I’m still trying to understand why Samsung’s new, more budget-friendly Galaxy S20 revision is being called the “Fan Edition.” Is it for people who like the Galaxy S20’s design but don’t think it’s worth the high price tag, or maybe it’s for people who can’t afford Samsung’s original flagship smartphone? Either way, it’s an odd marketing message and an awkward name for a phone, but it’s certainly not the first complicated phone name out there.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Review | Fan Edition One Month Later
Fortunately, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G itself, while a mystery in its name, is not. It’s an excellent take on the standard Galaxy S20 line that makes a few modest tweaks while shaving hundreds of dollars off the price in the process. That makes it one of the better top-end smartphones you can buy today, thanks to a big, gorgeous display, tons of processing power, great cameras, and support for 5G connectivity.
The Galaxy S20 FE loses little in terms of looks from the full-fledged models, delivering a sleek and thin handset with premium appointments and a nearly all-screen display. You’ll feel the difference, though, as the glass rear of the S20 line makes way for plastic here.
It looks and feels great too: it’s durable and not particularly prone to scratches, plus there’s a wider range of rear colors compared to the standard Galaxy S20. Color options like Cloud Orange, Cloud Red, and Cloud Green are matched to the aluminum frame on each, offering a welcome pop of color despite the cheaper back material. Our Cloud Navy review unit doesn’t have quite as much flash, but the understated look works well for those who want it. You still get noticeable curved accents where the plastic meets the frame, and it’s super thin at 0.33 inches.