Is The Samsung Galaxy S24 A Huge Upgrade From The S20 Honest User Reviews

For long-time Samsung fans who adopted the Galaxy S20 at launch in 2020, the arrival of the Galaxy S24 in 2024 brings a natural question: is this really a significant leap forward? After all, four years in smartphone evolution can mean dramatic changes—or subtle refinements. To answer this honestly, we’ve compiled real-world feedback from users who made the jump, analyzed hardware and software improvements, and assessed whether the upgrade justifies the cost.

The Galaxy S20 was a landmark device—5G-ready, high-refresh-rate display, powerful Snapdragon 865, and a camera system that set new standards. The S24 builds on that legacy with AI integration, refined design, longer software support, and next-gen processing. But does it feel like a revolution or an evolution?

Performance & Hardware: A Noticeable Leap

At the core of any upgrade assessment lies performance. The S20 launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), which was top-tier in 2020. The S24, however, features the custom-built Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, optimized specifically for Samsung’s devices. This isn’t just a spec bump—it translates into tangible improvements.

Users consistently report smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and near-instantaneous AI-powered features like Circle to Search and Live Translate. Benchmark scores confirm this: the S24 outperforms the S20 by over 60% in CPU tasks and nearly 90% in GPU performance. Gamers notice reduced lag, better thermal management, and sustained frame rates even during extended sessions.

Tip: If you frequently use AR apps, video editing, or multitask across multiple apps, the S24’s processor and RAM improvements will deliver a noticeably more responsive experience.

Display & Design: Subtle Refinements, Big Impact

The S20 had a stunning 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate—a standout at the time. The S24 keeps the same screen size but enhances brightness, color accuracy, and touch responsiveness. Peak brightness now hits 2600 nits (up from 1200), making outdoor visibility dramatically better.

Design-wise, the S24 adopts a flatter, more modern silhouette with slimmer bezels and a reinforced Armor Aluminum frame. The back glass is now matte-finished, reducing fingerprints and offering a more premium grip. While not radically different, users agree the S24 feels more refined and easier to handle.

“Switching from the S20 to the S24 felt like upgrading from a sports car to a luxury sedan. It’s still fast, but now it’s quieter, smoother, and more precise.” — James R., tech reviewer and long-time Samsung user

Camera System: Evolution with Intelligence

The S20’s triple-camera setup was impressive in 2020: 12MP main, 64MP telephoto, and 12MP ultra-wide. The S24 retains a similar configuration but improves each sensor and introduces advanced AI processing. The main sensor remains 50MP but now captures more light thanks to pixel-binning and larger individual pixels.

The biggest change? Computational photography. Night mode is now usable in near-total darkness, portraits have more natural bokeh, and zoom quality at 3x and 10x is significantly sharper. Users praise the new “AI Single Take 2.0,” which intelligently captures multiple shots and videos in one press, then selects the best results.

One common sentiment: “The S20 took great photos if lighting was good. The S24 takes great photos *despite* the lighting.”

Camera Comparison: S20 vs S24

Feature	Galaxy S20	Galaxy S24
Main Sensor	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	50MP, f/1.8, larger pixels, improved HDR
Telephoto	64MP, 3x hybrid zoom	10MP, 3x optical, better low-light processing
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV	12MP, f/2.2, reduced distortion
Video Recording	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps	8K@30fps, enhanced stabilization, Director’s View
AI Features	Limited scene optimizer	AI photo enhancement, erase unwanted objects, real-time translation

Battery Life & Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The S20 came with a 4000mAh battery, which delivered moderate endurance—about 6–7 hours of screen-on time for average users. The S24 also has a 4000mAh battery, yet users report 8–9 hours of screen time. How? Improved efficiency from the Gen 3 chip, adaptive refresh rate (1–120Hz), and smarter background app management.

Charging speeds remain unchanged: 25W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless. Some users expressed disappointment that Samsung didn’t increase charging speed, especially compared to competitors offering 65W+.

However, the real win is longevity. Samsung now guarantees 4,000 full charge cycles—meaning the battery should retain over 80% capacity after four years of daily charging. That’s double the typical lifespan.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Experience

Sarah M., a photographer and digital content creator, used her S20 heavily for three years—shooting, editing, and uploading on the go. By 2023, she noticed sluggish performance, degraded battery life, and camera noise in low light. She upgraded to the S24 in early 2024.

Her verdict: “It’s like getting two phones in one. The camera handles my RAW edits straight from the phone, and the AI tools save me hours in post-processing. Battery lasts through full shoots without needing a pack. For my workflow, this wasn’t just an upgrade—it was essential.”

Software & Longevity: Where the S24 Truly Shines

Perhaps the most compelling reason to upgrade is software. The S20 launched with Android 10 and received three major OS updates (up to Android 13). Samsung now promises **seven years** of OS and security updates for the S24—meaning support until 2031.

This is a game-changer for users who keep phones long-term. It means access to future AI features, security patches, and compatibility with upcoming apps. One user noted, “I kept my S20 for four years, but it started feeling outdated by year three. With the S24, I know I’ll be supported well into the next decade.”

One UI 6.1 on the S24 also introduces Galaxy AI—real-time call translation, AI note summaries, and search assist. These features aren’t gimmicks; they’re increasingly integrated into daily use, especially for professionals and travelers.

Checklist: Is the S24 Right for You?

• ✅ Need longer software support (7 years vs 3 on S20)
• ✅ Want improved camera performance in low light
• ✅ Use AI or productivity tools regularly
• ✅ Value brighter displays and better outdoor visibility
• ✅ Keep phones for 4+ years and want lasting performance
• ❌ Still satisfied with S20 performance and battery
• ❌ Prefer faster charging (S24 doesn’t improve here)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy S24 waterproof like the S20?

Yes, both phones have an IP68 rating, meaning they can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. No change in water resistance between models.

Can I transfer everything from my S20 to the S24 easily?

Absolutely. Samsung’s Smart Switch app makes transferring apps, photos, messages, and settings seamless—wirelessly or via cable. Most users complete the move in under 20 minutes.

Does the S24 feel much faster in daily use?

Subjectively, yes. Even simple actions like opening the camera, switching apps, or searching feel snappier. The combination of faster storage (UFS 4.0 vs UFS 3.0) and optimized software eliminates the minor stutters that became common on older S20 units.

Conclusion: A Worthy, Future-Proof Upgrade

So, is the Samsung Galaxy S24 a huge upgrade from the S20? For users who rely on their phone as a primary tool—for work, creativity, or communication—the answer is a resounding yes. While the design changes are subtle, the internal advancements in performance, AI, camera intelligence, and software longevity represent a meaningful leap.

The S20 was a pioneer. The S24 is a polished, intelligent evolution built for the next generation of mobile computing. If you’ve been holding onto your S20 for years, now is the ideal time to transition—not just for better specs, but for a device designed to stay relevant far longer.

💬 Have you upgraded from the S20 to the S24? Share your experience, tips, or surprises in the comments below—your insights could help others decide their next move.