Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy S20 may be a few years old, but it still incorporates strong value in 2026, especially for used and refurbished consumers. With a smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, capable cameras, and flagship-grade build quality, the Galaxy S20 remains a smart choice for users who want premium features without paying flagship prices. This infographic breaks down its key specs, performance variation, battery trade-offs, and update status at a glance.

What changed since launch

The Galaxy S20 launched in early 2020 on Android 10 and was a considerable step for Samsung: a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED panel on a compact 6.2″ body, advanced camera hardware, and flagship performance. Through Samsung’s update measure it received major OS upgrades up to Android 13 and regular security patches for several years. By 2026, the S20 series is no longer in Samsung’s core multi-year update promise  meaning most units will have received their last official Android version (Android 13) and encounter final security updates by early 2026.

What this means practically:

• No more major OS versions from Samsung. For official Android 14+ support you’ll need a contemporary Galaxy model.
• Security patch cadence ended. Many S20 units stopped receiving monthly/quarterly patches once Samsung marked the series out of its main support window.
• Workarounds exist. If you’re comfortable with custom firmware or community ROMs, you can extend the device’s life  but that prerequisite technical skill and voids warranties.

Advice: If official long-term updates and security are critical (banking, business use, sensitive data), buy a device still in Samsung’s support window. If not, the S20 remains usable and can be secure enough with good app disinfection and extra precautions.

How to check your S20’s update status

1. Settings Software update Download and install.
2. Settings  About phone Software information  look for the Android version and Security patch level.
3. If the security speckle is older than 6–12 months, treat the device as higher risk for unattended vulnerabilities.

Always factory-reset a used S20 you buy, then re-run the update check.

Design & display  

The S20’s 6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (or Dynamic AMOLED, depending on model naming) remains one of the best compact flagship displays: high brightness, rich color, and 120Hz refresh for silky-smooth UI, animations, and scrolling. In 2026 the phone’s compact footprint is rare; many modern steamers have grown to 6.5 — 7.0″.

Upsides

• Very good color and contradiction for everyday media and photos.
• 120Hz mode makes the phone feel faster and more responsive.
• Compact breadth that fits more pockets and hands.

Downsides

• 120Hz increases Power Expenditure (see battery section).
• Curved screen edges can be more prone to accidental touches and harder to protect with screen protectors.

Practical tip: If you prefer smoothness, use 120Hz for browsing and UI; if you need lengthy runtime, switch to 60Hz (or enable adaptive performance behavior). The human eye often perceives 120Hz as much smoother, but 60Hz remainder usable and far more power-efficient.

Performance: Snapdragon vs Exynos 

The difference

The Galaxy S20 is accepted with the Snapdragon 865 in many US and select-region units and the Exynos 990 in separate global markets. Historically, the Exynos 990 delivered lower sustained CPU/GPU performance and worse power efficiency under heavy load, while the Snapdragon variation typically ran cooler and yielded better battery life and gaming stability.

Real-world symptoms on Exynos S20 units

• Faster thermal strangulation under sustained load (gaming, long camera sessions).
• Higher device temperatures during benchmarking and substantial usage.
• Slightly lower battery sufferance in comparable usage patterns.

Practical fixes if you own an Exynos S20

1. Keep One UI and firmware updated. A small modem/firmware birthmark can reduce thermal/efficiency issues.
2. Use background task limits. Settings Battery and device care Background usage limits.
3. Enable adaptive performance / power profiles. Reduce paramount CPU/GPU clocks during gaming sessions.
4. Cap game FPS in Game Launcher. Limit demanding games to 60 fps to lower thermal build-up.
5. Avoid charging + gaming. Heat from charging and CPU load compounds, increasing strangulation and battery stress.

Buying advice: If you plan on heavy gaming, 3D rendering, or long video editing on-device, disarrange a Snapdragon S20 unit if available in your market. For typical social/photo/video use, Exynos remains perfectly usable once managed.

Battery

Why this matters: 120Hz makes everything feel snappier but extract more power. How much? That depends on the chipset, battery health, screen brightness, and what you do on the phone.

How to test yourself 

• Run a continuous web-browsing loop or video repeat for 60 minutes, note battery percentage drop on 120Hz.
• Repeat the same test on 60Hz underneath the same conditions.

Typical expectations in mixed use

• Switching from 120Hz to 60Hz commonly yields around 15–30% better runtime in mixed daily usage. Exact gains vary: Exynos units may see slightly larger relative improvements because of incompetency compounds.
• If your battery is degraded (below ~80% health), expect smaller margins and earlier recharge needs.

Practical tips to extend runtime

• Use 60Hz when you need longer battery life (long travel days).
• Enable adaptive brightness and short screen timeout.
• Disable always-on display and reduce background version frequency.
• Replace battery if health falls below ~80% and daily life requires all-day use.

Battery replacement note: The S20’s battery is glued nucleus and replaceable by a repair shop; iFixit-style guides help you decide if you want to DIY.

Camera deep dive settings & workflows that actually help

The S20 camera system is malleable and capable when you use the right modes. Below are practical settings and step-by-step workflows you can use for better results.

