Samsung stops updating popular smartphone

The Galaxy S20 FE has been one of Samsung’s most popular phones for years because it struck an unusually good balance between price and features. Launched in 2020, it quickly became a more accessible entry point to the classic S series.

Five years later, the phone remains in active use by many, but the period of continuous updates is now over — and it’s becoming more noticeable than before.

The device received its final security update in October 2025. This formed part of Samsung’s five-year commitment, which included three major Android upgrades and regular security patches.

Several users had hoped for a few additional updates, but support is scheduled to end as new updates are rolled out, according to Samsung — even though expectations around the lifespan of Android phones have generally increased in recent years.

The result is that known vulnerabilities on the device will no longer be patched. The Galaxy S20 FE will continue to function in everyday use, but the risk of attacks will gradually rise as newer security updates no longer reach the device.

This is also reflected on Samsung’s official update page, where the model is still listed as receiving quarterly updates — a status that will soon disappear.

Five years marks a clear shift

The Galaxy S20 FE has been a key part of the Fan Edition series and marked the beginning of a format that has since become a permanent fixture in Samsung’s lineup. The model was created as a compromise between budget and premium, and much of the series’ later success can be traced back to it.

According to several tech outlets, the end of updates serves as a signal that users should consider their next step.

– If you want to protect your phone from the latest threats, now is the time to think about upgrading, SamMobile notes.

This advice aligns with the broader industry trend, where support periods today often extend up to seven years.

The S21 FE is also nearing the end of its support window. It launched with a promise of four major Android versions and recently received its final upgrade to Android 16. This means yet another Fan Edition model is reaching the end of its active lifespan.

New generation gets a significantly longer support cycle

The Galaxy S25 FE is positioned as the natural upgrade path for many S20 FE owners. It follows Samsung’s new update policy, which guarantees seven years of security patches and seven major Android versions — with support running through 2032. This marks a clear departure from previous generations.

– It’s a solid option if you want a modern FE model, an analyst told industry publication 9to5Google.

The Fan Edition line has evolved significantly since the original S20 FE. Newer models offer longer lifespans, more modern designs and a support strategy that now matches the best on the market.

For owners of the original S20 FE, that means that while the phone remains perfectly usable, its long-term future is increasingly uncertain.