Galaxy A32 5G Vs Galaxy S20 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition), released in October 2020, aimed to deliver a flagship-like experience by incorporating popular features from the premium S20 series. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, launched in January 2021, entered the market as a mid-range smartphone focusing on accessible 5G connectivity and robust battery performance. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, they cater to different user priorities, with the S20 FE offering higher performance and a more vibrant display, and the A32 5G emphasizing endurance and essential functionality.

Comparing the long-term usability of these devices involves looking at their release timelines, software commitment, and physical resilience.

• Software Support Longevity: The Galaxy S20 FE, having launched in October 2020, received three major Android operating system updates (up to Android 13) and concluded its official security patch support in October 2025. The Galaxy A32 5G, released in January 2021 with Android 11, has received its expected major OS updates (up to Android 13) and its security update support is nearing its conclusion in late 2025.
• Build Materials and IP Rating: The S20 FE features a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, an aluminum frame, and a plastic back, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a higher level of protection against environmental elements. The A32 5G comes with a plastic back and frame, and its display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, which offers good scratch resistance, but it lacks an official IP water and dust resistance rating.
• Repairability Aspects: Neither device is notably easy to repair, reflecting common challenges with modern smartphone construction. However, the S20 FE's more premium construction might involve higher costs for component replacement compared to the A32 5G.

The core processing power and battery endurance significantly differentiate these two Samsung smartphones, impacting daily usage and demanding applications.

• Processing Power and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S20 FE is equipped with a high-end processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 for 5G variants or Exynos 990 for 4G variants), delivering strong performance for gaming, demanding applications, and smooth multitasking. The Galaxy A32 5G utilizes a mid-range MediaTek Dimensity 720 5G chipset, which handles everyday tasks competently but may show limitations with graphically intensive games or very heavy multitasking.
• Battery Capacity and Real-World Usage: The Galaxy S20 FE houses a 4,500mAh battery, generally providing good endurance for a full day of mixed use, though its 120Hz display setting can increase power consumption. The Galaxy A32 5G features a larger 5,000mAh battery, known for its excellent longevity, often extending to two days of moderate use on a single charge.
• Memory and Storage Options: Both devices offer expandable storage via a microSD card slot up to 1TB, which is beneficial for users needing extra space for media and applications. The S20 FE typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously. The A32 5G offers various configurations, including 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM, with the lower RAM options potentially impacting very intensive multitasking.

The visual experience on these devices differs significantly due to their display technologies and specifications.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S20 FE boasts a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. It features a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), providing sharp and detailed visuals. The Galaxy A32 5G, on the other hand, uses a 6.5-inch PLS TFT LCD panel with a lower HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels), which results in less sharpness and contrast compared to the S20 FE.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key advantage of the S20 FE is its 120Hz refresh rate, offering noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid overall user interface experience. The A32 5G features a 90Hz refresh rate, which is an improvement over standard 60Hz displays, providing a smoother experience in daily navigation, though not as fluid as 120Hz.
• Brightness for Outdoor Visibility: The S20 FE provides higher peak brightness, reaching up to 823 nits in automatic brightness mode, ensuring good readability even in bright outdoor conditions. The A32 5G offers a lower peak brightness, around 497 nits in auto mode, which might make outdoor viewing less comfortable in direct sunlight.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S20 FE and Galaxy A32 5G are designed with different capabilities and features.

• Rear Camera System Versatility: The Galaxy S20 FE features a triple rear camera setup, including a 12MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This configuration provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from wide landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The Galaxy A32 5G comes with a quad-camera array: a 48MP main sensor (without OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. This setup is capable for everyday photography, but lacks the optical zoom and stabilization found in the S20 FE.
• Photography Performance: The S20 FE generally delivers higher quality photos, particularly in varied lighting conditions and when utilizing its optical zoom capabilities, thanks to its OIS and more advanced sensors. Its 32MP front camera also captures high-resolution selfies and supports 4K video recording. The A32 5G's 48MP main camera can produce good detail in well-lit environments, but its performance in low light or for zoomed subjects is more limited due to the absence of OIS and optical zoom. Its 13MP front camera is suitable for casual selfies and video calls.
• Video Recording Capabilities: Both devices support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second (fps). The S20 FE extends this capability with 4K at 60fps and higher frame rates at lower resolutions, and its OIS aids in capturing smoother video footage. The A32 5G also offers 1080p recording at up to 120fps.