[ad_1]
Samsung’s Galaxy S20 FE offers excellent value for money.
As a new class of expensive mechanical marvels and high-end smartphones emerge, “affordable” phones are getting more powerful and cheaper. September’s bloated release schedule is solid proof of that.
Manufacturers must strike a balance between cost, performance, build quality, and a few special extras to stand out from the crowd. Because of this, when I’m not reviewing a phone, I prefer a Google Pixel because I think they offer most of the above with some unique AI features. Read why that is so important here.
But rivals are starting to crowd Google’s space, and Apple reportedly cut the price of the entry-level iPhone 12 to $ 649. I’m eagerly waiting for my Pixel 5 review unit to arrive, but until it lands, it’s Samsung’s new Galaxy S20 FE 5G which has taken my SIM card hostage. And it’s growing on me, fast. This is why.
The 120Hz refresh rate is such an important display feature in 2020. Makes a big difference to your smartphone experience. That refresh rate is aided by Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology, which remains unmatched. There is no QuadHD option like on more expensive Galaxy phones, but I don’t miss it.
I generally go for FHD at 120Hz on my Galaxy Z Fold 2, rather than 60Hz at the highest resolution because the fluidity is remarkable and addictive, particularly when gaming or watching videos. A 120Hz refresh rate on Samsung’s excellent display technology, in this price range, is a major differentiator.
The 4,500 mAh battery is also based on ancient principles of mid-range phones: it is cheaper, it is worse, but it lasts. With moderate use, the FE comfortably lasts more than 24 hours. But the high refresh rate display bites off energy faster than the 60Hz option.
The cameras are also very good. The S20 FE has most of Samsung’s wide range of shooting options and takes vivid and eye-catching images. However, the skin softening issue, lack of detail (compared to my Pixel 4, at least) and oversaturation are still present.
But more importantly, that’s the case for Samsung’s entire 5G 2020 lineup. The point is, there is practically no noticeable difference between the FE camera, outside of silly zoom levels, and Samsung’s more expensive phones. In terms of value, Samsung is giving away some of its best camera tech for a low price. There’s even a small advantage to the FE: the autofocus issue that plagued Samsung’s “Ultra” models this year isn’t present on the budget phone.
The color accuracy and detail of Google’s Pixel cameras generally convince me, and they probably will continue to do so. But the FE’s range of shooting options, like slow motion Y Super slow motion, along with the impressive professional mode, are welcome.
Elsewhere, Samsung’s penchant for packing its phones with too many apps and features means there’s a lot of nonsense in the quick settings menu like Secure Folder and Samsung Kids (you can change all of this). But the company has good ideas. Samsung Dex is one of them. Or, to be more specific, Samsung Dex combined with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Streaming console games on a large monitor, via your phone, is a fun thing to do. It helps that the Galaxy S20 FE comes with three free months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and the Moga xp5-x plus, which is a solid Xbox-like controller.
That gift of games is important. The Moga controller normally retails for $ 69.99 and Game Pass Ultimate costs $ 14.99 per month. That’s $ 115 in free stuff. There are also $ 100 discounts at Amazon and Best Buy in FE right now.
Samsung also has some of the best trade-in prices for its old phone. You can pick up the FE for $ 249 if you trade in your Galaxy S10 from last year, which the Korean company values at $ 400. You can also get $ 300 for the S9 and $ 500 for the Note 10 Plus. There are even better deals for older Apple phones like the iPhone X 2017 ($ 400) and the iPhone 8 Plus 2017 ($ 350). Merchants can even get $ 225 off the 2015 iPhone 6S.
The most important thing to know about the Galaxy S20 FE 5G is that it does a good, solid job. It’s a powerful, reliable, and hassle-free smartphone (yet). Trade-in prices, free Xbox Game Pass membership, and pre-order discounts give you the edge over the competition, for now. If we talk about direct value for money, it is difficult to argue against Samsung’s new phone.
Have a tip, thoughts, or something to complain about? Let me know.
