Samsung's flagship Galaxy S20 lineup receives an unexpected update, despite previous announcements indicating that support had ceased.
In an unexpected move, Samsung has rolled out a July 2025 security patch for its discontinued Galaxy S20 series, including the S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra models on Verizon in the US [1][3][5]. This update comes several months after the company officially ended support for these devices in April 2025.
The update includes critical Android and Samsung-specific security fixes, addressing high-importance semiconductor vulnerabilities, Knox security enhancements, improvements in wireless connectivity, Samsung Account, and other system stability updates [3]. This move by Samsung is a rare post-support gesture aimed at addressing critical security vulnerabilities that could leave aging phones exposed.
In contrast, Google's end-of-life patching for Pixel devices tends to be more rigid and predictable, with official security updates stopping strictly at the end of the guaranteed support period. Samsung's actions reflect its position as a top US Android vendor facing pressure to maintain device security for its large user base, even beyond formal support timelines [2][3].
The update for the Galaxy S20 series is a departure from the typical five-year software support initially provided. Recent Samsung devices, such as the Galaxy S25 series, receive seven years of OS and security patch support [4]. The patch numbers for the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra are G981VSQSDHYG2, G986USQSDHYG2, and G988USQSDHYG2, respectively.
Users still using a Galaxy S20 device are advised to install these security fixes as soon as they receive them. The update is currently rolling out to Verizon customers for the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. It's worth noting that there is no official changelog for this update outside of the security fixes.
The reason for the Galaxy S20 series to receive this update, despite being discontinued, is not specified. However, there is usually a significant reason for a device lineup to spring back to life, such as the one seen with the Galaxy S20 series.
Battery fixes are becoming more frequent for Samsung devices, reflecting the company's commitment to addressing user concerns even after official support ends. This extended support matches what consumers have come to expect from Apple's iPhone policies.
In summary, while Google's Pixel devices typically cease updates at the end of their guaranteed support period, Samsung occasionally delivers a final patch for discontinued device series, as seen with the current update for the Galaxy S20 series. This unexpected security update demonstrates Samsung's commitment to patching critical vulnerabilities even after official support ends, contrasting with Google's typical end-of-life update approach for Pixel devices.
References: [1] Android Police (2025). Samsung's July 2025 security patch brings fixes for a high-importance semiconductor vulnerability to the Galaxy S20 series on Verizon. Retrieved from https://www.androidpolice.com/2025/07/01/samsungs-july-2025-security-patch-brings-fixes-for-a-high-importance-semiconductor-vulnerability-to-the-galaxy-s20-series-on-verizon/ [2] The Verge (2025). Samsung's July 2025 security update for the Galaxy S20 series is a rare post-support gesture. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/07/01/22684654/samsung-galaxy-s20-series-july-2025-security-update-post-support-rare [3] Android Central (2025). Samsung's July 2025 security patch for the Galaxy S20 series includes fixes for a high-importance semiconductor vulnerability. Retrieved from https://www.androidcentral.com/samsungs-july-2025-security-patch-galaxy-s20-series-includes-fixes-high-importance-semiconductor-vulnerability [4] Samsung (2025). Samsung announces extended software support for Galaxy devices. Retrieved from https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-announces-extended-software-support-for-galaxy-devices [5] XDA Developers (2025). July 2025 security patch for Galaxy S20 series begins rolling out on Verizon. Retrieved from https://www.xda-developers.com/july-2025-security-patch-galaxy-s20-series-verizon/
- Samsung's latest move, offering a July 2025 security patch for the discontinued Galaxy S20 series, extends the life of smartphones like the S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra by addressing critical Android and Samsung-specific security fixes, among other improvements.
- The recent update for Samsung's Galaxy S20 devices, despite being discontinued, showcases the company's commitment to technology, particularly in the realm of gadgets such as smartphones, by addressing high-importance semiconductor vulnerabilities and strengthening Knox security, even after official support ends.
