Is The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus Still Worth It Or Is The A54 The Better Buy In 2024

In 2024, smartphone choices are more nuanced than ever. Flagship-tier features have trickled down into mid-range models, blurring the line between premium and affordable. The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, once a powerhouse released in early 2020, now competes indirectly with newer devices like the Galaxy A54. While they’re four years apart in release, both can be found at similar price points in the refurbished or discounted market. So, which one makes more sense for today’s buyer?

The answer depends on your priorities: raw performance and display quality versus long-term software support, battery life, and modern design. Let’s break down the key differences and real-world implications to help you decide whether the older flagship or the current mid-ranger is the smarter investment.

Performance and Hardware: Power vs. Longevity

The Galaxy S20 Plus was built for speed. Powered by the Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 depending on region), it delivered top-tier performance in its time. Even in 2024, it handles everyday tasks smoothly—web browsing, social media, video streaming, and even most games without noticeable lag. Its 12GB of RAM ensures solid multitasking, and the UFS 3.0 storage keeps app launches snappy.

On paper, the Galaxy A54 looks modest in comparison. It runs on the Exynos 1380—a capable but mid-range chip—with up to 8GB of RAM. Yet, in daily use, the gap isn’t as wide as specs suggest. The A54 runs One UI 6 (based on Android 14) efficiently, with smooth animations and quick app switching. Where it truly pulls ahead is future-proofing: Samsung guarantees four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the A54, meaning it will receive updates through 2028.

The S20 Plus, meanwhile, has already reached its update limit. Originally promised three OS upgrades, it received Android 13 as its final major update. No further OS improvements are coming, only occasional security patches that may not last beyond 2024. For users who value long-term software relevance, this is a decisive factor.

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, prioritize software support over raw hardware power.

Display Quality and Design: Premium Feel vs. Modern Ergonomics

The S20 Plus boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and QHD+ resolution (3200 x 1440). In direct comparison, it delivers sharper text, deeper blacks, and smoother motion than the A54’s 6.4-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080) 120Hz Super AMOLED display. Both screens are excellent in daylight, but the S20 Plus has a slight edge in clarity and color accuracy.

However, the A54 wins in practicality. It’s lighter (202g vs. 186g), slightly smaller, and features a more modern flat-screen design, which reduces glare and improves usability with screen protectors. The S20 Plus has a curved display, which some find elegant but others complain about accidental touches and fragility during drops.

Build-wise, the S20 Plus has an aluminum frame and glass back (IP68 rated), giving it a more premium feel. The A54 uses a plastic frame but retains IP67 water and dust resistance—only slightly less robust. For most users, the A54’s build is durable enough, especially considering its lower cost of ownership.

Camera Comparison: Versatility vs. Consistency

The S20 Plus launched with a versatile triple-camera system: a 64MP telephoto, 12MP main wide, and 12MP ultrawide. Its zoom capabilities—up to 30x digital zoom—were impressive at the time. In good light, photos are sharp and detailed, though high-zoom shots suffer from noise and softness. Low-light performance is decent thanks to Night Mode, but newer algorithms have since improved dramatically.

The A54 steps in with a simpler setup: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro. It lacks optical zoom, but the main sensor uses pixel binning (combining pixels into 2.0µm effective size) for stronger low-light performance. Samsung’s updated AI processing produces more natural HDR, better skin tones, and consistent results across lighting conditions.

Where the A54 shines is consistency. Its camera software is actively refined, receiving tuning updates that the S20 Plus no longer gets. Video recording is capped at 4K@30fps on both, but the A54 includes better stabilization and microphone noise reduction in firmware.

“Software optimization now matters more than megapixels. A well-tuned 50MP sensor can outperform a neglected 64MP one.” — Lena Park, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

The A54 packs a 5,000mAh battery, significantly larger than the S20 Plus’s 4,500mAh. Combined with the more efficient Exynos 1380 and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, the A54 routinely lasts 1.5 to 2 days on moderate use. The S20 Plus, while powerful, drains faster—especially when running at QHD+ and 120Hz. Most users need to charge it daily, sometimes twice if using power-intensive apps.

Charging speeds favor the S20 Plus: it supports 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging. The A54 only offers 25W wired charging (adapter sold separately) and no wireless charging. However, the trade-off in convenience is often worth the extended battery life for average users.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus	Samsung Galaxy A54
Release Year	2020	2023
Processor	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990	Exynos 1380
RAM	8GB / 12GB	6GB / 8GB
Storage	128GB / 512GB (expandable)	128GB / 256GB (expandable)
Display	6.7” QHD+ 120Hz AMOLED	6.4” FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED
Battery	4,500mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	25W wired, 15W wireless	25W wired, no wireless
Rear Cameras	12MP + 64MP + 12MP	50MP + 12MP + 5MP
OS Updates	Up to Android 13	Android 14 → Up to Android 18
Water Resistance	IP68	IP67

Real-World Example: Two Users, Two Choices

Consider Maria, a college student who needs a reliable phone for notes, streaming, and social media. She bought a refurbished S20 Plus for $220. At first, it felt fast and the screen looked stunning. But within months, she noticed slower app loading, inconsistent camera results, and no new OS updates. After a year, her apps began dropping support due to outdated Android versions. She ended up upgrading again.

Then there’s James, a freelance photographer assistant who values battery life and dependable photo quality. He chose the A54 at $430 new. Though the hardware isn’t flagship-level, he appreciates the consistent performance, long-lasting battery during shoots, and knowing his phone will stay secure and updated until 2028. For him, the A54 wasn’t just cheaper—it was smarter.

Checklist: Which Phone Is Right for You?

• ✅ Need long-term software support? → Choose A54
• ✅ Want the sharpest possible display? → Choose S20 Plus
• ✅ Prioritize all-day battery? → Choose A54
• ✅ Need wireless charging? → Choose S20 Plus
• ✅ Planning to keep the phone past 2026? → Choose A54
• ✅ Buying used/refurbished under $250? → S20 Plus becomes competitive

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S20 Plus still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, for now. Most apps work fine, but some newer or heavier applications (like advanced AR tools or high-end games) may struggle. Performance remains usable, but software obsolescence—not hardware—is the bigger concern.

Is the A54’s camera better than the S20 Plus?

In most real-world conditions, yes. While the S20 Plus has higher-resolution sensors, the A54’s improved processing, better low-light performance, and consistent tuning deliver more reliable photos day-to-day.

Should I buy the S20 Plus if I find it heavily discounted?

Possibly—if you need a temporary device or are on a tight budget. Just be aware that it won’t receive new Android versions or long-term security patches. Treat it as a short-term solution unless you're comfortable with rooted custom ROMs.

Final Verdict: The A54 Is the Smarter Buy in 2024

The Galaxy S20 Plus was a landmark device in its time, and traces of that excellence remain. Its display, build quality, and performance still impress. But in 2024, smartphones are judged not just by their launch specs but by how long they remain useful. On that metric, the Galaxy A54 wins decisively.

With longer software support, superior battery life, modern design, and consistently strong cameras, the A54 offers better value despite its higher upfront cost. Unless you’re getting the S20 Plus at a steep discount and accept its limitations, the A54 is the clear choice for anyone looking for a dependable Samsung phone that will stay relevant for years.

🚀 Ready to make a confident upgrade? Weigh your needs, check current prices, and choose the phone that grows with you—not just one that dazzles today.