1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.8 × 74.5 × 8.4 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | A35 is slightly taller and wider, S20 FE is slightly thicker. S20 FE may be easier to hold for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 190g | 209g | S20 FE is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has significantly better scratch and drop resistance for the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Practically identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 407 | 390 | Minimal difference in pixel density; both offer sharp images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | S20 FE has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The lack of brightness information for the A35 is a significant omission, assuming it's lower than S20 FE |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 865 is generally more powerful for demanding games and heavy multitasking. Exynos 1380 is still capable but not as high-end. |
| AnTuTu Score | 623,000 | 578,500 | S20 FE has slightly better benchmark performance, indicating snappier overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Adreno 650 is a more powerful GPU, better suited for graphically intensive games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | A35 captures more detail in good lighting, but pixel binning might result in similar effective resolution in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.96" | S20 FE's larger sensor gathers more light, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 13MP | S20 FE captures more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (8MP) | No | S20 FE offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for closer shots without significant quality loss. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | S20 FE captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (5MP) | A35 can take close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | S20 FE allows for higher frame rate 4K recording and a higher slow-motion framerate, resulting in smoother video. |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, RAW | Pro Video Mode, Panorama, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | S20 FE offers optical zoom while A35 brings more software driven features and dynamic range to the table. |
| DXOMark | N/A | 104 | A35 is tested and rated at 104 overall |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A35 is likely to offer longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Similar charging speeds. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging | None | S20 FE can wirelessly charge other devices and supports fast wireless charging. |
Software & Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS (Launch) | Android 10 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 18) | A35 has a newer OS and is expected to receive more software updates in the future. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A35 has a more modern Bluetooth version, potentially offering better connectivity and efficiency. |
| NFC | Yes | Yes | Contactless payments and quick pairing with devices. |
| Storage Expandable | No | No | Limited storage for large media libraries if the internal storage is not sufficient. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility.
- More Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 865 offers better gaming and multitasking capabilities.
- Telephoto Lens: Provides optical zoom for better long-range photography.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Added convenience for charging other devices.
- Better Video Recording: Support for 4K@60fps and higher framerate slow-motion.
- Geomagnetic sensor: Offers compass functionality
Practical Implications: The S20 FE 5G is better for users who prioritize performance, camera versatility (especially zoom), and convenience features like wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Comes with a more recent Android version and promises longer software support.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life on a single charge.
- Macro Lens: For close-up photography.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers increased durability.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality using wired headphones.
Practical Implications: The A35 is better for users who prioritize battery life, durability, and long-term software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, photographers who value optical zoom, users who need a bright display for outdoor use, and those who appreciate wireless charging.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphically demanding mobile games.
- Taking photos at concerts or sporting events where zoom is necessary.
- Using the phone in direct sunlight (e.g., construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts).
- Wirelessly charging earbuds or smartwatches on the go.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, durability, long-term software updates, and macro photography.
- Use Cases:
- All-day usage without frequent charging.
- Use in environments where the phone is likely to be dropped.
- Users who value having the latest Android features and security updates.
- Taking detailed close-up photos of plants, insects, or other small objects.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions:
- How important is long-term software support? (A35 wins for future updates)
- Do you prioritize camera zoom capabilities or macro photography? (S20 FE for zoom, A35 for macro)
- How important is battery life and device durability? (A35 wins due to larger battery and better glass)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a gamer who needs a phone for competitive mobile gaming: Choose the S20 FE 5G for its more powerful processor and GPU.
- Scenario 2: You work outdoors and need a phone with long battery life and a durable screen: Choose the A35 for its larger battery and Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Scenario 3: You want a phone that will last for several years with the latest software updates: Choose the A35.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A35.
Reasoning:
While the Snapdragon 865 in the S20 FE 5G offers a performance edge, the benefits of the A35 outweigh this for my personal use case. Here's why:
- Longevity: The A35's newer software and guaranteed updates are crucial. I prefer to keep my phones for several years, and the S20 FE 5G is already approaching its end-of-life for software support.
- Battery Life: A larger battery translates to fewer charging cycles and peace of mind when I am away from a charger.
- Durability: With clumsy tendencies, I appreciate the improved screen protection offered by Gorilla Glass Victus.
Although the lack of brightness information for the A35 is a significant omission, I would consider the A35 given the advantages of the A35 outweigh the brighter screen of the S20 FE, and I do not use the wireless charging or the telephoto cameras that often.
