1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.8 × 74.5 × 8.4 mm | 161.3 × 75 × 6.9 mm | Nova 11 is taller and significantly thinner, potentially feeling more premium and pocketable. S20 FE 5G is wider and thicker, which may feel more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 190g | 168g | Nova 11 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | S20 FE 5G has known scratch resistance, while the Nova 11's screen durability is uncertain. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Nova 11 offers a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1084x2412 | Negligible difference in sharpness. Both provide a crisp viewing experience. |
| PPI | 407 | 391 | Imperceptible difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. The difference is negligible for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and enhanced gaming visuals. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 950 nits | S20 FE 5G is noticeably brighter outdoors, improving visibility in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | S20 FE 5G has a more powerful chipset, offering better performance in demanding tasks and gaming. The Nova 11 has a more efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 623,000 | 587,561 | S20 FE 5G scores higher, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | S20 FE 5G's GPU is more powerful, resulting in smoother graphics in games and other graphically intensive applications. |
| 5G Support | Yes | No | S20 FE 5G supports 5G cellular networks for faster data speeds. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Nova 11's higher megapixel count could result in more detailed photos, but sensor size and image processing also play significant roles. S20 FE's wider aperture may result in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 60MP, f/2.4 | Nova 11 has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S20 FE 5G offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for closer shots without digital distortion. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | S20 FE 5G can capture wider scenes. |
| Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 (shared with Ultrawide) | Nova 11 can take close-up photos of small objects. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 720p@960fps | S20 FE 5G supports much higher quality video recording. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Triple Camera, Night Mode | PDAF, Dual Camera, Panorama | S20 FE 5G offers better stabilization and low-light capabilities. Nova 11 has faster focusing and panorama capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life under typical usage scenarios. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Nova 11 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | S20 FE 5G supports convenient wireless charging. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Unknown | S20 FE 5G has a well-established Android ecosystem. The Nova 11 is likely running a customized Android version, but without Google Play Services. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expanding storage with a microSD card. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Nova 11 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, offering potentially better efficiency and connectivity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Advantages:
- Stronger Performance: Snapdragon 865 offers better overall processing and graphics power.
- Better Camera System: Versatile triple-camera system with telephoto and ultrawide lenses.
- 5G Connectivity: Supports faster 5G cellular networks.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging capabilities.
- Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility due to higher brightness.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for scratch resistance.
- Wider Aperture: Better low-light performance in images.
Huawei nova 11 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging with 66W.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Potentially more detailed selfies.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
Trade-offs:
- S20 FE 5G: Older design, heavier, slower charging.
- Nova 11: Weaker performance, lacks 5G, unknown screen protection, missing Google Play Services.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, photography enthusiasts who prioritize performance, camera versatility, and 5G connectivity.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Taking advantage of 5G speeds for streaming and downloads.
- Those who want to use features offered by Google Play Services.
Huawei nova 11:
- Ideal User: Style-conscious users who value a sleek design, fast charging, and are less reliant on Google services.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday photography and social media sharing.
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks.
- Those who don't rely heavily on Google Play Services.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and gaming? If you need a powerful processor and GPU for demanding tasks, the S20 FE 5G is a better choice.
- Do you need 5G connectivity? If 5G speeds are important for your mobile experience, the S20 FE 5G is the only option.
- How important is quick charging? If you prioritize fast charging, the Nova 11 is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the S20 FE 5G for its superior processing and graphics power.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Influencer: The higher resolution front camera and macro lens of the Nova 11 may be appealing, but consider the video quality limitations.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: I would not choose the S20 FE due to it being older.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User: The Nova 11 offers a sleek design, fast charging, and decent performance for everyday tasks. However, the lack of Google Play Services might be a significant drawback.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G. While it is the older of the two phones, the better performance and the complete set of camera lenses give it more utility. The access to Google Play Services is a big advantage, as I would not have to go without it.
