Samsung s24 ultra vs s25 ultra which is better

Samsung S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra [Clear Comparison and Buying Guide]

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra set a high bar with its impressive features and strong performance. Now, the upcoming S25 Ultra promises upgrades that might appeal to those looking for the latest improvements. This post breaks down how these two stack up, focusing on what really matters for users. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which phone fits your needs better.

Design and Build Quality

Samsung’s Ultra series phones are known for their premium feel and robust build. When comparing the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra, there are several key updates in design and materials that affect how these phones look and feel in your hand. Let’s break down the details from the display technology to the external materials and design elements that matter most.

Display and Visual Experience

Both the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra come with large, vibrant screens designed to impress. The S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, delivering sharp, crisp visuals. The refresh rate tops out at 120Hz, which keeps animations smooth and responsive, especially during scrolling or gaming. Its maximum brightness hits around 1750 nits, making the screen readable even in bright daylight. The S24 Ultra’s screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, providing solid scratch and drop resistance.

Now, the S25 Ultra builds on that by maintaining the same 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 3200 x 1440 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, but Samsung has improved brightness performance to around 2000 nits. This means the S25 Ultra’s display will be even easier to see outdoors. Samsung also refined the color calibration for more natural, accurate tones. The device comes equipped with Gorilla Glass Victus 3, offering better protection against scratches and impacts compared to its predecessor.

In short, while the screen size and resolution are largely similar, the S25 Ultra offers a brighter, slightly tougher display that enhances your viewing experience, especially outdoors and in challenging light conditions.

Materials and Aesthetics

Samsung tends to stick with premium materials in their Ultra models, and the transition from S24 Ultra to S25 Ultra shows some subtle but meaningful improvements. The S24 Ultra uses an aluminum frame paired with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back. This combo feels sturdy in the hand and gives a balanced weight, although the phone is fairly large and can feel heavy after extended use.

The S25 Ultra introduces a new metal frame choice: polished titanium. Titanium is stronger and more scratch-resistant than aluminum, while also being lighter. This means the S25 Ultra offers a more premium, durable feel without adding bulk. The back glass still uses Gorilla Glass Victus 3, which also helps improve durability.

Samsung refined the design slightly by slimming down the bezels and softening the edges. The S25 Ultra feels a bit more comfortable in hand with these tweaks. Both phones share IP68 water and dust resistance, so they can handle spills and splashes without worry.

In terms of color options, Samsung has kept classics like Phantom Black and White but added fresher tones for the S25 Ultra, giving you more choices to fit your style.

Photo by Kaique Rocha

To sum up the design changes:

• S24 Ultra: Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, IP68, solid but slightly heavier feel.
• S25 Ultra: Polished titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 3, improved brightness, slimmer bezels, lighter and more premium feel, IP68.

The S25 Ultra refines what was great about the S24 Ultra’s design, making it more comfortable, durable, and eye-catching.

Performance and Hardware

When it comes to flagship phones like the Samsung S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra, performance isn’t just about speed — it’s about how efficiently the device handles daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking without draining your battery or heating up. Samsung’s hardware upgrades tend to make a noticeable difference in real-world use, so let’s break down the key areas that set these two apart.

Processor and Graphics

One of the biggest shifts between the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra lies in their chipsets. The S24 Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Exynos 2400 (depending on your region). Both are powerful, with the Snapdragon version generally delivering a bit better graphics and power efficiency, thanks to its mature manufacturing process and optimized architecture.

The S25 Ultra moves ahead with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for most markets and an improved Exynos 2400 variant where applicable. This new chipset steps up on multiple fronts:

• CPU performance is boosted by newer cores offering faster speeds and better energy savings.
• Graphics processing shows clear improvements, letting games run smoother at higher settings with less lag.
• Thermal efficiency is improved, keeping the phone cooler during intense use, which means sustained performance for longer.

In real use, this means the S25 Ultra not only delivers snappier app launches and smoother animations but also better handles graphic-heavy apps without taxing the battery as much. If you’re a gamer or regularly run editing apps, the S25 Ultra will feel noticeably faster with less heat buildup.

