Galaxy S20 FE Vs Google Pixel 7

Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:151.00

Versus €779.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:160.00

Versus €756.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, released in October 2020, and the Google Pixel 7, launched in October 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both operate on the Android platform, the Pixel 7 offers a more recent hardware and software foundation, focusing on advanced computational photography and a streamlined user experience. The Galaxy S20 FE, a 'Fan Edition' device, aimed to deliver a balanced set of flagship features from its era.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 FE was released in October 2020, making it two years older than the Google Pixel 7, which launched in October 2022. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support.
  • Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 7 is guaranteed to receive five years of software support, including OS and security updates, from its release date, meaning updates until at least October 2027. The Galaxy S20 FE, having launched earlier, has a shorter remaining update window.
  • Build Materials: The Pixel 7 features Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, along with an aluminum frame, contributing to its durability. The Galaxy S20 FE uses Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and a plastic back. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, affecting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently tasks are handled.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Pixel 7, with its newer internal components, offers a more responsive experience for demanding applications and multitasking. Users can expect smoother transitions and faster app loading times. The Galaxy S20 FE provides capable performance for everyday tasks and gaming from its release era, handling most applications without significant delays.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices are equipped with ample RAM, allowing for efficient switching between multiple open applications. The Pixel 7's newer architecture generally translates to a more fluid overall system responsiveness, particularly with newer, more resource-intensive applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 FE features a 4500 mAh battery, while the Pixel 7 has a 4355 mAh battery. In real-world usage, the Pixel 7's optimized software and hardware can lead to efficient power management, with users reporting it can last through a full day of heavy use. The Galaxy S20 FE also offers substantial battery life, capable of supporting extended usage.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is largely defined by the display technology, resolution, and refresh rate, impacting everything from browsing to media consumption.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Pixel 7 features a 6.3-inch OLED display, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The Galaxy S20 FE comes with a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, also providing rich colors and good contrast at a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S20 FE supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to a very smooth scrolling experience and fluid animations. The Pixel 7 offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which is noticeably smoother than a standard 60Hz display, enhancing the visual fluidity during navigation and content viewing.
  • Brightness Levels: Both displays offer sufficient brightness for comfortable outdoor viewing, with the Pixel 7 capable of reaching high peak brightness levels for improved visibility in bright conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Super AMOLED

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, with both devices offering distinct strengths in photography and videography.

  • Rear Camera System: The Pixel 7 features a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens, known for its computational photography that enhances image quality across various conditions. The Galaxy S20 FE has a triple-camera system, including a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, providing versatility for different shooting scenarios.
  • Low-Light and Everyday Photography: The Pixel 7 excels in low-light conditions due to its advanced image processing, producing clear and detailed night shots. The Galaxy S20 FE also offers good low-light performance and consistent results in everyday photography.
  • Video Recording and Features: Both phones support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. The Pixel 7 includes features like Cinematic Blur and Photo Unblur, leveraging its processing power for enhanced video and photo editing. The Galaxy S20 FE offers features like Pro Video mode and Super Steady stabilization for video content creation.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity Options: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth for modern wireless communication. The Pixel 7 also supports Wi-Fi 6E for potentially faster and more stable connections in compatible environments.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both the Galaxy S20 FE and Pixel 7 utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. The Pixel 7 features an under-display optical fingerprint sensor and face recognition for unlocking. The Galaxy S20 FE also has an optical under-display fingerprint sensor.
  • Design and Build: The Pixel 7 has a refined design with a recycled aluminum frame and a glossy glass back, weighing 197 grams. The Galaxy S20 FE features a plastic back and weighs 190 grams, offering a comfortable in-hand feel.

Weight

190 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.3

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Users often praise the Google Pixel 7 for its exceptional camera performance, particularly its computational photography features that simplify capturing high-quality images in various conditions. Its streamlined Android experience and consistent software updates are also frequently highlighted as strong points. Some users have noted that while its processing power is robust for daily use, it might not always match the raw benchmark scores of some competitors. Connectivity issues have been reported by some Pixel 7 users.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is frequently lauded for offering a comprehensive set of features, including a vibrant display and versatile camera system, making it a well-rounded device. Its battery life and smooth performance for its generation are also commonly appreciated. Criticisms sometimes point to its plastic back, which some users perceive as less premium than glass. Some users have also reported connectivity issues with the S20 FE.

Users prioritizing advanced camera capabilities, a clean Android interface, and a longer software support window may find the Google Pixel 7 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a versatile camera system with optical zoom, a high refresh rate display, and a slightly larger screen might lean toward the Galaxy S20 FE. Both devices offer compelling features, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed choice.

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