Samsung is back with its first big release of the year, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is here to grab attention. It features the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a titanium frame, and a larger vapor cooling system, which sounds more like something from a gaming rig than a phone. On the surface, it’s a statement device and the kind of Samsung usually saves for its Ultra line.
But let’s be clear: last year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra wasn’t exactly behind the curve. It was one of the most complete flagships you could buy, topping charts for camera quality, performance, and overall polish. With discounts already hitting the S24 Ultra, it’s fair to ask if Samsung has genuinely made the S25 Ultra a big enough step forward to justify spending more.
Both phones look nearly identical at a glance. They share the same massive display, S Pen integration, and quad-camera setup. The difference comes in refinements. The S25 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, a new frame design, upgraded performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and an improved cooling system. The real question is whether these upgrades add up to an experience that feels meaningfully better or if the S24 Ultra remains the more brilliant buy in 2025.
TLDR: Key takeaways from this article
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra builds upon the S24 Ultra with a larger 6.9-inch display, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and more integrated AI tools.
- Both phones share most core specs: titanium frame, 200MP main camera, S Pen, One UI 7 with Android 15, and seven years of updates.
- The S25 Ultra’s ProVisual Engine and quad telephoto setup give it a slight edge in photography, but the S24 Ultra is still a powerhouse.
- The S25 Ultra starts at $1,299, while the S24 Ultra has dropped at third-party stores, making it the smarter value buy.
What are the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra?
We’ll get to the side-by-side breakdown in a bit. First, let’s examine the two smartphones.
Every year, the Ultra is where Samsung crams in its boldest design choices, its most powerful hardware, and its latest software tricks. The Galaxy S24 Ultra carried that legacy well in 2024, but the S25 Ultra arrives in 2025 aiming to refine and push the formula further.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung’s most powerful phone. This smartphone is the kind of device that makes you question whether you really need a laptop in your bag.
Packing the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a custom-tuned version of Qualcomm’s top chip, it combines raw speed with a massive vapor cooling chamber to keep performance steady even under heavy loads. It combines AI features built directly into One UI, a titanium frame, and the iconic quad-camera system, making what Samsung hopes is the most complete smartphone of 2025.
Pros of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Standard 12 GB of RAM.
- S Pen stylus built-in.
- Multiple zoom lenses, including 3x and 10x telephoto, for serious photography flexibility.
- Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with overclocked speeds and improved AI performance.
- A larger vapor cooling chamber results in better sustained gaming and multitasking.
- Larger, brighter AMOLED display with improved outdoor visibility.
- Titanium frame for added durability without significant weight increase.
Cons of Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Cameras are largely unchanged from the S24 Ultra.
- AI features feel limited at launch, with Samsung promising future updates that may take months to arrive.
- Expensive, especially compared to the now-discounted Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- Big and heavy, making it less comfortable for one-handed use.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra may not be Samsung’s latest Ultra, but it still feels every bit like a flagship in 2025. Slightly smaller than the S25 Ultra and lacking some of its refinements, the S24 Ultra nevertheless holds its own with excellent hardware and software that still outperform most competitors. Its titanium frame and Gorilla Armor glass made it one of the most durable phones of 2024, while the cameras kept it at the top of nearly every “best camera phone” list.
Interestingly, the S24 Ultra also has one trick that the S25 Ultra doesn’t, a Bluetooth-powered S Pen feature. That means you can use the stylus as a remote shutter button for photos or as a presentation clicker, little conveniences that heavy stylus users may actually miss on the newer model.
Pros of Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Outstanding cameras, with sharp zoom capability and versatile shooting modes.
- Titanium frame + Gorilla Armor glass, making it more challenging than most flagships on the market.
- Bluetooth-enabled S Pen with remote features like photo snapping and presentation control.
- Still a top-tier display, with vibrant colors and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate.
- Lower price in 2025, making it a more budget-friendly entry into Samsung’s Ultra ecosystem.
Cons of Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Big and heavy, which can make daily handling awkward if you prefer one-handed use.
- AI features feel half-baked, occasionally slowing things down or adding little value.