The RAM and storage options remain similar between the two, offering up to 12GB RAM and 1TB storage, but the new chipset in the S25 Ultra optimizes how this memory is used, making multitasking more fluid.

Battery Life and Charging

Samsung’s Ultra phones usually come with large batteries, and both the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra keep that tradition alive, but with some key differences.

• Battery capacity: Both phones house a 5000mAh battery, a solid size that can comfortably power a full day of mixed use.
• Charging technology: Both support 45W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging, but the S25 Ultra introduces more refined power management controls to make charging safer and extend battery lifespan.
• Endurance: Early tests suggest the S25 Ultra holds its charge better throughout the day when handling demanding tasks or gaming, thanks to chipset efficiency and improved software optimization.

If you rely on your phone all day, the S25 Ultra’s smarter battery management means fewer mid-day charging stops. Wireless charging stays the same, but the improved charging circuit in S25 Ultra helps maintain battery health over time.

While these improvements might not be headline-grabbing specs, they translate into less time tethered to a charger and a device that feels more reliable through heavy use.

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Camera Systems Compared

Camera performance is a major focus for both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra, especially since Samsung’s Ultra models usually set high standards for mobile photography. The new S25 Ultra introduces some interesting upgrades, but the S24 Ultra still holds strong in many areas. Let’s break down how they perform in photography and video across different scenarios and features.

Photography Performance: Contrast the phones in various scenarios (day, night, zoom, portraits)

Both phones share a similar camera setup on paper, but the S25 Ultra refines sensor technology and software processing to push image quality further.

• Daylight shots: The main camera on both the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra offers a 200MP sensor with bright lenses and great dynamic range. The S25 Ultra’s sensor has improved light sensitivity and better noise reduction, producing sharper images with richer colors, especially in detailed scenes like landscapes or architecture. You’ll notice the S25 Ultra captures finer textures without oversharpening.
• Low light and night photography: Night mode is where the S25 Ultra shines more clearly. Its upgraded sensor performs better in dark conditions, resulting in brighter photos with less grain and more accurate colors. The S24 Ultra still captures excellent night shots, but the S25 Ultra’s enhanced AI-based noise reduction and longer exposure capabilities make it stand out. Shadows reveal more detail without blurring important elements.
• Zoom capabilities: Both include a dual telephoto setup—10x optical zoom and 3x optical zoom lenses—that deliver sharp, clear zoomed images up to 10x without much loss in quality. However, the S25 Ultra’s improved image stabilization and AI-assisted zoom processing make it easier to get steady, detailed shots at longer distances. Digital zoom beyond 30x is handled better on the S25 Ultra with less fuzziness.
• Portrait mode: Portrait shots on both devices use depth sensors and software bokeh effects that give natural background blur and accurate edge detection. The S25 Ultra adds subtle skin tone improvements and better subject isolation in tricky lighting like backlit scenes. Skin textures look smoother but retain natural details, avoiding the artificial look sometimes found on the S24 Ultra.
• Ultrawide camera: The ultrawide lens remains at 12MP on both phones with wide fields of view. The S25 Ultra improves edge distortion correction and color consistency across all lenses, resulting in more uniform photos whether you switch lenses or stitch panoramas.
• Front camera: Selfies get a modest bump with the S25 Ultra’s front camera sensor upgrade and processing tweaks. Skin tones are more natural, and low-light selfies look brighter and clearer, making it better for video calls or quick snaps.

Overall, the S25 Ultra builds on a solid foundation, delivering subtle but meaningful gains in most photography scenarios. The S24 Ultra doesn’t lag, but if photo quality in diverse conditions is a priority, the S25 Ultra is a noticeable step up.

Photo by Andrey Matveev

Video Capabilities: Explore video resolution, stabilization, and features like 8K, Director’s View, or AI enhancements

Video recording options on these two phones reveal Samsung’s focus on flexibility and quality. Both models boast impressive specs but the S25 Ultra refines stability and creative controls.

