Samsung S20 FE 5G: Malaysia Review & Should You Buy?

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey guys, let's dive into the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G and see if it's still a solid pick here in Malaysia! The S20 FE (Fan Edition) was a big deal when it dropped, offering a bunch of flagship features at a more accessible price point. But with newer phones constantly hitting the market, is the S20 FE 5G still a contender? We'll break down the design, performance, camera, battery, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right phone for you in 2024. This review is tailored for the Malaysian market, considering local pricing, availability, and the competition. Let's get started!

Design and Build Quality: A Closer Look

Alright, let's talk about the look and feel of the Samsung S20 FE 5G. When it comes to the design, Samsung opted for a plastic back, which might sound like a downgrade from the glass backs found on some other flagships. However, it has its advantages! The plastic back makes the phone lighter and less prone to shattering if you happen to drop it – always a plus. It also doesn't attract fingerprints as much as glass, which is a major win for those of us who like our phones to look pristine. The frame is made of metal, providing a sturdy feel. The phone has a matte finish that looks and feels premium.

The S20 FE 5G comes in a variety of vibrant colors, which adds a touch of personality. The color options are pretty cool. The display is a flat 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer! It makes everything feel super smooth, from scrolling through social media to playing games. The screen itself is bright, vibrant, and offers excellent viewing angles. It's also got a Full HD+ resolution, so the content on your screen looks crisp and detailed. The phone is also IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, so it can handle a splash or two of water and the usual dust you encounter. Overall, the design of the S20 FE 5G is modern, practical, and well-built. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the latest ultra-premium phones, but it offers a great user experience and feels great in hand, and is a great choice if you are looking for Samsung S20 FE 5G in Malaysia.

Durability and Handling

  • Build Materials: As mentioned, the plastic back is a good choice for durability, and it's less likely to crack compared to glass. The metal frame adds structural integrity.
  • Ergonomics: The phone isn't too large, making it relatively easy to handle with one hand, although this depends on your hand size. The matte finish helps with grip.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: The IP68 rating is a huge bonus, offering peace of mind.

Performance: Power and Smoothness

Under the hood, the Samsung S20 FE 5G packs a punch. It comes with either a Snapdragon 865 or an Exynos 990 processor, depending on the region. In Malaysia, you're more likely to get the Snapdragon 865 version, which is great news because the Snapdragon 865 delivers superior performance and efficiency compared to the Exynos 990.

Whether you're gaming, multitasking, or just browsing the web, the S20 FE 5G handles everything with ease. Apps open quickly, and switching between apps is seamless. The phone also comes with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the configuration. The 8GB of RAM is recommended for the best experience. The phone's performance is still competitive even against some newer mid-range phones. You'll have no problems playing graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile at high settings. The 120Hz display further enhances the gaming experience, making everything look incredibly smooth.

Gaming Performance

The Snapdragon 865 can handle most games at high settings with consistent frame rates. The 120Hz display makes a huge difference, especially in fast-paced games. The phone's cooling system does a decent job of preventing overheating during extended gaming sessions.

Software and User Experience

The phone runs on Samsung's One UI, which is built on top of Android. One UI is known for its clean and user-friendly interface. Samsung has also been pretty good about providing software updates and security patches. The user experience is generally smooth and intuitive, with plenty of customization options.

Camera: Capturing Your Moments

Alright, let's talk about the camera because it's a super important feature for most of us. The Samsung S20 FE 5G features a triple-camera setup on the back: a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The camera system is versatile and captures great shots in various lighting conditions.

The main lens excels in daylight, producing photos with excellent detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy. The ultrawide lens is great for capturing wider scenes, such as landscapes or group photos. The telephoto lens allows for 3x optical zoom, which is handy for getting closer to your subjects without losing quality. The phone also supports up to 30x digital zoom, but the quality degrades significantly at higher zoom levels. On the front, there's a 32MP selfie camera that takes detailed and vibrant selfies. The selfies have pretty good detail and the camera app offers various beauty modes to enhance your photos.

Photo and Video Capabilities

  • Main Lens: Produces excellent photos in daylight with good detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy.
  • Ultrawide Lens: Useful for capturing wider scenes, landscapes, and group photos.
  • Telephoto Lens: Offers 3x optical zoom, which is great for portraits and getting closer to subjects.
  • Video Recording: Supports up to 4K video recording at 60fps, and also supports super steady video stabilization.

Battery Life: Keeping You Going

Battery life is a crucial factor, right? The Samsung S20 FE 5G has a 4,500mAh battery, which is pretty decent. It will easily get you through a full day of use, even with heavy usage, including gaming and streaming.

If you are a light user, you might even get a day and a half out of it. The phone also supports 25W fast charging, which means you can quickly top up the battery when needed. However, the phone comes with a 15W charger in the box. You'll need to purchase a 25W charger separately to get the faster charging speeds. The phone also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which is a nice bonus.

Charging and Power Efficiency

  • Charging Speed: Supports 25W fast charging (requires a separate charger).
  • Wireless Charging: Supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
  • Power Consumption: The Snapdragon 865 is generally power-efficient, contributing to good battery life.

Value for Money: Is It Worth Buying in Malaysia?

So, the big question: Is the Samsung S20 FE 5G still a good buy in Malaysia? The answer depends on your priorities and budget. When it was first released, the S20 FE 5G offered amazing value, packing flagship features at a mid-range price. While it's no longer the newest kid on the block, it still holds up pretty well in 2024. Considering its current price in the Malaysian market, the S20 FE 5G offers a compelling package. It gives you a top-notch display, great performance, a versatile camera system, and decent battery life. The design is modern and the build quality is solid.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

  • Excellent performance with the Snapdragon 865 (in most regions).
  • Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display.
  • Versatile camera system.
  • Good battery life.
  • IP68 water and dust resistance.
  • Competitive pricing.

Cons:

  • Plastic back (though some may consider it an advantage).
  • No expandable storage (depending on the variant).
  • Charger in the box is only 15W, not the 25W supported.

Alternatives in the Malaysian Market

Before you pull the trigger on the S20 FE 5G, it's worth checking out some of the other options available in the Malaysian market. Here are a few phones to consider:

  • Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: A strong contender in the mid-range segment, with a great display and decent performance.
  • Xiaomi 12 Lite: Offers a sleek design and good performance for its price.
  • Google Pixel 6a: Known for its excellent camera and clean Android experience.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Samsung S20 FE 5G in 2024?

Alright, guys, let's wrap this up! The Samsung S20 FE 5G remains a solid choice in Malaysia, especially if you can find it at a good price. It's a well-rounded phone that offers a great user experience, with a smooth display, powerful performance, and a versatile camera. If you are looking for a phone with a great display, performance, and camera, the Samsung S20 FE 5G is still a good option. However, make sure to consider other alternatives in the same price range. Compare the specs, read reviews, and see which phone best suits your needs and preferences. Ultimately, the best phone for you is the one that ticks all your boxes and fits your budget. Happy phone hunting! I hope this review helped you decide whether or not to get the Samsung S20 FE 5G in Malaysia. Let me know what you think in the comments!