November 16, 2025, 3:21 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Samsung has optimized its strategy for software and security updates for smartphones over the years. The company offers up to seven years of support for current devices. However, older models are dropped from the update plan after the promised period to focus resources on newer generations. Now, the popular Galaxy S20 FE model is affected.
End of Update Support for Several Models
Along with the Galaxy S20 FE and the 5G version, Samsung has removed several other models from its official update list. This list includes all devices that receive monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual security updates. The Galaxy M22, Galaxy W22 5G, Galaxy M52 5G, and the Galaxy Tab Active 3 are also affected. No new patches or software improvements will be provided for these devices.
A look at the update list shows that Samsung is focusing on newer devices while older models no longer receive support. This underscores the trend of manufacturers increasingly aligning their update policies with the product lifecycle.
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Fulfillment of the Promise
The Fan Edition of the Galaxy S20 was released in fall 2020 and offered many features of the more expensive flagship series at a lower price. Samsung had promised three major Android upgrades and five years of security updates. The company has now fulfilled this promise. With the October 2025 patch, software maintenance ends definitively; no further updates are planned.
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For Samsung, this is proof of fulfilling the commitments made at launch. This makes Samsung one of the few manufacturers offering long support periods for their devices.
Impact on Users
For users, the end of official support does not mean the immediate end for use of the device. The Galaxy S20 FE remains usable, but without regular security updates. This increases the risk that known security vulnerabilities will no longer be addressed. New Android versions or updates for the One UI interface will also no longer be delivered.
The discontinuation of updates could long-term limit the security and functionality of the affected devices. Users should consider this when continuing to use their devices.