Samsung has discreetly launched a new Galaxy S20 FE 4G-only model

Samsung has refreshed the Galaxy S20 FE with a new, 4G-only model. Unlike the previous LTE variant of the phone that featured the Exynos 990 chipset, the new phone pack a Snapdragon 865 processor.

The current 5G model also features the Snapdragon 865, like the more expensive S20 series phones. However, the new Galaxy S20 FE possibly disables or completely removes the Snapdragon X55 modem which provides 5G connectivity. Otherwise, both the 5G and 4G models of the phone are identical in terms of design and specs.

So why has Samsung launched this model? Well, for one, the Exynos 990 powered Galaxy S20 FE that sells in regions like India and Europe is undoubtedly underpowered compared to its Snapdragon 865 processor. So giving it a chipset refresh is a good move on Samsung’s part. The global chipset shortage could also have forced the company to make this change.

It’s expected that the old 4G model of the Galaxy S20 FE will soon disappear from Samsung stores and will be replaced by this new version.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G price and specs

The new Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G with the Snapdragon 865 SoC is expected to cost the same as its Exynos counterpart.

It is currently available in Malaysia (via AndroidHeadlines) for 2,299 ringgit (~$560) with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The 12GB RAM version costs 1,999 ringgit (~$485).

The phone is also listed on Samsung’s Germany and Sweden websites. However, the price is not mentioned in the listings. We expect it’ll start at €599, the same as the existing Exynos model.

If you’re not convinced by the new Galaxy S20 FE, you might want to wait for the Galaxy S21 FE. The latest Fan Edition phone is expected to sport the flagship Snapdragon 888 SoC and it should ideally come at an attractive price point. Given that the S21 series is already $200 cheaper than its predecessor, it’ll be interesting to see how low Samsung can go for the new FE.