Samsung Galaxy S20 Lite is apparently on the way, and it may even have 5G

Samsung Galaxy S20
The Samsung Galaxy S20 (above) could do with an affordable alternative (Image credit: Future)

Following last year’s Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite it was always likely that Samsung would launch a Samsung Galaxy S20 Lite, but we’re only now hearing rumors of it.

According to sources speaking to SamMobile, a new S20 model internally known as the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition is in development. Apparently it’s unclear whether it will launch under that name or as the Samsung Galaxy S20 Lite, but an S20 Lite is what it’s seemingly set to essentially be in any case.

The sources say that this phone has the model number SM-G780 for global versions and SM-G781 for the US, and this makes it clear that it’s a Galaxy S10 Lite successor, as that phone has the model number SM-G770.

As for what you can expect from the Samsung Galaxy S20 Lite, apparently the global version will be available both with and without 5G, while the US one will only come in a 5G variant.

It’s also apparently likely to have at least 128GB of storage, and to run Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI 2.5 over the top, the latter being so new that no phones have it yet, but which will probably make its debut on the Samsung Galaxy Note 20.

Plenty of power

Nothing much else is known about the Samsung Galaxy S20 Lite yet, but if it follows in the S10 Lite’s footsteps then it’s likely to have the same chipset as the rest of the Galaxy S20 range, namely the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865.

That’s the top-end Android chipset right now, and it could mean the S20 Lite is actually more powerful than the standard S20 outside the US, because as SamMobile notes, Samsung’s main flagships typically have an Exynos chipset rather than a Snapdragon one outside the US, but the S10 Lite came with a Snapdragon everywhere, and this year’s top Exynos chip isn’t as good as the Snapdragon 865.

We don’t know when the Samsung Galaxy S20 Lite might land, or what it might cost, but for reference the Galaxy S20 Lite launched in January, and retailed for $650 / £579 (roughly AU$940). The sources also haven’t heard any word of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Lite, despite there being a Note 10 Lite, but that doesn’t mean one isn’t coming.

TOPICS

James is a freelance phones, tablets and wearables writer and sub-editor at TechRadar. He has a love for everything ‘smart’, from watches to lights, and can often be found arguing with AI assistants or drowning in the latest apps. James also contributes to 3G.co.uk, 4G.co.uk and 5G.co.uk and has written for T3, Digital Camera World, Clarity Media and others, with work on the web, in print and on TV.

Latest in Samsung Galaxy Phones
Samsung Galaxy A56 display
Samsung’s new budget handsets are getting One UI 7 before the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and I’m as confused as you are
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
New Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge may have revealed some key details – including its price
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra HANDS ON
‘I don't see a space where the S Pen is not a key part of our portfolio’: Samsung executive defends the S Pen amid cancellation rumors
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with S Pen drawn, demonstrating Circle to Search
Samsung says ‘millions’ are using Galaxy AI regularly, despite surprising survey results
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display at Galaxy Unpacked
Exclusive: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge will have durability to match its ‘sexy’ design
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 in blue
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 could have a Motorola Razr-style full-sized cover screen – and I think it’s about time
Latest in News
Apple's Craig Federighi demonstrates the iPhone Mirroring feature of macOS Sequoia at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.
Report: iOS 19 and macOS 16 could mark their biggest design overhaul in years – and we have one request
Google Gemini Calendar
Gemini is coming to Google Calendar, here’s how it will work and how to try it now
Lego Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set on a shelf.
Lego just celebrated Mario Day in the best way possible, with an incredible Mario Kart set that's up for preorder now
TCL QM7K TV on orange background
TCL’s big, bright new mid-range mini-LED TVs have built-in Bang & Olufsen sound
Apple iPhone 16e
Which affordable phone wins the mid-range race: the iPhone 16e, Nothing 3a, or Samsung Galaxy A56? Our latest podcast tells all
An image of a Jackbox Games Party Pack
Jackbox games is coming to smart TVs in mid-2025, and I can’t wait to be reunited with one of my favorite party video games