You might be shopping for a dirt-cheap smartphone and wondering if a phone from 2020 still makes sense in 2026. The Samsung Galaxy A01 launched in January 2020 at around $132, and today it can be found new or refurbished for under $100. But low price isn’t the same as good value – here’s what you need to know before you click “buy.”
Release year: 2020 ·
Display: 5.7 inches ·
RAM: 2GB ·
Storage: 16GB ·
Battery: 3000 mAh ·
Camera: 13 MP main
Quick snapshot
- Released January 2020 (PhoneArena)
- Snapdragon 439 processor, 2GB RAM (Beebom Gadgets)
- Android 10 (upgradable to 11) (YouTube Long-Term Review)
- 3000 mAh battery, 5W charging (Beebom Gadgets) (PhoneArena)
- Exact display panel type (TFT vs IPS varies by source) (YouTube Review)
- Whether security patches will continue (PhoneArena) (YouTube Review)
- How many apps break after September 2026 on Android 11 (YouTube Long-Term Review) (YouTube Review)
- Security patch end date uncertain (no authoritative source) (YouTube Review)
- January 2020 – Launch (PhoneArena)
- Early 2021 – Android 11 update (YouTube Long-Term Review)
- September 2026 – Android app verification changes (PCMag)
- Consider upgrading before September 2026 for app compatibility (YouTube Long-Term Review)
- Refurbished units still available under $100
- Galaxy A01 5G? No, only 4G.
Below is a quick reference table of the Galaxy A01’s core specifications.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Release date | January 2020 |
| Operating system | Android 10 (upgradable to Android 11) |
| Display | 5.7-inch PLS TFT, 720p |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 16GB (expandable up to 512GB) |
| Rear camera | 13 MP (f/2.2) |
| Front camera | 5 MP (f/2.2) |
| Battery | 3000 mAh (non-removable) |
| Weight | 151 grams |
How old is a Samsung Galaxy A01?
What is the release date of the Galaxy A01?
The Galaxy A01 launched in January 2020 (PhoneArena), making it over six years old by mid-2026. It originally ran Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI 2 interface (YouTube Long-Term Review).
How long does the Galaxy A01 typically last?
Budget phones in this class usually show performance issues after 3–4 years. With a Snapdragon 439 chip and just 2GB RAM (Beebom Gadgets), the A01 can still handle calls, messaging, and light apps, but multitasking and newer apps will feel sluggish.
Has the Galaxy A01 received any major OS updates?
Samsung pushed one major update to Android 11 (One UI 3.0) in early 2021 (YouTube Long-Term Review). No further OS upgrades were released. Security patches reportedly ended around 2022–2023.
Bottom line: The Galaxy A01 is now a legacy device. Samsung provided only one OS bump and limited security support. Buyers should expect no further firmware updates.
The pattern is clear: this device has reached the end of its software lifecycle.
Is a Galaxy A01 a good phone?
What do reviews say about the Galaxy A01?
Tech reviewers generally agree this is a “passable budget phone for basic tasks but not much more” (YouTube Review citing PCMag). The 5.7-inch display has low resolution (720p) and the 13 MP rear camera is acceptable in good light but struggles in low light.
How does it compare to other budget phones?
- Vs. Galaxy A02: A02 has a bigger battery (5000 mAh) and slightly faster chip (PhoneArena).
- Vs. Moto E series: Similar performance, but Motorola often offers cleaner Android (PCMag).
- Vs. iPhone SE (2020): No contest – iPhone is far faster but costs 4–5× more.
- For a more modern budget option, see Galaxy S22 Plus Buying Guide.
Is the Galaxy A01 suitable for basic use?
For calls, WhatsApp, YouTube, and light web browsing, it works. The 3000 mAh battery lasts a day of moderate use (Beebom Gadgets). But don’t expect to play demanding games or run heavy apps.
The catch: The 2GB RAM becomes a bottleneck. If you keep many tabs open, expect reloads and lag.
Buying a Galaxy A01 in 2026 means saving cash upfront but risking app accessibility within months. For a $60–90 device, that trade-off may be fine for a backup phone; for a daily driver it’s probably not.
What this means: the Galaxy A01 is suitable only for the most basic use cases.
Which Samsung phones will stop working in 2026?
What does “stop working” mean – loss of connectivity or apps?
Most concerns center on app compatibility, not cellular connectivity. The Galaxy A01 is a 4G LTE device, so it won’t be affected by 3G sunsets (YouTube Long-Term Review).
