phones
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G: which is right for you?
Ting Staff • February 4, 2022
So it’s time to upgrade your Android. You’re looking for flagship features (and maybe even some extra bells and whistles) but in an affordable package. One of the best options for this type of phone is the FE (Fan Edition) series of Samsung Galaxy S phones. They’ve just released the excellent S21 FE 5G, which retains many features of the Galaxy S21. But you may also be thinking of saving some money by choosing the also great S20 FE 5G. So which one should you choose? It really depends on your needs. Let’s see which one is right for you!
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G — $699
Perhaps the most impressive feature of these phones is their camera sets. The S21 5G FE retains its predecessor’s three-camera rear cluster with a 12-megapixel rear camera, 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and 8-megapixel telephoto lens. However, it adds features like Dual Recording mode, where the rear and front cameras record simultaneously, and AI Face Restoration.
The S21 FE has a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display which supports both 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rates. In terms of design, the rear camera cluster has been redesigned to protrude less than the one in the previous generation. Samsung commits to 3 years of system updates for S Series phones — which means with the S21 FE 5G you should be covered up to Android 15. Check out a full review of this impressive phone.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Certified Re-Newed — $499
On paper, the S20 FE certainly keeps up with the new version in many categories. There are a few differences, though. As mentioned, the camera hardware specs are identical, with updates to some software features. The Snapdragon 865 processor is plenty fast, but it is a bit slower than the processor in the S21 FE. The 6.5-inch display is actually ever so slightly larger than that of the new phone, and also lets you choose between 60Hz and 120Hz. Considering it was released in late 2020 with Android 10, S20 5G FE owners can expect to get system updates until Android 13. Our Ting staff tester was equally impressed with this one, you can read about his experience here.
Which phone is for you?
When it comes to Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, you can’t go wrong with either phone. They both offer exceptional performance and features at an affordable price point. If the latest advancements in camera performance are important to you and the new features seem like something that you’ll find useful (Dual Recording is perfect for vloggers, for instance), you’ll want to go with the newer phone. It also may appeal more to those who must always have the latest version of Android on their phone, since it will keep receiving updates for a longer time.
Of course, the biggest argument for the S20 FE 5G is the price. You’ll save $200 when you choose the Certified Re-Newed S20 FE in the Ting Shop. If you can forego the improvements the S21 offers, it’s a great way to nab an impressive phone at an excellent price.
Maximize your Samsung Galaxy FE with Ting Mobile
Since you’re looking at these phones, it’s a good guess that you appreciate a superior product at a great price. With Ting Mobile, your phone plan will also fit that bill. We offer a variety of affordable plans designed to fit the needs of every type of phone user starting at just $10. With any plan, you’ll enjoy nationwide LTE and 5G coverage (where available) plus unlimited talk and text. And we’ll never lock you into a contract, so you’re always free to choose the solution that’s best for you. See which Ting Mobile plan fits you best.