So, you're in the market for a new phone and eyeing the Samsung FE (Fan Edition) series? Smart choice, guys! These phones pack a punch without completely emptying your wallet. But with the S20 FE, S21 FE, and the newer S23 FE all vying for your attention, how do you choose? Don't sweat it! We're breaking down everything you need to know to make the right decision. Let's dive in and compare these awesome devices!

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design and build quality, the Samsung S20 FE, S21 FE, and S23 FE each bring something unique to the table. The S20 FE, being the oldest of the trio, sports a polycarbonate back, which, while durable, doesn't quite scream premium. It does come in a variety of fun colors, so you can express your personality. The frame is aluminum, providing a solid feel in hand. The camera module is a bit more pronounced compared to the newer models, giving it a distinct look. It’s important to remember that design is subjective. While the S20 FE may not have the most cutting-edge materials, it’s still a well-built phone that can withstand daily wear and tear. The color options alone might sway some buyers who prefer a more vibrant aesthetic. Furthermore, the slightly larger size of the S20 FE might appeal to those who prefer a bigger screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. Ultimately, the build quality of the S20 FE is a testament to Samsung's commitment to creating durable and reliable devices, even if it doesn't feature the flashiest materials. The ergonomics are well-considered, ensuring that the phone feels comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The button placement is intuitive, and the overall design is functional and practical. For users who prioritize durability and functionality over premium materials, the S20 FE remains a strong contender in the competitive smartphone market. Additionally, the availability of various cases and accessories allows users to further customize the look and feel of their S20 FE, making it a truly personalized device.

Moving on to the S21 FE, Samsung refined the design with a 'Contour Cut' camera housing that blends seamlessly into the back panel. It also uses a polycarbonate back, but the overall look is more streamlined and modern. The matte finish helps to resist fingerprints, which is a nice bonus. The frame is still aluminum, providing a sturdy feel. The S21 FE feels more premium than the S20 FE, even though both use similar materials. The design enhancements are subtle but significant, contributing to a more refined aesthetic. The slimmer profile and lighter weight of the S21 FE make it more comfortable to hold and use, especially for those with smaller hands. The improved camera module design not only looks better but also reduces the wobble when the phone is placed on a flat surface. The S21 FE's design strikes a balance between aesthetics and functionality, making it an appealing choice for users who want a phone that looks good and performs well. The seamless integration of the camera module into the back panel creates a clean and modern look, while the matte finish adds a touch of sophistication. The overall build quality of the S21 FE is excellent, ensuring that the phone can withstand the rigors of daily use. Furthermore, the S21 FE is available in a range of stylish colors, allowing users to choose a device that matches their personal style. The improved ergonomics and refined design of the S21 FE make it a standout device in the competitive smartphone market.

Finally, the S23 FE takes things up a notch with a glass back and an aluminum frame, giving it a more premium feel compared to its predecessors. The design is more in line with the flagship S23 series, with individual camera rings that protrude slightly from the back. It feels more substantial and luxurious in hand. The use of glass on the back not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides a more premium feel. The aluminum frame adds to the overall durability and structural integrity of the device. The individual camera rings, while slightly protruding, add a distinctive touch to the design. The S23 FE's design is a clear step up from its predecessors, reflecting Samsung's commitment to providing a more premium experience in the Fan Edition series. The improved materials and refined design make the S23 FE a compelling choice for users who want a phone that looks and feels like a flagship device. The use of glass on the back also allows for wireless charging, a feature that was not available on the S20 FE and S21 FE. The S23 FE's design is a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality, making it a standout device in the competitive smartphone market. Furthermore, the S23 FE is available in a range of sophisticated colors, allowing users to choose a device that matches their personal style. The overall build quality of the S23 FE is exceptional, ensuring that the phone can withstand the rigors of daily use.

