Galaxy S20 FE Vs iPhone 13 mini

Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:151.00

Versus €779.00 new

See options
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 mini
Starting at

Refurbished price:220.00

Versus €829.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition), released in October 2020, and the Apple iPhone 13 Mini, launched in September 2021, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and user experience. While the Galaxy S20 FE offers a larger display and the Android operating system, the iPhone 13 Mini provides a compact form factor and runs on iOS. These differences cater to users with varying preferences for screen size, ecosystem, and overall device handling.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release dates, software support, and physical construction.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 FE was released in October 2020, making it approximately one year older than the iPhone 13 Mini, which launched in September 2021. This age difference can impact the remaining period of official software support.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S20 FE launched with Android 10 and was upgradable to Android 13, with Samsung typically providing several years of major OS updates and security patches. The iPhone 13 Mini launched with iOS 15 and is expected to receive iOS updates for a longer duration, generally around 5-6 years from its release.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, indicating good protection against environmental elements. The iPhone 13 Mini incorporates Ceramic Shield on its front display for enhanced drop protection, while the Galaxy S20 FE uses Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and has a plastic back.

Year of Release

2020

2021

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications and gaming.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 FE is equipped with a capable processor (Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 depending on region) that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 13 Mini features a more recent and powerful processor, which provides a highly responsive experience across all tasks, including graphically intensive games and video editing.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking, with the Galaxy S20 FE typically having 6GB or 8GB and the iPhone 13 Mini having 4GB. Despite the difference in RAM, the iPhone's optimized software and powerful processor ensure fluid transitions and app handling.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S20 FE comes with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage and offers expandable storage via a microSD card, providing flexibility for users with large media libraries. The iPhone 13 Mini is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, but it does not support expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 FE has a larger battery capacity, which, combined with its display and software optimizations, generally provides a full day of use for many users. The iPhone 13 Mini, despite its smaller battery, is optimized for efficiency, offering reliable battery life for its compact size, though heavy users might find themselves charging more frequently.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct viewing experiences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S20 FE features a larger 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 13 Mini has a more compact 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers excellent color accuracy and contrast.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key difference is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S20 FE offers a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience. The iPhone 13 Mini has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both phones offer high-resolution displays, with the Galaxy S20 FE at 1080 x 2400 pixels and the iPhone 13 Mini at 1080 x 2340 pixels. The iPhone 13 Mini, due to its smaller screen size, has a higher pixel density, contributing to sharp text and images.
  • Brightness: Both displays offer good brightness levels, with peak brightness suitable for outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones provide capable camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, though with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 FE features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 13 Mini has a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S20 FE's telephoto lens offers greater flexibility for zoomed shots. Both devices excel in everyday photography, producing detailed and color-accurate images. The iPhone 13 Mini benefits from advanced computational photography features, including improved low-light performance and Smart HDR.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both phones are capable of recording high-quality video. The iPhone 13 Mini introduces Cinematic Mode, which allows for shallow depth-of-field effects in videos, and features sensor-shift optical image stabilization on its main camera for smoother footage. The Galaxy S20 FE also offers optical image stabilization on its main and telephoto lenses.
  • Front Camera: The Galaxy S20 FE has a 32MP front camera, offering high-resolution selfies. The iPhone 13 Mini features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera, which supports Face ID and offers features like Portrait Mode and Cinematic Mode for selfies.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity Options: Both the Galaxy S20 FE and the iPhone 13 Mini support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast wireless communication.
  • Charging Port: The Galaxy S20 FE uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a widely adopted standard. The iPhone 13 Mini utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S20 FE features an optical in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 13 Mini relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric authentication.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The iPhone 13 Mini is significantly smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65 mm and weighing 141 grams, making it ideal for one-handed use and pocketability. The Galaxy S20 FE is a larger device at 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm and 190 grams, offering a more expansive screen but requiring a two-handed grip for some users.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S20 FE features an aluminum frame with a plastic back, while the iPhone 13 Mini has an aluminum frame with a glass back and a Ceramic Shield front.

Weight

190 g

140 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

5.4

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the iPhone 13 Mini cater to different user priorities, each excelling in specific areas. Users often praise the Galaxy S20 FE for its large, high-refresh-rate display and the flexibility of expandable storage, making it a strong contender for media consumption and those who prefer the Android ecosystem. Its robust battery life is also a frequently cited positive. Some users, however, have noted that its plastic back might feel less premium compared to glass-backed devices, and regional processor variations can lead to differing performance expectations.

The iPhone 13 Mini is frequently lauded for its compact size, offering flagship performance in a form factor that is easy to handle with one hand. Its powerful processor, excellent camera capabilities with features like Cinematic Mode, and long-term software support are often highlighted by users. The primary criticism often revolves around its smaller battery capacity compared to larger phones, which might necessitate more frequent charging for heavy users, and the absence of a telephoto lens.

Users prioritizing a large, smooth display, expandable storage, and the Android operating system may find the Galaxy S20 FE well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a highly compact device, seamless iOS experience, strong camera performance, and extended software longevity will likely lean towards the iPhone 13 Mini. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make an informed and sustainable choice.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons