The smartphone industry is a fast-paced arena where innovation and upgrades are constant. However, smartphone innovations have been confined to incremental hardware changes, camera upgrades, and AI integration in recent years. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was a groundbreaking device. Still, with the release of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, many users are left wondering whether it’s worth upgrading or if they should stick with their current device. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into both devices’ features, performance, design, and value proposition to help you make an informed decision.
If you’re in the habit of upgrading to every new Galaxy flagship like me, you should think twice before getting the Galaxy S25 Ultra. On paper, the S25 Ultra does seem a little better and more competent than its predecessor, but a real-life comparison will reveal that you won’t get a bang for your buck. Is spending around $1,300 on the S25 Ultra worth it for users who already own an S24 Ultra? Let’s check out.
1. Design and Build Quality
In terms of design language, the Galaxy S24 Ultra follows the legacy of its predecessors, like the S22 and S23. It features a sleek, premium build with a titanium frame, offering durability and a lightweight feel. The device is IP68 water—and dust-resistant and can withstand harsh environments. Its flatter display with minimal bezels provides a more immersive viewing experience.
The rear camera module seamlessly blends into the back panel. The device is available in various colors, including classic options like Phantom Black, Titanium Grey, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Yellow, as well as more vibrant choices like Sky Blue and Burgundy.
The S25 Ultra takes design refinement to the next level. While it retains the titanium frame, Samsung has further reduced the weight (218g) and thickness (8.2mm) of the device, making it even more comfortable to hold. The bezels are now virtually non-existent, thanks to advancements in display technology, resulting in a screen-to-body ratio that’s 92.5%%.
The rear camera module has been redesigned again, with a more symmetrical layout that enhances the aesthetic appeal. Samsung has also introduced new color options, including Titanium Silverblue,
Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, and Titanium White Silver.
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers incremental improvements in design, the S24 Ultra’s build quality is still top-notch. If you’re someone who values aesthetics and ergonomics, the S25 Ultra’s refinements might be appealing. However, for most users, the S24 Ultra’s design is more than sufficient.
2. Display Technology
The S24 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The screen offers a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, delivering crisp and vibrant visuals. It also supports HDR10+ and has a peak brightness of 2,500 nits, making it one of the brightest displays on the market. The display offers improved color accuracy and reduced blue light emission which is easier on the eyes during extended use. The display is also protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, ensuring durability against scratches and drops.
The S25 Ultra also features a 3120 x 1440 (Quad HD+) 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display but with several key upgrades. The refresh rate has now been increased to 144Hz, providing smoother scrolling and gaming experiences. The resolution remains the same, but Samsung has improved the pixel density and color calibration, resulting in even more lifelike visuals.
One of the standout features of the S25 Ultra’s display is its peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it the brightest smartphone display ever. This is particularly useful for outdoor visibility. Additionally, the S25 Ultra introduces a new “Eco Display” mode, which reduces power consumption by up to 20% without compromising on quality.
The S25 Ultra’s display is undoubtedly superior, with its higher refresh rate and brightness. However, the S24 Ultra’s display is still exceptional and more than capable of meeting the needs of most users. Unless you’re a hardcore gamer or frequently use your phone in extremely bright environments, the upgrade might not be necessary.
3. Performance and Hardware
The S24 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400 in some regions), paired with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. This combination delivers flagship-level performance with excellent multitasking, gaming, productivity tasks, and AI capabilities.
The device also features an advanced cooling system, ensuring sustained performance during intensive tasks. The S24 Ultra supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, making it future-proof in terms of connectivity.
The S25 Ultra is equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (or Exynos 2500) Octa-Core processor, offering a 20% boost in CPU and GPU performance, better AI processing, and energy efficiency compared to its predecessor. It comes with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, catering to power users who demand the best.
The cooling system has a larger vapor chamber and graphene-based materials, ensuring even better thermal management. The S25 Ultra also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, providing faster and more reliable connectivity.
The S25 Ultra’s performance upgrades are significant, especially for power users and gamers. However, the S24 Ultra is no slouch and continues to deliver excellent performance for everyday tasks. Unless you’re regularly pushing your device to its limits, the S24 Ultra should suffice.
4. Camera System
The S24 Ultra featured a quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It excels in low-light photography, zoom capabilities, and video recording. The camera is powered by advanced AI features, such as improved night mode, real-time HDR processing, and enhanced portrait mode.
The S25 Ultra takes the camera system to new heights. It features a 200MP main sensor with a larger pixel size, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. The ultra-wide lens has been upgraded to 50MP, and the periscope telephoto cameras (12MP + 50MP). The front camera is still 12MP.