- No ultra-wide camera upgrade, which now makes it feel slightly behind the curve.
- Slower charging compared to rivals, with Samsung still capping fast charging speeds.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra at a glance
If you don’t have time to wade through every detail, here’s the quick version of how the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stacks up against its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Release date | January 22, 2025 | January 17, 2024 |
| Processor | Snapdragon® 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| CPU type | Octa-core | Deca-core |
| Display | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 × 3210 pixels | 1440 × 3210 pixels |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz adaptive | 120Hz adaptive |
| Rear cameras | 200MP wide, 50MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x telephoto | 200MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x telephoto |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2 mm (6.41 × 3.06 × 0.32 in) | 162.3 × 79.0 × 8.6 mm (6.40 × 3.11 × 0.34 in) |
| Weight | 218g / 7.69 oz | 232g / 8.22 oz |
| Color options | Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Whitesilver | Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow |
At first glance, you’ll notice the two are cut from the same premium titanium mold, but the S25 Ultra shaves off some weight, stretches its display just a hair, and swaps in a sharper 50MP ultra-wide camera. The S24 Ultra, meanwhile, still features Bluetooth S Pen support, a feature the new model quietly dropped.
Comparing Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra
Let’s look at their similarities and differences in detail.
Design and build quality
Samsung’s Ultra phones have always leaned toward the business notebook aesthetic: boxy, professional, and a little intimidating. The Galaxy S25 Ultra keeps that DNA but softens it just enough to be more comfortable. Corners are slightly more rounded than the S24 Ultra, and while it’s still a large, rectangular slab, it doesn’t dig into your palm as much as last year’s model. The matte titanium sides enhance grip and durability, while also lending the phone a more refined appearance.
By contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra feels sharper in hand. Its corners are more pronounced, and the flat top and bottom give it a sturdier, almost industrial appearance. The rounded side rails do make it feel a bit thinner when held, even though it’s technically bulkier on paper.
Size and weight
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: 162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2 mm (6.41 × 3.06 × 0.32 in); 218g.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: 162.3 × 79.0 × 8.6 mm (6.40 × 3.11 × 0.34 in); 232g.
The differences sound small, but you do notice them. The S25 Ultra feels lighter and slightly more compact, though not small by any stretch. Both remain two-handed phones for most people.
Build materials and durability
Both phones feature a titanium frame and Gorilla Armor glass, making them some of the toughest devices you can buy. They’re also IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, so rain, spills, and the occasional accidental dunk won’t end in disaster.
Structurally, they’re evenly matched, although the S25 Ultra receives extra cooling inside, thanks to a larger vapor chamber, which helps sustain performance during heavy gaming or multitasking.
S Pen differences
The S Pen is still here, neatly docked in the base of both devices. However, the twist is that the S25 Ultra’s stylus lacks Bluetooth-based features such as remote shutter control and gesture shortcuts, which the S24 Ultra still supports.
If you’re someone who uses the S Pen as a remote clicker for presentations or group photos, this feels like a downgrade. Responsiveness remains excellent on both models, though jotting notes and sketching feel natural.
Camera design and rear finish
The S25 Ultra introduces slightly raised “floating” camera rings with black accents around them. They look bold, but the tiny gaps around the rings can trap lint and pocket debris, which isn’t fun to clean. For me, the S24 Ultra’s design was more muted, with simpler lens rings and a tidier rear panel. Neither phone is subtle (they’re nearly 7 inches across), but the S24 Ultra leans more classic, while the S25 Ultra feels like Samsung trying to keep things fresh.
Color options
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow, plus online exclusives (Blue, Green, Orange).
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium White Silver, plus online exclusives (Jetblack, Jadegreen, Pinkgold).
The S24 Ultra offered bolder, more playful colors, while the S25 Ultra sticks to sleeker, metallic tones.
Software and AI
Software
I should first note here that both phones are software powerhouses. But the Galaxy S25 Ultra is ahead thanks to newer silicon and Samsung’s latest UI tricks.
