Is The Samsung Galaxy S20 Still Worth It In 2024 Or Should You Just Get The S10

The smartphone market evolves rapidly, and devices that once defined premium flagship status can quickly become outdated. The Samsung Galaxy S20, released in early 2020, was a technological marvel at the time—featuring 5G, a 120Hz display, and a powerful Snapdragon 865 chip. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S10, launched a year earlier, set the standard for Android excellence with its refined design and solid performance.

Now, in 2024, both phones are several generations behind current models. Yet, they still appear frequently in secondhand listings and carrier deals. So, is the S20 still a worthwhile investment over the S10? Or does the older model offer better value given how far software and hardware have progressed?

Performance: Hardware That Ages Differently

The core difference between the S20 and S10 lies in their processors and RAM. The S20 came with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), up to 12GB of RAM, and UFS 3.0 storage. In contrast, the S10 used the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820, with up to 8GB of RAM and UFS 2.1 storage.

In real-world usage, this translates to noticeably smoother multitasking and app launches on the S20. Games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile still run on medium settings on the S20 in 2024, while the S10 struggles to maintain consistent frame rates. Benchmark scores from tools like Geekbench confirm a 20–25% performance gap in favor of the S20.

Tip: If you plan to use your phone for more than basic tasks—like photo editing, gaming, or productivity apps—the extra RAM and faster processor of the S20 make a tangible difference even four years later.

Software Support and Security Updates

One of the most critical factors in 2024 is long-term software support. Samsung has committed to four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for select flagships. Unfortunately, neither the S10 nor the S20 qualifies under this newer policy—they were released before the extended update promise began.

The S20 launched with Android 10 and received updates up to Android 13. It stopped receiving security patches in mid-2024. The S10, similarly, topped out at Android 12 and ceased updates in late 2022. This means both devices are now vulnerable to emerging security threats and lack access to new features like improved privacy controls or AI integrations.

“Devices without ongoing security updates pose increasing risks, especially for users who rely on mobile banking or messaging apps.” — Dr. Lena Park, Cybersecurity Analyst at MobileTrust Labs

While both phones will continue to function, the lack of future patches makes them less suitable for anyone concerned about digital safety.

Display and Design: Where the S20 Pulls Ahead

The Galaxy S20 introduced a significant leap in display technology. Its 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate, adaptive brightness, HDR10+, and a resolution of 3200x1440. Scrolling is fluid, animations are responsive, and outdoor visibility remains strong.

The S10, while still impressive for its era, maxes out at 60Hz and 3040x1440 resolution. The screen feels less dynamic when switching between apps or browsing social media feeds. Additionally, the S20’s flatter display design reduces accidental touches compared to the S10’s curved edges, which some users found problematic.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S20	Samsung Galaxy S10
Refresh Rate	120Hz (adaptive)	60Hz
Resolution	QHD+ (3200x1440)	QHD+ (3040x1440)
Display Size	6.2 inches	6.1 inches
Protections	Gorilla Glass 6	Gorilla Glass 5

Camera Capabilities in 2024

The S20’s triple-camera system includes a 12MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultrawide. It supports 3x hybrid zoom and up to 30x digital zoom, though the latter produces soft results. Video recording reaches 8K at 24fps—a novelty then, and still rarely used today due to file sizes and limited compatibility.

The S10 uses a slightly different setup: 12MP main, 16MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto. While capable in daylight, its low-light performance lags behind the S20 thanks to larger pixel binning and improved processing algorithms in the newer chipset.

However, both phones lack modern computational photography features like Night Mode with astrophotography, advanced portrait depth mapping, or multi-frame HDR. Apps like Instagram or TikTok may not optimize well for their older image signal processors.

Mini Case Study: Daily Use in 2024

Consider Mark, a freelance photographer who bought a used S20 in 2023 for $250. He needed a secondary device for client previews and light editing. Initially impressed by the 120Hz screen and decent zoom, he soon noticed sluggishness in Adobe Lightroom and frequent app crashes. By early 2024, his bank’s app stopped supporting the device due to outdated security protocols. He eventually switched to a newer mid-range phone, realizing that raw specs don’t guarantee longevity without software backing.

Battery Life and Charging: Diminishing Returns

The S20 packs a 4000mAh battery with 25W wired charging, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging. The S10 has a slightly smaller 3400mAh cell and supports only 15W wired charging. On paper, the S20 wins. But in practice, after 4+ years, battery degradation affects both models significantly.

Unless the device has been lightly used and properly maintained (e.g., avoiding full discharges and extreme heat), expect 4–5 hours of screen-on time at best. Replacing the battery costs around $60–$80, which may not be cost-effective given the phone’s age.

Checklist: Is an Older Samsung Right for You?

• ✅ Need a temporary phone for basic calls and texts? Either model works.
• ✅ Planning to root or install custom ROMs? The S20 has better developer support.
• ✅ Concerned about app compatibility? Avoid both if you use modern productivity or banking apps.
• ✅ Want good photo quality in daylight? S20 is preferable.
• ✅ Prioritize security and updates? Look beyond 2020-era devices entirely.

Should You Choose the S20 Over the S10?

If both phones are priced similarly—say, $150 used—the S20 is the better technical choice. It offers a faster processor, higher refresh rate, better cameras, and more RAM. These advantages matter for users who want a smoother experience or plan to keep the device for 12–18 months.

But if the S10 is significantly cheaper (under $100) and you only need a reliable backup phone, it remains functional for calls, messaging, and light web browsing. Just don’t expect it to handle demanding tasks or last much longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S20 still run WhatsApp and Instagram in 2024?

Yes, but with caveats. Both apps still support Android 10 and above, so the S20 can run them. However, performance may degrade over time, and future updates could drop support as Samsung no longer provides OS upgrades.

Is it safe to buy a used Galaxy S20 in 2024?

Only if you accept the risks: no more security patches, potential battery wear, and possible hardware aging. Inspect the battery health, check for water damage indicators, and verify the screen’s responsiveness before purchasing.

Does the S20’s 8K video feature add any real value?

Minimal. 8K videos consume massive storage (nearly 600MB per minute) and most platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, don’t support 8K playback. The feature is largely a marketing highlight with little practical use today.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Your Thinking, Not Just Your Phone

The Galaxy S20 was ahead of its time in 2020, but in 2024, it’s firmly in legacy territory. While it outperforms the S10 in nearly every category, both suffer from expired software support and aging hardware. For under $300, you can now get a brand-new phone like the Samsung Galaxy A34 or Google Pixel 7a—devices that offer modern chipsets, five years of updates, superior cameras, and longer viability.

If you're considering the S20 purely for cost reasons, think long-term. A slightly higher upfront investment in a newer device pays off in reliability, security, and usability. Technology isn’t just about specs—it’s about sustainability.

🚀 Ready to make a smarter upgrade? Share your thoughts on legacy smartphones or comment with your own experience using older Samsung devices—we’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t) for you.