One of the most significant upgrades is the inclusion of a new AI-powered image stabilization system, which reduces blur and improves video quality. The S25 Ultra also introduces a “Cinematic Mode” that lets users create professional-quality videos.
The S25 Ultra’s camera upgrades are impressive, particularly for photography enthusiasts and content creators. However, the S24 Ultra’s camera system is still one of the best in the market. If photography is a top priority for you, the S25 Ultra might be worth the upgrade. Otherwise, the S24 Ultra’s camera will more than meet your needs.
5. Battery Life and Charging
The S24 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery which provides all-day battery life even with heavy usage. It supports 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. The device also introduced new power-saving modes, extending battery life even further.
In terms of battery and charging, the S25 Ultra retains the same battery capacity but with improved efficiency due to the new chipset. It offers a 10% improvement in battery life and a 3% boost in charging speed. Samsung has introduced a multi-tiered approach to save battery. The new Battery Protection feature lets you choose charging limits ranging from 80-95%.
Moreover, the Auto Dim Screen feature automatically dims the screen brightness when the battery level goes below 5%.
The S25 Ultra’s battery improvements are notable, especially for users who are constantly on the go. However, the S24 Ultra’s battery life is still excellent, and the difference might not be significant enough to justify an upgrade.
6. Software and Features
Currently, the S24 Ultra runs Android 14 and Samsung’s One UI 6.1. It will receive the upcoming One UI 7 and other software updates for the next 2 years. It’ll also get extended security patch update support from Samsung for the next 6 years.
The S25 Ultra comes with One UI 7.0 (Android 15), introducing new features such as fluid animation, enhanced multitasking, improved privacy controls, new widgets, and a more customizable interface. Samsung has also promised four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates.
While the S25 Ultra offers the latest software experience, the S24 Ultra is still a capable device with access to most of the same features. Unless you’re eager to try out the latest software innovations, the S24 Ultra’s software is more than sufficient.
7. Price and Value
The unlocked 256GB variant of the S24 Ultra is priced at around $1,299.99 which makes it one of the most expensive smartphones on the market. You may get deals and discounts on various outlets and own the device at a much cheaper price than the S25 Ultra.
The S25 Ultra is launched at the same price as the S24 Ultra but it mostly has incremental upgrades. While it offers better performance and features, the price increase might not be justified for everyone.
Should You Upgrade to the S25 Ultra?
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on your specific needs and budget. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is mostly an incremental upgrade over the S24 Ultra. It brings several new design changes, hardware upgrades, camera enhancements, battery improvements, enhanced performance, AI capabilities, and a handful of nifty features. However, the S24 Ultra remains an exceptional device that will continue to perform well for years. Unless the new features of the S25 Ultra are must-haves for you, sticking with the S24 Ultra is a practical and cost-effective choice.
Upgrade to the S25 Ultra if:
- You’re a power user or gamer who demands the best performance.
- Photography and videography are your top priorities.
- You’re a tech enthusiast who wants the latest and greatest.
- You’re willing to pay a premium for incremental upgrades.
- You value cutting-edge AI features and software enhancements.
Stick with the S24 Ultra if:
- You’re satisfied with its current performance, camera, and battery life.
- You don’t want to spend extra money on incremental improvements.
- You prioritize value for money over having the latest model.
- You’re okay with waiting for software updates to bring new features.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on your specific needs and budget. For most users, the S24 Ultra remains a fantastic device that will continue to serve them well for years to come. However, if you’re looking for the absolute best that Samsung has to offer, the S25 Ultra is worth considering.
Verdict
- Design and Build: If design is a priority, the S25 Ultra may offer subtle but meaningful refinements. However, the S24 Ultra’s design is already top-tier, so this alone may not justify an upgrade.
- Display: The display improvements on the S25 Ultra will likely be incremental. Unless you’re a display enthusiast, the S24 Ultra’s screen is more than sufficient.
- Performance: If you’re a power user or gamer, the performance boost on the S25 Ultra might be worth it. For average users, the S24 Ultra’s performance is already overkill for most tasks.
- Camera: The S25 Ultra’s camera improvements could be significant for photography enthusiasts. However, the S24 Ultra’s camera is already one of the best, so casual users may not notice a huge difference.
- Battery and Charging: The S25 Ultra’s charging improvements are nice but not groundbreaking. If battery life is a concern, the S24 Ultra already performs exceptionally well.
- Software and AI Features: The S25 Ultra’s software and AI improvements could be compelling, especially if Samsung introduces groundbreaking new features. However, the S24 Ultra will also receive many of these updates over time.
The decision is yours! I’m going to continue with my Samsung Galaxy S25 for one more year at least.
