack or expandable storage?
The S20 FE does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, it does have a hybrid SIM tray that allows for expandable storage via a microSD card (up to 1TB).
How does the camera on the S20 FE compare to newer phones?
The S20 FE’s camera, with its 3x optical zoom and OIS, is still very capable in 2025 and often outperforms the cameras on new mid-range phones that rely on digital zoom. While it may not match the low-light performance or computational photography of a modern flagship, it provides a versatile and high-quality photo and video experience.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung S20 FE holds a special place in the smartphone hall of fame. It was a phone built for the user, and that ethos has given it remarkable longevity. In 2025, it’s not for everyone. The lack of the latest Android OS is a definite trade-off, and a degraded battery will be an issue for some.
However, for a user who prioritizes a fantastic display, a versatile camera, and top-tier performance on a tight budget, a well-maintained S20 FE—especially the Snapdragon 5G variant—remains a smart and incredibly satisfying choice. It is a testament to the fact that great hardware, combined with a thoughtful design, can stand the test of time.
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