Is Galaxy S20 FE Worth Buying in 2025

 

Overview of the Galaxy S20 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) was released in 2020 as a budget-friendly flagship alternative, offering many of the same features as the premium Galaxy S20 series but at a lower price. Now, in 2025, it remains a compelling choice, especially for budget-conscious buyers.

One of the biggest advantages of the Galaxy S20 FE is its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals for gaming and daily use. It also features a Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 processor, triple-lens camera system, 5G connectivity, and a 4,500mAh battery for all-day performance.

According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, a Certified Samsung Galaxy S20 FE can now be found for as low as $100+, making it one of the most affordable flagship-tier smartphones available. Even better, Samsung continues to provide quarterly security updates, ensuring a secure and optimized experience in 2025.

 

Full Specs Table

Specification	Details
Display	6.5-inch Super AMOLED (1080 x 2400), 120Hz refresh rate
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 (region-dependent)
RAM	6GB / 8GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB (expandable via microSD)
Cameras	12MP (wide) + 8MP (telephoto) + 12MP (ultrawide) rear cameras, 32MP front camera
Battery	4,500mAh with 25W fast charging
Software Updates	Quarterly security updates until at least 2026
Build	Plastic back, aluminum frame, IP68 water and dust resistance
5G Support	Yes (varies by model and region)

For buyers looking for a powerful smartphone under $150, the Galaxy S20 FE remains a fantastic deal in 2025.

 

Performance in 2025

Even in 2025, the Galaxy S20 FE performs exceptionally well for a budget-friendly device. Thanks to its Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 chipset, it can handle multitasking, gaming, and media consumption without major slowdowns.

Here’s how the S20 FE holds up in different performance areas:

• Smooth Daily Usage – The 120Hz refresh rate combined with 6GB or 8GB of RAM ensures that navigating through apps, browsing, and multitasking remain fluid.
• Gaming Capabilities – The Snapdragon 865 is still powerful enough for games like Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG, and Genshin Impact, running at high settings.
• Battery Life – With a 4,500mAh battery, the S20 FE provides all-day usage under normal conditions, though battery degradation over time may require optimization.
• Software Optimization – Samsung’s One UI is well-optimized, ensuring a responsive and lag-free experience even on an older processor.

Overall, for a device now priced at $100+, the S20 FE remains a strong performer in 2025 for everyday tasks and gaming.

 

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE features a triple-lens rear camera system, offering versatile photography options even in 2025.

• 12MP Wide Sensor – Captures detailed shots with Samsung’s excellent color science and dynamic range.
• 8MP Telephoto Lens – Offers 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom, making it one of the best zoom cameras in its price range.
• 12MP Ultrawide Sensor – Provides a 123-degree field of view for capturing landscapes and group shots.
• 32MP Front Camera – Delivers sharp selfies with AI-powered enhancements and 4K video recording.

In good lighting, the S20 FE still delivers flagship-level photos, and Samsung’s software processing ensures excellent detail and clarity. In low light, however, newer phones may perform better, but Night Mode helps improve shots significantly.

For buyers looking for an affordable phone with a capable camera system, the S20 FE still holds up well in 2025.

 

Display Quality

One of the standout features of the Galaxy S20 FE is its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures smooth scrolling, vibrant colors, and deep contrasts, making it one of the best screens available at this price.

• Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400) – Offers crisp and clear visuals.
• 120Hz refresh rate – Provides a buttery smooth experience, especially when gaming or navigating the UI.
• HDR10+ support – Enhances video playback quality on platforms like YouTube and Netflix.

Even by 2025 standards, the S20 FE’s display remains impressive, outperforming many newer budget phones that still offer 60Hz or 90Hz LCD screens.

 

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE’s 4,500mAh battery continues to deliver solid endurance in 2025. While battery degradation may reduce its longevity compared to when it was new, it still offers:

• 6-8 hours of screen-on time under normal use.
• All-day battery life for moderate users.
• 25W fast charging that allows a 50% charge in about 30 minutes.
• Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging support.

For a phone now priced around $100+, the battery life is still impressive, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.

 

Software and Updates

A major concern when buying an older device is software support, but Samsung continues to provide quarterly security updates for the Galaxy S20 FE as of 2025.

• Still receives security patches, keeping it protected from vulnerabilities.
• Runs One UI 5+ (up to Android 13), offering a modern software experience.
• Can’t upgrade to Android 14 or later, but it still offers a stable and smooth performance.

Samsung’s extended software support means that the Galaxy S20 FE remains secure and reliable even in 2025.

 

Value for Money

At a current price of just $100+, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE offers incredible value for a budget-friendly smartphone.

Here’s why it’s still worth buying in 2025:

• ✅ Flagship-level features at a budget price
• ✅ 120Hz AMOLED display that’s better than most budget phones
• ✅ Snapdragon 865 processor still handles gaming and multitasking
• ✅ Reliable camera system with 3x optical zoom
• ✅ Long battery life with fast charging
• ✅ Quarterly security updates through 2026

For buyers who need an affordable phone with solid performance, the Galaxy S20 FE is one of the best options under $150 in 2025.

