When Your S20 Becomes Samsung's Forgotten Child: The Update That Nearly Wasn't

Reviewed by Julianne Ngirngir

Remember when Samsung called it quits on the Galaxy S20 series? Well, plot twist: they're not completely done yet. While Samsung officially ended support for the regular S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra in April 2025, one stubborn survivor keeps defying the odds – the Galaxy S20 FE 5G just picked up another security update.

Here's the kicker: Samsung rolled out the July 2024 security patch to the carrier-unlocked S20 FE 5G in the US, fixing 58 security issues and bumping the firmware to G781BXXS9HWL6. The company confirmed it would expand this update to other variants in the following weeks, proving that while the main S20 series may have reached its end-of-life, the Fan Edition still has some fight left.

Why the S20 FE gets to live while its siblings don't

The S20 FE's survival isn't just coincidence—it's strategic timing that reveals how Samsung's staggered release schedule creates intentional upgrade pressure. While research shows the regular Galaxy S20 series reached its promised four-year support window and was removed from Samsung's update schedule, the S20 FE operates on a different timeline that Samsung uses to manage device lifecycles across its portfolio.

The S20 FE launched in September 2020, giving it a few extra months compared to its February 2020 siblings. More importantly, data indicates Samsung promised five years of security updates for the device, meaning support should continue through September 2025. This creates a calculated buffer zone where Samsung maintains support for popular models while pushing users of older flagships toward newer devices.

Let's break it down: Samsung's current policy offers seven years of updates for flagship devices launched in 2024 and later, but the S20 series was stuck with the old four-year promise. The FE model's extended timeline demonstrates how Samsung uses support windows as a market segmentation tool—keeping budget-conscious users satisfied while creating upgrade urgency for premium buyers.

What this update actually brings to the table

Don't expect any revolutionary changes here. Reports confirm this July 2024 patch focuses purely on security improvements, addressing 58 vulnerabilities—including critical ones that could allow remote code execution and data theft on aging devices where these exploits are most effective.

The S20 FE maxed out at Android 13 with One UI 5.1, and that's where the story ends. Samsung never promised the S20 lineup would see One UI 7 or Android 16 – those goodies are reserved for the S21 series and newer devices. This maintenance-only approach signals Samsung's end-of-life strategy: keep devices secure enough to avoid backlash, but don't invest in features that might discourage upgrades.

Here's what's happening under the hood: the S20 FE runs on an Exynos 990 processor with 8GB of RAM. While adequate for basic tasks, this hardware increasingly struggles with modern apps that assume newer chipset capabilities, creating a performance gap that security patches can't bridge.

The writing on the wall: your exit strategy

Here's the reality check S20 FE owners need to hear: this update represents Samsung's managed decline strategy rather than renewed commitment. Industry analysis suggests the FE model will follow its siblings into retirement sometime in late 2025, after Samsung extracts maximum value from its remaining support obligation.

PRO TIP: Start planning your upgrade now, but understand the economics. Samsung still offers around $155 in trade-in credits for S20 series devices, but that value decreases roughly 20% every six months as newer models flood the trade-in market.

Your upgrade calculus should factor in total cost of ownership. The Galaxy S25 series (with that seven-year update promise) might cost $800+ upfront but offers $114 annual cost spread over seven years. Budget options like the Galaxy A56 provide six years of support at $400, translating to $67 annually—a better long-term investment than clinging to a device entering its final support phase.

The S20 FE served admirably as Samsung's most praised phone in the series, but this July update feels more like Samsung's calculated farewell gift than a genuine commitment to longevity.

What happens when the updates finally stop

Once Samsung cuts the cord on S20 FE updates – which experts predict will happen by Q3 2025 – your security risk follows a predictable escalation timeline that most users don't anticipate.

In our experience with similar end-of-support devices, the first 6 months feel relatively safe. Apps still work, performance remains acceptable, and major security threats target newer, more valuable devices. But the 6-24 month window creates serious vulnerability. Research shows that phones without regular security patches become increasingly vulnerable to malware designed specifically for outdated systems, where these exploits can persist unpatched.

By the two-year mark, app compatibility becomes the bigger problem. Banking apps require Android 11 minimum versions, streaming services demand newer DRM capabilities, and productivity apps assume hardware features that the S20 FE's aging processor can't efficiently deliver.

Your best bet? Install reputable antivirus software like Bitdefender or Kaspersky, avoid sketchy app downloads, and steer clear of unsecured networks. Some adventurous users might explore custom ROMs, but that's definitely not a path for everyone and voids any remaining warranty protection.

The bottom line: Samsung's surprise July update for the S20 FE represents a carefully managed sunset rather than renewed support. Enjoy this security boost while it lasts, but recognize it for what it really is—Samsung's final gesture before pushing you toward your next Galaxy device. In the smartphone world, even fan favorites eventually become leverage for the next sale.