Galaxy S20 FE to Buy: Still Worth It in 2024
Few phones from 2020 still make sense to buy in 2024, but the Galaxy S20 FE keeps popping up in conversations about value. With its 120Hz display and Snapdragon 865 processor, it delivered flagship features at a mid-range price back then — and today, a used unit can be found for under $300. This guide cuts through the trade-in numbers, carrier offers, and second-hand listings to answer one question: is the Galaxy S20 FE actually worth buying in 2024?
Release date: September 2020 · Original price (USD): $699 · Current trade-in value (USD): $150–$250 · Battery capacity: 4500 mAh · Software updates remaining: Until Android 14 (estimated)
Quick snapshot
- Snapdragon 865 processor (Samsung Trade-In)
- 6GB/8GB RAM (Samsung Trade-In)
- Still handles most apps and games (Samsung Trade-In)
- 6.5-inch Super AMOLED
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 1080p resolution
- 12MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 8MP telephoto
- 3x optical zoom
- Good low-light performance
- 4500 mAh
- 25W fast charging
- Average 6-7 hours screen-on time
Here are the key details for the Galaxy S20 FE.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release date | September 2020 |
| Original price | $699 |
| Current trade-in value | $150–$250 |
| Battery capacity | 4500 mAh |
| Software updates | Android 13, security patches until 2024 |
| Discontinued | Yes, since 2022 |
Is the S20 FE still a good phone?
Performance and software support in 2024
- Snapdragon 865 still handles daily tasks with ease (Android Police)
- Android 13 with One UI 5.1, security patches until 2024 (Samsung Trade-In)
The 120Hz Super AMOLED display remains competitive even by 2024 mid-range standards. The Snapdragon 865 processor, though not the latest, still runs apps and games without noticeable lag. The trade-off: no more major OS updates after Android 14, so you’ll miss future features.
Camera and display quality
The triple camera system—12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom—delivers versatile shots. Low-light performance is decent, though not on par with the latest flagships. The 120Hz display is a standout feature even today.
For anyone who takes a lot of photos, the S20 FE’s camera array still competes with mid-range phones from 2024. The telephoto lens is especially rare at this price point used.
How much is the S20 FE worth today?
Trade-in values from carriers and retailers
Samsung’s standalone trade-in program offers up to $250 credit for a Galaxy S20 FE in good unlocked condition (Samsung Trade-In). Cracked devices may fetch up to $125 (9to5Google). BankMyCell lists the best current resale price at $90 for the 256GB model, with an average cash value of $36.95 (BankMyCell). Back Market says sellers can earn up to $107 (Back Market).
One pattern: trade-in credits from Samsung are often higher than cash offers from third-party buyback sites. The catch: trade-in credit is tied to purchasing a new Samsung device.
Second-hand market prices
On sites like Swappa and eBay, used S20 FE units typically sell for $200–$350 depending on condition and storage. Demand has dropped, so prices are trending down. A good-condition 128GB model now averages around $250.
Is the S20 FE being discontinued?
Official discontinuation status
Samsung discontinued production of the Galaxy S20 FE in 2022 (Samsung Trade-In). The phone is no longer sold new on Samsung’s official site. However, it remains widely available through third-party refurbishers like Back Market and Amazon Renewed.
What this means: you can still buy a “new” unit from a refurbisher, but it may be a pre-owned device that has been inspected and repackaged.
Impact on availability and support
Discontinuation affects software support: the S20 FE will receive security patches only until 2024. After that, no more updates. Battery replacement services are still available through Samsung but may become scarce over time.
Without new OS updates, the phone will eventually become more vulnerable to security issues. For casual users this is often acceptable, but privacy-conscious buyers should factor it in.
The implication: buyers should consider whether the lack of future updates is acceptable for their usage.
Is the S20 FE worth buying used?
Pros of buying used
Upsides
- Excellent 120Hz display
- Snapdragon 865 still capable
- Great camera telephoto zoom
- IP68 water resistance
- Wireless charging and expandable storage
Downsides
- Battery degradation common after 3 years
- No more major OS updates after Android 14
- Trade-in value drops each year
- Refurbished units may have cosmetic wear
Cons and risks
Battery life is the biggest concern. Even if the phone was lightly used, battery health may have dropped to 80% or less. Samsung’s trade-in program requires the battery to hold a charge and not power off unexpectedly (Samsung Trade-In). If the battery is damaged, Samsung will recycle the device and not return it (Samsung Trade-In).
