Samsung A34 Vs S20 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Sticking With The Old Flagship

Choosing between holding onto a reliable flagship and upgrading to a newer mid-range model isn’t always straightforward. The Samsung Galaxy S20 was a powerhouse in its time — a true 5G flagship that set standards in 2020. Fast forward to today, and the Samsung Galaxy A34 offers modern features at a fraction of the cost. But is it actually better? For users still clinging to their S20, the decision to upgrade to the A34 hinges on real-world performance, longevity, software support, and overall value.

This comparison dives deep into specs, user experience, and practical considerations to help you determine whether the A34 justifies replacing a still-competent S20 — or if keeping the older flagship is the smarter long-term choice.

Performance and Hardware: Flagship Power vs Modern Efficiency

The core difference between these devices lies in their chipsets and overall hardware philosophy. The S20 launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), a top-tier processor designed for high-end multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing. In contrast, the A34 uses the MediaTek Dimensity 1080, a capable mid-range SoC built on a more efficient 6nm process.

While the S20’s chipset outperforms the A34 in raw processing power, especially under heavy loads like video editing or 3D gaming, the A34 benefits from newer architecture and better energy efficiency. This means smoother background app management and improved thermal control during extended use.

Tip: If you frequently play graphics-intensive games or use pro-level apps, the S20's superior CPU/GPU may still serve you better despite its age.

RAM configurations also differ. The S20 came with 8GB or 12GB options, while the A34 ships with 6GB or 8GB. However, both run One UI efficiently, and real-world app switching remains fluid on either device. What matters more now is software optimization — and here, the A34 has an edge with longer guaranteed updates.

Display and Design: Refinement Over Revolution

The S20 featured a stunning 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Quad HD+ resolution, and HDR10+ support — a benchmark for mobile displays in 2020. The A34 counters with a slightly larger 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen, also at 120Hz, but capped at Full HD+ resolution.

In practice, the visual difference is minimal for most users. The A34’s display is bright (up to 800 nits), smooth, and excellent for streaming and browsing. It lacks the pixel density of the S20, but unless you’re scrutinizing text up close, it won’t bother you.

Design-wise, the S20 feels more premium with its aluminum frame and glass back. The A34 opts for plastic construction, which reduces weight and cost but sacrifices some tactile luxury. That said, the A34 is IP67-rated for dust and water resistance — a feature missing on the base S20 model.

“Modern mid-range phones like the A34 are closing the gap in display quality and usability, making older flagships less compelling purely on specs.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Comparison: Evolution vs Consistency

The S20 introduced a triple rear setup: 12MP main, 64MP telephoto (3x hybrid zoom), and 12MP ultra-wide. Its camera system was versatile, with strong low-light performance and 8K video recording — a novelty at the time.

The A34 steps in with a 48MP main sensor (with pixel binning to 12MP), 8MP ultra-wide, and 5MP macro lens. While the megapixel count seems lower, the newer sensor and image processing deliver more consistent results, particularly in daylight and social media-friendly scenarios.

Samsung has significantly improved its AI processing in recent years. The A34 produces more natural color tones, better dynamic range, and faster autofocus. It lacks the S20’s telephoto reach, but gains features like Night Mode on all lenses and enhanced portrait stabilization.

For casual photographers, the A34 may feel like an upgrade. Enthusiasts who relied on the S20’s 30x Space Zoom or manual Pro mode controls might find the A34 limiting.

Camera Feature Comparison

Feature	Samsung S20	Samsung A34
Main Sensor	12MP, f/1.8	48MP (12MP binned), f/1.8
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2	8MP, f/2.2
Telephoto	64MP, 3x hybrid zoom	No dedicated telephoto
Front Camera	10MP, f/2.2	13MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 60fps	4K @ 30fps max
Night Mode	Main only	All rear cameras

Battery Life and Charging: Where the A34 Shines

The S20 packs a 4000mAh battery — respectable in 2020 but modest by today’s standards. With moderate use, it lasts a full day, though heavy usage often demands a midday charge. It supports 25W fast charging and wireless charging.

The A34, meanwhile, boasts a 5000mAh battery — 25% larger — paired with 25W fast charging (charger sold separately in some regions). Real-world testing shows the A34 consistently delivers 1.5 to 2 days of light-to-moderate use, thanks to the more efficient processor and software optimizations.

Wireless charging is absent on the A34, a trade-off for cost and battery size. But for users prioritizing endurance over convenience, this is a clear win for the newer model.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery and Dark Mode on either device to extend daily life, especially on the S20 where capacity has likely degraded over time.

Software Support and Longevity

This may be the deciding factor. The S20 originally promised four years of OS upgrades, taking it to Android 14. However, depending on region and carrier, update delivery has been inconsistent. Security patches continue but are expected to taper off by late 2024.

The A34, released in 2023, guarantees four generations of Android OS updates (up to Android 17) and five years of security patches — aligning with Samsung’s current commitment for A-series devices. This means the A34 will likely remain supported through 2028.

If you plan to keep your phone beyond two years, the A34 offers significantly better future-proofing. App compatibility, security, and new features will remain accessible longer.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her S20 since 2020. While it still works, she notices slower app launches, occasional overheating during video calls, and shorter battery life. Her WhatsApp backups take longer, and newer apps like Google Maps now feel sluggish.

After testing an A34 at a store, she was surprised by how much smoother everyday tasks felt — not because the A34 is faster, but because it runs cleaner software with fewer legacy inefficiencies. She upgraded and now gets two-day battery life, faster photo processing, and peace of mind knowing she’ll receive updates until 2028.

For Maria, the switch wasn’t about chasing specs — it was about sustained usability.

Is It Worth Upgrading? A Practical Checklist

Use this checklist to evaluate your personal needs before deciding:

• ✅ Is your S20 experiencing battery degradation (below 80% health)?
• ✅ Are you no longer receiving major OS updates?
• ✅ Do you value longer software support (4–5 more years)?
• ✅ Do you prioritize battery life over raw performance?
• ✅ Are you okay without a telephoto lens or 8K video?
• ✅ Is your current phone slowing down in daily tasks?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the A34 is likely a worthwhile upgrade. If you're a power user relying on high-end multimedia features, keeping the S20 — or considering a newer flagship — makes more sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A34 replace a flagship like the S20 in daily use?

Absolutely. For calling, messaging, social media, streaming, and even light gaming, the A34 performs excellently. Most users won’t miss the S20’s extra power in routine tasks.

Does the A34 support expandable storage?

Yes. Like the S20, the A34 includes a microSD card slot, supporting up to 1TB for photos, videos, or apps.

Will my accessories work with the A34?

Most cases and screen protectors won’t be compatible due to different dimensions. However, USB-C cables, headphones, and wireless chargers (except where incompatible) will work across both models.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 was a landmark device — sleek, powerful, and ahead of its time. But technology moves quickly. After four years, even the best phones show wear in battery, speed, and software relevance.

The Galaxy A34 isn’t a direct successor, but it represents what modern mid-range phones can offer: excellent battery life, reliable cameras, clean software, and long-term support — all at a price point well below the original S20.

If you’re still satisfied with your S20’s performance and don’t need extended updates, there’s no urgent reason to let go. But if you’re noticing slowdowns, battery issues, or want to future-proof your device, the A34 delivers meaningful improvements where they matter most.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current pain points, test the A34 if possible, and consider how long you plan to keep your next phone. Sometimes, stepping down in specs means stepping up in real-world value.