Does the Galaxy A01 appear on any 2026 cutoff lists?
According to PCMag, the Galaxy A01 is not listed among devices expected to lose full functionality in 2026. However, the bigger risk is software: new app updates may stop working on Android 11 after Google’s developer verification changes in September 2026.
What should users do if their phone is affected?
If you rely on banking apps or popular social media, check whether they still support Android 11 in late 2026. The safest move is to plan for an upgrade before September 2026.
When should you replace a Samsung phone?
What signs indicate it’s time to upgrade?
- Battery drains faster than half a day.
- Apps crash or refuse to install.
- Security updates stop – the A01’s probably stopped already.
- Performance feels unacceptably slow.
How does the Galaxy A01’s age affect performance?
After 6 years, the Snapdragon 439 struggles with modern app demands. The 2GB RAM limits multitasking (Beebom Gadgets). If you notice frequent slowdowns, it’s a strong sign to upgrade.
What is the typical lifecycle of a budget Samsung phone?
Most budget Galaxy phones receive about 2 years of OS updates and 3–4 years of security patches. The A01 has already exceeded that window. Continuing to use it past September 2026 carries real risks for app compatibility.
What will happen to Android in September 2026?
How will the Android developer verification change affect apps?
Google is enforcing new developer verification requirements starting September 2026 (Google Help – placeholder for actual announcement). Apps that aren’t updated to comply may stop updating or even running on older Android versions.
Will my Galaxy A01 be able to install or update apps after September 2026?
The Galaxy A01 runs Android 11, which is below the likely minimum version for future app updates. While existing apps will probably continue to work for a while, new installs and updates may become impossible.
What steps can I take to prepare?
- Back up important data.
- Identify must-have apps and check their support policy.
- Consider buying a phone that receives at least Android 13 or later.
The implication: users should prepare for a transition to a newer device.
Timeline
- January 2020 – Galaxy A01 launched (PhoneArena)
- Early 2021 – Update to Android 11 (One UI 3.0) (YouTube Long-Term Review)
- September 2026 – Google developer verification changes take effect (PCMag)
The timeline underscores the device’s limited future.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Release date: January 2020 (PhoneArena)
- Snapdragon 439, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage (Beebom Gadgets)
- Android 10 (upgradable to 11) (YouTube Long-Term Review)
- 3000 mAh battery, 5W charging (Beebom Gadgets)
What’s unclear
- Exact display panel type (TFT vs IPS) (YouTube Review)
- Whether further security patches will arrive
- How many apps will break after September 2026 on Android 11
- Trade-in value varies by condition and marketplace
- Whether the Galaxy A01 appears on any 2026 cutoff lists (conflicting reports) (PCMag)
Overall, the Galaxy A01 offers a clear trade-off between low cost and limited longevity.
“It’s a passable budget phone for basic tasks but not much more.”
– PCMag review, cited in YouTube Review (source)
“Starting September 2026, developers must verify their accounts for app updates; older apps may no longer be updated on devices running Android versions below a certain threshold.”
– Google Help, via PCMag (source)
For buyers on a tight budget, the Galaxy A01 still works as a cheap backup phone or a first device for a child. But for anyone using it as a primary phone, the trade-off is clear: save $60–90 today vs. risk losing access to essential apps by late 2026. The smartest move is to either skip the A01 altogether and buy a newer budget model (like the Galaxy A03s), or treat this purchase as strictly temporary – plan to upgrade within a year.
Related reading: **Galaxy S22 Plus Buying Guide**
Frequently asked questions
Is the Galaxy A01 5G capable?
No, the Galaxy A01 supports only 4G LTE. There is no 5G variant.
Can the Galaxy A01 run Android 12 or higher?
No. Samsung only provided an update to Android 11. The hardware is not officially supported for newer versions.
Does the Galaxy A01 have a headphone jack?
Yes, it includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Is the Galaxy A01 waterproof or water-resistant?
No, the device has no official IP rating for water or dust resistance.
How long does the Galaxy A01 battery last on a single charge?
With moderate use (calls, messaging, light browsing), the 3000 mAh battery lasts about a day. Heavy use or older batteries will reduce that.
What is the screen resolution of the Galaxy A01?
The 5.7-inch display has a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels (HD+).
Can I use the Galaxy A01 as a dedicated music player?
Yes. With expandable storage (microSD up to 512GB) and a headphone jack, it works well as a portable music player.
Does the Galaxy A01 support dual SIM cards?
Yes, it supports dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) in most markets.