Samsung's Galaxy S20 lineup receives an update, despite support concluding several months ago
Samsung Provides Unanticipated Security Update for Galaxy S20 Series
Samsung has surprised its users with an additional security patch for the discontinued Galaxy S20 series. This unexpected update aims to address critical security vulnerabilities discovered after the official support ended for these devices [1][3][5].
The July 2025 security update includes a critical Android Common Vulnerability and Exposure (CVE), 21 high-severity Android security fixes, 17 Samsung-specific vulnerability fixes, and a notable high-importance semiconductor vulnerability fix (CVE-2025-47202) from Samsung Semiconductor [1][2][3].
Initially rolling out to Verizon models in the US, this update addresses newly identified security flaws that warranted an urgent fix beyond the usual support window [1][3][5]. No new features or OS upgrades are included in this update; it solely focuses on closing critical security gaps and improving overall system stability [3].
This move reinforces Samsung’s reputation for extensive device support, though users should be aware that future vulnerabilities post-patch may not be fixed, so upgrading to newer models like the Galaxy S25 series is advisable for ongoing security [3].
Google also follows a similar practice by rolling out one final big patch for its Pixel devices reaching their end-of-life (EOL), along with battery fixes that are becoming more frequent [6]. Samsung, on the other hand, now provides seven years of OS and security patch support for newer devices like the Galaxy S25 series [7].
Apple's iPhone policies have been matched by Samsung's current support for the Galaxy S20 series. The Galaxy S20 series originally received five years of software support, but this update extends that support beyond what was initially promised [8].
It's not entirely uncommon for OEMs to deliver unexpected updates, but it's far from common. If you still have a Galaxy S20, it's recommended to install the security fixes as soon as they are received.
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Users might find unexpected security improvements in their Samsung smartphones, as the Galaxy S20 series recently received an update addressing critical vulnerabilities discovered even after the official support ended. These improvements not only include fixes for Android Common Vulnerability and Exposure (CVE) and numerous high-severity Android security flaws, but also Samsung-specific and semiconductor vulnerability fixes.
