When a vendor tries to re-release a smartphone that has been launched a year before. Which is modified just the processor, while others are made exactly. That was what Samsung did when presenting the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon some time ago.
Unexpectedly, it was even available several times before it was officially launched. The presence of the Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon is quite raising questions; Why is it not present from the beginning? And why need to be launched when official parties say if the experience will be more or less the same than the Exynos version? Or maybe it's because of the many units produced?
Of course, it is our speculation personally. But it doesn't make this cheap Samsung flagship smartphone less attractive. For one week using it as everyday use, I feel very satisfied, exceeding the initial expectations. Good display, performance, and camera can be relied upon. The following features the full review of Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon (SM-G780G).
Design
When it was first released, I assessed the design of the Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon body was somewhat less attractive (even though it was still better than the standard variant). At least a little cured with the availability of six color choices, where it was made very bright. Enjoyable enough to choose from.
But when I first took this Cloud Red color unit out of the box, the impression turned 180 degrees. One of the most attractive flagship smartphones I've ever held. The design is relatively compact, and the material used is felt and looks premium.
Using an aluminum frame with matching colors, the plastic finishing body behind it was made as if the glass with a matte surface. It's not easy to look dirty and doesn't feel slippery. The red color can also change a little following the catch of light around orange in some conditions.
The Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon is very suitable for young users who want smartphones with a look more visible, without making them tacky. The dimensions are also still relatively comfortable for one-hand use.
Screen
The 6.5-inch panel that dominates the front view of the Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon feels very fitting, not too big and small. The resolution is also fitting in full HD +, the important thing is to use Super AMOLED, Refresh Rate 120Hz, and supports HDR10 +.
Samsung itself does not mention the protection of the screen, even though many mention Gorilla Glass 3. Quality, according to the expectation of the standard AMOLED screen from Samsung. The color is vivid, but also not far exceeds the limit. If it is not suitable, it can change it to the natural color option, set White Balance to the RGB slider itself.
A little note, during usage, the Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon screen tends to be brighter than it should be when used in a room with dark light. And if you can nitpick, which feels a bit less the most thicker bezel is a little thicker. The rest is very good.
Camera
Setup and the number of megapixels, the Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon camera is indeed quite simple. The main 12MP F / 1.8 sensor supports Dual Pixel PDAF, accompanied by an 8MP f / 2.4 sensor that provides 3x optical zoom. Both are equipped with OIS stabilization.
While the third sensor is Ultra Wide-Angle 12MP F / 2.2. Of course, that way, 8K video recording is not yet available, but 4K 60fps is quite sufficient with additional EIS stabilization. During usage, I get the same satisfaction with using the Galaxy S21.
The main sensor is capable of capturing very high details, while ultra-wide is not the best in this matter, even though color reproduction has been classified as a draw. And in abundant light conditions, the 8MP telephoto sensor also produces very sharp photos, although resolutions are relatively low.
The results of the photo will be less kicked when in lack of light. The existence of night mode can indeed be a solution to take photos so much brighter and sharp in closely dark conditions. But certainly not suitable when the object photographed cannot be silent until 2-5 seconds.
Other additional features are also relatively complete, including portrait videos and pro videos that can choose sound input from external microphones to wireless. It's just that feature like Director's View is still absent - maybe as a differentiator so that the Galaxy S21 series remains much more interesting.
The front camera has a higher resolution at 32MP. If in viewfinder view it looks smooth, don't worry, because, in almost all conditions, the results will look sharper shortly after the photo is taken. Night mode is also very effective in increasing details, even comparable with pixel 3. It's just a long time duration.
Feature
Inaugurated for the first time since October 2020, did not make the Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon so lagging behind the software section. Since in the box, Samsung has updated the software to the Android version 11, using the One UI 3.1 newest interface. The features are very rich.
Starting from the game Launcher, Dual Messenger, to the video call effect that can be applied to Google Duo until zoom, change the background directly from the OS. Use the Samsung device ecosystem like the tablet? You can move the application easily, or even do a copy on a smartphone and paste it on a tablet seamlessly.
And for those who prioritize productivity, Samsung still brings features such as a link to Windows that can be replicated the screen of the smartphone to the PC on a wireless PC, where you can interact with notifications to Instagram application access. Even until Samsung Dex, continued to TV with HDMI and the display will change the computer. Thanks to the chipset that is quite powerful.
For multimedia consumption, the stereo speaker setup feels kicked. The Dolby Atmos effect can also be used to recall audio quality. Unfortunately, no 3.5mm audio jack was found on the body of the Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon. Even Samsung also does not provide a converter in its sales package.
Performance
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 is the best chipset for the 520 release flagship (other than the "+" variant that has a minor increase in clock speed). The CIP is paired with 8GB of RAM & internal storage 128 / 256GB UFS 3.1. And overall, I did not find the difference in performance when compared to the Galaxy S21.
This smartphone is very fast, for whatever application you access. The temperature could be said to be very awake, never feel warm close to the heat like the Exynos variant. Playing Gim runs smoothly, with Mobile Legends can up to Ultra HD-a a benefit that might be present thanks to CIP being more popular.
What is certain is lacking for some people, especially when buying a flagship (although more affordable) in 2021 is the absence of 5G support. Yes, if viewed from the code name, the Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon who is officially present is a 4G variant. The official specification page also does not include 5G network support.
Battery
Not the biggest, indeed, when compared to today's flagship. The Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon battery with a capacity of 4,500 mAh, is quite sufficient for the screen dimensions it carries. Given the chipset is quite power-saving, this smartphone is safe to use all day.
The average on-time screen that I can achieve ranges from 4.5 - 5 hours, and can be up to 6 hours if it is lightly used with Wi-Fi while at home. It includes the use of AOD, active Bluetooth, and camera access because the camera is good, which makes me more often take photos.
The good news? Samsung still includes a charger adapter, unlike the Galaxy S21 series. The news is not good? Maximum current 15W, while the maximum support is 25W, so I use your adapter. Filling to full from almost empty only takes a little exceeding 60 minutes.
Wireless Charging? Can be up to 15W. And if the TWS and SmartWatch device uses the Qi standard running out of power, it can be filled through the Galaxy S20 Snapdragon Wireless Power Share feature.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon Specifications:
- Type: Smartphone
- Screen size: 6.5"
- OS version: Android 11
- CPU: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+)
- CPU speed: Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 585)
- Internal memory: 128GB , 256GB
- RAM: 8GB
- External memory: MicroSD
- Battery: 4,500 mAh Li-lon, 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging
- Screen resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels
- Network: 2G, 3G, 4G
- Camera: Back 8 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP, Front 32 MP
- Dimensions size: 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm
- Weight: 190 g
- Other features: Dolby Atmos audio, Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, virtual proximity sensing.
- Price: $ 458.79 - $ 695.06 (the price depends on the place of purchase)
Conclusion
Everything but 5G. Only that is the biggest reason that can make people not interested in this smartphone. For other parts, with the price offered (can even be cheaper on local e-trading sites), it is not wrong if MKBHD named this one as the Phone of the Year 2020 on its version.
Attractive design, visual and quality audio, fast performance, batteries that are still okay for use all day plus three reliable rear camera sensors. Not to mention extra features like Samsung Dex are prioritizing productivity. The Galaxy S20 FE Snapdragon will still be very interesting even though it is almost a year old.