Home > Smartphone comparison > Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S20 FE 5G – which one to choose?

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs S20 FE 5G

72 out of 100
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
VS
71 out of 100
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G

Here we compared two flagship smartphones: the 6.4-inch Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (with Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 ) that was released on January 4, 2022, against the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, which is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G and came out 16 months before. On this page, you will find tests, full specs, strengths, and weaknesses of each of the devices.

  1. Differences
  2. Review
  3. Specs
  4. Benchmarks
  5. Battery life
  6. Camera
  7. Comments (6)

Key differences

An overview of the main advantages of each smartphone
Reasons to consider the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
  • The phone is 1-year and 4-months newer
  • More energy-efficient CPU – Snapdragon 888
Reasons to consider the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
  • Shows 21% longer battery life (32:06 vs 26:34 hours)
  • Expandable storage via MicroSD card up to 1024GB

Review

Evaluation of Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and S20 FE 5G crucial features
Display
Screen quality, color accuracy, brightness
Camera
Photo and video recording quality
Performance
CPU and memory performance (apps, system)
Gaming
Capabilities for playing modern games
Battery
Battery life, charging type and speed
Connectivity
Networks, ports, data transmission
NanoReview Score
Final comparison evaluation
Choose the importance of each parameter to more accurately identify the smartphone that best meets your particular needs.
Adjust priorities
Feature
Priority (Weight)
Display:
Camera:
Performance:
Gaming:
Battery Life:
The higher the priority, the more it will affect the final NanoReview score.

Value for money

You can enter your local prices of these phones (in USD or other currency) and click on the "Calculate" button to see which one has a better value for money.
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Tests and specifications

Comparison table of technical specifications and tests
Phone:
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
vs
Galaxy S20 FE 5G

Display

Type Dynamic AMOLED Super AMOLED
Size 6.4 inches 6.5 inches
Resolution 1080 x 2340 pixels 1080 x 2400 pixels
Aspect ratio 20:9 20:9
PPI 401 ppi 407 ppi
Refresh rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Adaptive refresh rate No No
Max rated brightness 420 nits 400 nits
Max rated brightness in HDR 1200 nits 1200 nits
HDR support Yes, HDR10+ Yes, HDR10+
Screen protection Gorilla Glass Victus Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Screen-to-body ratio 89.6% 84.8%
Display features - DCI-P3
- Always-On Display		 - DCI-P3
- Always-On Display
Display tests
RGB color space 97% 95.7%
PWM 247 Hz 227 Hz
Response time 6 ms 2.8 ms
Contrast ∞ Infinity ∞ Infinity
Peak brightness test (auto)
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
793 nits
Galaxy S20 FE 5G +5%
831 nits
Sources: NotebookCheck [3], [4]

Design and build

Height 155.7 mm (6.13 inches) 159.8 mm (6.29 inches)
Width 74.5 mm (2.93 inches) 74.5 mm (2.93 inches)
Thickness 7.9 mm (0.31 inches) 8.4 mm (0.33 inches)
Weight 177 g (6.24 oz) 190 g (6.7 oz)
Waterproof IP68 IP68
Rear material Plastic Plastic
Frame material Metal Metal
Colors White, Gray, Green, Purple White, Blue, Green, Red, Orange, Purple
Fingerprint scanner Yes, in-display Yes, in-display
Screen-to-body ratio

Performance

Tests of Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G in the benchmarks
SoC
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G
Max clock 2840 MHz 2840 MHz
CPU cores 8 (1 + 3 + 4) 8 (1 + 3 + 4)
Architecture - 4 cores at 1.8 GHz: Kryo 680 Silver (Cortex-A55)
- 3 cores at 2.42 GHz: Kryo 680 Gold (Cortex-A78)
- 1 core at 2.84 GHz: Kryo 680 Prime (Cortex-X1)		 - 4 cores at 1.8 GHz: Kryo 585 Silver (Cortex-A55)
- 3 cores at 2.42 GHz: Kryo 585 Gold (Cortex-A77)
- 1 core at 2.84 GHz: Kryo 585 Prime (Cortex-A77)
L3 cache 4 MB 4 MB
Lithography process 5 nanometers 7 nanometers
Graphics Adreno 660 Adreno 650
GPU shading units 1024 1024
GPU clock 792 MHz 587 MHz
FLOPS ~1622 GFLOPS ~1202.1 GFLOPS

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)
Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)
AnTuTu Benchmark 10
CPU 247479 188501
GPU 279733 299246
Memory 144313 142574
UX 134400 167228
Total score 813058 762280
3DMark Wild Life Performance
Max surface temperature 39.1 °C 37.9 °C
Stability 69% 91%
Graphics test 34 FPS 23 FPS
Graphics score 5703 3875
PCMark 3.0
Web score 10889 9910
Video editing 7079 7169
Photo editing 28541 30029
Data manipulation 10075 9733
Writing score 14461 13125
Sources: 3DMark [3], [4]
Submit your AnTuTu result