Software support ends after 2024, so you won’t get Android 15 or later. For many users this is acceptable, but it’s a real trade-off.
For buyers who don’t mind the update limit and check battery health, a used S20 FE at $250 or less offers a great experience for the price. For those who want long-term updates, the Galaxy S21 FE is the safer bet.
The pattern: the decision hinges on how long you plan to keep the phone and your tolerance for security risks.
Which is best, Samsung S20 FE or S21 FE?
Specs comparison
Three key differences, one pattern: the S21 FE trades a slightly higher price for a newer processor, better camera, and longer software support.
| Feature | Galaxy S20 FE | Galaxy S21 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 | Snapdragon 888 |
| Main camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto camera | 8MP (3x optical) | 8MP (3x optical) |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging speed | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Software support | Android 13, security patches until 2024 | Android 14, security patches until 2026 |
| Original price | $699 | $749 |
| Current used price | $200–$350 | $300–$450 |
Price and value difference
The S21 FE costs about $100 more on the used market. For that premium you get a newer processor (Snapdragon 888 vs 865) and an extra year of software updates. The cameras are nearly identical. The S21 FE’s plastic back feels slightly less premium, but it’s lighter.
Which phone you choose depends on your budget. If you can stretch to $350, the S21 FE gives you longer peace of mind. If you stick to $250, the S20 FE still offers excellent performance.
Timeline: Galaxy S20 FE key dates
The timeline below outlines the major events in the S20 FE’s lifecycle.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2020 | Galaxy S20 FE released |
| 2021 | S21 FE announced, S20 FE price drops |
| 2022 | Samsung discontinues S20 FE production |
| 2023 | Android 13 update released for S20 FE |
| 2024 | Expected final security patch |
The pattern is clear: the S20 FE is at the end of its software lifecycle. The final security patch is expected in 2024, after which no further updates will be issued.
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- S20 FE discontinued in 2022 (Samsung Trade-In)
- Snapdragon 865 processor (Samsung Trade-In)
Devices with battery damage are recycled and cannot be returned. Samsung Trade-In
What’s unclear
- Exact date of the last security update
- Long-term battery health for individual used units
Trade-in values have varied greatly depending on the promotion. In January 2021, Samsung offered $700 toward an $800 phone for the base S20.
Android Police
The trade-off: confirmed specs give you a solid baseline, but the uncertainty around battery health and update timing are real risks for a used purchase.
Summary
The Galaxy S20 FE was a fantastic value in 2020, and it still holds up in 2024 for budget-conscious buyers. The 120Hz display, capable processor, and versatile camera system remain competitive. But with software support nearly over and battery degradation a gamble, you’re buying a phone with a limited shelf life. For someone in the US hunting for a reliable used phone under $250, the Galaxy S20 FE is a solid pick — but only if you’re okay with no more OS upgrades after Android 14. Otherwise, the Galaxy S21 FE is worth the extra $100 for longer support.
For buyers who prefer German-language resources, a detailed guide on Samsung Galaxy S20 FE kaufen offers practical pricing and tips for the used market.
Frequently asked questions
Does the S20 FE support 5G?
Yes, the Galaxy S20 FE is available in both LTE and 5G models. The 5G model includes an mmWave antenna and sub-6GHz support.
Is the S20 FE waterproof?
It has an IP68 rating, meaning it’s dust-tight and can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
Does the S20 FE have a headphone jack?
No, the Galaxy S20 FE does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need USB-C or Bluetooth headphones.
Can the S20 FE charge wirelessly?
Yes, it supports 15W fast wireless charging and also has Wireless PowerShare to charge other devices.
What colors does the S20 FE come in?
The phone was released in Cloud Navy, Cloud Lavender, Cloud Mint, Cloud Red, Cloud Orange, and Cloud White.
Does the S20 FE have expandable storage?
Yes, it has a hybrid SIM slot that can accept a microSD card up to 1TB.
How does the S20 FE camera compare to the S21?
The S20 FE has a similar setup: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto. The S21 FE uses the same main and ultrawide but adds a faster processor for better image processing. In practice, photos are very close.
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