A fan-favourite Galaxy with flagship brains

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is designed to bring many of Samsung’s flagship features to a more approachable price point. With its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, triple camera system and speedy Snapdragon 865 processor, it still feels very capable despite not being the very latest model.

Backed by 5G connectivity, wireless and reverse wireless charging, water resistance and expandable storage, it’s better equipped than a lot of mid-range phones. A 4.6 out of 5 score from thousands of owner reviews suggests it has aged well and remains a very popular choice for everyday users who want premium touches without going all in on Samsung’s newest Galaxy.

Table of Contents

Key features

  • 6.5-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen is easier on the eyes
  • Triple rear camera with a wide angle lens for ace shots
  • 32MP front-facing camera for amazing selfies
  • 5G ready – incredible download speeds like never before
  • Facial recognition technology offers extra security

Who this smartphone is best for

The Galaxy S20 FE 5G is ideal for anyone who wants a high-end Android experience without paying top-tier flagship prices. If you like the idea of Samsung’s Galaxy S series but don’t need the absolute latest camera tricks, this strikes a sensible balance between performance and cost.

It suits social media fans and casual photographers thanks to its triple rear camera, 32MP selfie lens and 4K video on both front and back. Night mode and optical zoom mean you can capture nights out, holidays and family moments with much more flexibility than basic budget phones.

With 5G, 6GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 865 chip, it’s also a good fit for gamers and heavy app users who want snappy performance, plus enough power to keep up for a few years. The 128GB of storage, topped up via microSD, gives room for plenty of apps, photos and downloads.

If you’re clumsy or often use your phone outdoors, the IP68 water resistance and toughened Gorilla Glass will appeal. The bold Cloud Orange finish will particularly suit anyone who’s bored of black and grey handsets and wants something more distinctive in their pocket.

What we like

The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display is a real highlight, delivering punchy colours and deep blacks that make streaming, gaming and browsing look superb, while remaining comfortable to view thanks to its FHD+ resolution.

Performance is strong for this class, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor and 6GB of RAM keeping Android and Samsung’s One UI smooth and responsive, even when juggling multiple apps.

The camera setup is very capable for the money: a triple rear array with wide and ultra-wide lenses, optical 3x zoom and up to 30x “Space Zoom”, plus a 32MP selfie camera, all with 4K video support and image stabilisation for sharper shots.

The 4500 mAh battery, combined with fast charging, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, makes it a flexible everyday companion – you can top up quickly and even share power with friends or accessories.

Practical extras such as IP68 water resistance, NFC with Google Pay and Samsung Pay, face recognition, and the ability to find the phone via SmartThings help it feel more like a flagship than a cut-down model.

Where it could be better

The 128GB of internal storage will be enough for most people, but keen photographers and gamers may find it fills up quickly, so using a microSD card is almost a must rather than a nice-to-have.

At its current price, newer mid-range phones may offer more up-to-date processors or camera software tricks, so if you always want the latest tech, this generation may feel a little behind the curve.

The handset is fairly tall at 16cm, which can make one-handed use tricky for smaller hands, especially without a case to add extra grip.

The warranty is only one year, which is on the short side given the investment and how long many people now keep their phones.

Everyday use

Day to day, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G feels reassuringly solid and well put together. The all-screen design and slim 0.9cm depth make it modern and sleek, while the Cloud Orange finish adds a bit of personality without being garish.

The Super AMOLED panel is bright and vivid indoors and out, and the 6.5-inch size gives plenty of room for typing, browsing and video without tipping into unwieldy tablet territory. Touch response is quick and accurate, so gestures and typing feel natural.

Samsung’s One UI 2.5 on top of Android 10 is mature and straightforward, with sensible defaults and a wealth of customisation if you want to tweak things. Face recognition and PIN unlock are both fast, so getting into your phone is largely frictionless.

Battery life from the 4500 mAh cell is comfortably all-day for typical use, and fast charging means you can add a useful chunk of power in a short coffee break. Wireless charging is convenient on a bedside table or desk, while reverse wireless charging is handy for topping up earphones or a friend’s phone in a pinch.

With IP68 water resistance and robust casing materials, it’s a phone you can confidently use in the rain or a steamy kitchen without worrying, and SmartThings support makes it easy to tie into an existing Samsung smart home setup.

