Samsung S20 Vs Pixel 4 Three Years Later Is The Pixel Still Worth It

It’s been over three years since the Samsung Galaxy S20 and Google Pixel 4 hit the market—flagships in their time, each representing the best of their brands. The S20 brought high-end specs and a versatile camera system, while the Pixel 4 leaned on computational photography and clean Android integration. But today, with both phones long past official support and overshadowed by newer models, the question isn’t about launch hype. It’s practical: If you’re buying secondhand or holding onto one now, which phone still holds up—and is the Pixel 4 actually worth it today?

The answer isn’t just about raw power or megapixels. It’s about longevity, software stability, daily usability, and value. Let’s break it down.

Performance and Hardware Longevity

The Galaxy S20 launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, 8GB of RAM, and UFS 3.0 storage—specifications that were top-tier in early 2020. Even in 2024, this combination remains capable for everyday tasks. Apps load quickly, multitasking is smooth, and even light gaming performs well. More importantly, Samsung continues to deliver security updates for older devices longer than most manufacturers, and many S20 units still receive quarterly patches.

In contrast, the Pixel 4 used the slightly older Snapdragon 855, 6GB of RAM, and slower UFS 2.1 storage. While the 855 was excellent in 2019, the lower RAM and storage speed become noticeable over time, especially when switching between apps or using heavier services like Chrome with multiple tabs. By 2024, the Pixel 4 feels constrained. Background apps reload frequently, animations stutter, and overall responsiveness has degraded.

Tip: If you're considering a used Pixel 4, check if it's running a lightweight custom ROM—some users report improved performance with /e/ OS or GrapheneOS.

Software Support and User Experience

This is where the divergence becomes stark. Google ended major Android version updates for the Pixel 4 in late 2021 (Android 13 was its final update), and security patches ceased in October 2022. That means the Pixel 4 hasn’t received any official updates in nearly two years. Running Android 13 in 2024 may seem acceptable, but missing critical security fixes and compatibility improvements poses real risks—especially for banking apps, messaging platforms, and new web standards.

Samsung, meanwhile, committed to four years of OS upgrades for the S20 series. Most S20 models are now on Android 14 with One UI 6, and will continue receiving security updates through at least 2025. This extended support dramatically improves reliability, app compatibility, and security posture.

“Long-term software support is no longer a luxury—it’s a core component of device value.” — David Limp, former SVP of Devices at Amazon

The user experience on the S20 today benefits from modern features like better dark mode handling, improved battery optimization, and smoother gesture navigation. The Pixel 4, while still running a clean version of Android, lacks these refinements and shows its age in inconsistent app behavior and interface lag.

Camera Performance: Then vs. Now

In 2019, the Pixel 4’s camera was widely considered the best on any smartphone. Its 12.2MP main sensor, combined with Google’s HDR+ and Night Sight algorithms, produced stunning dynamic range and color accuracy. The telephoto lens enabled 2x optical zoom with impressive clarity—rare for its time.

Fast forward to 2024, and while the photos still look good in ideal lighting, the lack of software updates means the camera app doesn’t benefit from newer processing techniques. Low-light performance, once a strength, now struggles with noise and slower processing times. The ultrawide camera (absent on the base Pixel 4) also limits versatility compared to the S20’s triple-lens setup.

The S20’s 64MP telephoto, 12MP main, and 12MP ultrawide system may not have matched Pixel processing at launch, but ongoing firmware updates have refined edge detection, autofocus, and stabilization. In real-world use today, the S20 offers more flexibility: 3x hybrid zoom, wider framing options, and better video stabilization up to 8K (though 4K is more practical).

Feature	Samsung S20	Google Pixel 4
Main Camera	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	12.2MP, f/1.7, OIS
Telephoto	64MP, 3x hybrid zoom	16MP, 2x optical zoom
Ultrawide	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV	Not available
Video Recording	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps	4K@30fps max
Software Updates	Ongoing through 2025	Ended October 2022

Battery Life and Charging Realities

The S20’s 4000mAh battery was modest in 2020, but thanks to adaptive refresh rate (120Hz) and modern power management in Android 14, it delivers reliable all-day use for moderate consumers. Fast charging (25W) and wireless charging (15W) remain functional, and replacement batteries are widely available.

The Pixel 4’s 2800mAh battery was underpowered even at launch. Three years later, most units show significant degradation. Users routinely report needing midday charging, even with screen brightness capped. Soli radar (used for Motion Sense) also contributed to background drain, and while disabled in later updates, its legacy lingers in system inefficiencies.

Tip: For any aging phone, enable extreme battery saver mode and reduce screen timeout to extend usable life.

Real-World Use Case: Can Either Serve as a Daily Driver in 2024?

Consider Maria, a freelance writer who bought a used Pixel 4 in 2022 for $120, drawn by its clean Android experience and legendary camera. At first, it worked well for emails, note-taking, and occasional photos. But by 2023, she noticed delays in app launches, failed logins on updated banking apps, and increasing frustration with slow camera processing. By early 2024, she switched to a refurbished S20 found for $150. The difference was immediate: faster response times, smoother multitasking, and better app compatibility. She also appreciated the larger screen and extra camera options for documenting her travels.

Maria’s experience reflects a broader trend: hardware longevity is only half the story. Without continued software support, even a well-built device like the Pixel 4 becomes functionally obsolete.

Is the Pixel 4 Still Worth It? A Checklist

Before buying or keeping either device, consider this checklist:

• ✅ Does the phone receive current security updates? (S20: yes; Pixel 4: no)
• ✅ Is the battery health above 80%? (Check via settings or third-party apps)
• ✅ Can it run essential apps smoothly? (Test WhatsApp, Google Maps, Chrome)
• ✅ Is storage sufficient and expandable? (S20 supports microSD; Pixel 4 does not)
• ✅ Are replacement parts or repair options available?

If more than two items are “no,” the device is likely not viable as a primary phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get security updates for the Pixel 4?

No. Google ended all software support for the Pixel 4 in October 2022. No further security patches or OS updates are being released. While third-party ROMs exist, they require technical expertise and carry risks.

Which phone has better resale value now?

Neither holds strong resale value, but the S20 generally sells for $20–$50 more than the Pixel 4 in the used market due to longer support and better hardware balance.

Is the Pixel 4 camera still competitive?

In daylight, yes—the processing still produces natural colors and good dynamic range. However, low-light performance and speed lag behind modern mid-range phones. Newer devices with larger sensors and AI enhancements outperform it consistently.

Final Verdict: The S20 Wins for 2024 Usability

While the Pixel 4 was a technological marvel in 2019, its short software lifespan and underpowered hardware make it a poor choice today. The Galaxy S20, despite launching around the same time, benefits from Samsung’s longer update policy and more balanced specifications. It remains functional, secure, and adaptable to modern app demands.

The lesson here extends beyond these two models: long-term support matters more than launch-day specs. A phone that receives updates for five years will almost always outlast a more advanced device abandoned after three.

🚀 Take action: If you're relying on an aging flagship, assess its update status and battery health. Consider upgrading to a device with proven long-term support—even a recent mid-ranger may offer a better daily experience than a neglected flagship.