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Ships with One UI 7, bringing a refreshed home screen, improved camera layout, and the new Now Bar. Add in the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s CPU/GPU boost, and it feels a bit snappier all around.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: Currently on One UI 6.1 (the One UI 7 update is available now) on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
The difference isn’t too significant, but the 3nm chip in the S25 Ultra is more efficient, meaning less battery drain under the same workloads.
AI features
| Category | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Productivity | Gemini Live, Seamless Actions across Apps, Now Brief, Circle to Search, Note Assist, Transcript Assist | Gemini Live, Circle to Search, Note Assist, Transcript Assist |
| Communication | Interpreter, Call Assist, Writing Assist | Interpreter, Call Assist, Writing Assist |
| Creativity | Photo Assist, Drawing Assist | Photo Assist, Drawing Assist |
Samsung is pushing harder on AI with the S25 Ultra. The big new trick is Gemini’s cross-app actions, which can pull off things like starting an email draft in Gmail directly from a chat or moving a to-do item from Notes into Calendar.
The S24 Ultra has most of the same Galaxy AI tools, but they can be less polished and a bit slower. Samsung is back-porting features, but the S25 Ultra is clearly the intended showcase device for these AI capabilities.
Display
When it comes to the display, both phones showcase Samsung’s finest AMOLED technology: bright, sharp, and smooth.
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Main display size | 6.9 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Peak brightness | 2600 nits | 2600 nits |
| Adaptive refresh rate | 1–120 Hz | 1–120 Hz |
| Resolution | 3120 × 1440 QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 3120 × 1440 QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Screen size, resolution, and refresh rate
The Galaxy S25 Ultra slightly increases the size to 6.9 inches, compared to the S24 Ultra’s 6.8 inches, thanks to thinner bezels and more rounded corners. As far as I’m concerned, the difference in size is negligible unless you’ve got both side by side, but the S25 Ultra does feel just a bit more immersive.
Both panels run QHD+ (3120 × 1440) resolution on a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a smooth 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate. There’s no Dolby Vision video support on either phone, as Samsung is still backing HDR10+, but contrast is infinite, and scrolling feels silky smooth on either phone.
Brightness levels
Brightness is also basically tied. In testing, you’ll most likely get around 1,400 nits outdoors in adaptive mode and 750–800 nits manually (with Extra Brightness turned on). Both claim a peak of 2,600 nits, and in real-world use, they’re equally easy to see under harsh sunlight.
Screen cover material
The only real change is protection. The S25 Ultra ships with Gorilla Glass 2, which Samsung claims is tougher and slightly more resistant to shattering compared to the S24 Ultra’s Gorilla Glass (Gen 1). In day-to-day use, glare and reflections feel identical, though you might notice that the S25 Ultra’s panel has a faint bluish tint under reflections.
Color accuracy and HDR
Color-wise, both look excellent; they are punchy and vibrant without going cartoonish. The S24 Ultra tends to be a bit more accurate, while the S25 Ultra pushes saturation slightly higher. It’s the kind of difference only display nerds would obsess over. For normal users like me, they’re basically tied.
Fingerprint and face unlock
And yes, both keep the same ultrasonic fingerprint scanner under the glass, which is fast and reliable, plus basic face unlock via the selfie camera (fine for convenience, not secure enough for banking apps).
Camera
On paper, the Galaxy S25 Ultra keeps nearly the same setup as the S24 Ultra: a 200MP main sensor, 10MP 3x telephoto, and 50MP 5x telephoto. The only true hardware upgrade is the ultra-wide camera, which jumps from 12MP on the S24 Ultra to a much sharper 50MP sensor. That change alone makes a noticeable difference in detail and low-light clarity.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Camera | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Ultra Wide | 50MP | 12MP |
| Wide-angle | 200MP | 200MP |
| Telephoto | 50MP (5x) + 10MP (3x) | 50MP (5x) + 10MP (3x) |
| Front | 12MP | 12MP |
| Zoom | Optical 3x & 5x; Optical Quality 2x & 10x; Digital up to 100x | Optical 3x & 5x; Optical Quality 2x & 10x; Digital up to 100x |
Image quality
The S25 Ultra’s photos are slightly more natural. Greens no longer lean radioactive, fine details are less over-sharpened, and low-light shots pick up just a bit more contrast and texture. The difference isn’t earth-shattering, but side by side, the S25 Ultra pulls ahead, if only by a small margin.
