Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Unboxing and First Impressions

Samsung surprised the world when they announced the Galaxy S20 FE. In this article, we take a look at the new smartphone from the Korean giant.

Flat display

The newest member of the Galaxy S20 series has arrived in the Philippines and it features a flat 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2400 x 1080p resolution. Inside is a 7nm Exynos 990 octa-core processor, Mali-G77 MP11 GPU, 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128GB storage, and 4,500mAh battery with up to 25W fast charging.

It is priced at PHP 35,990 and is available in Cloud White, Cloud Navy, Cloud Lavender, Cloud Red, Cloud Orange, and Cloud Mint.

Let's dive in!

Unboxing/Accessories

White box with debossed icons

Unlike the rest of the S20 series, the S20 FE comes in a white box instead of a black one. All over the box are debossed icons of various objects and features that are related to the S20 FE.

Inside the box

Inside the box are the S20 FE, quick start guide, 15W charger, USB Type-A to Type-C cable and SIM ejector tool. There are no earphones nor is there an included case.

Build Quality/Design

In navy colorway

Unlike the rest of the S20 series, the front display is flat but like the other phones of the S20 series, it has a curved back panel. The device is made of a combination of glass, metal, and glasstic.

Smudge and fingerprint resistant frosted glasstic back 

At the back of the device is the aforementioned curved glasstic panel with a frosted texture that gives it slightly less slippery texture and it is also resistant to fingerprint smudges.

Netflix and George Clooney

In front of the S20 FE the 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass 5 protection, and 2400 x 1080p resolution. The display produces vibrant colors with sharp and crispy text and details. The maximum brightness is bright enough to be readable under daylight. When placed side by side with another S20 series smartphone, the maximum brightness of the FE isn't as bright as the other.

At the back is a frosted glass panel that curves slightly that makes it easier to hold but even though it is frosted, the back panel resistant to fingerprint and makes the back panel less slippery.

Bottom and top

On top of the Galaxy S20 FE is the SIM tray, antenna line, and microphone port while at the bottom is more antenna lines, speaker grill, USB Type-C port, and microphone port.

Left and right

On the left of the S20 FE is a smooth surface while on the right side is the volume rocker and the power button.

The S20 FE measures at only 159.8 x 74.5 x 7.4mm and weighs in at only 190 grams. The back frosted glasstic panel curves which make it easy to hold while the frosted back glasstic panel makes it less slippery but we recommend to still put a case on the phone.

Camera UI

At the back of the S20 FE is a 12MP f/1.8 main camera with Dual Pixel and OIS, 12MP f/2.2 123-degree ultra-wide-angle camera, 8MP f/2.4 3x optical zoom with LED flash while in front is a 32MP f/2.2.

We'll be sharing camera samples in a separate article soon.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Specs

Display: 6.5-inch 3D curved Gorilla Glass 5 protected Super AMOLED 120Hz screen w/ FHD+ 2400 x 1080 resolution at 405 ppi
CPU: 2.7GHz 7nm Exynos 990 octa-core processor
GPU: Mali-G77 MP11
RAM: 8GB LPDDR5
ROM: 128GB expandable via microSD card up to 1TB
Back Camera: 12MP f/1.8 w/ Dual Pixel and OIS + 12MP f/2.2 123-degree ultra-wide-angle + 8MP f/2.4 w/ 3x Hybrid Optic Zoom and OIS + LED flash
Selfie Camera: 32MP f/2.2
Battery: 4,500mAh w/ 25W fast charging, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging
OS: Android 10.0 w/ One UI 2.5
Connectivity: WiFi 6, 4G LTE Cat 20, Bluetooth 5.0, OTG, NFC, dual-band GPS, dual SIM (hybrid)
Sensors: Accelerometer, light, orientation, proximity, gyroscope, sound, magnetic, pressure,
Others: Plastic body, optical fingerprint sensor, face unlock, IP68 water and dust resistance, USB-C, UHQ 32-bit/DSD audio support, AKG stereo speakers, Colors: Cloud White, Cloud Navy, Cloud Lavender, Cloud Red, Cloud Orange, Cloud Mint
Dimensions: 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm
Weight: 190 g
Price: PHP 35,990

As of the moment

Cat and flowers

Out of the box, at PHP 35,990 the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is the Korean giant's attempt at giving fans their favorite features from the S20 series to a more affordable price point without compromising on what made the S20 series great.

We love that Samsung retained the flagship Exynos 990 SoC, 120Hz refresh rate display, wireless charging, and the IP68 water and dust resistant rating as the competition in the price segment continues to be fierce.

It is a competitive device so far, but we would have liked it better if it has 5G support like most new phones found at this price point

We will have to reserve our full judgment for our full review.

Stay tuned!

What do you guys think?