S20 FE Vs S10 Plus: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?

Hey tech enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into a comparison that many of you have been pondering: the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE versus the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus. Choosing a new phone can be a tough call, especially with so many amazing options out there. Both of these phones have their own strengths and weaknesses, and they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. So, let's break down the key aspects – from design and display to performance, camera capabilities, and battery life – to help you decide which one is the better fit for YOU.

Design and Build Quality

Let's start with the first thing you notice: the look and feel of the phones. The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in early 2019, has a premium feel with its glass front and back, and an aluminum frame. It's got that classic, sleek Samsung design that we've come to love, with curved edges on the display that give it a really modern look. The S10 Plus is available in a variety of colors, and the build quality feels top-notch, with a level of refinement that screams 'flagship'. The S20 FE, or Fan Edition, takes a slightly different approach. Released in late 2020, it uses a plastic back, which might sound like a downgrade at first. However, the plastic is actually really well-done, feeling solid and durable. This change allows the S20 FE to be more resistant to scratches and drops, which is a HUGE plus for everyday use. The frame is still aluminum, providing a good balance between premium feel and practicality. The S20 FE also comes in a range of vibrant colors that give it a more youthful and fun vibe. Both phones have their own charm. The S10 Plus goes for a more traditional, high-end feel, while the S20 FE prioritizes durability and a fresh, modern aesthetic. The S20 FE is also slightly thicker and heavier, but that’s not a significant difference.

Now, let's talk about the display. The S10 Plus has a gorgeous Dynamic AMOLED display with a curved edge, which creates a very immersive viewing experience. It has a resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels, resulting in incredibly sharp images and vibrant colors. The curved edges can be a love-it-or-hate-it thing; some people find them stylish, while others find them prone to accidental touches. The S20 FE, on the other hand, sports a flat AMOLED display, which some users actually prefer. It has a slightly lower resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, but it still delivers excellent image quality and vibrant colors. The biggest advantage of the S20 FE's display is its 120Hz refresh rate. This means the screen refreshes 120 times per second, making animations and scrolling feel incredibly smooth. The S10 Plus has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is still perfectly fine, but you'll definitely notice the difference if you switch between the two. The higher refresh rate on the S20 FE makes everything feel snappier and more responsive, especially when gaming or browsing the web. So, in terms of the display, it really depends on what you value more: the premium feel and sharper resolution of the S10 Plus, or the smoother experience and flat screen of the S20 FE.

In terms of design, the S10 Plus offers a more premium, glass-backed experience, while the S20 FE opts for a more practical, plastic-backed design with a higher refresh rate display. The choice here comes down to personal preference: are you willing to trade a little bit of the premium feel for a more durable phone with a smoother display? The S20 FE is slightly thicker and heavier, but the difference isn’t significant. Both phones are well-built and offer a great user experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you prioritize in your daily usage.

Performance Showdown: Specs and Speed

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty: performance. The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus is powered by either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or an Exynos 9820 processor, depending on the region. Both of these chips were top-of-the-line when the phone was released, and they still hold up pretty well today. You’ll have plenty of power for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The S10 Plus also comes with up to 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance even when you're running multiple apps at the same time. The S20 FE steps up the game with either a Snapdragon 865 or an Exynos 990 processor. The Snapdragon 865 is the more common and generally preferred option, known for its superior performance and efficiency. It delivers a noticeable performance boost compared to the S10 Plus, especially in demanding games and applications. The S20 FE also comes with up to 8GB of RAM, which is still plenty for most users. In terms of raw processing power, the S20 FE definitely has the upper hand. You'll notice faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in graphically intensive games. The difference might not be huge for basic tasks like browsing the web or checking emails, but it becomes more apparent when you're pushing the phones to their limits.

When it comes to the user experience, both phones run Samsung's One UI, which is a highly customizable and feature-rich Android skin. Samsung has consistently improved its software over the years, and One UI offers a clean and intuitive interface, packed with useful features. Both phones will receive software updates, but the S20 FE will likely have a longer support life due to its newer release date. So, while both phones offer a great software experience, the S20 FE will likely receive updates for a longer period of time. This is something to consider if you plan to keep your phone for several years. Now, regarding storage. Both phones offer ample storage options, with the S10 Plus coming in various configurations with up to 1TB of internal storage. The S20 FE also offers generous storage options. The availability of expandable storage is also a key factor. Both the S10 Plus and the S20 FE support microSD cards, allowing you to easily expand the storage capacity if needed. This is a huge advantage, especially if you like to store a lot of photos, videos, and music on your phone.

In the performance department, the S20 FE has the clear edge, thanks to its more powerful processor. It will offer a smoother and faster experience, especially in resource-intensive tasks. The S10 Plus still holds its own, but the S20 FE provides a more future-proof performance profile. While both phones feature expandable storage, the S20 FE generally gives users a better overall user experience when considering performance and software support.

