In summary
- Samsung issues a surprise update
- Support had officially ended in April
- July security patch included
Samsung has surprised everyone by releasing one final update for its Galaxy S20 Ultra vintage flagship phone.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra launched in early 2020, which means that it’s no longer within its five year security update period. Indeed, the company officially ended support in April.
Nevertheless, Samsung has just issued a software update. As spotted by Sammyguru, US network operator Verizon has pushed out firmware version TP1A.220624.014.G988USQSDHYG2 to the phone, which includes the July 2025 security patch.
To be clear, there are no new features included with this latest unexpected update, but it should close off any current security issues for anyone still using the Galaxy S20 Ultra.
Foundry
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra – a curious vintage
Looking back on our review of the Galaxy S20 Ultra is an interesting exercise. We were rather lukewarm on it at the time, calling it “a big, ugly brick of a phone”.
Even today, a phone that’s 8.8mm thick and weighs 222g would probably attract comments concerning its excessive size. Back in 2020 it would have seemed excessive. We weren’t too impressed with the battery life on our European Exynos model, either.
Of course, Samsung’s solid build quality, in addition to the phone’s “best-in-class display, phenomenal performance, and a compelling camera” would have seen it through a good number of years – especially if it was kept in a case. It’s good to see that Samsung has gone above and beyond with its support.
Indeed, if this story does nothing else, it should lend peace of mind concerning Samsung’s expanded seven year software update promise for its latest flagship phones. Buy a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra today, and you can count on OS and security updates through to 2032.