Meanwhile, the S24 Ultra is still excellent. It topped benchmarks when it launched, and in most conditions, it still holds its ground against the new model. If you don’t pixel-peep, you’ll rarely notice much difference in daylight shots.
Video
Both phones shoot 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps with excellent stabilization. Strangely, however, users have noted that the S25 Ultra’s videos sometimes display a slightly greener tint and neon-blue skies, compared to the more balanced colors of the S24 Ultra. Some users report that increasing the video’s brightness in post-processing can correct this tint. Otherwise, both record sharp, smooth, and stable footage.
AI photography upgrades
Samsung also leans into AI with the S25 Ultra. The new ProVisual Engine improves low-light shots and telephoto performance. Tools like Sketch to Image (turns doodles into photo-realistic edits) and Generative Edit (removes unwanted objects) add some creative fun. The S24 Ultra is still getting most of these AI upgrades via One UI updates, but the S25 Ultra’s processing is noticeably faster thanks to its new Personal Data Engine.
S Pen camera tricks
Both phones let you use the S Pen as a remote shutter, handy for group shots or steady selfies. The S24 Ultra still supports Bluetooth air gestures (swipe in the air to switch modes), but Samsung quietly killed that feature on the S25 Ultra’s S Pen. You now only get basic shutter control.
Battery life and charging
Battery size
By now, a 5,000 mAh battery is the baseline for any Android flagship of this size. The Galaxy S25 Ultra doesn’t add anything here; rather, it sticks with the same capacity as the S24 Ultra.
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Capacity | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Video playback | Up to 31 hrs | Up to 30 hrs |
| Wired charging | 45W | 45W |
| Wireless charging | 15W (Qi 2.1-ready) | 15W |
| Reverse charging | 4.5W | 4.5W |
Both batteries may be the same, but the new Snapdragon 8 Elite (built on a 3nm process) efficiently squeezes power out of the 5000 mAh.
Some tests have revealed that the S25 Ultra pulls ahead of the S24 Ultra by:
- +14% in video playback.
- +11% in gaming endurance.
- Modest but consistent wins in voice calls and web browsing.
The difference isn’t dramatic, but it’s there.
Real-world testing
In day-to-day use, both phones easily last a full day and a few hours. Casual users will hit bedtime with 30–40% remaining. Power users, who utilize it for gaming, 4K recording, and constant multitasking, will notice that the S25 Ultra packs a little more stamina, but it’s not a significant leap forward. If the S24 Ultra already got you through the day, the S25 Ultra won’t suddenly change your habits.
Charging speed
Both devices support 45W wired charging, which allows you to reach 68% in approximately 30 minutes. That’s fast enough, but far from the industry leaders, such as the OnePlus 13 and Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G. Samsung hasn’t moved the needle here.
Wireless charging still caps at 15W, but the S25 Ultra now comes with a “Qi 2.1-ready” badge. In simple terms, it supports the new Qi standard but doesn’t include a built-in magnetic coil. So, if you want MagSafe-style snap-on accessories, you’ll need a magnetic case. It’s a niche perk, but a welcome one. Reverse wireless charging remains at 4.5W, which is sufficient for topping up earbuds but insufficient to charge another phone realistically.
Speaker
| Audio performance | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Loudness (LUFS) | –24.6 LUFS | –24.6 LUFS |
| Speaker setup | Stereo: bottom-firing + earpiece | Stereo: bottom-firing + earpiece |
Both phones maintain the same dual-speaker setup: a bottom-firing driver and the earpiece serving as the second channel. On paper, they’re dead even. Different loudness tests have consistently given identical scores of –24.6 LUFS.
But numbers only tell part of the story.
In practice, the Galaxy S25 Ultra sounded just a touch fuller and warmer when playing back music and streaming video. Vocals carried a little more presence, and bass notes felt less hollow compared to the S24 Ultra. It’s not a huge difference, as you’d have to listen side-by-side to notice. But it’s another one of those minor advantages the S25 Ultra keeps stacking up.
