Samsung Ends Galaxy S20 Series

Samsung Ends Software Support for Galaxy S20 Series: What It Means for Users

Samsung has officially ended software support for its Galaxy S20 series, marking the end of an era for the flagship lineup launched in early 2020. The Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra were among the first Samsung devices to receive three major Android OS updates and four years of security patches, aligning with the company’s extended software policy.

With the final update rolling out in March 2024, users of the S20 series will no longer receive new features or security patches from Samsung. This decision raises questions about the longevity of older devices and what options remain for Galaxy S20 owners.

What Does End of Support Mean?

No More Major Android Updates

The Galaxy S20 series started with Android 10 and was updated up to Android 13, receiving One UI 5.1 as its last major software version. Unlike newer Samsung flagships, which now get four OS upgrades, the S20 series was limited to three under Samsung’s previous policy.

End of Security Updates

Samsung had been providing quarterly security updates for the S20 series, but as of March 2024, these have stopped. Without security patches, the devices may become more vulnerable to exploits over time.

Limited Third-Party Support

While official updates have ended, some users may turn to custom ROMs (like LineageOS) to extend their device’s lifespan. However, this requires technical knowledge and may void warranties (if still applicable).

Should You Keep Using the Galaxy S20?

Pros of Keeping the Device

Hardware Still Holds Up: The Snapdragon 865/Exynos 990 chipset remains capable for daily tasks.
5G Support: The S20 series was one of the first with 5G, which remains relevant.
Camera Performance: The 108MP sensor (on the Ultra) and 30x Space Zoom still deliver good results.

Reasons to Upgrade

Security Risks: Without updates, the phone may become a target for malware.
Newer Features: Devices like the S23/S24 series offer better performance, longer software support, and AI-powered tools.
Battery Degradation: After four years, battery life may have significantly degraded.

What Are Your Options Now?

Continue Using the S20 (With Caution) – If you’re okay with no updates, the phone can still function well for basic use.
Upgrade to a Newer Samsung Flagship – The Galaxy S24 series offers 7 years of updates, making it a future-proof choice.
Switch to a Mid-Range Phone – Phones like the Galaxy A54 or Google Pixel 7a provide good software support at a lower cost.
Explore Custom ROMs – Tech-savvy users can install alternative firmware to keep the device updated unofficially.

Final Verdict

Samsung’s decision to end support for the Galaxy S20 series was expected but still disappointing for long-time users. While the hardware remains decent, the lack of security updates may push many toward an upgrade. If you value security and new features, moving to a newer Samsung device (or another brand with long-term support) is the best choice.

For those holding onto their S20, it’s still usable—but proceed with caution, as its software is now frozen in time.