Memory

RAM
RAM size 6, 8 GB 6, 8 GB
Memory type LPDDR5 LPDDR5
Memory clock 2750 MHz 2750 MHz
Channels 2 2
Storage
Storage size 128, 256 GB 128, 256 GB
Storage type UFS 3.1 UFS 3.1
Memory card No MicroSD
Memory card max size - Up to 1024 GB

Software

Operating system Android 12 (Can be upgraded to Android 13) Android 10 (Can be upgraded to Android 13)
ROM One UI 5.0 One UI 5.0
OS size 17.5 GB 25.6 GB

Battery

Capacity 4500 mAh 4500 mAh
Max charge power 25 W 25 W
Battery type Li-Ion Li-Po
Replaceable No No
Wireless charging Yes (15 W) Yes (15 W)
Reverse charging Yes, (wireless) Yes, (wireless)
Fast charging Yes (51% in 30 min) Yes (37% in 30 min)
Full charging time 1:15 hr 1:35 hr
Battery life tests
Web browsing 07:42 hr 10:02 hr
Watching video 13:05 hr 15:39 hr
Gaming 05:29 hr 04:33 hr
Standby 91 hr 110 hr
General battery life
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
26:34 hr
Galaxy S20 FE 5G +21%
32:06 hr

Camera

Specs and camera test of smartphones
Main camera
Matrix 12 megapixels 12 megapixels
Image resolution 4032 x 3024 4032 x 3024
Zoom Optical, 3x Optical, 3x
Flash LED Dual LED
Stabilization Optical Optical
8K video recording No No
4K video recording Up to 60FPS Up to 60FPS
1080p video recording Up to 60FPS Up to 60FPS
Slow motion 960 FPS (720p) 960 FPS (720p)
Angle of widest lens 123° 123°
Lenses 3 (12 MP + 8 MP + 12 MP) 3 (12 MP + 8 MP + 12 MP)
Wide (main) lens - 12 MP
- Aperture: f/1.8
- Focal length: 26 mm
- Pixel size: 1.8 micron
- Sensor: 1/1.76", Sony IMX555 (Exmor-RS CMOS)
- Phase autofocus (Dual Pixel)
- Optical stabilization
- 12 MP
- Aperture: f/1.8
- Focal length: 26 mm
- Pixel size: 1.8 micron
- Sensor: 1/1.76", Sony IMX555 (Exmor-RS CMOS)
- Phase autofocus (Dual Pixel)
- Optical stabilization
Telephoto lens - 8 MP
- Aperture: f/2.4
- Focal length: 76 mm
- Pixel size: 1 micron
- Sensor: 1/4.5", Hynix Hi847 (CMOS)
- Phase autofocus
- Optical stabilization
- 8 MP
- Aperture: f/2.4
- Focal length: 76 mm
- Pixel size: 1 micron
- Sensor: 1/4.5" (CMOS)
- Phase autofocus
- Optical stabilization
Ultra-wide lens - 12 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Focal length: 13 mm
- Pixel size: 1.12 micron
- Sensor: 1/3.0", Sony IMX258 (Exmor-RS CMOS)
- 12 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Focal length: 13 mm
- Pixel size: 1.12 micron
- Sensor: 1/3.0" (CMOS)
Camera features - Bokeh mode
- Pro mode
- RAW support		 - Bokeh mode
- Pro mode
- RAW support
Samples Photo samples of Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G from DxOMark -
Selfie camera
Megapixels 32 megapixels 32 megapixels
Image resolution 6464 x 4864 6528 x 4896
Aperture f/2.2 f/2.0
Focal length 26 mm 26 mm
Pixel size 0.8 microns 0.8 microns
Sensor type Exmor-RS CMOS CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.74" 1/2.74"
Video resolution 2160p (4K) at 60 FPS 2160p (4K) at 60 FPS

DxOMark camera tests

Photo quality
Video quality
Generic camera score

Connectivity

Wi-Fi standard Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
Wi-Fi features - Dual Band
- Wi-Fi MiMO
- Wi-Fi Direct
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Wi-Fi Display		 - Dual Band
- Wi-Fi MiMO
- Wi-Fi Direct
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Wi-Fi Display
Bluetooth version 5 5
Bluetooth features LE LE, A2DP
USB type USB Type-C USB Type-C
USB version 3.2 3.2
USB features - Charging
- USB-Storage mode
- OTG		 - Charging
- USB-Storage mode
- OTG
GPS GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo
NFC* Yes Yes
Infrared port No No
Network
Number of SIM* 2 2
Type of SIM card Nano Nano
Multi SIM mode Standby Standby
eSIM support* No No
Hybrid slot No Yes
LTE Cat* 19 20
5G support Yes Yes

