Pixel 5 Vs Galaxy S20 Three Years Later Is The Pixel Still Worth It

It’s been three years since the Google Pixel 5 and Samsung Galaxy S20 hit the market—two flagship phones from competing philosophies. The Pixel 5 emphasized clean software, strong camera performance, and sustainability with recycled materials. The Galaxy S20 represented Samsung’s full-power approach: high refresh rate displays, top-tier processors, and a triple-camera system built for versatility. Today, neither phone is new, but many users still rely on them. So, which one holds up better in 2024—and is the Pixel 5 still worth choosing over its more powerful rival?

Performance and Hardware Longevity

The Galaxy S20 launched with the Snapdragon 865, a flagship processor at the time, while the Pixel 5 used the mid-range Snapdragon 765G. On paper, this was a decisive win for Samsung. But real-world longevity isn’t just about raw power—it’s about thermal management, sustained performance, and how well components age.

After three years, both devices show signs of wear, but in different ways. The S20’s aggressive performance tuning led to higher heat output, which accelerated battery degradation in some units. Users have reported throttling during extended use, especially when multitasking or gaming. Meanwhile, the Pixel 5’s modest chip runs cooler and more efficiently. While it can’t match the S20 in peak performance, it handles everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and navigation without lag.

Tip: If you prioritize smooth long-term operation over gaming power, a well-optimized device with a less aggressive chipset may serve you better over time.

RAM also plays a role. The S20 shipped with 12GB, while the Pixel 5 had 8GB. In practice, Android’s memory management favors efficiency over volume, so the difference is less noticeable than expected. However, heavy app switching or prolonged use of resource-heavy apps (like photo editors) shows the S20 holding an edge—when its battery allows.

Software and Update Support

This is where the Pixel 5 pulls decisively ahead. Google promised three years of OS updates and four years of security patches for the Pixel 5. As of 2024, it has received updates all the way to Android 14 and continues to get monthly security fixes. Its clean, bloat-free interface remains responsive, and features like Call Screen, Now Playing, and Live Translate continue to work reliably.

In contrast, the Galaxy S20 received three major OS updates (up to Android 13) and four years of security support. By early 2024, that support has officially ended. While the phone still functions, it no longer receives critical security patches, making it increasingly vulnerable over time. Samsung’s One UI adds useful customization, but it also introduces background processes that can slow older hardware.

“Update policy is now as important as specs when judging smartphone longevity.” — James Lee, Mobile Analyst at Tech Horizon

For users concerned about privacy, security, and staying current with app requirements, the Pixel 5’s continued software support gives it a meaningful advantage—even if its hardware is less powerful.

Camera Performance Over Time

Cameras don’t physically degrade much over three years, but image processing algorithms and sensor cleanliness do affect results. Both phones were praised at launch for their photography, but they took very different approaches.

The Galaxy S20 relied on hardware diversity: a 64MP telephoto, 12MP wide, and 12MP ultra-wide, paired with AI-powered scene optimization. In good light, photos are detailed and vibrant. But the AI can oversaturate skies or over-sharpen textures, and low-light shots often suffer from noise and inconsistent HDR blending.

The Pixel 5, meanwhile, used a 12.2MP main sensor and 16MP ultra-wide, leaning heavily on Google’s computational photography. Night Sight, HDR+, and Super Res Zoom delivered stunning results despite modest hardware. Even today, the Pixel 5 produces natural-looking colors, accurate skin tones, and excellent dynamic range.

Feature	Pixel 5	Galaxy S20
Main Sensor	12.2MP, f/1.7	12MP, f/1.8
Ultra-Wide	16MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2
Telephoto	No	64MP, 3x hybrid zoom
Night Mode	Excellent, consistent	Good, but variable
Video (4K)	Stable, decent audio	Crisp, but prone to wind noise

While the S20 offers optical zoom, the Pixel’s software-based Super Res Zoom often matches or exceeds its quality at 2x and beyond. For most users capturing memories, the Pixel 5’s consistency and simplicity make it the more reliable choice today.

