The Fan Edition (FE) lineup from Samsung has been a game-changer since its debut, allowing users to access flagship-like features at more affordable price points. With the recent unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, it’s only natural to compare it with its predecessor, the Galaxy S20 FE, which made waves in the mid-range market upon its release. Now, four years apart, we’re looking at significant generational gains—not only in raw power but also in display technology, camera capabilities, and long-term software support.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S24 FE embraces a more modern and refined design. Samsung has evolved its design philosophy over the past four years, and the S24 FE exhibits this shift with its uniform camera island, slimmer bezels, and premium materials that resemble its flagship sibling—the Galaxy S24.
Comparatively, the S20 FE still holds a pleasant aesthetic, but by today’s standards, its plastic rear and thicker bezels feel a bit outdated. That said, both devices offer IP68 water and dust resistance, ensuring a solid level of durability for daily use.
Key Design Upgrades:
- Slimmer bezels for a more immersive display
- Updated camera layout in line with modern Samsung design
- More premium material choices on the S24 FE
Display Technology
Display technology is where Samsung consistently shines, and the leap from the S20 FE’s screen to the S24 FE’s is substantial. The S20 FE featured a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution. Back in 2020, this was already impressive for the price segment.
The S24 FE keeps the same 120Hz refresh rate but elevates the experience with an updated Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, offering better brightness levels, improved color calibration, and higher energy efficiency. The difference is especially noticeable in outdoor visibility and HDR content playback.
If you’re someone who watches a lot of content or games on your phone, the display enhancements in the S24 FE are easily one of the most compelling reasons to upgrade.
Performance and Chipset
One of the biggest leaps between these two models lies under the hood. The S20 FE came with either the Snapdragon 865 or the Exynos 990 chipset, depending on your region. These processors were capable at the time but have since aged, especially when striving for longer software support or handling demanding apps.
The Galaxy S24 FE, however, boasts the much newer and more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Exynos 2200 (again, region dependent). These SoCs are built on more advanced manufacturing processes, resulting in:
- Better CPU and GPU performance
- Superior thermal management
- Increased energy efficiency
- Longer sustained performance for gaming and multitasking
Benchmarks don’t lie—the generational gap here represents a massive performance uplift. Users coming from an S20 FE can expect faster loading times, smoother animations, and better overall responsiveness.
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Camera Capabilities
Smartphone photography has evolved rapidly, and the S24 FE benefits greatly from this evolution. The S20 FE came with a capable triple-lens setup: a 12MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and an 8MP telephoto. It delivered solid results, especially with Samsung’s aggressive image processing techniques.
The S24 FE retains a similar triple-lens setup on paper, but real-world performance is much improved. Thanks to better sensors, enhanced AI processing, and computational photography advancements, the S24 FE delivers:
- Improved low-light performance
- More detailed and vibrant daytime photos
- Smoother video stabilization and higher 4K frame rates
Even the front camera sees an improvement in clarity and detail, making your video calls and selfies better than ever before. AI-powered features like Scene Optimizer and Night Mode have become more refined and less aggressive in the newer model.
Battery and Charging
The S20 FE shipped with a solid 4500mAh battery and supported 25W fast charging. It got the job done, but it often struggled with longevity, especially as the device aged.
Interestingly, the S24 FE also sticks with the same 4500mAh capacity. However, thanks to efficiency gains from the newer chipset and display technology, the newer phone manages to stretch that charge further. Real-world testing shows up to 15–20% better battery life compared to the S20 FE under similar usage patterns.
Charging speed hasn’t seen a dramatic improvement, still supporting 25W wired charging. However, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging features remain intact, adding to the device’s versatility.
Software Longevity & Features
When it comes to Android support, the S20 FE debuted with Android 10 and is largely at the end of its update cycle, now running Android 13 or 14 depending on region and variant. In contrast, the S24 FE launches with Android 14 and One UI 6+, and Samsung has committed to four years of OS updates and five years of security patches. That means software support until Android 18 – a major longevity benefit.
Beyond version upgrades, Samsung has packed the S24 FE with newer One UI features like:
- More powerful multitasking tools
- Enhanced privacy controls
- Better integration with Samsung ecosystem products
All of these bring extra convenience and future-proofing that the older S20 FE can’t match.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Back in 2020, the S20 FE was praised for offering flagship-level performance at around $699 (often discounted lower). The S24 FE is expected to launch with a similar price tag, placing it firmly in the mid-premium segment. But what you’re getting for that price now is quite different.
Given the performance advancements, display improvements, camera refinements, and software commitment, the S24 FE easily offers better value in today’s context, especially when compared against the dwindling support and aging hardware of the S20 FE.
Who Should Upgrade?
If you’re still using the Galaxy S20 FE and are considering your next move, the S24 FE is one of the most logical upgrades available. It keeps the spirit of the Fan Edition alive while offering a refined, future-ready experience.
You’re likely to benefit most if you:
- Want a noticeable performance improvement
- Are looking for better camera quality in low-light and video capture
- Need longer battery life and more efficient power usage
- Value ongoing software updates and privacy protections
For casual users who aren’t pushing their S20 FE to its limit, it may still be a fine device. But for those looking to stay current and enjoy flagship experiences without the premium price tag, the S24 FE is a worthy successor.
Final Thoughts
The Galaxy S24 FE vs. S20 FE comparison is more than just a numbers game; it’s a reflection of how far smartphone technology has come in just four years. While the S20 FE was a well-rounded device in its time, the S24 FE marks a significant evolution in design, performance, camera, and software longevity—all while staying true to its fan-focused purpose.
It’s not just an upgrade—it’s a transformation.
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