Samsung S20 Vs A54 5g Is It Worth Upgrading In 2024 Or Is The S20 Still Good

As 2024 progresses, many Samsung Galaxy S20 owners are asking whether they should upgrade to the newer Galaxy A54 5G. The S20 was a flagship powerhouse when it launched in 2020—offering top-tier specs, 5G connectivity, and a high-refresh-rate display. But four years later, how does it stack up against Samsung’s current mid-range champion? This isn’t just about raw numbers; it's about real-world usability, longevity, software support, and value. Let’s break down what each phone offers and determine if the A54 5G truly represents an upgrade—or if holding onto your S20 remains a smart move.

Performance and Hardware: Flagship Legacy vs Modern Efficiency

The Galaxy S20 ran on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), which at the time was among the fastest mobile chipsets available. Even today, this processor handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and most games with ease. However, it’s built on a less efficient 7nm process and lacks the architectural refinements seen in newer chips.

In contrast, the Galaxy A54 5G uses Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1380 chipset—a 5nm chip designed for better power efficiency and sustained performance. While not as powerful as the S20’s Snapdragon in peak benchmarks, the Exynos 1380 delivers smoother day-to-day operation thanks to optimized thermal management and improved AI processing. It also supports newer technologies like Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E, giving it an edge in connectivity.

Tip: If you're still satisfied with app loading speeds and don’t play graphics-intensive games daily, the S20’s performance may still meet your needs.

Benchmarks show the S20 scoring higher in CPU-heavy tasks, but real-world usage reveals fewer stutters and quicker app launches on the A54 due to its modern software optimizations. RAM configurations are similar—both offer 6GB or 8GB options—but the A54 benefits from being paired with Android 13 out of the box (upgradable to Android 14 and beyond).

Display and Design: Refresh Rate vs Durability

The S20 featured a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and QHD+ resolution—still impressive by today’s standards. Its compact size made it one of the last flagship “small” phones Samsung offered.

The A54 5G steps back slightly in resolution with a 6.4-inch FHD+ (1080x2340) display, but retains the 120Hz refresh rate. While not as sharp as the S20’s panel, it compensates with a brighter peak output (up to 1000 nits) and better outdoor visibility. More importantly, it features Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back, plus IP67 water and dust resistance—an upgrade over the S20’s IP68 rating but with more durable glass coverage.

Feature	Samsung S20	Samsung A54 5G
Display Size	6.2\"	6.4\"
Resolution	QHD+ (3200x1440)	FHD+ (2340x1080)
Refresh Rate	120Hz	120Hz
Brightness (Peak)	1200 nits	1000 nits
Build Protection	Gorilla Glass 6 (front), IP68	Gorilla Glass 5 (front & back), IP67

Design-wise, the A54 has a more practical form factor with a matte finish that resists fingerprints, while the S20’s glossy back attracts smudges and is more prone to cracking under impact.

Camera Comparison: Innovation vs Consistency

The S20 introduced several camera advancements in 2020, including a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom and Space Zoom up to 30x. Its primary 12MP sensor produced vibrant, detailed photos in daylight, though low-light performance has aged compared to modern computational photography.

The A54 5G takes a different approach: a 50MP main sensor with larger pixels (1.0µm → 2.0µm via pixel binning), optical image stabilization (OIS), and improved night mode algorithms. While it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, its 3x \"adaptive pixel\" zoom performs decently using cropping and AI enhancement.

“Modern mid-range phones often surpass older flagships in photo quality because software matters more than megapixels.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechLens Reports

In side-by-side tests, the A54 consistently produces more balanced exposures, better dynamic range, and cleaner noise reduction in challenging lighting. Video recording is capped at 4K@30fps on both devices, but the A54 includes newer stabilization techniques and microphone filtering.

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance Over Speed

The S20 came with a 4000mAh battery—respectable for its time—but struggled to last a full heavy-use day. Fast charging topped it up to 50% in 30 minutes, but lacked wireless power sharing.

The A54 5G packs a larger 5000mAh battery, translating to 1.5 to 2 additional hours of screen-on time. Combined with the more efficient Exynos 1380 and adaptive refresh rate, users report easily reaching two days of moderate use. Charging speed is slower (25W vs S20’s 25W wired / 15W wireless), but Samsung omits fast chargers from the box for both models now.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery and reduce screen brightness to extend lifespan on either device.

Software Support and Longevity

This is where the decision becomes clearer. The Galaxy S20 launched with Android 10 and received three major OS updates (up to Android 13). Security patches continue sporadically, but official support ended in 2023. No further Android version upgrades are expected.

The A54 5G, released in 2023, ships with Android 13 and is guaranteed four Android OS upgrades (up to Android 17) and five years of security patches—extending support into 2028. This means longer access to new features, privacy tools, and compatibility with future apps.

If you rely on banking apps, productivity suites, or messaging platforms that require up-to-date operating systems, the A54 offers significantly better long-term viability.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Decision

Maria has used her Galaxy S20 since March 2020. By late 2023, she noticed slower app launches, reduced battery life (now lasting only 5–6 hours), and incompatible features in a new fitness tracking app. After researching, she upgraded to the A54 5G. Though initially skeptical about moving from a flagship to a mid-ranger, she found the larger battery life transformative. She appreciated the consistent software updates and found the camera performed better in dimly lit restaurants—where she frequently dines. Most importantly, knowing her phone will be supported until 2028 gave her peace of mind.

Is It Worth Upgrading in 2024?

The answer depends on your priorities:

• You’re happy with your S20: If it still powers through your day, charges quickly, and runs your essential apps without lag, there’s no urgent need to switch.
• You want better battery and reliability: The A54 5G offers noticeably longer endurance and more consistent performance over time.
• Future-proofing matters: With four more years of updates, the A54 is the smarter investment if you plan to keep your phone beyond 2025.
• You value repairability and cost: The A54 starts around $350, nearly half the original price of the S20. Replacement parts are also cheaper and more widely available.

“Flagship specs don’t always equal better user experience over time. Real-world durability, battery, and update cycles matter more after year three.” — Lena Patel, Senior Editor at MobileInsight Weekly

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. ✅ Does your S20 struggle with daily tasks or frequent overheating?
2. ✅ Has battery life dropped below 6 hours of screen-on time?
3. ✅ Are you missing critical software features or security updates?
4. ✅ Do you want a phone that will stay secure and functional until 2028?
5. ✅ Is your budget under $400?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the A54 5G is likely a worthwhile upgrade.

FAQ

Can the Galaxy S20 still run TikTok, Instagram, and Google Maps smoothly?

Yes, for now. These apps remain compatible and generally perform well. However, expect occasional lags during video editing or prolonged navigation use.

Does the A54 5G have a headphone jack?

No, neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need USB-C headphones or a Bluetooth adapter.

Is the S20’s 120Hz display better than the A54’s?

In resolution and smoothness, yes—but the A54 matches the refresh rate and offers better outdoor readability and touch responsiveness in cold weather.

Final Verdict

The Galaxy S20 was a landmark device in Samsung’s history, and even in 2024, it holds up surprisingly well for light to moderate users. However, technology moves fast. The Galaxy A54 5G may not match the S20’s raw specs, but it delivers a more balanced, sustainable, and future-ready experience.

For those experiencing battery degradation, software slowdowns, or update anxiety, upgrading makes clear sense. The A54 offers superior longevity, better cameras in real conditions, and a design built for everyday resilience—all at a fraction of the S20’s original cost.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current phone’s health, check your usage patterns, and consider how long you want your next device to last. Whether you stick with your S20 or move to the A54, informed choices lead to smarter tech habits.