1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2020-10-02 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent software and potentially longer support. |
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is taller but thinner, potentially feeling slightly more modern and sleek. |
| Weight | 190g | 190g | Negligible difference in hand feel due to identical weight. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | S20 FE 5G likely offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. Realme 12+ screen protection is unknown, making it hard to evaluate durability. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience, though the difference is subtle. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp display for typical smartphone use. |
| PPI | 407 | 395 | Negligible difference in sharpness to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both phones, offering excellent viewing quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 865 5G (7nm+) | Dimensity 7050 (6nm) | S20 FE 5G offers slightly better sustained performance for demanding tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 623,000 | 601,000 | Real-world performance will be very similar for most everyday tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S20 FE 5G's GPU provides a small edge in graphics-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2" | Realme 12+ captures more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. S20 FE 5G might perform better in low light due to larger pixel size |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 16MP, f/2.45 | S20 FE 5G captures more detailed selfies and performs better in low light due to a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | N/A | S20 FE 5G offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed-in shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | S20 FE 5G captures wider scenes with slightly more detail. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12+ allows for close-up photography of small objects. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S20 FE 5G supports 4K video at a higher frame rate, resulting in smoother video. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode | OIS, PDAF, Panorama | S20 FE 5G has additional features such as Optical zoom, Continuous shooting, RAW, Night Mode. Realme 12+ has additional features such as Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Panorama |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12+ likely offers longer battery life, especially for heavy users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Wireless Charging | N/A | S20 FE 5G can wirelessly charge other devices, offering extra convenience. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 10 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | Realme 12+ offers a newer Android version and potentially longer software support, with better security and features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12+ has a more modern Bluetooth version. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme 12+ offers a larger 512GB storage option for users with extensive media libraries. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic | Realme 12+ provides slightly better audio quality and clearer calls. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom for better quality at longer distances.
- Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 865 provides a marginal performance edge.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- Screen Protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, offering newer features and likely longer support.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is significantly faster than 25W.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh offers potentially longer battery life.
- More Storage Options: Available in 512GB variant, allowing for more on-device storage
- Better Audio Features: Comes with Hi-Res Audio and Noise Cancellation Microphone
Trade-offs:
- S20 FE 5G: Sacrifices battery life, charging speed, and software longevity for a telephoto lens and a slight performance bump.
- Realme 12+: Trades optical zoom and a minimal performance difference for a significantly better display, faster charging, longer battery life, and newer software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Someone who values camera zoom capabilities and is less concerned about having the absolute latest software or fastest charging.
- Use Cases:
- Photography enthusiasts who frequently use zoom.
- Users who already have wireless charging accessories and want to utilize reverse wireless charging.
Realme 12+:
- Ideal User: Someone who prioritizes a long-lasting battery, fast charging, a bright display for outdoor use, and up-to-date software.
- Use Cases:
- Users who spend a lot of time outdoors and need a bright screen.
- Gamers or heavy users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who prefer the latest Android features and security updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is optical zoom to you? If you frequently use zoom and value optical quality, the S20 FE 5G might be preferable.
- How much do you value battery life and fast charging? The Realme 12+ offers significantly better battery performance and charging speeds.
- How important is having the latest software? The Realme 12+ ships with a newer Android version and will likely receive updates for a longer period.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Enthusiast: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Realme 12+ is the better choice due to its significantly brighter display.
- Scenario 2: Photography Focus: If you prioritize camera zoom capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G's telephoto lens is an advantage.
- Scenario 3: Performance and Future-Proofing: The Realme 12+ balances performance with a newer chipset and software, offering a more future-proof experience.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 12+. While the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a slightly better SoC and a telephoto lens, the Realme 12+'s advantages in display brightness, battery capacity, charging speed, and software support are more compelling for my daily use. The brighter display is essential for outdoor visibility, and the significantly faster charging is a huge convenience. Plus, the newer Android version ensures I'll have access to the latest features and security updates for a longer period.