 

Comparing with Newer Models

In 2025, newer smartphones have introduced faster processors, improved cameras, and better battery efficiency, but how does the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE compare to newer budget and mid-range models?

 

Performance vs. Mid-Range Phones

• Many newer budget and mid-range phones use mid-tier chipsets like the Snapdragon 7-series or MediaTek Dimensity processors.
• The Snapdragon 865 in the S20 FE is still more powerful than most modern mid-range processors, offering better gaming and multitasking performance.

 

Display Quality

• While newer models may have OLED screens, many still lack a 120Hz refresh rate—a feature that makes the S20 FE feel smoother and faster.
• Some budget models still come with LCD displays, making the S20 FE’s AMOLED panel superior in color reproduction and contrast.

 

Camera Comparison

• Newer models may feature higher megapixel counts, but Samsung’s software processing and optics on the S20 FE still deliver competitive image quality.
• The 3x optical zoom is still rare in the sub-$150 price range, making the S20 FE stand out.

 

Software Longevity

• While the S20 FE won’t get new Android versions, it still receives quarterly security updates through 2026.
• Many budget phones from lesser-known brands don’t receive long-term software support, making the S20 FE a safer choice.

In summary, even though newer phones may offer incremental improvements, the Galaxy S20 FE still outperforms many mid-range devices, especially at its current low price.

 

Environmental Considerations

Choosing a certified used or refurbished Galaxy S20 FE in 2025 isn’t just a smart financial decision—it’s also an eco-friendly choice.

• Reduces Electronic Waste – Buying a used device extends its life cycle and prevents it from becoming e-waste.
• Lower Carbon Footprint – The production of new smartphones involves mining rare materials and high energy consumption. A refurbished device significantly reduces the demand for new materials.
• Recycling & Reuse – Samsung promotes recycling initiatives, but buying a certified used phone is an even better way to reduce environmental impact.

By choosing a refurbished Galaxy S20 FE, buyers contribute to a more sustainable and responsible tech industry while still getting a high-quality smartphone.

 

Future-Proofing Your Investment

When buying a budget smartphone in 2025, it’s important to consider how long it will remain usable. Here’s why the Galaxy S20 FE is still a future-proof investment:

• ✅ Powerful hardware – The Snapdragon 865 processor ensures that it will continue running smoothly for a few more years.
• ✅ Quarterly security updates – While it may not get major OS upgrades, Samsung’s security patches keep it safe.
• ✅ 5G Support – Unlike older budget phones, the S20 FE supports 5G, making it relevant for future networks.
• ✅ Expandable Storage – Many newer phones have removed the microSD card slot, but the S20 FE still allows storage expansion.

While it won’t last forever, the Galaxy S20 FE still has a year or two of solid usability left, making it a worthy purchase in 2025.

 

User Experience and Community Support

The Galaxy S20 FE benefits from a large and active user community, ensuring continued support from enthusiasts, developers, and repair services.

• Custom ROMs & Modding – Many users install custom ROMs to keep their Galaxy S20 FE updated beyond Samsung’s official support.
• Third-Party Repair Support – Due to its popularity, many third-party shops offer affordable repairs and battery replacements.
• Online Resources & Forums – Websites like Reddit, XDA Developers, and YouTube have guides, troubleshooting tips, and tweaks to keep the phone optimized.

Even as official support winds down, community-driven resources help extend the life of the S20 FE, making it a great choice for tech-savvy users.

 

Potential Drawbacks

While the Galaxy S20 FE offers great value, there are a few downsides to consider before purchasing:

• ❌ No More Major OS Updates – Samsung won’t provide Android OS updates beyond Android 14, meaning users won’t get new features from future Android versions.
• ❌ Battery Degradation Over Time – Since the phone is a few years old, used units may have some battery wear. Buying from a certified refurbisher can help ensure the battery is in good condition.
• ❌ Plastic Back Design – While durable, the S20 FE’s plastic back may feel less premium than newer glass-backed phones.
• ❌ No Wi-Fi 6E or Latest Connectivity Features – Newer phones have Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, but the S20 FE still uses older standards.

For buyers who don’t mind these trade-offs, the S20 FE remains a fantastic device at its current price point.

 

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is one of the best budget flagship smartphones available in 2025. With prices dropping to $100+, it delivers:

• ✅ A smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
• ✅ A powerful Snapdragon 865 processor
• ✅ A solid triple-camera system with 3x optical zoom
• ✅ Long-lasting battery with fast charging
• ✅ Quarterly security updates through 2026
• ✅ 5G support and expandable storage

While it has some limitations, the Galaxy S20 FE still outperforms many budget smartphones in its price range. Whether you need a secondary phone, a budget gaming device, or a daily driver, this phone remains an excellent choice in 2025.

Looking for a Refurbished or Used Galaxy S20 FE at the best price? UpTrade helps you find the best deals available!

 

About UpTrade

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