Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy S20 has become very affordable in 2026. According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S20 models now start at around $130+, down slightly from around $150+ in 2025.
In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the Samsung Galaxy S20 in 2026, explain why its $130+ price isn't as attractive as it first appears, and compare it with the Galaxy S23 to help you decide which phone offers better long-term value.
Quick Verdict
| Category |
Verdict |
| Overall Recommendation |
❌ Not Recommended |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price (2026) |
Starts at around $130+ |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price (2025) |
Started at around $150+ |
| Price Change |
Down about $20 |
| One UI 9 (Android 17) |
Not Supported |
| Android OS Updates |
Ended |
| Security Updates |
Ended |
| Best Alternative |
Galaxy S23 starting at $210+ |
| Price Difference to Galaxy S23 |
About $80 |
We don't recommend buying the Galaxy S20 in 2026. Its Certified Used and Refurbished starting price has dropped from around $150+ in 2025 to approximately $130+ in 2026. That's a good price for the hardware, but the Galaxy S20 has reached a point where software support matters more than the purchase price.
Samsung has completely ended support for the Galaxy S20. It no longer receives Android OS upgrades or security patches and does not support One UI 9 (Android 17). That makes it difficult to recommend buying one today, especially if you plan to keep your next phone for several years.
For more information about Samsung's software support lifecycle, including which older Galaxy phones have stopped receiving updates, read our What Samsung Galaxy Will Stop Working guide.
Instead, we recommend the Galaxy S23, starting at around $210+. For approximately $80 more, you're getting a phone that's three generations newer, supports One UI 9 (Android 17), continues to receive security updates, and offers significantly newer hardware.
If your budget absolutely stops at around $130, the Galaxy S20 still offers impressive hardware for the money. However, if you can spend another $80, we believe the Galaxy S23 is easily the smarter Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone to buy in 2026. The extra cost gives you a much longer useful lifespan and better peace of mind.
Samsung Galaxy S20 in 2026
The Samsung Galaxy S20 is now six years old, but some of its hardware still holds up surprisingly well in 2026. It has a high-quality 120Hz AMOLED display, capable cameras, wireless charging, 5G connectivity, and enough performance for most everyday tasks.
However, the Galaxy S20 has reached the point where good hardware alone isn't enough to make it a good purchase. Samsung has completely ended software support for the model. If you're shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone today, that's the biggest reason to look at a newer Galaxy instead.
Price and Availability
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S20 models start at around $130+ in 2026. That's down slightly from approximately $150+ in 2025.
A $130+ starting price makes the Galaxy S20 one of the cheapest former Samsung flagships available. For that price, you're getting hardware that can still outperform many basic budget phones in areas such as display quality, cameras, wireless charging, and overall build quality.
However, we don't think the $20 price decline from last year changes the buying decision. The Galaxy S20's biggest problem isn't its price or hardware. It's the fact that Samsung has completely stopped supporting it.
Software Support
Software support is the main reason we don't recommend the Galaxy S20 in 2026. Samsung has ended both major Android OS upgrades and security updates for the Galaxy S20.
The Galaxy S20 also does not support the latest One UI 9 (Android 17). It will continue running its existing software, but it will no longer receive new Android versions, major One UI features, or security patches from Samsung.
This is especially important when buying a phone rather than simply continuing to use one you already own. A Certified Used or Refurbished phone should ideally have enough remaining support life to justify the purchase.
If you want to learn more about Samsung's update policies and which Galaxy phones are approaching or have reached the end of support, read our What Samsung Galaxy Will Stop Working guide.
Chipset and Performance
The U.S. version of the Galaxy S20 is powered by the Snapdragon 865, while some international versions use Samsung's Exynos 990. The Galaxy S20 also comes with plenty of RAM, helping it remain responsive during everyday use.
For web browsing, social media, streaming, navigation, messaging, and other common tasks, the Galaxy S20 can still perform well in 2026. The Snapdragon 865 was a flagship processor, and its performance hasn't suddenly disappeared just because the phone is older.
However, newer processors offer substantially better performance and power efficiency. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in the Galaxy S23 is several generations newer and provides faster processing, improved graphics, better AI capabilities, and greater efficiency.
Display
The display remains one of the Galaxy S20's best features. It has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3200 × 1440 and support for a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
Colors are vibrant, contrast is excellent, and the high refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smooth. Even compared with many newer smartphones, the Galaxy S20's screen doesn't feel outdated.
There is one limitation: the Galaxy S20 cannot use its maximum QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate at the same time. You need to lower the resolution to Full HD+ to use 120Hz.
