S20 Ultra in 2025: Master Your 5-Year-Old Flagship for Peak Performance

If you’re still using your Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, or S20 Ultra in late 2025, you’ve got a fantastic piece of hardware. But five years on, it needs more than just daily use; it needs a tactical approach. We’re cutting through the noise to show you exactly how to get peak performance and usability from your S20 series phone today.

Your S20’s 2025 Reality Check: What’s Changed, What Hasn’t

First, understand your device’s current standing. Your S20 series phone is a survivor, but it operates in a different landscape now. Official software support for the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra ended in April 2025, with the March 2025 security patch being its last guaranteed update. This means no new Android versions beyond Android 13 or One UI 5.1, and no access to Samsung’s latest AI features. Don’t expect further major OS updates.

However, the underlying hardware still impresses. The Snapdragon 865 chipset still handles multitasking, media, and many games with ease. Its Dynamic AMOLED 2X display remains a standout, often outperforming newer mid-range panels.

Software & Security Landscape

• No New Android Versions: You’re on Android 13 with One UI 5.1. Accept this. New features and core OS-level security beyond this are not coming from Samsung.
• Google Play System Updates: These continue for a while, offering some component-level security, but they don’t replace full OS patches.
• AI Features: The latest AI capabilities are reserved for newer devices with dedicated NPU hardware and updated software. Your S20 simply won’t get them.

Hardware That Still Shines

• Snapdragon 865: Still a very capable processor for most daily tasks and many games. Don’t underestimate its sustained performance.
• Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display: This screen was top-tier in 2020 and remains excellent. Its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and 120Hz Refresh rate (on applicable models) often beat newer mid-range panels.
• Camera System: Especially the S20 Ultra’s 108MP main sensor, it’s still capable of stunning photos in good light.

Optimize Your Display: Get More from Your Screen

Your S20’s display is a major asset. Five years on, it still looks fantastic. We’ll show you how to leverage its strengths and manage its power consumption.

Activate Dark Mode: Comfort & Battery Life

Dark Mode isn’t just a visual preference; it’s a practical battery saver on AMOLED screens. Black pixels are simply off, consuming no power. This is crucial for a five-year-old battery.

• Enable It: Go to Settings > Display, then select the Dark option.
• Automate It: Tap Dark mode settings below the Dark option. Choose Turn on as scheduled and set a custom schedule or Sunset to sunrise for automatic activation.

Maximize Motion Smoothness: 120Hz (with a caveat)

The 120Hz refresh rate delivers a buttery-smooth scrolling experience. Many S20 phones defaulted to 60Hz to save battery. Unlock the full potential, but be mindful of the cost.

• Enable 120Hz: Open Settings > Display > Motion smoothness. Choose Adaptive (or High refresh rate on older One UI) and tap Apply.
• The Battery Trade-Off: For a five-year-old device, 120Hz significantly impacts battery life. If your battery is degraded, consider sticking to 60Hz for better endurance or only enabling 120Hz when you absolutely need it.
• S20 Ultra Limitation: You cannot use WQHD+ resolution and 120Hz simultaneously. You must choose one. This was a launch limitation that persists.

Adjust Screen Resolution: Clarity vs. Endurance

Your S20 Ultra’s display can be much sharper than its default FHD+ setting. Pushing it to WQHD+ delivers incredible detail.

• Change Resolution: Navigate to Settings > Display > Screen resolution. Choose WQHD+.
• The Trade-Off (Again): WQHD+ drains battery faster. Crucially, on the S20 Ultra, you cannot use WQHD+ and 120Hz simultaneously. For most users, the visual impact of 120Hz motion smoothness is more noticeable than the resolution bump on a phone-sized screen, especially given the battery implications for an older device.

Master the Edge Screen: Quick Access, Less Clutter

The Edge Screen, while less emphasized on newer, flatter Samsung phones, remains a powerful shortcut panel on your S20.

• Access & Customize: Swipe inward from the subtle gray bar on the right edge. Tap the + icon or Edit button to add/rearrange apps.
• Deeper Customization: Go to Settings > Display > Edge Screen. Tap Edge Panels to add new panel types (Smart Select, Tools, Weather) or Edge Lighting for notification visual effects.

Enhance Security & Navigation: Daily Efficiency Boosts

Your S20’s core security features are still solid for its generation. Streamline how you interact with your phone every day.

