Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: Key Differences, Upgrades, and Which One to Buy

With the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra now on the market, many are wondering if it’s worth upgrading from last year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both of these flagship phones pack incredible features, but there are subtle differences that could make one a better choice for you. Whether you're debating an upgrade or trying to decide which model to buy, this comparison will help you make the right decision. From camera performance to battery life, we’ll break down the main upgrades and why you might want to consider the S24 Ultra over the newer S25 Ultra, or vice versa. Let’s dive into the details of these two technological powerhouses.

Comparison Table: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra

Design and Build Quality

Both the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra are impressive in terms of build quality. The S25 Ultra has undergone slight design tweaks, shaving off 1.4mm in width and 0.4mm in thickness. These minor adjustments make the S25 Ultra feel more manageable in hand compared to the S24 Ultra, which is already a large device. Although the size difference is minimal, the new model's more squared-off edges make it more comfortable to hold, with a design that feels even more premium.
Both phones feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection and are crafted from high-end materials, including titanium, with the S25 Ultra using a more durable grade 5 titanium compared to the grade 2 in the S24 Ultra. This change should make the S25 Ultra slightly more durable, although the real-world difference may be marginal. Both devices come with IP68 water resistance, ensuring they can withstand the elements.

Display: Similarities and Subtle Differences

When it comes to the display, both the S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra offer stunning 6.9-inch and 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED screens with a resolution of 1440x3120 pixels, making for incredibly sharp visuals. The refresh rate on both is set to 120Hz, ensuring smooth performance for scrolling and gaming. While the size difference is negligible, the S25 Ultra does offer a slightly more vibrant display thanks to some minor improvements in brightness.
However, both displays share similar performance characteristics, with over 1,400 nits of peak brightness in adaptive mode. In terms of day-to-day use, there's little to differentiate between the two. The only notable difference lies in Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the S25 Ultra, offering better durability than the Victus on the S24 Ultra.

Camera Comparison: Minor Improvements and Camera Hardware

One of the more discussed aspects of the S25 Ultra is its camera system. The S25 Ultra retains the 200MP main camera and 10MP telephoto lenses from the S24 Ultra, but with a significant change to the ultrawide camera. The S24 Ultra features a 12MP ultrawide camera, while the S25 Ultra steps up to a 50MP ultrawide sensor, which brings improvements in detail and image quality. However, real-world differences in image quality are subtle. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera Leak Reveals Similar Sensors to the S24 Ultra.
The S25 Ultra tends to have slightly smoother images, while the S24 Ultra’s photos are sharper, especially in low-light conditions. Video quality is similarly impressive on both models, with the S25 Ultra adding 8K recording and 4K120 on its ultrawide camera – a feature absent from the S24 Ultra. For content creators or videographers, the S25 Ultra offers a clear edge with its advanced video recording capabilities.

Performance and Processing Power: Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is based on a 3nm process, while the S24 Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a slightly older 4nm processor. Both processors are powerful, but the S25 Ultra delivers better benchmark scores, including a 2,207,809 AnTuTu score versus the S24 Ultra's 1,823,822. The new chipset provides improved AI performance and graphics rendering, making the S25 Ultra a better option for heavy-duty tasks like gaming or multitasking.
For an in-depth comparison of the Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's real-world performance, check out this comprehensive benchmark review.

Battery and Charging: Minor Improvements in Battery Life

Both the S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra share a 5,000mAh battery, and while there’s no change in the battery hardware, the S25 Ultra manages to eke out slightly better battery performance. For example, the S25 Ultra performed 11% better in gaming tests and 14% better in video playback. However, these gains are minor and unlikely to make a significant impact on day-to-day usage.
Charging speeds are identical on both devices, with 45W fast charging supported. The S25 Ultra introduces Qi 2.1 wireless charging, offering better coil alignment but still focusing on niche use cases.

The S Pen: A Step Back?

One of the more disappointing aspects of the S25 Ultra is the S Pen. While the stylus still provides excellent pressure sensitivity for drawing and note-taking, the S25 Ultra lacks key features like air gestures and remote camera control, which were present in the S24 Ultra.
For those relying on the full functionality of the S Pen, look at S Pen in Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Loses Bluetooth Functionality.

Software and Support: Future-Proofing with 7 Years of Updates

Both phones offer 7 years of software support, meaning they will receive security patches and feature updates for years to come. This future-proofing ensures that whether you choose the S25 Ultra or the S24 Ultra, you'll have a phone that stays up to date for a long time.

Price and Value for Money: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The S25 Ultra comes with minor improvements, but whether those upgrades are worth the price difference depends on your needs. The S24 Ultra offers near-identical performance and camera capabilities at a lower price point, making it the better value for those on a budget. For those looking to save money while enjoying top-tier performance, the S24 Ultra might be the better option without compromising much on features.
For a more detailed breakdown of the S25 series pricing, check out Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Pricing Breakdown: A Comprehensive Guide.

Durability and Build Quality

The S25 Ultra comes with a more durable titanium frame and Gorilla Armor glass. However, it still failed a few drop tests, leaving many wondering if this new construction was as reliable as advertised. To dive deeper into these durability tests, read Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Fails Drop Tests, Titanium Frame & Gorilla Armor Fail to Impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference in camera quality between the S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra? 

A: While both phones have similar camera hardware, the S25 Ultra features a 50MP ultrawide sensor, offering better detail in some cases, but image quality differences are minimal.

Q: Does the S25 Ultra have a better battery life than the S24 Ultra? 

A: Yes, the S25 Ultra shows slight improvements in battery performance, particularly in gaming and video playback, but the difference is not drastic.

Q: Is the S Pen on the S25 Ultra a downgrade? 

A: Yes, the S25 Ultra lacks features like air gestures and remote camera control, which were available on the S24 Ultra.

Related Articles

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S24 Ultra

• Does the Galaxy S25 Ultra Support the Galaxy S24 Ultra S Pen? Everything You Need to Know

• Samsung Halts One UI 7 Rollout for S24 Series: What Happened & What's Next?

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Pricing Breakdown: A Comprehensive Guide

• S Pen in Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Loses Bluetooth Functionality: A Step Back or Smart Innovation?

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to Feature Next-Gen Gorilla Glass Armor for Enhanced Durability

Conclusion

• When choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the S24 Ultra, the decision comes down to what you value most in a smartphone.
• The S25 Ultra brings small but noticeable improvements in performance, display, and durability, but the S24 Ultra remains an excellent choice for those seeking great value.
• If you're after the latest and greatest in mobile technology, the S25 Ultra is your pick.
• However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance, the S24 Ultra is still a solid contender.