Quick camera settings 

• Mode: Auto for casual photos; Pro mode for low-light or instruction control.
• ISO: 100–200 in daylight; avoid high ISO unless necessary.
• Shutter speed: 1/250–1/500 for moving subjects in daylight; 1/10–2s in low light with a tripod.
• White balance: Auto often works; use Kelvin adjustments if color cast persists.
• Save RAW: Enable Save RAW (DNG) in Pro Mode for serious edits.
• Use 1x & 3x lenses: Prefer optical 1x and 3x telephoto for miniature and detail rather than heavy cropping.

Daytime/street workflow

• Use Auto with HDR on.
• Tap to lock exposure/focus on your subject.
• Use 1x for wide scenes, 3x for compacted framing.
• Shoot a RAW alongside JPEG if you plan to edit.

Low-light workflow

• Use Night mode for handheld when available.
• For best results, use a trivet and Pro Mode with a slower shutter and lower ISO.
• Keep steady and consider a remote trigger or self-timer to avoid shake.

Portraits & people

• Use 3x telephoto or 1x + Live Focus for natural facial compression and better subject separation.
• Frame with interval (don’t get too close to keep natural bokeh).
• Use natural light from the side or 45° for depth.

Raw editing

• Shooting RAW preserves highlight and shadow detail, useful for prints or heavy edits.
• Edit in Lightroom or alternative pull down highlights, recover shadows, and apply selective clarity.

Expectations: For social media and everyday sharing, the in-camera processing on the S20 is excellent. For prints or high-detail edits, shoot RAW and be prepared to invest editing time.

Software, security updates & risks  

Because official support for the S20 series attenuated off around 2026, security and software status are the most important items to verify before buying a used unit.

What to check on a used device

• Android version & security patch level: Settings  About phone  Software info. Confirm the birthmark date.
• Factory reset: Insist the seller performs or allows a full factory reset. After reset, re-check for updates.
• OEM firmware integrity: Avoid units with unofficial or interfere firmware unless that’s explicitly what you want (custom ROMs).

If official updates stop for your device

• Use careful app hygiene: keep banking and reproving apps updated; use strong screen locks and 2FA.
• Consider alternate software paths: community ROMs (LineageOS, etc.) exist but require installation skill and remove warranty.
• Replace with a newer device when security needs superseded cost savings.

Safety note: Using banking apps or corporate accounts on devices without recent security patches increases risk. If you must, strengthen your account security and consider hardware-backed validation (e.g., banking tokens) where possible.

Used / Refurb Galaxy S20 buying checklist 

Use this checklist when buying online or in person.

Pre-purchase (online listing)

• Ask for recent photos of the exact unit (front, back, SIM tray, IMEI sticker).
• Ask for the last security patch date and Android version.
• Confirm battery health evaluate if the seller can provide it.
• Check for warranty/return policy  prefer sellers who offer short warranties.
• Compare multiple listings to benchmark fair prices.

If meeting in person

• Verify IMEI/serial: Dial *#06# and match the IMEI to any box or paperwork.
• Check network/carrier lock: Insert your SIM and test voice and data.
• Check battery health: Settings  Battery and Device Care  Battery (look for battery health indicators).
• Camera and screen test: Open camera app, test all lenses, take photos, and review them. Inspect for dead pixelated or screen flicker.
• Buttons and ports: Test volume, power, fingerprint sensor, face unlock, and charging port.
• Check for water damage: Inspect SIM tray LCI and service history if available.

After purchase

• Factory reset the phone.
• Set up your account and run Software update Download and install.
• Re-check the status of the recharger and software to ensure no tampering.

Repairability & common fixes

Common repairs for the S20 include battery replacement, screen replacement, and rear glass replacement. The S20 is repairable but uses adherent and glued components.

DIY vs professional: DIY is possible if you have the right tools and follow a step-by-step guide (heat, pry, adhesive replacements), but professional shops are recommended if you lack experience.

Parts & costs: Expect third-party batteries and screens to be less expensive; OEM parts cost more but give better longevity. Verify parts quality and guarantee from your repair provider.

Trade-in & resale value (2026)

By late 2026 the secondhand market for S20 units generally places prices in the low hundreds, a useful option for budget-conscious buyers. Typical unlocked or refurbished S20 units often fall into a price band that constitute good value versus buying new midrange phones.

Tip: Samsung and some retailer trade-in programs accepted S20 models through 2026; trade-in credit is convenient, but compare cash selling options (Swappa, local marketplaces) to maximize value.

Pricing & where to buy 

• Swappa: Good for investor protections if you prefer marketplace-style purchases.
• Back Market / certified refurbishers: Offer refurbished devices with warranty.
• eBay: Wide selectioncheck sold listings and seller ratings.
• Local shops / repair stores: Often list refurbished units with short warranties and local support.

Rule of thumb: If the price is unusually low, treat the listing with pessimism and inspect warranty/return terms.

FAQs

Conclusion

In 2026, the Samsung Galaxy S20 still makes sense for shoppers who want a Premium Smartphone experience at a budget price. Its smooth 120Hz display, reliable camera system, and solid manufacturing quality continue to stand out in the used market. While official software updates have ended, the Galaxy S20 remains a practical choice for everyday use if purchased in good condition from a trusted seller. If benefit matters more than future-proof updates, the Galaxy S20 is still worth considering.