Display

Displays are a big deal, right? All three phones – Samsung S20 FE, S21 FE, and S23 FE – boast vibrant AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations buttery smooth. The S20 FE features a 6.5-inch display, while the S21 FE comes in at 6.4 inches, and the S23 FE at 6.4 inches as well. While the size difference is negligible, the S21 FE and S23 FE have slightly brighter panels, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. When choosing a phone, the display quality should be a top priority. A vibrant and smooth display can significantly enhance your overall user experience, whether you're browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games. The AMOLED technology used in all three phones ensures that you'll enjoy rich colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel more fluid and responsive, adding to the overall enjoyment of using the phone. The S20 FE's 6.5-inch display is slightly larger than the 6.4-inch displays on the S21 FE and S23 FE, which might appeal to users who prefer a bigger screen. However, the S21 FE and S23 FE have slightly brighter panels, which can make a noticeable difference when using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight. This is an important consideration for users who spend a lot of time outdoors or in brightly lit environments. Ultimately, the display quality of all three phones is excellent, and you're unlikely to be disappointed with any of them. However, the slightly brighter panels on the S21 FE and S23 FE might give them a slight edge for some users. Also, consider the size and what do you prefer.

The Samsung S23 FE has Vision Booster technology, enhancing color and contrast in various lighting conditions. It makes the display more readable and enjoyable, especially outdoors. Vision Booster dynamically adjusts the display settings based on the ambient light, ensuring that you always get the best possible viewing experience. This technology is particularly useful when using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight, as it helps to compensate for the glare and improve visibility. The enhanced color and contrast also make the display more vibrant and engaging, whether you're watching videos, playing games, or browsing the web. Vision Booster is a valuable addition to the S23 FE's display, making it one of the best in its class. It's a feature that you'll appreciate every time you use the phone, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The technology is seamless and automatic, so you don't have to worry about manually adjusting the display settings. It just works in the background to ensure that you always get the best possible viewing experience. Vision Booster is a testament to Samsung's commitment to innovation and providing users with the best possible display technology. It's a feature that sets the S23 FE apart from its competitors and makes it a compelling choice for users who value display quality.

Performance

Under the hood, the Samsung S20 FE comes with either a Snapdragon 865 or an Exynos 990, depending on the region. Both are powerful chips that can handle most tasks with ease. However, the Snapdragon version is generally considered to be slightly faster and more efficient. The S21 FE also comes with either a Snapdragon 888 or an Exynos 2100, again depending on the region. These are even more powerful than the chips in the S20 FE, offering a noticeable performance boost. The S23 FE packs either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or an Exynos 2200. These chips provide excellent performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. When choosing a phone, the processor is one of the most important factors to consider. A powerful processor ensures that the phone can handle demanding tasks without slowing down or lagging. It also affects the phone's overall responsiveness and smoothness. The Snapdragon 865 and Exynos 990 in the S20 FE are still capable chips, but they are starting to show their age compared to the newer processors in the S21 FE and S23 FE. The Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100 in the S21 FE offer a noticeable performance boost, making it a better choice for users who demand the best possible performance. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Exynos 2200 in the S23 FE provide even more power, ensuring that the phone can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. The performance of a smartphone is determined by the chipset used. It is very important to ensure the smartphone is as smooth as possible.

For gaming, all three phones can handle most titles at high settings. However, the S23 FE, with its newer chip, will offer the best and most consistent performance, especially in graphically intensive games. The newer chipsets also provide better power efficiency, which translates to longer battery life. The S23 FE will also likely receive software updates for a longer period, ensuring that it remains up-to-date with the latest features and security patches. While all three phones are capable of handling most tasks with ease, the S23 FE is the clear winner in terms of performance. The newer chipsets offer a significant performance boost, making it a better choice for users who demand the best possible performance. The improved power efficiency and longer software support are also important considerations. If you're a gamer or someone who uses their phone for demanding tasks, the S23 FE is the way to go. It offers the best performance and will likely remain relevant for a longer period. Also consider the phone heats up slower for the S23 FE compare to S21 FE.

Cameras

Camera time! The Samsung S20 FE features a versatile triple-lens setup: a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It takes great photos in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance can be a bit noisy. The S21 FE also has a triple-lens setup: a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The camera system is similar to the S20 FE, but with improved software processing, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. The S23 FE steps up the game with a 50MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The higher resolution main lens captures more detail, and the improved software processing results in excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. The camera is one of the most important features of a smartphone for many users. A good camera can capture stunning photos and videos, allowing you to preserve your memories and share them with others. The S20 FE's camera system is capable, but it's starting to show its age compared to the newer cameras in the S21 FE and S23 FE. The S21 FE's camera system is similar to the S20 FE, but with improved software processing, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. This makes it a better choice for users who often take photos in challenging lighting conditions. The S23 FE's camera system is a significant upgrade, with a higher resolution main lens and improved software processing. This results in excellent image quality in various lighting conditions, making it a top performer in its class. The higher resolution main lens captures more detail, allowing you to zoom in and crop your photos without losing quality. The improved software processing enhances the colors, contrast, and dynamic range of your photos, making them look more vibrant and realistic. If you're a photography enthusiast, the S23 FE is the clear winner. It offers the best image quality and the most versatile camera system.

