Thinking Of Upgrading From S20 Plus To S24 Plus Is It Really Worth It

If you're still using the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, you’re holding onto a phone that was once a flagship powerhouse. Released in early 2020, it set benchmarks for display quality, performance, and camera versatility. But with the Galaxy S24 Plus now on the market—offering AI integration, longer software support, and refined hardware—it’s natural to wonder: is upgrading really worth it? The answer isn’t just about specs; it’s about how those upgrades translate into daily use, longevity, and overall value.

Performance and Hardware Evolution

The jump from the S20 Plus to the S24 Plus spans four years of rapid technological advancement. The S20 Plus ran on the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865 (depending on region), both of which were top-tier chips at the time. However, by today’s standards, they struggle with sustained heavy workloads and newer gaming titles. In contrast, the S24 Plus is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (globally), a chip built on a 4nm process that delivers up to 30% better CPU performance and 40% improved GPU efficiency.

This isn’t just theoretical. Real-world benefits include faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and noticeably quicker photo and video processing. If you frequently edit media, use AR apps, or play graphics-intensive games, the performance leap is substantial.

Tip: Benchmark your current device before upgrading. If everyday tasks like switching between apps or loading photos feel sluggish, the S24 Plus will deliver an immediate improvement.

Camera Improvements: More Than Just Megapixels

The S20 Plus featured a strong triple-camera system: 12MP main, 64MP telephoto, and 12MP ultra-wide. While it captured excellent photos in daylight, low-light performance and zoom capabilities have aged. The S24 Plus improves across the board: a 50MP main sensor with larger pixels, a 10MP periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom (and up to 30x digital), and a 12MP ultra-wide with reduced distortion.

But the biggest difference lies in computational photography. The S24 Plus uses advanced AI for scene optimization, night mode enhancements, and even post-shot editing via Generative Edit—a feature that lets you move or remove objects from photos. This kind of intelligent processing wasn’t available in 2020 and changes how you interact with your images.

“Modern smartphone photography is less about hardware alone and more about how AI refines each shot. The S24 Plus represents a generational shift in photo intelligence.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechVision

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The S20 Plus came with a 4,500mAh battery, while the S24 Plus packs a slightly larger 4,900mAh unit. On paper, that’s only a modest increase. However, thanks to the more power-efficient chipset and optimized software, the S24 Plus often achieves 15–20% longer screen-on time under similar usage.

Additionally, standby optimization has improved dramatically. With One UI 6 and Android 14, background app throttling and smarter connectivity (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) reduce overnight drain. Users report consistently getting through a full day—even with heavy use—without needing a midday charge.

Charging Comparison

Feature	S20 Plus	S24 Plus
Battery Capacity	4,500 mAh	4,900 mAh
Wired Charging	25W (adapter sold separately)	45W (faster charging, adapter not included)
Wireless Charging	15W	15W
Reverse Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes

Note: While both support reverse charging, the S24 Plus charges accessories more efficiently due to better thermal management.

Software Support and Longevity

This is where the S24 Plus pulls far ahead. Samsung now guarantees **seven years of OS and security updates** for the S24 series—meaning support until 2031. In contrast, the S20 Plus will receive its final update around 2024 or 2025, ending with Android 13 or 14.

Seven years of updates mean better long-term security, compatibility with future apps, and access to new features without needing to upgrade again soon. For users who keep phones for three years or more, this dramatically increases the S24 Plus’s value proposition.

Tip: If you plan to use your phone beyond two years, prioritize models with extended software support. It ensures safer, smoother performance over time.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her S20 Plus for nearly four years. By late 2023, she noticed her camera struggled in low light, apps took longer to load, and battery life dropped below 6 hours of screen time. After upgrading to the S24 Plus, she found immediate improvements: faster photo exports, sharper zoomed shots during events, and enough battery to shoot all day without carrying a power bank. She also started using Circle to Search, an AI feature that lets her long-press on any image to search what she sees—something that streamlined her research workflow.

For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t just about keeping up with trends; it directly enhanced her productivity and creative output.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the switch, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does your S20 Plus lag when opening apps or switching between them?
• Are you frustrated by slow charging or poor battery endurance?
• Do you take a lot of photos, especially in low light or at a distance?
• Do you want access to AI-powered tools like Generative Edit or Live Translate?
• Do you plan to keep your next phone for more than three years?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, the S24 Plus offers meaningful improvements that justify the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my accessories work with the S24 Plus?

Most accessories will remain compatible. Cases designed for the S20 Plus may not fit perfectly due to subtle changes in camera placement and dimensions, but wireless chargers, earbuds, and DeX cables work seamlessly.

How much does the S24 Plus cost compared to the S20 Plus’s launch price?

The S24 Plus starts at $999, identical to the S20 Plus’s original price. However, adjusted for inflation and considering the added software support and AI features, it offers better long-term value.

Can I extend the life of my S20 Plus instead of upgrading?

You can optimize performance by clearing cache, uninstalling unused apps, and replacing the battery (if available). However, software limitations and aging hardware mean you won’t match the responsiveness of newer devices.

Conclusion: Making a Smart, Future-Proof Decision

Upgrading from the S20 Plus to the S24 Plus isn’t just about having the latest gadget—it’s about gaining tangible benefits in speed, camera intelligence, battery efficiency, and long-term usability. While the S20 Plus was a great phone in its time, the advancements in AI, software support, and processor efficiency make the S24 Plus a compelling upgrade for users who rely on their phones for work, creativity, or daily convenience.

If you’ve been on the fence, consider this: the seven-year update promise means your investment today could last well into the next decade. That kind of longevity, combined with real-world performance gains, makes the S24 Plus more than just a shiny upgrade—it’s a smarter, future-ready choice.

💬 Have you upgraded from the S20 Plus to the S24 Plus? Share your experience—what surprised you most? Join the conversation and help others decide if the leap is worth it.