Galaxy S20 FE Vs Google Pixel 8 Pro

Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:151.00

Versus €779.00 new

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Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:293.00

Versus €1,099.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, released in October 2020, and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, launched in October 2023, are both smartphones designed to offer a comprehensive mobile experience. While the Galaxy S20 FE aimed to deliver flagship features at a more accessible point for its time, the Pixel 8 Pro represents a more recent iteration of smartphone technology, emphasizing advanced computational capabilities and extended software support. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but they cater to different user expectations regarding longevity and cutting-edge features.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of these devices is influenced by their release timelines and the manufacturers' software support policies.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S20 FE, released in 2020, received three major Android OS updates, concluding with Android 13, and security updates that ended around October 2025. In contrast, the Pixel 8 Pro, launched in 2023, is promised an extensive seven years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops, extending its support until 2030. This difference means the Pixel 8 Pro offers significantly longer software longevity.
  • Physical Durability: Both phones feature an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S20 FE uses Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection, while the Pixel 8 Pro incorporates the more recent Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S20 FE has been noted to have a repairability score of around 7.5 out of 10, suggesting it is moderately repairable. The Pixel 8 Pro also scores well in repairability, with some assessments giving it a 7 out of 10, partly due to Google's commitment to providing parts and manuals.

Year of Release

2020

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance varies considerably between these two devices, reflecting the three-year gap in their release dates and advancements in mobile processing.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 FE is equipped with a capable processor from its release era, allowing for smooth navigation and handling of most applications. The Pixel 8 Pro, featuring a modern, powerful processor, is designed for demanding applications, advanced AI tasks, and seamless multitasking. Users will notice the Pixel 8 Pro's enhanced speed and efficiency, particularly in computationally intensive scenarios.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S20 FE typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for everyday multitasking. The Pixel 8 Pro offers 12GB of RAM, providing more headroom for running numerous applications simultaneously and handling complex workflows without slowdowns. Both devices offer various internal storage options, with the Pixel 8 Pro extending to higher capacities and neither supporting expandable storage, while the S20 FE offers microSD expansion.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy S20 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, which for some users, may require charging before the end of a heavy-use day. The Pixel 8 Pro features a larger 5050 mAh battery, generally providing extended usage times, though some users have reported inconsistent battery life and overheating during intensive tasks or charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display technologies in both phones offer distinct visual experiences, with the Pixel 8 Pro benefiting from newer advancements.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S20 FE features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a higher resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels, offering greater sharpness and detail.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. However, the Pixel 8 Pro's LTPO technology allows for an adaptive refresh rate that can scale down to 1Hz, contributing to power efficiency. The Pixel 8 Pro also achieves significantly higher peak brightness levels, up to 2400 nits, making it more visible in bright outdoor conditions compared to the Galaxy S20 FE.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger and brighter screen of the Pixel 8 Pro provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially for media consumption and outdoor use. The Galaxy S20 FE's display, while still good, may appear less sharp and struggle more in direct sunlight.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1344 x 2992

Screen type

Super AMOLED

LTPO OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems of the Galaxy S20 FE and Pixel 8 Pro reflect different approaches to mobile photography, with the Pixel 8 Pro leveraging advanced computational photography.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S20 FE features a versatile triple-camera setup with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 Pro significantly upgrades this with a 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 Pro's larger sensors and higher megapixel counts generally capture more detail.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S20 FE delivers good everyday photos with vibrant colors, though some users note that the front camera's software processing can lead to softer images. The Pixel 8 Pro excels in computational photography, offering advanced features for improved low-light performance, dynamic range, and overall image processing, often resulting in more natural and detailed shots.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video. The Pixel 8 Pro offers more advanced video features and stabilization. For audio, both devices provide stereo speakers, but the Pixel 8 Pro generally offers a more refined audio experience for media consumption and clearer microphone quality for calls and recordings.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

10.5 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks where available. They also include modern Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth for wireless connections. The Galaxy S20 FE uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Pixel 8 Pro also features a USB-C port and offers dual SIM capabilities (physical SIM + eSIM).
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S20 FE includes an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for secure unlocking. The Pixel 8 Pro also features an in-display fingerprint scanner and an enhanced Face Unlock system that meets higher security standards.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S20 FE weighs approximately 190 grams and has dimensions of 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm. The Pixel 8 Pro is slightly heavier at 213 grams and larger at 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm. The Galaxy S20 FE has a plastic back, which some users found less premium but durable, while the Pixel 8 Pro features a glass back with a satin finish.

Weight

190 g

213 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.7

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and Google Pixel 8 Pro cater to different user priorities, largely due to their respective release dates and technological advancements. Users often praise the Galaxy S20 FE for its vibrant display, capable camera for its time, and expandable storage. However, common criticisms include inconsistent battery life under heavy use and some reported touchscreen issues.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is frequently lauded for its exceptional camera capabilities, long-term software support, and powerful processor. Conversely, some users have noted concerns regarding overheating during intensive tasks, occasional software bugs, and inconsistent battery performance.

Users prioritizing extended software longevity, cutting-edge computational photography, and a highly bright display will find the Pixel 8 Pro well-suited to their needs. Those who value expandable storage, a slightly more compact design, and a device that offered strong performance at a more accessible point in its era might lean towards the Galaxy S20 FE. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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