Still, display quality is one area where the Galaxy S20 continues to perform very well for a $130+ phone.
Camera
The Galaxy S20 features a triple-camera system with a 12MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and 64MP telephoto camera. It also supports up to 8K video recording.
The camera system remains capable for everyday photography. In good lighting, the Galaxy S20 can still capture sharp and colorful photos, while the ultra-wide camera provides additional flexibility for landscapes and group shots.
However, camera technology and Samsung's image processing have improved considerably since 2020. The Galaxy S23 features a newer 50MP main camera, a dedicated 3x optical telephoto camera, and newer computational photography. It generally delivers better low-light results and more consistent photos.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S20 comes with a 4,000mAh battery and supports 25W wired charging, wireless charging, and Wireless PowerShare.
Battery life was reasonable when the Galaxy S20 was new, but battery condition deserves extra attention when buying a device originally released in 2020. Lithium-ion batteries naturally lose capacity as they age, so the actual battery life of an individual Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S20 can depend heavily on its battery condition.
The Galaxy S23 technically has a slightly smaller 3,900mAh battery, but its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor is significantly more efficient. As a result, battery capacity alone doesn't tell you which phone will last longer in real-world use.
Design
The Galaxy S20 still looks like a modern premium smartphone. Its relatively compact 6.2-inch display, curved glass back, aluminum frame, and slim bezels help it avoid looking noticeably dated.
It also offers features you would expect from a flagship phone, including IP68 water and dust resistance, wireless charging, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and premium glass construction.
From a hardware and design perspective, there's still plenty to like about the Galaxy S20. If Samsung were continuing to provide software and security updates, its $130+ price would be much easier to recommend. Unfortunately, the end of official support changes the buying decision.
Why We Don't Recommend the Galaxy S20 in 2026
The Galaxy S20 demonstrates an important lesson when shopping for an older Certified Used or Refurbished smartphone: a low price doesn't always mean good long-term value.
At $130+, the Galaxy S20 gives you impressive hardware for the money. But you're also buying a phone that has already reached the end of Samsung's official support lifecycle. For most buyers, that's too significant a compromise.
Samsung Support Has Completely Ended
Samsung has completely ended official software support for the Galaxy S20. Unlike the Galaxy S22, which still receives quarterly security updates, the Galaxy S20 has moved beyond that stage of its lifecycle.
This means buyers shouldn't expect new Android OS versions, major One UI upgrades, or Samsung security patches.
If you already own a Galaxy S20, that doesn't mean your phone suddenly stops working. However, if you're shopping for a phone in 2026, we don't recommend spending money on a device that has already reached the end of official support.
No More Android OS Updates
The Galaxy S20 has reached the end of its Android OS upgrade cycle and does not support One UI 9 (Android 17).
Existing apps will continue working for some time, but the Galaxy S20 will gradually fall further behind newer Samsung phones as new Android and One UI versions introduce additional features, privacy improvements, and app capabilities.
For someone planning to keep a phone for several years, buying a device that has already stopped receiving major OS upgrades isn't ideal.
No More Security Updates
The bigger concern is security. The Galaxy S20 no longer receives regular Samsung security patches that address newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Smartphones now contain an enormous amount of personal information, including saved passwords, email accounts, photos, payment information, banking apps, work accounts, and private messages. That's why remaining security support should be an important consideration when buying an older phone.
This doesn't mean an unsupported Galaxy S20 immediately becomes unsafe. But the longer a device goes without security patches, the more difficult it becomes to recommend as a new purchase.
Is It Safe to Use a Galaxy S20 in 2026?
If you already own a Galaxy S20 and it still works well, you don't necessarily need to stop using it immediately. Keep your apps updated, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication where available, and avoid installing apps or files from unknown sources.
However, there's an important difference between continuing to use a Galaxy S20 you already own and buying one in 2026.
For a new purchase, we recommend choosing a phone that still receives official software and security updates. The Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S23 starts at around $210+, approximately $80 more than the Galaxy S20, but gives you a much longer remaining support life.
For most buyers, spending that additional $80 is a much better investment than saving money upfront on a phone that Samsung no longer supports.
Best Alternative: Galaxy S23
If you're considering a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S20, we recommend spending a little more on the Galaxy S23. According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 models start at around $210+ in 2026, approximately $80 more than the Galaxy S20 at $130+.
We believe the extra $80 is well worth spending. The Galaxy S23 supports the latest One UI 9 (Android 17) and continues to receive security updates, while Samsung has completely ended software and security support for the Galaxy S20.