Streamline Face Unlock: Get Straight to Your Home Screen

Samsung’s Face Unlock is convenient, but the default “swipe after recognition” adds an unnecessary step. Cut it out.

• Disable Swipe: Go to Settings > Biometrics & security > Face recognition. Enter your PIN/pattern. Find and turn off Stay on Lock screen until swipe (or similar phrasing).
• Tips: Ensure good lighting. Register an alternative appearance if you frequently change your look (e.g., glasses on/off).

Reconfigure the Side Key: Your Power Menu, Not Bixby

By default, holding the Side Key (power button) on your S20 activates Bixby. If you prefer the traditional power menu for restart/shutdown options, change it.

• Change Function: Open Settings > Advanced features > Side key. Under Press and hold, choose Power off menu.

Embrace Gesture Navigation: More Screen, Intuitive Control

Traditional navigation buttons consume screen space. Full-screen gestures are the modern Android norm, offering an immersive experience.

• Switch to Gestures: Go to Settings > Display > Navigation bar. Select Swipe gestures (or Full-screen gestures).
• How it Works:
  • Swipe up from the bottom for Home.
  • Swipe up and hold from the bottom for Recent Apps.
  • Swipe inward from the left or right edge for Back.

Master Your Camera: Still a Capable Shooter

The Galaxy S20 Ultra’s camera system, particularly its 108-megapixel main sensor, was groundbreaking in 2020. Even in 2025, it remains capable, especially after software updates largely addressed initial autofocus issues.

Take Full 108-Megapixel Photos: When Detail Matters

By default, your S20 Ultra’s 108MP main camera uses pixel-binning to produce faster 12-megapixel images. For maximum detail in good lighting, you can still shoot in full 108MP.

• Enable 108MP: Open the Camera app. In Photo mode, tap the aspect ratio icon (e.g., 3:4) and select 3:4 108MP.
• Important: 108MP photos are large (10MB+). You cannot use wide-angle or zoom in this mode. Reserve it for well-lit scenes needing extreme detail for cropping or large prints.

Shoot 8K Video: A Technicality, Not a Practicality (in 2025)

The S20 Ultra was among the first phones to offer 8K video recording. While the option exists, its practicality today is minimal.

• Enable 8K: Open Camera app. Switch to Video mode. Tap the aspect ratio icon (e.g., 9:16) and select 9:16/16:9 8K.
• Reality Check: A single minute of 8K video consumes around 600MB of storage on the S20. This will quickly fill your storage and drain your aging battery. Most users will find 4K at 30 or 60 frames per second offers a far better balance of quality, file size, and stability. Don’t make the mistake of thinking 8K is a daily driver feature.

Beyond the Basics: Pro Mode, Telephoto, Expert RAW

• Stick to 4K 30/60fps for Video: Forget 8K for daily use. 4K at 30 or 60 frames per second offers excellent quality without the extreme storage and battery penalties.
• Utilize Pro Mode: Auto mode is fine, but Pro Mode gives you manual control over ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. This is essential for challenging lighting or achieving a specific creative look. Experiment with longer exposures for night shots or lower ISO in bright daylight for cleaner images.
• Don’t Forget the Telephoto: The S20 Ultra’s 10x optical zoom is still impressive. Use it. Many users unnecessarily crop digital zoom from the main sensor when a dedicated telephoto lens is available. Get closer without moving.
• Expert RAW (If Installed): If you ever installed Expert RAW from the Galaxy Store, use it. It provides more data for post-processing, similar to a DSLR. While it won’t receive new features, its core functionality is robust.

Keep Performance Snappy: Taming the Aging Processor

The Snapdragon 865 is capable, but five years of accumulated apps and data can slow any phone down. Proactive maintenance is key.

Essential Performance Maintenance

• Clear App Cache Regularly: Go to Settings > Apps, select individual apps, then Storage, and tap “Clear cache.” Do this frequently for your most used apps (social media, browsers, photo editors). This frees up temporary files that accumulate and can bog down performance.
• Disable Unused Apps: Audit your app drawer. If you haven’t used an app in months, disable or uninstall it. Disabled apps cannot run in the background, saving precious RAM and battery cycles.
• Restart Weekly: This might sound basic, but a weekly restart clears temporary memory and can resolve minor software glitches that build up over time. Make it a habit.
• Factory Reset (Last Resort): If your phone’s performance is truly dire after trying everything else, a factory reset can restore it to near-new speed. Crucially, back up absolutely everything first. This process wipes your device clean.

