Tech Talk

Is Galaxy S20+ Still Worth Buying in 2025

Feb 19, 2025 Jonathan Sizemore

Overview of Galaxy S20+

The Samsung Galaxy S20+, released in 2020, was one of Samsung’s premium flagship models, featuring a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865/Exynos 990 chipset, 5G support, and a versatile quad-camera system. Fast forward to 2025, and the Galaxy S20+ remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a powerful phone with ongoing software support.

According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S20+ has dropped to $160, making it one of the cheapest Samsung flagship models still receiving quarterly security updates from Samsung. With its premium build, high refresh rate display, and strong performance, the Galaxy S20+ is still a solid purchase in 2025.

Full Specs

Specification	Details
Network	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch	Announced: February 11, 2020 Released: March 6, 2020
Body	Dimensions: 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm Weight: 186g Build: Gorilla Glass 6 front & back, aluminum frame Water Resistance: IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display	Size: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Resolution: 3200 x 1440 pixels (~525 ppi) Refresh Rate: 120Hz (FHD) / 60Hz (QHD) HDR10+ Support: Yes Protection: Gorilla Glass 6
Platform	OS: Originally Android 10, upgradable to Android 13 Chipset: Snapdragon 865 (USA) / Exynos 990 (Global) CPU: Octa-core GPU: Adreno 650 (Snapdragon) / Mali-G77 MP11 (Exynos)
Memory	Internal Storage: 128GB / 512GB RAM: 8GB / 12GB Expandable Storage: microSDXC (up to 1TB, uses shared SIM slot)
Main Camera	Quad Setup: - 12 MP (wide), f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF - 64 MP (telephoto), f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom, OIS - 12 MP (ultrawide), f/2.2, Super Steady video - 0.3 MP TOF 3D depth sensor Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, HDR10+
Selfie Camera	Single: 10 MP, f/2.2 (wide), Dual Pixel PDAF Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Battery	Capacity: 4500mAh Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2, 5G Support
Software Support	Quarterly security updates until at least 2026

Performance in 2025

Even in 2025, the Galaxy S20+ remains a strong performer, capable of handling gaming, multitasking, and media consumption with ease.

Chipset Performance

✅ Snapdragon 865 (USA) – More power-efficient, better battery life, and optimized for gaming.
✅ Exynos 990 (Global) – Slightly less efficient but still delivers flagship-level performance.
Everyday Performance – The 8GB/12GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking, fast app switching, and a lag-free experience.
Gaming – The Adreno 650 GPU (Snapdragon) and Mali-G77 GPU (Exynos) can still run high-end games like Call of Duty, Genshin Impact, and PUBG at high settings.
5G Connectivity – The S20+ supports 5G, ensuring faster download speeds for streaming, browsing, and online gaming.

📌 Despite being five years old, the Galaxy S20+ outperforms many mid-range smartphones released in 2025.

Display Quality

The Galaxy S20+ features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which is one of the best displays available in this price range.

✅ 120Hz Refresh Rate – Ensures smooth scrolling and a fluid UI experience.
✅ 3200 x 1440 Resolution (QHD+) – Provides sharp visuals with high pixel density (~525 ppi).
✅ HDR10+ Support – Enhances video quality on Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming platforms.
✅ Deep Blacks & Vibrant Colors – Thanks to its AMOLED panel, the S20+ offers better contrast than most LCD budget phones.

📺 Even in 2025, the Galaxy S20+ display is superior to many mid-range and budget models.

Camera Performance

The quad-camera system on the Galaxy S20+ still holds up well for 2025 standards.

📸 Rear Camera Highlights:

✅ 12MP Main Sensor – Produces detailed and well-balanced shots with excellent color accuracy.
✅ 64MP Telephoto Lens – Supports 3x hybrid zoom and 8K video recording.
✅ 12MP Ultrawide Sensor – Captures wider shots with Super Steady video stabilization.
✅ ToF Depth Sensor – Enhances portrait shots and augmented reality applications.

📷 10MP Front Camera:

✅ Produces sharp selfies with natural skin tones.
✅ Supports 4K video recording at 60fps for high-quality vlogs and video calls.

📌 For under $200, the Galaxy S20+ offers one of the best camera systems in its price category.

Battery Life

🔋 4500mAh Battery Performance in 2025:

✅ All-Day Battery Life – Lasts 8-10 hours on normal use.
✅ Fast Charging – 25W wired charging can reach 50% in 30 minutes.
✅ Wireless Charging – 15W fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for accessories.

📌 While battery health on used devices may vary, the Galaxy S20+ still offers solid endurance in 2025.

Software & Updates

One of the biggest reasons to buy the Galaxy S20+ in 2025 is Samsung's continued software support.

✅ Quarterly security updates until at least 2026 (More details).
✅ One UI 5 (Android 13) – Offers a modern UI with optimized performance.
✅ More secure than older Android devices that no longer receive updates.