You also get a phone that's three generations newer, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, a newer 50MP main camera, better battery efficiency, a brighter display, Galaxy AI features, and a more modern connectivity package. If you're buying a phone in 2026 rather than continuing to use one you already own, the Galaxy S23 is the much better long-term investment.
Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S23 Specs Comparison
| Feature |
Galaxy S20 |
Galaxy S23 |
| Release Year |
2020 |
2023 |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price (2026) |
$130+ |
$210+ |
| One UI 9 (Android 17) |
Not Supported |
Supported |
| Android OS Support |
Ended |
Through 2027 |
| Security Updates |
Ended |
Through 2028 |
| Chipset |
Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| CPU |
Octa-core |
Octa-core |
| RAM |
12GB (5G U.S. model) |
8GB |
| Storage |
128GB |
128GB / 256GB |
| microSD Card |
Yes |
No |
| Display Technology |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Display Size |
6.2-inch |
6.1-inch |
| Resolution |
3200 × 1440 |
2340 × 1080 |
| Refresh Rate |
Up to 120Hz |
Adaptive 48–120Hz |
| Peak Brightness |
Up to 1,200 nits |
Up to 1,750 nits |
| Main Camera |
12MP |
50MP |
| Ultra-wide Camera |
12MP |
12MP |
| Telephoto Camera |
64MP Hybrid Optic Zoom |
10MP 3x Optical Zoom |
| Front Camera |
10MP |
12MP |
| Video Recording |
Up to 8K |
Up to 8K |
| Battery Capacity |
4,000mAh |
3,900mAh |
| Wired Charging |
25W |
25W |
| Wireless Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
| Reverse Wireless Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
| Water and Dust Resistance |
IP68 |
IP68 |
| 5G |
Yes (5G model) |
Yes |
| Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi 6 |
Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth |
5.0 |
5.3 |
| Galaxy AI |
No |
Yes |
Key Differences
Price
The Galaxy S20 has the clear advantage on upfront price. Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S20 models start at around $130+, compared with approximately $210+ for the Galaxy S23. That's a difference of about $80.
If you're shopping on the tightest possible budget, saving $80 may be attractive. However, we don't think the lower purchase price makes the Galaxy S20 the better value. You're saving money by buying a phone that has already reached the end of Samsung's software and security support.
Software Support
This is the most important difference between the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S23. Samsung has completely stopped supporting the Galaxy S20. It no longer receives major Android OS upgrades or security patches and does not support One UI 9 (Android 17).
The Galaxy S23 supports One UI 9 (Android 17), with Android OS support through 2027 and security updates through 2028. If you plan to keep your next phone for several years, that additional support life alone makes the Galaxy S23 worth considering.
Performance
The Snapdragon 865 in the U.S. Galaxy S20 was an excellent flagship processor when it launched, and it's still capable of handling many everyday tasks in 2026. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in the Galaxy S23 is several generations newer.
The Galaxy S23 delivers faster CPU and graphics performance while also being significantly more power efficient. This means better performance for demanding apps and games, less heat, and better battery efficiency.
Display
The Galaxy S20 actually has an advantage on paper when it comes to resolution. Its 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display has a 3200 × 1440 QHD+ resolution, compared with 2340 × 1080 on the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23.
However, the Galaxy S20 cannot run at QHD+ resolution and 120Hz at the same time. To use its 120Hz refresh rate, you need to lower the display resolution to Full HD+.
The Galaxy S23 has a lower maximum resolution but offers a much brighter display, making it easier to see outdoors. Both phones have excellent screens, so display quality isn't a strong reason to choose the Galaxy S20 over the newer model.
Camera
The Galaxy S23 offers a more modern camera system with a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a dedicated 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
The Galaxy S20 has a 12MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and 64MP telephoto camera that relies more heavily on hybrid zoom. While it can still take good photos, the Galaxy S23 benefits from newer sensors and several generations of improvements to Samsung's image processing.
For low-light photography, portraits, zoom, selfies, and overall consistency, the Galaxy S23 is the better camera phone.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S20 has a slightly larger battery on paper: 4,000mAh compared with 3,900mAh in the Galaxy S23. However, battery capacity doesn't tell the full story.
The Galaxy S23's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor is significantly more power efficient. This allows the newer phone to deliver strong real-world battery life despite having a slightly smaller battery.
Age also matters. Because the Galaxy S20 originally launched in 2020, battery condition should be an important consideration when shopping for one in 2026.
5G and Connectivity
The Galaxy S20 generation helped bring 5G to Samsung's mainstream flagship lineup, although availability and supported 5G bands can vary depending on the specific Galaxy S20 version and carrier.