• Resolution: Both phones can shoot up to 8K at 24fps, maintaining sharp, detailed footage suitable for cropping or professional editing. The S25 Ultra’s improved sensor design and processor speed make 8K recording smoother with less heat buildup, so you can record longer clips without performance drops.
• Stabilization: Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is present on the telephoto and main cameras for both models. The S25 Ultra adds enhanced gyro-based stabilization combined with AI corrections that deliver noticeably steadier video, especially when walking or panning. You’ll find less jitter and improved clarity in casual handheld shooting.
• Director’s View and Multi-Cam Recording: Both phones feature Samsung’s Director’s View, allowing you to switch between cameras mid-recording and see multiple angles on screen. The S25 Ultra extends this with faster camera switching and more intuitive controls, improving live vlog-style shooting and multi-perspective videos.
• AI enhancements: Video on the S25 Ultra benefits from AI-driven scene optimization and noise reduction that automatically adjusts settings based on lighting and motion. It delivers crisper footage in tricky environments like dim rooms or outdoor night scenes without manual fiddling.
• Slow motion and other features: Both phones offer smooth 960fps super slow-motion video and HDR10+ recording. The S25 Ultra improves slow-motion quality with better frame interpolation, making action shots more fluid.

If you shoot a lot of video, the S25 Ultra’s upgrades in smoothness, color accuracy, and versatility give it an edge. The S24 Ultra still captures excellent clips but lacks some of the fine-tuned enhancements of the newer model.

---

This side-by-side camera comparison shows the S25 Ultra pushes Samsung’s photography and videography slightly further with subtle hardware upgrades and smarter software. These improvements come together to produce better results, especially in challenging or creative shooting conditions.

Software, Features, and User Experience

The software experience and feature set often define how users connect with their phones day to day. When comparing the Samsung S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra, looking beyond specs to the software improvements, unique tools, and update promises reveals which device offers a more future-ready and enjoyable user experience.

Unique and New Features

Samsung packs its Ultra line with special features that give each generation something to stand out. The S24 Ultra introduced several flagship exclusives like advanced S Pen functionality and early AI tools that pushed interaction ahead of competitors.

The S25 Ultra takes these features further with meaningful enhancements:

• S Pen improvements: The S25 Ultra refines latency, making writing and drawing feel more natural and fluid than before. New air gestures give you more control remotely without touching the screen. If you use the S Pen to sketch or jot down ideas, these tweaks add smoothness and responsiveness.
• AI integration: Samsung has amped up its AI toolkit in the S25 Ultra. The phone smartly adapts to your habits, improving camera shots dynamically, optimizing battery and performance based on your day, and offering smarter suggestions in messaging and apps. The AI assistant now handles tasks with better context awareness, acting more like a helpful companion.
• Satellite connectivity: The S25 Ultra introduces satellite messaging for emergencies, a new safety feature that lets you send short SMS or alerts even when cellular networks aren’t available. This can add peace of mind when traveling or in remote areas.
• One UI 6: The S25 Ultra comes with One UI 6 out of the box, featuring a cleaner interface, better multitasking, and refined animations. Small UI changes like improved widget customization and more intuitive control panels make daily use feel polished.

The S24 Ultra still holds its own with a stable, feature-rich One UI 5.1 supported by solid AI enhancements and classic S Pen features. But the S25 Ultra’s new capabilities clearly push the envelope, especially if you want the latest tools for creativity, safety, and smarter interaction.

Photo by Airam Dato-on

Updates and Longevity

Owning a flagship isn’t just about what it can do today—it’s about how long it will stay current and secure. Samsung has made significant promises around updates for both the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra, which is important to consider.

• Operating system updates: Both phones are guaranteed up to four major Android version upgrades. This means the S24 Ultra, launching with Android 13 (One UI 5.1), will get updates through Android 17, while the S25 Ultra launches on Android 14 (One UI 6) and will extend support further.
• Security patches: Samsung will provide five years of regular security updates for both devices. This is a strong commitment compared to many competitors and ensures your phone stays protected from vulnerabilities for a long time.
• Software support impact: For users, this translates to a longer useful lifespan. You won’t feel pressured to upgrade each year just to keep apps and security up to date. Both phones remain reliable for daily use and compatible with new apps and services for years.
• Performance over time: Samsung’s updated software on the S25 Ultra includes smarter resource management and AI-driven optimizations that reduce slowdown. This could make a noticeable difference in keeping your phone feeling snappy as apps and Android versions evolve.

