I had to spend more than 300€ for a mobile phone for a long time, and the truth is that I wouldn't have done it again if I hadn't been stolen (purely out of my own stupidity) the Nova 5t, which I was very satisfied with in all aspects (except for the speakers). However, when you make a device like the S20 fe 5g your own, it's hard to look back. In the future, you will either search for something similar or for the "ceiling" and a full flagship, of which there are few (although I have never had one), but they are not significantly inferior, as it has a processor (SD865) that runs and will run everything smoothly and effortlessly for at least the next 3+ years, as it continues to be considered one of the top ones on one hand, while on the other hand, it will "play" very smartly with the camera (I clearly prefer the larger sensor over the many megapixels), which produces excellent results not only in "daylight" (as one might expect due to the price), but also in low-light environments with intelligent color enhancement, almost excellent optical image stabilization, good dynamic range, and minimal "noise". However, the use of the night mode is probably necessary.
Closing with this "piece" and without being an expert in photography but having researched it enough because it interests me for a very specific reason (night fishing with fishing rods and various excursions), I noticed that while it struggles to exploit light sources to the same extent as some more expensive devices (compared to a friend's s20 ultra), it will manage to maintain remarkable detail in quite demanding shots without strange reflections here and there in the background. The telephoto lens is extremely valuable instead of a macro lens, I say now, whoever explains to me the real purpose of placing it in the camera system of a mobile phone wins a lollipop. I will invoke marketing, but I will also respect different opinions!
I find the digital zoom surprisingly good, at least up to 10%-12%, the ultra-wide-angle lens, while the video may not be on par with the iPhone 12 Pro Max, where I was amazed by both image and sound performance, but I definitely found it good with good OIS and overall enthusiasm to experiment. The only downside (fortunately for me, as I don't care much about it) is the selfie camera, which, although you can't say it's useless, has a slightly dull resolution that does not correspond to the 32 megapixels and is definitely much inferior even compared to the Nova 5t. So, with a rating of 6 out of 10, I give it to the front camera, and that's with a question mark!
- Despite the fact that the screen will definitely lose by bringing it into conflict even with old - very old flagships, (models from 2018 and later with Wqhd+), it remains a first-class screen with intense brightness, very good contrast, vivid colors, and true black, just like any S-AMOLED by Samsung that respects itself. The high refresh rate of 120 Hz, which initially I believed was not essential for someone who is not involved in demanding games like me, ultimately proved me wrong, as even in browsing, the difference is huge. Everything seems to become infinitely faster and smoother! If I have to mention something negative, for which the screen itself is not responsible, it is the ambient light sensor (or whatever it is) for adjustable brightness. It still gets confused (I have the feeling that someone else has made a similar reference on Kimovil and Skroutz) especially in low-light conditions, forcing me to have it permanently set at 80-90%! I don't know if it can be resolved in the future with an update. Can it?
- If some of you have been owners of devices in the range of €200-€300 in the past, which I certainly do not underestimate as I enjoyed such devices for years and I was satisfied, I imagine you have realized that finding a mobile phone with good sound in this price range is like looking for a needle in a haystack, which you never find. Fortunately (with no disrespect), things are completely different here. Powerful and clear dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos without any distortion even at maximum volume, and of course, no unwanted crackling in the plastic back of the phone, which is of mediocre quality. Let me consider that no matter how some indirectly and intentionally try to equate it with glass, plastic is plastic and glass is glass, with differences that are evident both in appearance and touch. Meanwhile, the company's playful wordplay about "glasstic" (glass+plastic) leaves me completely indifferent to an otherwise beautiful mobile phone!
- The weakest point of this device, in my opinion, is located in the very important battery, which is crucial for everyone, including myself. With moderate to heavy use during the day, IF it will last, it will barely make it, and this is with a fairly "gentle" AMOLED screen. Needless to say, I'm not making any compromises. 120 Hz constantly and always-on display activated for 18 hours a day. Well... let me get some sleep for 6 hours!
- In summary, and always based on my own preferences (to avoid misunderstandings):
a) IP68 certification: Extremely useful and occasionally fun.
b) Wireless charging: It exists, but it doesn't bother me!
c) Absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack: I didn't buy it and I'm not heartbroken, but I would prefer if it was there.
d) Absence of infrared and FM radio: Indifferent and outdated!
Closing, I might become a little unpleasant especially for the die-hard fans of Samsung as I have no intention of conforming to the methods that this particular company adopts (especially in the last ten months or so) in its attempt to "make a big deal out of nothing". Let's face it, I consider it at least impolite when other devices (such as OnePlus, Realme, etc.) come with a plethora of accessories (regardless of their quality or usefulness) and with the 33W, 45W, and recently the 65W chargers for free, and you, in the unboxing, come across a dry, weak 15W charger and nothing else, especially when it supports 25W charging!
-Definitely a bad choice, probably for the most comprehensive device currently available in the market at the price range of 500-600€!
These are just a few thoughts after approximately 3 months of use.