Camera Capabilities: Shooting and Sharing

Cameras are a big deal, right? Let's see how these two phones stack up in the camera department. The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus boasts a versatile triple-lens rear camera system. It includes a 12MP main lens, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultra-wide lens. This setup allows you to capture a wide range of shots, from stunning landscapes to detailed portraits. The S10 Plus also excels in low-light photography, thanks to its excellent image processing and optical image stabilization. The front-facing camera features a dual-lens setup, with a 10MP main sensor and an 8MP depth sensor, which helps to create beautiful, bokeh-filled selfies. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE also has a versatile triple-lens rear camera system. It includes a 12MP main lens, an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. While the megapixel counts might seem similar, the S20 FE’s camera system benefits from newer image processing algorithms and updated software features. It generally produces slightly more vibrant and detailed images. The S20 FE's telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom, which is slightly better than the S10 Plus’s 2x optical zoom, giving you a bit more flexibility when zooming in on subjects. The front-facing camera on the S20 FE has a single 32MP sensor, which captures incredibly detailed selfies. The image quality from the front camera is noticeably superior, with more sharpness and clarity.

So, which phone has the better camera? It's a close call, but the S20 FE generally takes the crown. Its image processing and software features are a bit more advanced, leading to slightly better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The 3x optical zoom is also a nice bonus. However, the S10 Plus still delivers excellent photos and videos, and its camera system is very capable. Both phones offer a wide range of shooting modes and features, including night mode, portrait mode, and super-slow-motion video. Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize the best possible image quality and the latest camera features, the S20 FE is the winner. If you're happy with excellent photos and a slightly older, but still impressive, camera system, the S10 Plus won't disappoint. You'll get fantastic results with either phone. The quality of images in both daylight and low light conditions is good, but the S20 FE has a slight edge due to its more advanced processing.

Battery Life: Keeping You Powered

Battery life is crucial, right? Nobody wants a phone that dies on them halfway through the day. The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus has a 4,100mAh battery. That’s a decent size, and it’s usually enough to get you through a full day of moderate to heavy use. However, the battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns, such as playing games, streaming videos, or using GPS. The S20 FE, on the other hand, comes with a slightly larger 4,500mAh battery. The increased capacity, combined with its more efficient processor, generally leads to better battery life. You can expect the S20 FE to last a bit longer on a single charge compared to the S10 Plus. In real-world testing, the S20 FE often outlasts the S10 Plus, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate turned on. The higher refresh rate can consume more power, but the larger battery helps to compensate for this. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging. The S10 Plus supports 15W wireless charging and 15W reverse wireless charging, which means you can charge other devices wirelessly from your phone. The S20 FE supports 25W fast charging, allowing you to charge the phone more quickly. It also supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. Overall, the S20 FE takes the lead in battery life, thanks to its larger battery and more efficient processor. You can expect a longer battery life compared to the S10 Plus, which is a major advantage for heavy users who want a phone that can last all day. Both phones offer fast charging and wireless charging, so you have plenty of options to keep your phone powered up throughout the day. However, if extended battery life is a priority, the S20 FE is the clear winner.

Additional Features and Considerations

Let’s look at some other features that might influence your decision. Both phones are packed with extras. Both the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus and the S20 FE offer great connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for mobile payments. Both phones also have IP68 water and dust resistance, which means they can withstand being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This is a great feature, adding an extra layer of protection to your phone. Another feature to consider is the in-display fingerprint sensor. Both phones have them, but the S20 FE's sensor is generally considered to be faster and more reliable. This is a small, but noticeable, improvement in the user experience. The S10 Plus has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a plus for those who still use wired headphones. The S20 FE does not have a headphone jack, so you’ll need to use Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C adapter. Price is always a factor, and the S20 FE is generally more affordable than the S10 Plus was when it was first released. You can often find the S20 FE at a lower price point, which makes it a great value for money. The S10 Plus, being an older model, can sometimes be found at a discounted price as well, so it’s worth comparing prices to see which one fits your budget. Overall, the S20 FE has a slight advantage in terms of additional features, such as the faster fingerprint sensor. However, the S10 Plus offers the convenience of a headphone jack. The price difference and your need for those features are the deciding factors.

Conclusion: Which Samsung Phone Should You Choose?

So, after looking at all the features and specs, which phone is the better choice for you? Let's break it down.

If you prioritize the most advanced features and the best overall performance: Go for the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. It has a more powerful processor, a smoother display with a higher refresh rate, and slightly improved camera capabilities. The S20 FE is also likely to receive software updates for a longer period of time, making it a more future-proof choice. The S20 FE is the better phone overall. It generally offers a better user experience, with a faster processor, a smoother display, and improved camera capabilities. The longer software support is also a significant advantage.

If you value a premium design and prefer a headphone jack: The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus is still an excellent choice. It has a beautiful, premium design, a versatile camera system, and a headphone jack. It might be a good option if you can find it at a significantly lower price. The S10 Plus is still a fantastic phone, and if you can find it at a good price, it's definitely worth considering. It offers a premium design, a great camera, and a headphone jack.

Ultimately, the best phone for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you want the latest features and the best performance, choose the S20 FE. If you prefer a premium design and the convenience of a headphone jack, and you find a good deal, the S10 Plus is a solid option. Consider your priorities, and make your decision based on what’s most important to you. Good luck with your purchase – you're in for a great smartphone experience no matter which one you choose!