If you’re still using a Samsung Galaxy S20, it’s time to consider upgrading. Samsung has officially ended support for the Galaxy S20 series. After releasing the March security update, the company removed these devices from its update schedule. The only exception is the Galaxy S20 FE, which will continue to receive quarterly security updates for now.
Interestingly, the Galaxy S20 series received updates for longer than initially promised. When the phones launched in 2020, Samsung committed to four years of updates. However, that support was extended by another year in April last year, giving the phones a total of five years of security updates, according to Android Authority.
If this news means it’s time for a new device, check out our top picks for the best smartphones across categories including flagship models, the best mid-range phones (£300/$300 to £700/$700), and budget-friendly options (under £300/$300). Our reviews also detail how long each phone will continue to receive security updates..
Why are security updates important?
Security updates are essential because they patch vulnerabilities in your phone’s software that could otherwise be exploited by hackers or malware. Considering the amount of sensitive personal data stored on smartphones—including financial information keeping your device protected should be a top priority. While there’s some debate about the risks of using a phone without ongoing security updates, we believe it’s not worth taking the chance.
When shopping for a new phone, it’s important to check how long the manufacturer will provide general and security updates. This gives you a clear sense of the phone’s expected lifespan and is a key factor to consider before buying.
iPhones are a strong choice in this regard. According to Macworld, iPhones typically receive “at least five years of iOS updates and six years of security updates,” with Apple often exceeding those timelines. Google’s Pixel phones offer similar long-term support Pixel 8 and newer models will receive updates for seven years from their release date, according to Google.
Samsung is also stepping up its game. As of January 2024, the company announced that select Galaxy devices will now get up to seven years of security updates.
And if you’re curious about when your Samsung Galaxy phone will receive the One UI 7 update or if it’s eligible at all we’ve got all the details.
This article was originally published by our sister site M3 and has been translated and adapted from Swedish.