Battery Life and Charging Evolution

Battery health is a critical factor after three years. The Pixel 5 came with a 4,080mAh battery and promised 48 hours of use with Extreme Battery Saver. In reality, it delivered around 1.5 days under moderate use at launch. Now, most units show reduced capacity, averaging 60–70% health, translating to a single day of light-to-moderate use.

The S20 started with a smaller 4,000mAh battery and a power-hungry 120Hz display. Even with adaptive refresh rates, it struggled to last a full day. After three years, battery degradation is more pronounced, with many users reporting needing midday charging even with minimal usage.

Charging methods differ too. The Pixel 5 supports 18W wired and 21W wireless charging, plus reverse charging for accessories. The S20 offers 25W wired and 15W wireless—but lacks reverse charging. However, Samsung’s faster charging comes at the cost of increased heat, which likely contributed to faster battery wear.

Tip: To extend battery life on aging phones, disable adaptive brightness, limit background app refresh, and avoid full discharges.

Real-World Example: A Three-Year Daily Driver Test

Consider Mark, a freelance photographer who bought both phones in 2021—one as his daily driver (Pixel 5), the other as a backup (S20). By 2024, he still uses the Pixel 5 regularly for client meetings and casual shooting. He praises its reliability, clean interface, and camera consistency. The S20, while faster in benchmarks, became sluggish after Android 13 updated One UI. He noticed increasing app crashes and overheating during photo editing.

Mark replaced the Pixel 5’s battery at 28 months for $60—a straightforward process thanks to iFixit-rated repairability. The S20’s battery replacement was more complex and costly. He eventually retired it due to slow performance and lack of security updates.

His takeaway: “The Pixel wasn’t the fastest, but it aged gracefully. The S20 felt premium at first, but it didn’t last as a trustworthy tool.”

Is the Pixel 5 Still Worth It in 2024?

Yes—but with caveats. The Pixel 5 remains a compelling option for users who value:

• Consistent software experience
• Reliable camera performance
• Ongoing security updates
• Simpler, bloat-free Android

It’s ideal for light users, seniors, secondary phone roles, or those entering the smartphone market on a budget. Refurbished units can be found for $150–$200, offering strong value.

The Galaxy S20, while once a powerhouse, now faces obsolescence. No security updates, shorter battery life, and heavier software make it a riskier choice. It may still function, but not as a primary device for anyone relying on secure communication or modern app compatibility.

Checklist: Is Your Old Phone Still Viable?

1. ✅ Is it receiving security updates?
2. ✅ Does the battery last at least one full day?
3. ✅ Are core apps (banking, messaging, maps) running smoothly?
4. ✅ Can it handle video calls without freezing?
5. ✅ Is storage sufficient for current needs?
6. ✅ Have you backed up data recently?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 5 run Android 14 smoothly?

Yes. While not as fast as newer flagships, the Pixel 5 runs Android 14 efficiently. Most users report smooth navigation, timely notifications, and reliable background performance. Heavy multitasking or gaming may cause minor hiccups, but everyday use remains solid.

Should I buy a used Galaxy S20 in 2024?

Not recommended. With no security updates and aging hardware, the S20 poses potential risks. Apps may stop supporting it, and vulnerabilities could go unpatched. Even at a low price, the long-term cost in reliability and safety outweighs any savings.

How does the Pixel 5 compare to newer budget phones?

It holds up surprisingly well. Phones like the Pixel 7a or Samsung Galaxy A54 offer better performance and larger batteries, but the Pixel 5’s software polish and camera IQ remain competitive. For pure usability and update support, it still punches above its weight.

Final Verdict

Three years later, the Pixel 5 emerges as the more enduring device—not because it was the most powerful, but because it was thoughtfully designed for longevity. Its modest hardware, efficient software, and unmatched update support allowed it to age with grace. The Galaxy S20, despite its technical prowess, fell victim to aggressive tuning, heavier software, and a hard end to support.

If you’re choosing between these two today—whether buying secondhand or deciding which old phone to keep—the answer is clear: the Pixel 5 is still worth it. It won’t impress with speed, but it will deliver a secure, functional, and satisfying experience for months to come.

🚀 Still using an older phone? Share your experience below—what’s working, what’s not, and what you’ve learned about smartphone longevity.