Sound

Speakers Stereo Stereo
Headphone audio jack No No
FM radio No No
Dolby Atmos Yes Yes
Speakers test
Max loudness
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
88.9 dB
Galaxy S20 FE 5G +1%
90.1 dB

Other

Category Flagship Flagship
Announced January 2022 September 2020
Release date January 2022 October 2020
SAR (head) 0.95 W/kg 0.5 W/kg
SAR (body) 1.48 W/kg 1.35 W/kg
Sensors - Hall-effect sensor
- Barometer
- Proximity sensor
- Gyroscope
- Accelerometer
- Ambient light sensor
- Compass
- Fingerprint		 - Hall-effect sensor
- Gyroscope
- Accelerometer
- Ambient light sensor
- Compass
- Fingerprint
Bundled charger Not included Yes, 15 W
*Disclaimer! NFC, GSM network support, and some other specs can be different depending on the country.

Conclusion

If the display, gaming, and design are more important to you, then choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. But if the battery life is more of a priority – go for the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G.

Cast your vote

So, which phone would you choose?
651 (30.1%)
1515 (69.9%)
Total votes: 2166

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User opinions

You can share your opinion or ask a question in the comments below
Avatar
Heinz Müller 07 September 2023 14:00
I'd maybe consider the S21 for the software updates + performance - however, the lower battery life and no SD card slot ruin it for me. I've already lost the audio jack, I don't want to lose another feature because it was deemed unnecessary by Apple execs and everyone follows suit for some reason. Having expandable storage is convenient and so much cheaper than upgrading.
0 Reply
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Fernando 17 April 2023 13:39
Well judging that 888 has thermal issues by now 865 & 870 are the most stable and efficient SoCs against the SD 8 Gen 1 & 2. So if you are looking for stability go for the S20 FE.
+15 Reply
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Sandesh 01 March 2023 08:13
Buying S20 FE in 2023 is worth it or not? I want a good camera, display, and good battery life too. For how long will I get software updates if I buy it now?
+103 Reply
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A Roy 19 March 2023 10:09
No never coz, because Android 13 is the last software update. Choose S21 FE.
+49 Reply
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Anonymous 13 February 2023 16:45
If the S21 FE was a true FE phone, it had remained the SD card and the snapdragon processor, and also had to contain a charger in the box (not to mention the S21 FE doesn't last long as the S20 FE/FE 5G). Samsung basically forces users to get the S21 FE for better software support and 'better' specs. However, you shouldn't fall into that trap. If you don't care about software and just want a longer battery and expandable storage, go with the S20 FE/FE 5G. If you don't mind about the minuses and want longer software support, go with the S21 FE, but you should consider what is better for you before deciding which one to get.
+12 Reply
Avatar
M.D 17 April 2022 09:30
In my country, the price of s21 fe is almost equal to S20 FE 5G, but s21 fe is offered with exynos processor. what is your opinion? Which one do you suggest buying?
+160 Reply
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Dude 25 April 2022 09:55
Depends on your needs. if you want better specs & fewer bezels, go for S21 FE If you want 20% longer battery life & expandable Micro SD card (memory) go for S20 FE I had S10 Plus, but I upgraded to S20 FE for nearly $500 back in January, at that time the S21 FE was $700 But, if they had the same price. S21 FE can match S20 FE in value (better specs but less battery & no SD card)
+49 Reply
Avatar
Dawn 04 September 2022 23:54
Late reply but Exynos 2100 and 2200 aren't trash like Exynos 990 was when it comes to performance and battery drain. The 2100 can go toe to toe with the Snapdragon 888 while the 2200 loses to Snap 8 gen 1. You win some you lose some. All in all both phones are great if you want a boring slab of glass and plastic.
+20 Reply
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Remis 23 September 2022 10:01
In india now you can get S21 FE for as low as $375.
+6 Reply
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Eileen 14 February 2023 00:42
Hello, In the USA, I've been trying to buy Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G which by now 2023 is already 3 yrs old, yet its price lowered to $599.99 at Samsung, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Ask yourself * if an S Series that's 3 yrs old is still so expensive, why? Has all the specs you really need... camera isn't a priority at least to me, I just need a good phone & to me, this would be excellent that is going to last me another couple of years. My truest recommendation would be the Galaxy S20 FE 5G note idk if you'll get 5G in your county. Good lucky friend.
+5 Reply
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Aryash Sengar 17 January 2022 05:37
As of the current scenario in India S20 FE 5G is a better option to have hands-on and it also provides better value for money but S21 FE 5G holds its position, the specs it is equipped with and if is available below 50k ₹ it would be the better one.
+89 Reply
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