Maximize Battery Life: Managing Degradation

Your 5000mAh battery was excellent, but five years means significant degradation. You can’t reverse it, but you can manage it effectively.

Extend Your Daily Charge

• Lower Screen Refresh Rate: The 120Hz display is a major power draw. Switch to 60Hz in Display settings if you need to squeeze maximum life out of a charge. The visual difference is noticeable, but not critical for many tasks.
• Optimize App Usage: Restrict background activity for apps you don’t need constantly running. Go to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery > Background usage limits. Move rarely used apps to “Deep sleeping apps.”
• Dark Mode Everywhere: Consistently use dark mode in system settings and within all compatible apps. Remember, AMOLED screens consume less power displaying black pixels.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Heat is a battery killer. Don’t leave your phone in direct sunlight or freezing cold.
• Consider a Replacement Battery: If you plan to keep your S20 Ultra for another year or two, a professional battery replacement is a worthy investment. It can significantly extend its daily usability and give your phone a new lease on life.

Your 2025 Security Strategy: Vigilance is Key

With no new Android versions beyond 13/One UI 5.1, your major OS-level security patches have stopped. This means your primary defense shifts significantly.

Protecting Your Device & Data

• Be Vigilant: Your awareness becomes your strongest defense. Exercise extreme caution with suspicious links, emails, and app downloads. Phishing attempts and malware are ever-present.
• Keep Apps Updated: Update all your apps regularly through the Google Play Store. Many critical security fixes are delivered via app updates, not just OS updates. Don’t skip these.
• Strong Passwords and 2FA: Use unique, strong passwords for all your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This protects your accounts even if your device’s security is eventually compromised.

Your S20 Ultra, while aging, remains a capable device for specific use cases. Treat it right, optimize its settings, and it will continue to serve you well as a secondary device, a media hub, or a reliable daily driver for basic tasks. For cutting-edge features, true long-term security, or peak battery life, a newer flagship is the inevitable path.

What Your S20 Ultra Still Excels At (in 2025)

Don’t write off your S20 Ultra entirely. Despite its age, some core components hold up surprisingly well, making it a viable device for specific purposes.

* **The Display Remains Stellar:** That 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display? It’s still gorgeous. The colors, contrast, and 120Hz refresh rate (at FHD+) hold their own against many newer mid-range phones. For media consumption – streaming video, browsing photos, reading – it’s a fantastic experience.
* **A Capable Camera (with good light):** The 108MP main sensor and periscope zoom lens still capture impressive photos, especially in well-lit conditions. For casual photography and sharing on social media, you won’t feel severely limited. Just manage your expectations in low light or against the latest computational photography titans.
* **Day-to-Day Performance for Basics:** For navigating social media, checking email, browsing the web, and light productivity, the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 (depending on your region) holds up. It won’t feel sluggish for these core tasks.

When It’s Time to Seriously Consider an Upgrade

While you can extend its life, there are clear signals it’s time to move on.

* **Critical Security Exposure:** As discussed, your OS is no longer receiving major security patches. If your digital life involves sensitive transactions, handling confidential data, or you simply demand the highest level of protection, this alone is a compelling reason to upgrade. Your vigilance can only go so far.
* **Performance Bottlenecks:** If you’re a heavy mobile gamer, consistently edit video on your phone, or run multiple demanding apps simultaneously, you’re likely experiencing slowdowns, stutters, and longer load times. Newer chipsets offer significant gains here.
* **Unacceptable Battery Life:** Even with optimization, if your S20 Ultra can’t consistently get you through half a day without a top-up, and a battery replacement isn’t an option or hasn’t helped enough, it’s impacting your productivity and convenience.
* **Desire for Modern Features:** You’re missing out on newer Android features, improved camera capabilities (especially computational photography), faster charging, stronger haptic feedback, and potentially more robust build materials found in current flagships. If you crave the latest tech, the S20 Ultra won’t satisfy.

Final Thoughts

Your S20 Ultra in 2025 is a testament to premium hardware longevity, but software support dictates its long-term viability. Treat it as a capable secondary device or a primary for light use where security isn’t paramount. When security, peak performance, or modern features become non-negotiable, a newer device is your only real option.