Performance
Snapdragon 8 Elite vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features Qualcomm’s brand-new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a 3nm powerhouse that’s specifically optimized for Samsung phones. Last year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra was powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, which at the time was the fastest chip available. On paper, Qualcomm claims the Elite brings 30% faster CPU performance, 37% better GPU output, and up to 40% speed gains for AI (NPU) compared to Gen 3.
Do those numbers hold up?
Across benchmark applications like Geekbench, AnTuTu, and 3DMark, the S25 Ultra consistently posts higher scores, often by double-digit percentages. But the fact is, both are insanely fast. If you’re just scrolling TikTok, editing photos, or juggling a dozen apps, you’ll barely notice the difference. The Elite only really flexes when you’re pushing boundaries with high-intensity gaming, 8K video editing, or AI-heavy workloads.
RAM and storage
Both phones come standard with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. Samsung has teased a 16GB/1TB variant of the S25 Ultra for the Chinese market, but it is unlikely to be available in most other regions. At the same time, 12GB was impressive when the S24 Ultra launched, but rivals like the Pixel 9 Pro and OnePlus 13 now ship with 16GB as standard. Still, in practice, users haven’t had any issues running multiple apps, games, and background processes on either device.
Software and AI upgrades
Both devices now run One UI 7 on Android 15, although the S25 Ultra ships with it pre-installed. The big story here is Galaxy AI, and the S25 Ultra introduces a new Personal Data Engine to handle on-device AI securely. This means smarter live notifications, a supercharged AI Select tool (basically Circle to Search on steroids), and a built-in audio eraser for cleaning up background noise in videos.
The good news is that most of these AI tricks are also coming to the S24 Ultra, minus the dedicated Personal Data Engine. Even Bixby has quietly taken a backseat to Google Gemini, which now launches by default when you long-press the side key.
Update cycles
Samsung continues to lead the pack in software support. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is supported through January 2031, while the S25 Ultra will get updates through 2032. That’s 7 years of major OS updates and security patches, meaning either phone is a long-term investment.
Real-world usage
Both phones are smooth for everyday use. The S24 Ultra still handles heavy multitasking and gaming with ease, but the S25 Ultra feels a little more future-proof. App switching is instant, frame rates are steady even in demanding games, and heat management is slightly better thanks to an upgraded vapor chamber cooling system.
Pricing
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra was announced on January 22, 2025, during Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked livestream, and officially hit shelves on February 7, 2025. Its launch pricing is identical to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s debut a year earlier, which is rare these days, given the trend of price hikes in flagship phones:
- 256GB model: $1,299 / £1,249 / AU$2,149.
- 512GB model: $1,419 / £1,349 / AU$2,349.
- 1TB model:$1,659 / £1,549 / AU$2,749.
That means Samsung managed to hold the line on cost, despite adding new hardware and AI features. Value-wise, the S25 Ultra doesn’t punish early adopters, which is a small but welcome win.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra, meanwhile, stopped selling on Samsung’s official website and through carriers in the US. Now, you can find it at discounted prices at third-party retailers and carriers. Trade-in programs and bundles are also common, and in some regions, second-hand S24 Ultra units are hitting the market for much less.
From a value-per-feature perspective, it really depends on where you’re buying. If you’re paying full price, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the clear winner, as it offers all the latest upgrades at the same cost. But if you can snag the Galaxy S24 Ultra at a steep discount, it becomes a very attractive option, especially since the hardware gap between the two isn’t massive.
Similarities between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra
Despite the hype, the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra share more DNA than differences.
Here’s where they overlap:
- Main and Telephoto cameras: Both feature a 200MP main sensor alongside 3x and 10x telephoto zoom lenses, which remain among the best zoom setups on any smartphone.
- Software: Both now run One UI 7 on Android 15, with most of Samsung’s AI features also available on the older S24 Ultra.
- S Pen: Both models come with Samsung’s trademark stylus, although the S24 Ultra retains Bluetooth support for remote camera and media controls, which the S25 Ultra surprisingly lacks.