📌 For a sub-$200 device, having ongoing software updates makes the S20+ a safer and more reliable purchase.

Price and Value

As of 2025, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S20+ is available for around $160, making it one of the best-value flagship smartphones still receiving software updates.

💰 Why is this price significant?

The Galaxy S20+ originally launched at $1,199 in 2020, meaning it has dropped over 85% in price, while still maintaining strong hardware and software support.
For under $200, the S20+ outperforms many newer budget and mid-range smartphones with its 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865 chipset, and 5G connectivity.
Other alternatives at this price range include the Galaxy S20, S21 FE, or Pixel 6, but the S20+ offers a larger display and better cameras than most.

📉 Price Trend Prediction:

The S20+ may hold its $160 price tag for most of 2025 before gradually becoming harder to find in the Certified Used/Refurbished market.
As newer Samsung models push out older ones, availability will decrease, making the S20+ a great buy while it’s still widely available.

📌 For those looking for a premium Android experience at a budget price, the Galaxy S20+ is one of the best options under $200.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Galaxy S20+ offers incredible value in 2025, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:

❌ No More Major Android Updates – The Galaxy S20+ is capped at Android 13 (One UI 5) and won’t receive Android 14 or later. However, security updates will continue until at least 2026.
❌ Exynos vs. Snapdragon Differences – The Snapdragon 865 version (USA) is more power-efficient and offers better gaming performance compared to the Exynos 990 variant (Global).
❌ Battery Health on Used Devices – Older batteries may have some degradation, so buying from a Certified Reseller ensures quality and battery performance.
❌ No Adaptive Refresh Rate – The 120Hz refresh rate is smooth but only works at FHD resolution. Unlike newer Samsung devices, it does not dynamically adjust to save battery.
❌ No 5G mmWave Support – While the S20+ supports 5G, it lacks mmWave, meaning 5G speeds may not be as fast in some areas compared to newer models.

💡 Despite these drawbacks, the Galaxy S20+ remains one of the best budget flagship options available in 2025.

Environmental Considerations

Choosing a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S20+ isn’t just about saving money—it’s also an eco-friendly decision. Buying a refurbished smartphone helps reduce electronic waste and carbon emissions associated with manufacturing new devices.

🌱 Environmental Benefits of Buying a Used S20+:

♻️ Reduces E-Waste – Extends the phone’s life cycle, keeping it out of landfills.
⚡ Lowers Carbon Footprint – Smartphone production requires mining rare materials and high energy consumption. Choosing a refurbished device reduces environmental impact.
🔋 Supports Sustainable Tech Practices – Encourages reuse and refurbishment rather than contributing to the demand for new materials.

📌 By choosing a refurbished Galaxy S20+, buyers contribute to a more sustainable future while still getting a high-quality smartphone.

How to Find the Best Deal: UpTrade

Finding a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S20+ at the best price is easy with UpTrade.

⭐ Price Comparison – UpTrade aggregates prices from multiple certified resellers, ensuring buyers get the lowest available deal.
⭐ Certified Quality – Every listed device is Certified Used or Refurbished, meaning it has been tested, inspected, and verified for quality.
⭐ Standardized Refurbishment Condition – While each Certified Reseller has its own cosmetic standard, UpTrade aligns them all to the same UpTrade Refurbishment Standard, so you can make an apple-to-apple comparison.
⭐ Secure Transactions – Buy from trusted sellers with warranties and return policies, reducing the risks of purchasing used devices.
⭐ Convenience – No need to search multiple marketplaces—UpTrade does the work, saving time and effort.

📌 UpTrade simplifies the buying process, ensuring buyers get a reliable Galaxy S20+ at the best price. 🚀

Conclusion: Is the Galaxy S20+ Still Worth Buying in 2025?

Yes. The Galaxy S20+ remains a fantastic budget-friendly flagship option in 2025, offering premium build quality, 5G connectivity, a high-refresh-rate display, and ongoing security updates for just $160.

✅ Pros:

✔ 120Hz AMOLED display – Better than most budget and mid-range smartphones.
✔ Powerful Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 chipset – Still capable of handling multitasking and gaming.
✔ Versatile quad-camera system – With 3x hybrid zoom and 8K video recording.
✔ 5G support – Ensures fast data speeds for streaming and gaming.
✔ Strong battery life – 4500mAh battery with fast charging & wireless charging.
✔ Quarterly security updates through 2026 – Keeping the device secure and optimized.
✔ Certified Used/Refurbished models for under $200 – A premium phone at an affordable price.

❌ Cons:

✖ No Android updates beyond One UI 5 (Android 13).
✖ Battery health may vary on used models (Certified Resellers ensure quality).
✖ Snapdragon variant offers better performance than Exynos.
✖ No adaptive refresh rate (120Hz only works in FHD mode).

📌 For budget-conscious buyers who want a premium Samsung experience at an unbeatable price, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S20+ is a fantastic choice in 2025! 🚀