Samsung drops support for the Galaxy S20 phones

In March 2025, Samsung announced the end of support for the Galaxy S20 series, which includes the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. This decision came after an initial transition from monthly Android updates to quarterly security patches last year, signaling a gradual reduction in support for these devices. The last notable update was the March security patch, which is the final support users of these models will receive. Users can continue using their devices with this update but without any security enhancements or protections against new threats. The discontinuation of support has raised concerns about the safety of these phones as they become more vulnerable to cyber threats over time. Despite the Galaxy S20 devices being initially well-received, the removal from the update schedule highlights a broader trend in the smartphone industry where many manufacturers are offering limited support periods for older devices. Historically, Samsung had provided support for a longer duration than many of its competitors, but the changes signal a shift in their strategy as they now focus on newer devices, such as the Galaxy S24, which boasts an impressive seven years of support. Additionally, the trade-in value for the Galaxy S20 units has diminished significantly, as they do not meet the criteria for higher valuations from Samsung compared to other 2020 models, such as the Note 20 Ultra, which continues receiving updates. Currently, users can expect a trade-in value of $300 for the Galaxy S20 Ultra when purchasing the newest Galaxy Z Fold 6, whereas the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a lower valuation of $155. Users are encouraged to hold onto their devices for potential future promotions as Samsung’s trade-in offers are currently seen as unfavorable. The overall sentiment from the market regarding this update underscores frustrations among users who feel left behind as technology evolves and supersedes their current devices.