Galaxy S20 FE Vs Xiaomi 13T

Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:151.00

Versus €779.00 new

See options
Xiaomi 13T
Xiaomi 13T
Starting at

Refurbished price:183.00

Versus €630.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition), released in October 2020, and the Xiaomi 13T, launched in September 2023, represent different generations of smartphones. While the Galaxy S20 FE aimed to deliver flagship features at a more accessible point, the Xiaomi 13T focuses on strong performance and camera capabilities. The primary differentiators lie in their release timelines, impacting software support, and the Xiaomi 13T's more recent advancements in display technology and processing power. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but with distinct user interfaces and update policies.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release dates and manufacturer support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 FE was released in October 2020, making it an older device compared to the Xiaomi 13T, which launched in September 2023.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S20 FE typically received three major Android OS updates, bringing it up to Android 13, with security updates extending for four years from its release. In contrast, the Xiaomi 13T benefits from a more extended support policy, promising four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches, potentially supporting it up to Android 17.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security updates for the longest possible duration will find the Xiaomi 13T offers a significantly longer practical lifespan due to its newer release and extended support commitment. Both devices feature IP68 water and dust resistance, contributing to their physical durability.

Year of Release

2020

2023

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app usage, and gaming. These two devices offer different experiences in this regard.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 FE, equipped with its processor, handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly, though some users reported occasional throttling during intensive gaming sessions. The Xiaomi 13T, featuring a more recent and efficient processor, delivers robust performance for demanding applications and graphics-intensive games, ensuring a responsive user experience.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S20 FE offers configurations with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added benefit of expandable storage via a microSD card. The Xiaomi 13T comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, providing ample space and smooth multitasking capabilities, though it lacks a microSD card slot for expansion.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S20 FE features a 4500 mAh battery, with users generally reporting it lasts a full day with moderate usage. The Xiaomi 13T includes a larger 5000 mAh battery, often providing more than a full day of use for many users, and supports faster wired charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a significant aspect of smartphone usage, and both models offer distinct display characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature AMOLED displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S20 FE has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution. The Xiaomi 13T sports a slightly larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a higher resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels, offering a sharper visual experience.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S20 FE offers a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience. The Xiaomi 13T surpasses this with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 144Hz, providing an even more fluid and responsive display, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content and gaming.
  • Brightness Levels: The Xiaomi 13T's display can achieve significantly higher peak brightness levels, making it more comfortable to view in bright outdoor conditions compared to the Galaxy S20 FE.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1220 x 2712

Screen type

Super AMOLED

AMOLED

Audiovisual

For many users, camera capabilities are a deciding factor, and both smartphones offer versatile camera systems.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S20 FE features a triple camera setup with a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It generally produces good photos in daylight and decent results in low-light conditions. The Xiaomi 13T also has a triple camera system, co-engineered with Leica, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. Its main camera excels in capturing detailed images, even in low light, and offers distinct color profiles.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 30/60fps. The Galaxy S20 FE has a 32MP front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls. The Xiaomi 13T features a 20MP front camera that captures good detail and handles various lighting conditions well.
  • Audio Experience: Both phones offer stereo speakers for an immersive media consumption experience.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

20 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S20 FE (5G model) and the Xiaomi 13T support 5G connectivity, along with modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 for S20 FE, Wi-Fi 6E for 13T) and Bluetooth (5.0 for S20 FE, 5.4 for 13T). Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Build: For security, both smartphones feature optical under-display fingerprint sensors and support face recognition. The Galaxy S20 FE has a glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, weighing 190g. The Xiaomi 13T offers a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) and an aluminum frame, with options for a glass or vegan leather back, weighing between 193g and 197g. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S20 FE measures 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm. The Xiaomi 13T is slightly larger at 162.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm.

Weight

190 g

193 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.67

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE often praises its vibrant display, versatile camera system, and solid performance for its time. Many users appreciated its IP68 water resistance and the inclusion of expandable storage. Common criticisms sometimes pointed to the plastic back material and, for some, the battery life not always meeting expectations, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled. The optical fingerprint sensor was also occasionally noted as being less responsive than some ultrasonic alternatives.

The Xiaomi 13T generally receives acclaim for its exceptional display quality, strong overall performance, and capable camera system, particularly its Leica-tuned main sensor. Users frequently highlight its fast charging capabilities and the extended software support policy as significant advantages. Some common concerns include the absence of wireless charging and a microSD card slot, and a few users have noted that the battery life, while good, might not always stretch to two full days for heavy users.

Users prioritizing a device with a longer software support window and a more advanced display with a higher refresh rate will find the Xiaomi 13T well-suited to their needs. Those who value expandable storage and a slightly more compact form factor might lean towards the Galaxy S20 FE. Both devices offer robust camera systems, but the Xiaomi 13T provides a more modern and feature-rich photographic experience. For individuals seeking an eco-friendly and quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, offering a sustainable choice for their next smartphone.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons