Samsung S20 FE 5G: Malaysia Review & Should You Buy?
Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G and see if this phone is still a bang for your buck, especially here in Malaysia. We're going to cover everything from its design and display to its performance, cameras, battery life, and overall value. So, if you're thinking about grabbing this phone, or just curious, stick around! This in-depth review will help you decide if the Samsung S20 FE 5G is the right phone for you in 2024. Considering its age, we'll weigh its features against its current price and the competition. This phone was a real game-changer when it launched, offering flagship features at a more accessible price point. We'll explore if it still holds up, considering advancements in technology and newer phone releases. The Samsung S20 FE 5G has some strong points, and some areas where it might show its age. Let's get started!
Design and Display: Looks and Feels
Alright, let's talk about the look and feel. The Samsung S20 FE 5G sports a design that's both modern and functional. It's got a sleek, streamlined look, with a plastic back that's actually quite durable. This is a smart move, as plastic is less prone to shattering compared to glass, and it also helps keep the price down. The phone feels solid in hand, and the matte finish on the back does a great job of resisting fingerprints and smudges. Seriously, it's a huge plus. Nobody wants a phone that looks constantly greasy, right? You'll find the usual suspects around the frame: the volume rocker and power button on the right side, and a USB-C port, speaker, and SIM tray at the bottom. The phone has a nice, balanced weight to it, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The bezels around the display are relatively thin, giving you a good screen-to-body ratio. The Samsung S20 FE 5G comes in a variety of vibrant colors, which is a nice touch. It allows you to personalize your phone to match your style. You could choose from shades like Cloud Navy, Cloud Lavender, Cloud Mint, Cloud Red, and Cloud White. The color options were a welcome change from the typical black and silver. The display on the Samsung S20 FE 5G is absolutely fantastic. You're getting a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This means everything looks incredibly fluid, from scrolling through your social media feeds to playing games. The colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the overall viewing experience is top-notch. The 120Hz refresh rate makes a massive difference, especially if you're coming from a phone with a lower refresh rate. It makes the entire user interface feel snappier and more responsive. The display is also bright enough to be easily viewed outdoors, even under direct sunlight. This is crucial for everyday use. Whether you're streaming videos, browsing the web, or playing games, the display on the Samsung S20 FE 5G is a real treat. It’s one of the phone's strongest features. I’m telling you, the combination of the vibrant Super AMOLED panel and the smooth 120Hz refresh rate makes for an amazing visual experience. The design is practical, and the display is a winner. Now, let’s move on to the performance.
Performance: Does It Still Pack a Punch?
Okay, let's get into the heart of the matter: the performance. The Samsung S20 FE 5G comes in two main versions, one with a Snapdragon 865 processor and another with Samsung's own Exynos 990. The Snapdragon version is generally considered to be the superior performer, offering better efficiency and slightly better gaming performance. The Exynos version is still capable, but it tends to run a bit hotter and can sometimes be less power-efficient. Regardless of which version you get, the Samsung S20 FE 5G handles everyday tasks with ease. Swiping through menus, opening apps, and browsing the web are all smooth and lag-free. You'll have no problem multitasking, switching between apps, or running several things at once. Where the phone really shines is gaming. The Snapdragon 865, in particular, is a powerful chip that can handle most games at high settings with consistent frame rates. Games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact run smoothly and look great on the S20 FE 5G. Even the Exynos version is pretty good for gaming, just expect some minor frame rate drops in graphically demanding games. The phone also comes with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the configuration. More RAM means better multitasking and the ability to keep more apps open in the background. The storage options are either 128GB or 256GB, so you should have plenty of space for your apps, photos, and videos. There's also a microSD card slot, so you can expand the storage even further. Overall, the Samsung S20 FE 5G still delivers strong performance in 2024. It can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, from casual browsing to intense gaming. While it's not the absolute fastest phone on the market anymore, it's still more than capable and offers a great user experience. If you prioritize raw power, the Snapdragon version is the way to go, but even the Exynos version provides a solid performance. For most users, the Samsung S20 FE 5G offers a seamless and enjoyable experience. Let's go over the camera quality of this phone.
Camera: Capturing Your Moments
Alright, let’s talk about the cameras. The Samsung S20 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera system on the back, comprising a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This combination offers a wide range of shooting options, allowing you to capture everything from expansive landscapes to detailed close-up shots. The main 12MP sensor captures excellent photos in good lighting conditions. The images are sharp, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. Samsung's image processing is on point, resulting in vibrant and appealing photos. The ultrawide lens is great for capturing wider scenes and group photos. It's a nice addition, especially when you want to get more of the environment into your shots. The 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom is a standout feature. It allows you to get closer to your subjects without losing image quality. The zoom capabilities are very useful for capturing distant objects or for portrait shots with a nice background blur. The camera also performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to its Night Mode. The Night Mode brightens up dark scenes and reduces noise, resulting in usable photos even in challenging lighting. However, you might notice some softening of details in very low-light situations. The Samsung S20 FE 5G also has a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies. This camera captures detailed and vibrant selfies, making it great for video calls and social media. You can also record videos up to 4K resolution at 60fps with the rear cameras, and the quality is excellent. The videos are stable, thanks to the phone's image stabilization, and the colors are accurate. Overall, the Samsung S20 FE 5G has a very capable camera system. It takes great photos in various conditions, and the versatility of the triple-camera setup allows you to capture a wide range of shots. The telephoto lens is a standout feature, and the low-light performance is decent. For most users, the camera on the Samsung S20 FE 5G will be more than satisfactory. It’s a great camera for everyday use and for capturing memorable moments. The camera is still relevant in 2024. Let's move on and talk about battery life.
Battery Life: Keeping You Powered Up
Let's discuss the battery life. The Samsung S20 FE 5G is equipped with a 4,500mAh battery, which is a pretty decent size and should be sufficient for a full day of use for most users. However, battery life can vary depending on your usage. If you're a heavy user who spends a lot of time gaming, streaming videos, or using the phone heavily, you might find yourself needing to top up the battery before the end of the day. If you are a light to moderate user, you can easily get a full day of use on a single charge. The S20 FE 5G supports 25W fast charging, but you'll need to purchase a 25W charger separately, as the phone comes with a 15W charger in the box. With the 25W charger, you can get a significant amount of charge in a relatively short amount of time. The phone also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which is a nice bonus. Reverse wireless charging allows you to charge other devices wirelessly by placing them on the back of the phone. So, how does the Samsung S20 FE 5G battery life stack up in real-world usage? For most users, it will easily last a full day with moderate use, including browsing the web, checking social media, making calls, and taking some photos. If you're a heavy user, you might need to charge it up once during the day or consider using battery-saving modes. The 120Hz refresh rate of the display does consume more battery than a 60Hz refresh rate, but the difference is not drastic, and the smoother experience is usually worth it. Overall, the Samsung S20 FE 5G offers good battery life. It's not the best in class, but it's certainly adequate for most users. The fast charging and wireless charging capabilities are welcome features that add to the convenience. Battery life is something you should consider when you are going to buy a phone. Let's continue on to the last part and discuss the value.
Value for Money: Is It Still Worth It?
So, the big question: Is the Samsung S20 FE 5G still a good buy in 2024? The answer is: It depends. The S20 FE 5G launched at a higher price point, but now, with its age, it can be found at significantly lower prices, making it a more attractive option. Considering its current price and the features it offers, the Samsung S20 FE 5G provides excellent value for money. The phone delivers flagship-level features at a more affordable price point. The display is still excellent, the performance is solid (especially the Snapdragon version), and the camera system is very versatile. The Samsung S20 FE 5G also has some great extras, like its IP68 water resistance rating, wireless charging, and expandable storage. Compared to newer phones in the same price range, the Samsung S20 FE 5G still holds its own. While newer phones might have slightly updated processors or camera systems, the S20 FE 5G still provides a great overall experience. However, there are a few things to consider. The phone is now a few years old, so it might not receive as many software updates as newer models. The battery life, while good, might not be the best compared to some newer phones. And the Exynos version's performance can be a bit behind the Snapdragon version. But overall, the Samsung S20 FE 5G remains a compelling option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. It offers a great combination of features, performance, and value. If you're looking for a phone that offers a premium experience without breaking the bank, the Samsung S20 FE 5G is definitely worth considering. It is particularly appealing to those who want a premium feel and performance without paying top dollar. So, is the Samsung S20 FE 5G worth it in 2024? Absolutely! It’s still a fantastic phone. Make sure to compare the price with its competitors.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the Samsung S20 FE 5G is a fantastic phone, and in 2024, it continues to hold its own against newer models. The phone still offers a compelling package, especially given its current price. It's a solid choice for those seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank. The vibrant display with its smooth 120Hz refresh rate remains a highlight, and the versatile camera system still delivers great results. The performance is adequate for most users, and the battery life is decent. The design is sleek and practical, and the build quality feels good. While it might not be the absolute latest and greatest, the Samsung S20 FE 5G still provides a well-rounded experience that’s hard to beat at its current price. So, if you're in the market for a new phone and can find the Samsung S20 FE 5G at a good price, go for it! You won’t be disappointed. It's a phone that continues to deliver excellent value and a great user experience. Thanks for reading!
