Galaxy S10+ Vs Galaxy S20 FE

Galaxy S10+
Galaxy S10+
Starting at

Refurbished price:135.00

Versus €1,009.00 new

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Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:151.00

Versus €779.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition), launched in October 2020, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's flagship Galaxy S series. While the S10 Plus represented the pinnacle of Samsung's offerings at its release, the S20 FE aimed to deliver key flagship features in a slightly more accessible package. The primary distinctions lie in their release timelines, display technology, and processing power, reflecting advancements over a year and a half.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release dates and subsequent software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 Plus was released in March 2019, making it an older device compared to the Galaxy S20 FE, which launched in October 2020. This difference in release year directly impacts their remaining software support.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S20 FE received three major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, with its software support concluding around October 2025. The Galaxy S10 Plus, being an earlier model, would have concluded its major OS and security updates sooner, typically within 3-4 years from its release.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, offering a premium feel. The Galaxy S20 FE utilizes a plastic back with an aluminum frame, which some users find offers better durability against drops compared to glass. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Year of Release

2019

2020

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect the technological advancements between their respective release years, impacting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 FE generally features a more recent-generation processor, which translates to faster app loading times and more efficient multitasking compared to the Galaxy S10 Plus. Users engaging in graphically intensive mobile gaming or heavy video editing will likely experience smoother performance on the S20 FE.
  • System Responsiveness: Both devices offer a responsive user experience for everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and email. However, the S20 FE's newer internal components provide a noticeable edge in overall system fluidity, especially when navigating through complex interfaces or switching between numerous applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 FE is equipped with a larger 4500 mAh battery, compared to the 4100 mAh battery in the Galaxy S10 Plus. While the S10 Plus was noted for good all-day battery life at its release, the S20 FE's larger capacity, combined with its 120Hz display option, means its real-world endurance can vary, with some users reporting it struggles to consistently last a full day with heavy use of the high refresh rate.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a central feature for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S10 Plus and S20 FE offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3040 pixels), resulting in a very high pixel density of 522 ppi. The Galaxy S20 FE has a slightly larger 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display but with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a pixel density of 407 ppi. This means the S10 Plus offers a sharper image with finer details.
  • Refresh Rate: A significant difference is the refresh rate. The S10 Plus has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The S20 FE, however, boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a much smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations, which is particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content consumption.
  • Brightness and Protection: Both displays offer vibrant colors and good brightness for outdoor visibility. The S10 Plus uses Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for screen protection, while the S20 FE uses Gorilla Glass 3.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Super AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, though with some differences in their configurations and capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens with variable aperture, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S20 FE also has a triple rear camera system, including a 12MP wide-angle, an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The S20 FE offers greater optical zoom capability.
  • Front Camera: For selfies, the S10 Plus includes a dual front camera system with a 10MP primary lens and an 8MP depth-sensing lens. The S20 FE features a single, higher-resolution 32MP front camera.
  • Video Recording: The Galaxy S10 Plus is capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S20 FE records 4K video at 30 frames per second. Both offer various shooting modes and features for photography and videography.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features and design elements differentiate the user experience of these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S20 FE supports 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds in compatible networks, a feature not present in the Galaxy S10 Plus. Both devices support modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 for S20 FE, Wi-Fi 6 for S10 Plus) and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy S10 Plus retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the Galaxy S20 FE. Both phones feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking and support Wireless PowerShare, allowing them to wirelessly charge other compatible devices.
  • Physical Design: The S10 Plus is slightly more compact and lighter, measuring 157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm and weighing 175g. The S20 FE is a bit larger and heavier at 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm and 190g. The S10 Plus has a curved display, while the S20 FE features a flat screen.

Weight

175 g

190 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.5

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus and the Galaxy S20 FE involves weighing their strengths against your priorities. Users often praise the S10 Plus for its high-resolution, curved AMOLED display and the inclusion of a headphone jack. Some common criticisms for the S10 Plus in current contexts might revolve around its older software support cycle compared to newer devices. On the other hand, the Galaxy S20 FE is frequently lauded for its smoother 120Hz display, more powerful processor, and 5G capabilities. Some users have noted that its battery life, while having a larger capacity, can be inconsistent with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled, and its plastic back, while durable, might feel less premium to some.

Users prioritizing a sharper display resolution and the convenience of a headphone jack might find the Galaxy S10 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a smoother visual experience with a high refresh rate, enhanced processing power for demanding applications, and future-proof 5G connectivity will likely lean towards the Galaxy S20 FE. Both devices offer robust camera systems, though the S20 FE provides a longer optical zoom. For those seeking an eco-friendly alternative, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, offering a sustainable choice for acquiring capable technology.

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