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Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G

Updated Apr 2026phones
Apple iPhone 16
Apple
Apple iPhone 16
$799
8.4/10
Winner
VS
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
$699
7.1/10

The Verdict

Apple's iPhone 16 delivers superior display technology with its 2000-nit Super Retina XDR OLED panel versus the Galaxy S20 FE's 800-nit Super AMOLED screen, making it noticeably brighter and more vibrant for everyday use. The A18 chipset outperforms the Snapdragon 865 in raw speed and efficiency, handling demanding tasks and gaming with ease. However, the Galaxy S20 FE counters with a larger 6.5-inch display, 120Hz refresh rate (versus iPhone's 60Hz), and a more capable 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom for photography enthusiasts. Battery capacity favors Samsung significantly at 4500 mAh compared to 3561 mAh, though the iPhone's optimization typically yields comparable real-world endurance. The S20 FE runs outdated Android 10 software, a major drawback given the iPhone 16 ships with current iOS 18. At $100 cheaper, the Galaxy S20 FE appeals to budget-conscious buyers wanting a larger screen and higher refresh rate, but the iPhone 16's current software support, superior processor, and display quality justify the premium. iPhone 16 wins for longevity and daily performance, while S20 FE suits those prioritizing screen size and initial savings.

ValueiPhone 16
CameraFE 5G
BatteryFE 5G
DisplayiPhone 16
PerformanceiPhone 16

Who Should Buy

Buy the Apple iPhone 16 if…

  • A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
  • New Camera Control button
  • Compact and lightweight design

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G if…

  • Flagship Snapdragon 865 at a reduced Fan Edition price
  • 120Hz Super AMOLED display is vibrant and smooth
  • 3x optical zoom telephoto is rare at this price point

Category Scores

Apple iPhone 16
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Value
7.5
7.2
Camera
8.2
8.5
Battery
7.9
8.6
Display
9.1
7.8
Performance
9.0
8.2

Pros & Cons

Apple iPhone 16

Pros

  • A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
  • New Camera Control button
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Improved 48 MP main camera
  • Strong battery life for its size

Cons

  • Still 60Hz display in 2024
  • USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
  • No telephoto lens
  • No always-on display

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G

Pros

  • Flagship Snapdragon 865 at a reduced Fan Edition price
  • 120Hz Super AMOLED display is vibrant and smooth
  • 3x optical zoom telephoto is rare at this price point
  • IP68 water resistance and wireless charging
  • MicroSD expansion for additional storage

Cons

  • Plastic Glastic back instead of glass at flagship pricing
  • 25W charging is slow compared to competitors
  • Software updates have reached end of life
  • 8 MP telephoto resolution is low
  • 32 MP front camera can oversharpen selfies

Full Specifications

SpecApple iPhone 16Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
SoftwareiOS 18Android 10 (One UI 2.5)
Body
Weight170 g190 g
MaterialAluminum frameAluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 front, plastic (Glastic) back
IP ratingIP68IP68
Dimensions147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm
Camera
Main camera48 MP12 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
Front camera12 MP32 MP, f/2.0
Video4K@60fps Dolby Vision4K@60fps
Ultrawide12 MP12 MP, f/2.2
Telephoto8 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS
Memory
RAM8 GB6 GB / 8 GB
Storage options128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB128 GB, 256 GB
Battery
Capacity3561 mAh4500 mAh
Charging20W wired25W wired
Wireless charging25W MagSafe15W, Wireless PowerShare
Display
Size6.1 inches6.5 inches
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper AMOLED
Resolution2556 x 11792400 x 1080
Refresh rate60Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)2000800
Processor
CPUHexa-coreOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz)
GPUApple GPU (5-core)Adreno 650
ChipsetApple A18Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBUSB-C 2.0USB-C 3.0
Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth5.35.0

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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.

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