Samsung Officially Concludes Support for Galaxy S20 Series — Implications for Users
The Samsung Galaxy S20 series, which once represented the pinnacle of Android smartphones, has officially come to the end of its software support lifecycle. As of April 2025, Samsung has taken the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra off its security updates page, marking the conclusion of official updates for these devices.
This decision signifies the end of a significant period for users who have retained their S20 devices since their introduction in early 2020. Although the phones were initially promised four years of security updates and three major Android OS updates, Samsung provided a slight extension; nevertheless, the time has finally arrived to bid farewell.
Key Points to Consider
– Samsung has officially wrapped up software support for the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra.
– The devices have been eliminated from Samsung’s Monthly, Quarterly, and Biannual update lists.
– The Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) is still on the Quarterly update list — for the time being.
– Samsung now commits to seven years of software support for newer models, but this does not fully extend to older devices.
A Brief Overview of the Galaxy S20 Series
Debuting in March 2020, the Galaxy S20 series brought forth a range of premium features, such as 120Hz displays, 5G capability, and advanced camera technology. The lineup comprised:
– Galaxy S20
– Galaxy S20 Plus
– Galaxy S20 Ultra
These devices came pre-installed with Android 10 and received three major OS upgrades, culminating with Android 13. Samsung also promised four years of security updates, which were expected to conclude in 2024. However, in an unexpected turn, Samsung extended security support into 2025 by moving the S20 series to a Quarterly update schedule.
Despite this extension, the March 2025 security patch is likely to be the final one for the S20 trio. While there remains a slight possibility of a last-minute emergency patch for critical issues, users should not anticipate any additional updates.
Why the S20 FE Continues to Receive Updates
Interestingly, the Galaxy S20 FE and its 5G counterpart are still featured on Samsung’s Quarterly update schedule. This suggests that the Fan Edition devices will probably get two more security patches — one in Q2 and another in Q3 of 2025 — before support comes to a complete halt.
The S20 FE launched later in 2020, which accounts for its relatively extended support timeline. It also gained popularity for balancing flagship features with more reasonable pricing.
Samsung’s New Seven-Year Update Commitment — A Double-edged Sword?
Samsung has recently adjusted its software policies to promise seven years of updates for newer models like the Galaxy S24 and the forthcoming Galaxy S25. This update positions Samsung alongside Google’s Pixel 8 series and elevates the expectations for Android software longevity.
However, this promise has nuances. While devices might receive Android OS updates for seven years, they may not incorporate all the latest One UI functionalities. For instance, One UI 7 introduces sophisticated AI features that heavily depend on newer hardware like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and beyond. Older devices, even if still eligible for updates, might lack these capabilities due to hardware restrictions.
Samsung’s EVP and Head of Framework R&D, Sally Jeong, recently articulated that One UI 7’s AI-driven Personal Data Engine is too resource-intensive for older chipsets. Thus, even if a device is updated to Android 21 in 2031, it may not deliver the complete experience users anticipate.
What This Means for Galaxy S20 Users
If you are still utilizing a Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, or S20 Ultra, now is an opportune moment to contemplate an upgrade. In the absence of regular security updates, your device becomes progressively susceptible to emerging threats. Although the phone may still perform sufficiently for everyday tasks, the lack of updates renders it an insecure choice for prolonged usage.
For those unwilling to part with their S20, consider the following recommendations:
– Employ a reliable third-party antivirus application.
– Refrain from downloading unknown apps or APKs.
– Exercise caution with sensitive information and online transactions.
On the other hand, users can look into the latest Samsung models such as the Galaxy S24 or S24 FE, which provide extended support and cutting-edge functionalities.
Conclusion
The Galaxy S20 series has enjoyed a robust five-year tenure, but its time in the limelight has officially concluded. Samsung’s decision to prolong support into 2025 was a pleasant surprise, but the curtain has now fallen for the S20 flagship trio. As Samsung progresses toward a future of extended software assistance and AI-enhanced features, users of older devices will need to assess the advantages of holding onto their devices versus upgrading to remain updated — and secure.
For those still clinging to their Galaxy S20, it may be prudent to start planning your next steps.
