Samsung A55 Vs S20 Is Upgrading Really Worth It Or Is The Older S20 Still A Beast

Three years after its release, the Samsung Galaxy S20 remains a benchmark for what a flagship Android phone should be. Meanwhile, the newer Samsung Galaxy A55 enters the market as a mid-range contender with flagship-inspired design and features. For users still on the S20 wondering whether to upgrade, the decision isn’t as straightforward as specs alone suggest. Real-world performance, software support, camera evolution, and long-term value all play crucial roles.

This comparison dives deep into whether the A55 truly offers enough improvements to justify moving from the still-capable S20—or if holding onto the older device is the smarter, more economical choice.

Performance: Flagship Power vs Modern Efficiency

The Galaxy S20 launched with the Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), a true flagship chipset at the time. Even today, it handles multitasking, gaming, and app switching with ease. Most daily operations—from web browsing to video editing—remain smooth, especially with 8GB or 12GB of RAM depending on the model.

In contrast, the A55 uses the Exynos 1480, a mid-tier processor built on a 4nm process. While more power-efficient and better for battery life, it doesn't match the raw CPU and GPU performance of the S20’s chip. Benchmarks show the S20 outperforming the A55 in sustained workloads, particularly in gaming or rendering tasks.

However, real-world usability tells a different story. The A55 runs One UI 6 on Android 14 with minimal lag thanks to optimized software and faster storage (UFS 3.1). For casual users who prioritize responsiveness over peak performance, the A55 feels snappy and modern—even if it's technically less powerful.

Tip: If you're not a heavy gamer or pro content creator, raw performance differences may not impact your daily experience.

Display and Design: Refinement Over Revolution

Both phones feature excellent AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, but there are subtle yet meaningful differences.

The S20 has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with QHD+ resolution (3200x1440), offering sharper text and crisper image detail. Its curved edges give it a premium look, though they can lead to accidental touches and glare in bright light.

The A55 steps down slightly with a flat 6.6-inch FHD+ (2340x1080) Super AMOLED display. While larger and easier to use one-handed, it lacks the pixel density and HDR punch of the S20. That said, brightness levels are competitive—up to 1000 nits—and outdoor visibility is strong.

Design-wise, the A55 wins on practicality. It features an IP67 rating (same as S20), but with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and a lighter, more ergonomic build. The S20, while sleek, feels more fragile and slippery without a case.

“Display quality isn’t just about resolution—it’s consistency, color accuracy, and usability. The S20 still sets a high bar.” — David Kim, Mobile Display Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Evolution vs Consistency

The S20 came with a solid triple-camera setup: 12MP main, 64MP telephoto, and 12MP ultra-wide. At launch, its zoom capabilities (up to 30x digital) were impressive, though image quality degraded significantly beyond 5x.

The A55 upgrades the main sensor to 50MP with OIS, adds a 12MP ultra-wide, and includes a 5MP macro lens. Samsung has improved computational photography dramatically since 2020. As a result, the A55 often produces more balanced exposures, better dynamic range, and superior night shots despite lower hardware specs on paper.

In daylight, both phones capture vibrant, accurate colors. But in low light, the A55’s newer image processing engine reduces noise and preserves detail more effectively. Video recording is another win for the A55: it supports 4K@30fps with better stabilization and microphone filtering.

Feature	Samsung S20	Samsung A55
Main Camera	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	50MP, f/1.8, OIS
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV	12MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV
Telephoto	64MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom	None
Front Camera	10MP, f/2.2	32MP, f/2.2
Video Max	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps	4K@30fps

The lack of a dedicated telephoto lens on the A55 is a notable downgrade. If optical zoom matters to you, the S20 still holds an advantage. But for most users taking standard photos and selfies, the A55 delivers more consistent, AI-enhanced results out of the box.

Battery and Software Longevity

The S20 packs a 4000mAh battery, which was adequate in 2020 but now struggles to last a full day under moderate use. After three years of charging cycles, battery degradation is common, even with good care. Fast charging tops out at 25W, and wireless charging is supported.

The A55 improves here with a 5000mAh battery, easily lasting 1.5 days for average users. It supports 25W fast charging (charger sold separately) and includes optimizations like adaptive battery management. More importantly, Samsung promises four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the A55—meaning support until at least 2028.

In contrast, the S20 will likely receive its final major update with Android 15, ending official support in 2025. Security patches may continue briefly after, but the writing is on the wall: the S20 is nearing end-of-life.

Tip: Check your current battery health in Settings > Device Care > Battery. If capacity is below 80%, replacement or upgrade becomes more urgent.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has used her Galaxy S20 since March 2020. She loves the compact size and sharp display but noticed slowing performance over the past year. Apps take longer to open, the camera shutter lags in low light, and she charges twice daily. Her battery health shows 76% capacity.

She considered the A55 after seeing ads highlighting longer battery life and modern design. After testing one in-store, she appreciated the brighter screen, smoother interface, and clearer selfie camera. However, she missed the S20’s higher resolution and zoom capability.

Ultimately, Sarah decided to upgrade—not because the A55 is faster, but because it offers longer software support, better battery, and more reliable day-to-day performance. “It’s not about having the best specs,” she said, “but having a phone that works reliably without constant troubleshooting.”

Is Upgrading Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making a decision, consider these factors:

• Are you experiencing slowdowns or crashes? Older devices degrade over time, even with ample RAM.
• Is your battery life insufficient? If you charge multiple times a day, a new battery could be transformative.
• Do you want future-proof software? The A55 will receive updates until 2028; the S20 won’t go beyond 2025.
• Do you value camera consistency over zoom? The A55 wins in everyday photography.
• Are you attached to the S20’s compact form? The A55 is larger and less pocket-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S20 still handle modern apps and games?

Yes, for most tasks. Social media, streaming, and productivity apps run smoothly. However, demanding games like Genshin Impact may require lowered settings, and multitasking can feel sluggish over time.

Does the A55 feel like a downgrade in build quality?

No. Despite being in the A-series, the A55 uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ and a metal frame, giving it a premium feel. It’s more durable than many expect for a mid-range phone.

Should I wait for the S24 FE instead?

If budget allows, yes. The S24 FE offers flagship-level performance (Exynos 2400/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1), better cameras, and longer support. But it costs nearly double the A55. For value-focused users, the A55 strikes a better balance.

Final Verdict: The S20 Is Still a Beast, But Not Forever

The Galaxy S20 was a landmark device—powerful, well-built, and ahead of its time in many ways. Three years later, it remains surprisingly capable. If your battery is healthy, performance is acceptable, and you don’t mind limited future updates, sticking with the S20 makes sense.

But the A55 isn’t just a newer phone—it’s a smarter long-term investment. With better battery life, stronger software commitment, improved cameras for everyday use, and modern durability, it addresses the key pain points of aging flagships.

Upgrading isn’t about chasing specs. It’s about reliability, peace of mind, and staying secure in an evolving digital world. If your S20 is showing signs of age, the A55 offers a graceful, cost-effective transition into the next phase of mobile use.

💬 Still on your S20? Have you upgraded to the A55? Share your experience and help others decide whether to hold on or move forward.