According to SamMobile, Samsung’s first Galaxy Fan Edition phone has reached its software update end-of-life. The Galaxy S20 FE launched in 2020, about seven months after the main S20 series, and quickly became a hit thanks to its solid feature set at a reasonable price. While some markets might get one final security patch, this basically marks the end of official software support. If you’re still rocking this device, it’s time to think about moving on for security reasons.
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The planned obsolescence dance
Here’s the thing about smartphone lifecycles – they’re getting both longer and more predictable. The S20 FE getting its final update after roughly four years feels about right for a 2020 device, but it highlights how much Samsung’s update policy has evolved. Back then, we were lucky to get three years of updates. Now the S25 FE promises seven years of security patches and major OS upgrades. That’s a massive improvement, but it also creates this weird situation where your four-year-old phone suddenly feels ancient.
The upgrade push is real
Look, Samsung isn’t just cutting off support out of spite – there’s a clear business strategy here. They’re actively pushing S20 FE owners toward the S25 FE with trade-in deals and storage promotions. Save up to $200 by trading in your old FE? That’s not exactly charity – it’s a calculated move to keep customers in the Samsung ecosystem. And honestly, it’s smart. These FE phones created this loyal fanbase that Samsung clearly wants to retain rather than lose to competitors.
What this means for the mid-range market
So where does this leave the broader smartphone market? The FE series basically created this sweet spot between flagship features and mid-range pricing that other manufacturers have been chasing ever since. But now we’re seeing the downside – when you buy a phone knowing it has a limited software lifespan, you’re essentially agreeing to upgrade in 3-4 years. The question is, are consumers better off with cheaper phones they replace more often, or spending more for longer support? Personally, I think Samsung’s current seven-year promise on newer FE models makes them much more compelling. If you’re shopping in this segment now, that update policy should be a major factor in your decision.
Basically, the S20 FE had a good run, but its retirement party is here. If you’re still using one, head over to Samsung.com to check out those trade-in deals – they might just soften the blow of saying goodbye to an old favorite.