If long-term software support is key to your purchase, the S25 Ultra offers an edge by starting one step ahead with the latest Android and UI version, ensuring a longer runway before updates slow down. But the S24 Ultra’s support is still among the best in the business.

By focusing on software features and update policies, Samsung aims to keep these Ultra devices relevant and safe well beyond their release year, giving you confidence in your investment.

Price, Value, and Final Recommendation

Choosing between the Samsung S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra boils down not just to specs but how much you pay and what you get in return. Both are premium devices, but the differences in price, features, and long-term value can help you decide which one fits your needs best.

Price Comparison and Current Market Value

At launch, the Samsung S24 Ultra hit the market with a price starting around $1,199, positioning itself firmly in the premium flagship range. The S25 Ultra enters slightly higher, generally priced near $1,299 due to its upgraded materials, improved brightness, and newer chipset.

Since the S24 Ultra has been out longer, you can often find it discounted or through deals, especially as carriers and retailers clear inventory in anticipation of the newer model. This price drop makes the S24 Ultra a tempting option for many.

Here’s a quick price snapshot:

• S24 Ultra: Launch price ~$1,199, current street prices typically $1,000 or less depending on deals and storage options.
• S25 Ultra: Launch price ~$1,299, currently less common in discounts but expected to lower over time.

Buying the S25 Ultra now means paying for the latest technology and some added features, while picking up an S24 Ultra usually gets you solid savings.

Assessing Value for Different Buyer Types

Value is more than the sticker price; it’s about what fits your lifestyle and expectations from a flagship.

• Early Adopters: You want the newest tech without compromises. The S25 Ultra is your phone. It offers a lighter titanium frame, brighter display, improved AI features, and better chipset efficiency. These add up to smoother performance and a slightly better future-proofing edge.
• Upgraders: If you’re moving from an older Samsung or previous generation phone, the S24 Ultra already delivers a premium, well-rounded experience. You get a powerful camera setup, solid battery life, and trustworthy software support at a reduced price compared to the S25 Ultra.
• Value Seekers: Budget-conscious buyers targeting flagship quality on a tighter budget will likely find the S24 Ultra offers better bang for the buck. Its hardware still handles most tasks effortlessly, and price cuts make it a smart choice.
• Photographers and Content Creators: The S25 Ultra’s subtle camera and video improvements, along with enhanced AI, justify paying a premium if you want the best Samsung mobile camera available now.

Final Recommendation

The choice between these two boils down to priorities:

• If you want the latest improvements and are willing to pay for a phone that will stay top tier longer, the S25 Ultra stands out. Its better build, display, and chipset make everyday use feel just a bit more polished.
• If you seek value without a big compromise, the S24 Ultra remains an excellent flagship. It covers everything well, performs strongly, and benefits from lower prices today.

Think of it like choosing between a brand-new luxury car and the one model before it that’s still reliable but more affordable. Both get you where you want to go, but the new model has some extra perks that might speed up the ride slightly.

Photo by Andrey Matveev

Conclusion

The Samsung S25 Ultra offers clear improvements in display brightness, build materials, performance, and camera refinement, making it a strong choice for those who want the newest technology and longer software support. On the other hand, the S24 Ultra still delivers excellent value with solid performance, great cameras, and a lower price point.

For buyers focused on getting the best experience and latest features, the S25 Ultra is worth the extra cost. If you want flagship power without stretching your budget, the S24 Ultra remains a reliable and powerful option that holds up well.

Choosing between them depends on your priorities: go for the S25 Ultra if you want a phone that edges ahead on multiple fronts, or pick the S24 Ultra for a smart, more affordable flagship that doesn’t sacrifice much. Either way, you get a premium Samsung Ultra device built to last.