For selfies, all three phones have capable front-facing cameras. The S20 FE has a 32MP front camera, while the S21 FE has a 32MP front camera, and the S23 FE has a 10MP front camera. While the S23 FE has a lower megapixel count, it still captures excellent selfies with good detail and dynamic range. The software processing also helps to enhance skin tones and reduce noise. For users who prioritize selfies, the front-facing camera is an important consideration. All three phones have capable front-facing cameras that can capture great selfies in good lighting conditions. The S20 FE and S21 FE have higher megapixel counts, but the S23 FE's front camera still captures excellent selfies with good detail and dynamic range. The software processing also helps to enhance skin tones and reduce noise. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize higher megapixel counts, the S20 FE and S21 FE might be better choices. However, if you're happy with excellent image quality and good software processing, the S23 FE is a great option.

Battery Life

Battery life is crucial! The Samsung S20 FE packs a 4,500mAh battery, which can easily last a full day with moderate use. The S21 FE has a slightly smaller 4,500mAh battery, but it still offers decent battery life, although it might require a top-up in the evening with heavy use. The S23 FE also comes with a 4,500mAh battery and offers similar battery life to the S21 FE. Keep in mind that battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns and the apps you use. Battery life is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a smartphone. A phone with good battery life allows you to use it throughout the day without worrying about running out of power. The S20 FE, S21 FE, and S23 FE all have 4,500mAh batteries, which is a decent size for a modern smartphone. The S20 FE's battery can easily last a full day with moderate use, making it a great choice for users who don't want to worry about charging their phone during the day. The S21 FE and S23 FE have slightly smaller batteries, but they still offer decent battery life. However, they might require a top-up in the evening with heavy use, especially if you're playing games or streaming videos. The battery life is similar for all three smartphones, but the S20 FE might have a slight edge compare to the other two smartphones.

All three phones support fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. The S23 FE also supports wireless charging, which is a convenient way to charge your phone without having to plug it in. If you're a heavy user, you might want to consider a phone with wireless charging, as it allows you to easily top up the battery throughout the day. Wireless charging is a convenient feature that allows you to charge your phone without having to plug it in. Simply place the phone on a wireless charging pad, and it will start charging automatically. The S23 FE is the only one of the three phones that supports wireless charging, making it a better choice for users who value convenience. Fast charging is also an important feature, as it allows you to quickly top up the battery when needed. All three phones support fast charging, but the charging speeds might vary slightly depending on the charger you use. Overall, the battery life of all three phones is decent, but the S20 FE might have a slight edge. The S23 FE's support for wireless charging is a valuable addition, making it a better choice for users who value convenience.

Price

Price is always a factor, isn't it? The Samsung S20 FE is the oldest and typically the most affordable of the three. The S21 FE is usually priced in the middle, while the S23 FE is the newest and generally the most expensive. However, prices can vary depending on promotions and retailer discounts, so it's always worth shopping around. When choosing a smartphone, the price is always an important factor to consider. The S20 FE is the oldest and typically the most affordable of the three phones. This makes it a great choice for users who are on a budget but still want a capable smartphone. The S21 FE is usually priced in the middle, offering a good balance between features and price. The S23 FE is the newest and generally the most expensive of the three phones. However, it also offers the most advanced features and the best performance. The pricing of the phones can vary depending on promotions and retailer discounts. It's always worth shopping around to find the best deal. Consider your budget and what features are most important to you when making your decision. If you're on a tight budget, the S20 FE is a great option. If you're willing to spend a bit more for better features and performance, the S21 FE or S23 FE might be better choices. Ultimately, the best phone for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Alright, guys, so which FE phone takes the crown? If you're on a tight budget and just need a solid all-around performer, the Samsung S20 FE is still a great option. If you want a more refined design, slightly better performance, and improved cameras, the S21 FE is a good step up. But, if you want the best of the best with a more premium design, a more powerful processor, and a top-notch camera system, the S23 FE is the way to go. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider what features are most important to you and choose the phone that best fits your budget and lifestyle. No matter which FE phone you choose, you're getting a great device that offers excellent value for money.