Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe 5G Vs. Samsung Galaxy M35 5G
Here’s a detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G and the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G:
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G was launched in September 2020, making it a few years old but still a popular choice for its flagship-level features at a more accessible price.
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is a much newer device, launched in April 2024, targeting the mid-range segment with a focus on battery life.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy M35 5G | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels (~407 ppi), 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) | 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels (~390 ppi), 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak) | Both offer excellent 120Hz Super AMOLED displays with high brightness. M35 5G has a slightly larger screen and higher peak brightness. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits (peak) | 1000 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak) | Galaxy M35 5G offers significantly higher peak brightness, especially beneficial for outdoor visibility and HDR content. |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The Snapdragon 865 was a flagship processor from 2020, offering very strong performance. The Exynos 1380 is a competent mid-range processor from 2023. S20 FE 5G generally has a more powerful processor. |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 6GB / 8GB | Both phones offer similar RAM configurations. |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB | Both offer similar storage options, but S20 FE 5G uses faster UFS 3.1 storage. |
| Battery Life | 4500 mAh | 6000 mAh | Galaxy M35 5G has a significantly larger battery capacity, offering potentially much longer battery life. |
| Rear Camera | 12MP (wide, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF) + 8MP (telephoto, f/2.4, OIS, 3x optical zoom) + 12MP (ultrawide, f/2.2) | 50MP (wide, f/1.8, OIS, PDAF) + 8MP (ultrawide, f/2.2) + 2MP (macro, f/2.4) | S20 FE 5G has a more versatile camera setup with a dedicated 3x optical zoom telephoto lens, offering better zoom capabilities and a generally more mature camera system. M35 5G has a higher megapixel count for its main sensor. |
| Front Camera | 32MP (wide, f/2.2) | 13MP (wide, f/2.2) | S20 FE 5G has a much higher resolution front camera. |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame, IP68 dust/water resistant | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame, No official IP rating stated | S20 FE 5G features a premium aluminum frame and superior IP68 dust/water resistance. M35 5G has stronger Gorilla Glass 5 on the front. |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (dust/water resistant up to 1.5m for 30 min) | Not officially stated (likely none) | S20 FE 5G offers full flagship-level water and dust resistance. |
| S Pen | No | No | Neither phone includes S Pen support. |
| Software | Android 10 (upgradeable to Android 13/14), One UI | Android 14, One UI 6.1 | M35 5G launches with a much newer Android version and will receive more major Android updates moving forward due to its recent launch. S20 FE 5G has reached its end of major software updates. |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | 25W wired | S20 FE 5G offers versatile charging options including wireless and reverse wireless charging, which M35 5G lacks. Both have 25W wired charging. |
| Special Features | IP68 rating, Wireless charging, Telephoto camera, Snapdragon 865, Stereo speakers, DeX support | Huge 6000 mAh battery, Newer Android version, Higher peak brightness, Quad speakers | S20 FE 5G has more “flagship” features like IP68, wireless charging, and DeX. M35 5G’s highlight is its massive battery. |
| Price | KES 24,000 (approx.) | KES 21,200 (approx.) | The current market price can vary significantly. M35 5G is typically available new in the mid-range. S20 FE 5G is an older model, so its price depends on its condition (new old stock, used, refurbished). |
My Choice and Why:
This is an interesting comparison between an older “flagship killer” and a newer mid-range device with a key focus on battery. Your choice heavily depends on your priorities:
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G (Fan Edition) was designed to bring flagship features to a wider audience. It still holds up incredibly well with its powerful Snapdragon 865 processor, excellent and versatile camera system (especially the telephoto lens), IP68 water/dust resistance, and convenient wireless charging. If you can find it in good condition at a competitive price, it offers a premium experience, especially in performance and camera versatility. However, it’s at the end of its major software update cycle, meaning you won’t get new Android versions.
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G, on the other hand, is a fresh contender with a focus on longevity. Its standout feature is the colossal 6000 mAh battery, promising exceptional endurance. It also benefits from launching with the latest Android 14 and will receive more major updates than the S20 FE. The display is excellent, and the main camera has OIS. If battery life, guaranteed software updates, and a modern Android experience are your top priorities, this is the better choice.
I’d say:
* Choose the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G if you prioritize raw performance (for gaming/heavy tasks), a more versatile camera with optical zoom, water resistance and wireless charging, and don’t mind an older software base that won’t receive future Android version upgrades. Look for good deals on new old stock or refurbished units.
* Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G if you need exceptional battery life, want the absolute latest Android version with a longer update promise and a robust main camera with OIS, all while keeping within a solid mid-range budget. It’s a pragmatic choice for everyday reliability and longevity.