The Galaxy S23 comes with 5G as standard and also adds newer connectivity technologies such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. For buyers planning to keep their phone for several more years, the Galaxy S23 provides the more modern connectivity package.
Galaxy AI
The Galaxy S23 supports Samsung's Galaxy AI features, while the Galaxy S20 does not. Galaxy AI adds useful tools for search, translation, productivity, communication, and AI-powered photo editing.
Galaxy AI isn't essential for everyone, but it's another example of the growing software gap between the two phones. As Samsung continues developing its AI features, supported Galaxy models such as the S23 are better positioned to benefit from newer software capabilities.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S20 has become very affordable in 2026. According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S20 models now start at around $130+, down slightly from around $150+ in 2025. For that price, you still get a high-quality 120Hz AMOLED display, capable cameras, premium design, and enough performance for everyday use.
However, we don't recommend buying the Galaxy S20 in 2026. Samsung has completely ended software support for the Galaxy S20. It no longer receives Android OS upgrades or security patches and does not support the latest One UI 9 (Android 17). The hardware may still be capable, but the lack of ongoing security support makes it difficult to recommend as a phone you're buying today.
Instead, we recommend spending about $80 more on the Galaxy S23, with Certified Used and Refurbished models starting at around $210+. It supports One UI 9 (Android 17), with Android OS support through 2027 and security updates through 2028. You also get a much newer and more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, improved cameras, better battery efficiency, a brighter display, and Galaxy AI features.
If you already own a Galaxy S20 and it still meets your needs, you don't necessarily need to stop using it immediately. However, continuing to use a phone you already own is very different from spending money to buy an unsupported phone in 2026.
For most buyers shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone, we believe the Galaxy S23 is easily worth the additional $80. Its longer remaining support life and newer hardware should give you considerably better long-term value and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Samsung Galaxy S20 still worth buying in 2026?
No. Although the Galaxy S20 starts at an attractive $130+ and still has capable hardware, we don't recommend buying it in 2026. Samsung has completely ended software and security support for the Galaxy S20.
2. How much does a Certified Used Galaxy S20 cost in 2026?
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S20 models start at around $130+ in 2026, down slightly from around $150+ in 2025.
3. Does the Galaxy S20 support One UI 9 (Android 17)?
No. The Galaxy S20 does not support One UI 9 (Android 17). It has reached the end of its major Android OS upgrade lifecycle.
4. Does the Galaxy S20 still receive security updates in 2026?
No. Samsung has completely ended security updates for the Galaxy S20. The lack of ongoing security patches is one of the main reasons we don't recommend buying one in 2026.
5. Is the Galaxy S20 safe to use in 2026?
The Galaxy S20 will continue to work, but it no longer receives security patches from Samsung. If you already own one, you can continue using it while taking normal security precautions. However, we don't recommend buying one in 2026 because official security support has ended.
6. Is the Galaxy S20 still fast enough in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S20's Snapdragon 865 processor in U.S. models is still capable of handling web browsing, streaming, social media, navigation, messaging, and many everyday apps. Performance isn't the main problem with the Galaxy S20 in 2026; its lack of software and security support is.
7. Is the Galaxy S20 camera still good in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S20 can still take good photos and videos, especially in good lighting. However, newer phones such as the Galaxy S23 offer improved camera hardware, better low-light photography, newer image processing, and a dedicated 3x optical telephoto camera.
8. Is the Galaxy S23 better than the Galaxy S20?
Yes. The Galaxy S23 supports One UI 9 (Android 17), has significantly more remaining software support, and offers a faster and more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor. It also provides improved cameras, better battery efficiency, a brighter display, and Galaxy AI features.
9. Is the Galaxy S23 worth $80 more than the Galaxy S20?
Yes. We believe the Galaxy S23 is easily worth the additional $80. It starts at around $210+ and gives you One UI 9 (Android 17), Android OS support through 2027, security updates through 2028, newer hardware, and a much longer useful lifespan.
10. Should I upgrade if I already own a Galaxy S20?
You don't necessarily need to replace your Galaxy S20 immediately if it still meets your needs. However, because Samsung no longer provides security updates, we recommend planning an upgrade to a newer supported Galaxy phone, especially if you use your phone for banking, work, payments, or other sensitive activities.
11. What is the best alternative to the Galaxy S20 in 2026?
We recommend the Galaxy S23, which starts at around $210+ for Certified Used and Refurbished models. It costs about $80 more than the Galaxy S20 but offers One UI 9 (Android 17), significantly more remaining software support, newer hardware, better efficiency, and better long-term value.
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