- Storage & RAM: Options remain 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, all paired with 12GB RAM.
- Durability: A titanium frame, Gorilla Armor 2 glass, and IP68 water resistance.
- Connectivity: Full 5G support, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) on both.
- Battery and charging: Both come with a 5,000 mAh battery, 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- Biometrics and security: Both use Samsung’s ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner and facial unlock.
- Multimedia: Both feature dual stereo speakers tuned by AKG, with nearly identical loudness scores in testing.
While Samsung has presented the Galaxy S25 Ultra with some subtle upgrades, the S24 Ultra is still a powerhouse and feels very much like its twin in everyday use.
Who should choose which?
Go for the Galaxy S25 Ultra if:
- You want the latest AI features like Gemini Live, Cross-App Actions, and the improved Now Brief feed.
- You care about max performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite and better efficiency.
- You want slightly upgraded cameras, especially the new 50MP ultra-wide lens and refined processing.
- You like future-proofing with the newest hardware and a 7-year update cycle that stretches to 2032.
- You have the budget and don’t mind paying the premium launch price for Samsung’s best.
Stick with the Galaxy S24 Ultra if:
- You want a flagship phone at a reduced price now that it’s a year old.
- You still want top-tier cameras, including the 200MP main and excellent zoom lenses.
- You’re fine with the same One UI 7 + Android 15 experience (most AI features carry over).
- You like having Bluetooth S Pen functionality, which the S25 Ultra dropped.
- You trust in long-term support (updates until 2031).
Skip both if…
- You’re considering alternatives like:
- Pixel 9 Pro: best-in-class AI and computational photography.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: unbeatable iOS ecosystem and video quality.
- OnePlus 13: faster charging and bigger battery.
- You don’t want to pay too much for a phone.
- Your current device is still running fast and reliably, and there’s no need to upgrade just for the hype.
Conclusion
When you really look at it, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is really just a polished continuation of the S24 Ultra. Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is cutting-edge, and yes, Samsung sprinkled in a few shiny AI tricks and design tweaks. But if you’re familiar with the S24 Ultra, you know it was already a beast, and for most people, it still will be through 2025.
If you already have a S24 Ultra, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade. You won’t suddenly feel left behind in performance, camera quality, or software features.
However, if you’re coming from an older device, that’s where the real decision lies. A discounted S24 Ultra gives you nearly everything the S25 Ultra offers, minus the bragging rights of being the latest and greatest.
On the other hand, if you want Samsung’s biggest screen ever, the Personal Data Engine for on-device AI, and the guarantee of longevity with seven years of updates, then the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the obvious pick. Just know you’ll pay top dollar for incremental gains.
Ultimately, both phones perform excellently in everyday tasks, handling media editing and gaming without breaking a sweat. So, the real question isn’t about which is better; it’s whether paying extra for those small but future-focused upgrades makes sense for you. And only you can really answer that.
FAQs about Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra:
Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra worth upgrading from the S24 Ultra?
Unless you want the absolute latest AI features, a slightly faster chipset, and the biggest Samsung screen ever, for most people already using the S24 Ultra, the upgrades will feel incremental.
What are the biggest differences between the two models?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a larger 6.9-inch display, the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, enhanced AI capabilities powered by the Personal Data Engine, and refined camera system improvements. The S24 Ultra, however, already matches it in core performance, design quality, and software support.
Will S24 Ultra prices drop now that the S25 Ultra is out?
Yes, it has, especially from carriers and third-party retailers. That makes the S24 Ultra an even more valuable pick if you don’t care about incremental upgrades.
Which phone has better long-term support?
Both promise seven years of software and security updates, which is excellent for Android devices. That means whether you choose the S24 Ultra or S25 Ultra, your phone will remain secure and functional well into the 2030s.
Which Galaxy smartphone camera offers the best experience?
Right now, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 50MP Ultra Wide camera is Samsung’s strongest performer across the S21–S25 series lineup. Combined with its 200MP wide, quad telephoto lenses (50MP + 10MP), and 12MP selfie shooter, it’s the most complete package.
