Galaxy S20 FE vs Sony Xperia 5
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at
£159.05£779.00 new
Sony Xperia 5
Starting at
£216.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S20 FE and Sony Xperia 5?
Galaxy S20 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 FE starts at £159.05, £56.95 less than the Sony Xperia 5. The Galaxy S20 FE is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
Weight
- The Galaxy S20 FE has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.5 inch on the Galaxy S20 FE, 6,1 inch on the Sony Xperia 5.
- Screen type: Super AMOLED on the Galaxy S20 FE, OLED on the Sony Xperia 5.
Galaxy S20 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 specs
The Galaxy S20 FE and Sony Xperia 5 differ in several key areas that affect everyday use. The Galaxy S20 FE offers a larger screen and a higher capacity battery, which suits those who want more space for video and longer battery life. The Sony Xperia 5 has a slightly higher screen resolution on a smaller display and is lighter and narrower, making it easier to hold for users who prefer a more compact phone. Both devices have the same RAM and camera megapixels for main shots but the S20 FE stands out with a much higher resolution front camera for detailed selfies. Storage options vary, with the Galaxy S20 FE offering more capacity choices. These differences help you decide which device better fits your needs and preferences.
Galaxy S20 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 price
Colour
- RedStarting at £168.05
- Dark blueStarting at £168.05
- PurpleStarting at £186.65
- GreenStarting at £159.05
- OrangeStarting at £159.05
- WhiteStarting at £159.05
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- GreySold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
Galaxy S20 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software updates are important when considering durability and daily reliability. The battery sizes differ, impacting how long each device lasts between charges.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, which is larger than the Sony Xperia 5's 3140 mAh. This means the S20 FE generally supports longer usage before needing a recharge, which benefits users who spend more time away from power sources. The Xperia 5's smaller battery suits those with lighter daily use or who charge more frequently.
Operating System
This means both devices run on versions of Android that offer similar software experiences without the newest features or security patches. Buyers should consider their comfort with the Android versions available on each.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 screen
Screen size, resolution and technology affect how the display looks and feels in use. Both phones use types of OLED technology but differ in size and resolution, influencing clarity and comfort.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S20 FE has a larger 6.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing more space for videos, browsing, and apps. The Sony Xperia 5 has a slightly smaller 6.1 inch screen but a higher resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels, which offers a bit more detail in the same width. If you prefer a roomier screen, the S20 FE suits you. For a sharper display in a smaller size, the Xperia 5 is a better match.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S20 FE uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The Sony Xperia 5 features an OLED screen, which also delivers rich colours and contrast. Both screen types provide an excellent viewing experience, so your choice depends on size preference rather than technology.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 camera
Camera quality plays a big role for those who take photos or video calls. Both phones share the same main camera resolution but differ significantly in front camera megapixels.
Main Camera
Both the Galaxy S20 FE and Sony Xperia 5 have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means they offer similar detail levels for general photography, suitable for everyday snapshots and video recording.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S20 FE has a 32 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls compared to the Sony Xperia 5's 8 megapixel front camera. If front-facing camera quality is important to you, the S20 FE provides a clearer, more detailed option.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 size and design
Other physical and connectivity features can affect comfort and usability. These include size, weight, storage options, and expandability.
Size and Weight
The Sony Xperia 5 is smaller and lighter, measuring 158 mm tall, 68 mm wide and weighing 164 g. The Galaxy S20 FE is bigger and heavier at 159.8 mm tall, 74.5 mm wide and 190 g. If you want a phone that fits easily in one hand or a pocket, the Xperia 5 suits you. If you prefer a larger device, the S20 FE is better.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S20 FE is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage, giving you more space for apps, photos and files if you choose the higher option. The Sony Xperia 5 is stocked with 128GB only. Both phones support microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand storage further.
Connectivity and Network
Both devices are unlocked and use USB-C connectors. They support 4G networks and take physical SIM cards, which means compatibility with a wide range of carriers and straightforward use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 FE or Sony Xperia 5: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 FE if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £159.05, £56.95 less than the Sony Xperia 5
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 3140 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (32 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 if
- you want a lighter build (164 g vs 190 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S20 FE looks like new and is often in excellent condition. Many find the phone easy to set up and enjoy the screen quality and general performance. Some users note that the battery life can be short, lasting about half a day or less, which may require more frequent charging. A few customers have experienced battery problems affecting power and charging. Overall, buyers appreciate the phone's size and camera, especially the detailed front camera, making it popular for selfies and video calls.
Sony Xperia 5 customers also report the phone looks almost new with very few marks. The Xperia 5 is praised for its compact size and good general condition. Some users mention that the battery life can be weak, sometimes lasting less than two hours, which suits those with lighter daily use or frequent charging habits. The camera and screen receive positive comments, with the front camera being less detailed but the phone working well for everyday tasks. A few customers found network unlocking issues but most are happy with the device's performance.
The Galaxy S20 FE suits those who want a larger screen and stronger front camera for selfies, along with options for more storage. The Sony Xperia 5 fits users who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with a slightly sharper display and are comfortable with a smaller battery.
Galaxy S20 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 FAQs
Galaxy S20 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy S20 FE has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3140 mAh. Screen size: 6.5 inch on the Galaxy S20 FE, 6,1 inch on the Sony Xperia 5.
The Galaxy S20 FE is cheaper refurbished, from £159.05 compared with £216 for the Sony Xperia 5.
The Galaxy S20 FE has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 FE ended in Nov 2025. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 FE comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 in 128GB.