Performance and features

Under the bonnet, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 octa-core processor clocked up to 2.8 GHz, paired with 6GB of RAM. That’s still a very capable combination, easily handling everyday tasks, demanding apps and popular games without stutter in typical use.

The display offers a sharp 1080 x 2400 FHD+ resolution at 407 pixels per inch, so text is crisp and images are detailed. Being Super AMOLED, contrast is excellent and colours are rich, which benefits everything from Netflix to browsing your photo gallery.

The camera system is more versatile than many mid-range phones. On the rear you get three lenses: two 12MP sensors and an 8MP telephoto for optical 3x zoom, with digital zoom up to 30x available when needed. Wide-angle shooting, night mode, Live Focus portrait effects, Hyperlapse and various scene modes give you plenty of creative options. The 32MP front camera supports 4K video, face detection and image stabilisation, making it a strong choice for selfies and video calls.

Connectivity and convenience are well covered: 5G, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 5, NFC, USB-C charging, screen mirroring and SmartThings integration are all on board. Dual mobile payment support via Google Pay and Samsung Pay makes tap-and-go payments straightforward, while IP68 water resistance and a robust PC/PMMA/aluminium build help it withstand daily knocks.

For power and flexibility, the 4500 mAh battery supports fast wired charging, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, so you can use the phone as a wireless power bank for compatible accessories. Storage starts at 128GB and can be expanded via the microSD slot, which is a welcome feature that many newer premium phones have dropped.

Value for money

Given its blend of flagship-grade features and a more approachable price than current top-tier phones, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G represents solid value for money. You’re getting a high-quality AMOLED display, a still-quick Snapdragon 865 processor, 5G connectivity and a flexible camera system that outpaces many budget and lower mid-range rivals.

The spec sheet is rounded out by premium touches such as IP68 water resistance, wireless and reverse wireless charging, NFC with dual payment options and expandable storage. These are not always guaranteed at this level and help justify the spend.

With a strong 4.6/5 rating from more than 4,800 reviews, real-world owners clearly feel they’ve got their money’s worth. If you want the absolute latest Samsung flagship then you will need to invest more, but if you’re after a well-proven, feature-rich phone without overspending, the S20 FE 5G offers very good overall value.

Our verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is a well-judged smartphone that still holds its own. It combines a sharp Super AMOLED display, strong day-to-day performance, versatile cameras and a generous feature set that includes 5G, wireless charging and IP68 water resistance.

It’s particularly appealing if you want a reliable all-rounder from a big-name brand, with plenty of modern conveniences but without the flagship price tag. Social media users, streamers and gamers will appreciate the screen and processor, while the camera setup and big battery make it a dependable companion for busy days.

If you insist on the very latest processor or camera tech, or prefer a more compact device, you may want to look at newer or smaller alternatives. For most people, though, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G remains an excellent, well-proven choice that gets the key things right and should comfortably see you through several years of use.

FAQs

Is the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G waterproof?

It has an IP68 water resistant rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes, as well as protection from dust.
Yes, it supports both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, so you can charge it on a Qi pad and also use it to wirelessly top up compatible devices.
Yes. It comes with 128GB of internal storage and includes a microSD memory card slot so you can add extra space for apps, photos and videos.
The Snapdragon 865 processor and 6GB of RAM provide smooth performance for most modern games, and the 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display makes gameplay look vibrant and detailed.
It has a triple rear camera with wide and ultra-wide lenses, optical 3x zoom, up to 30x digital zoom, night mode, Live Focus, Hyperlapse and 4K video recording, plus a 32MP front camera with 4K video.
Yes. It includes NFC and works with both Google Pay and Samsung Pay for contactless payments in shops and on public transport where supported.
The 4500 mAh battery is rated for up to 211 hours standby and typically gives a full day of mixed use. Fast charging helps you top up quickly when needed.
You get the phone, a UK 3‑pin travel adapter, a USB‑C data and charging cable, a quick start guide and warranty information.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G 128GB Smartphone in Cloud Orange, Orange Review

£599.00

Overall score

8.8/10

LOWEST PRICE FOUND:

LOWEST PRICE FOUND: