Deciding between last year’s flagship and this year’s upgrade is rarely straightforward, but the gap between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the S25 Ultra is smaller than many expected. Both pack a 200MP main camera, a 5000mAh battery, and a 6.8-inch screen, but the S25 Ultra brings a faster chip, lighter build, and improved camera processing. Here’s what the real-world differences actually mean for your wallet and your daily use.
Display size: 6.8 inches (both) ·
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (S24 Ultra) vs Snapdragon 8 Elite (S25 Ultra) ·
Main camera: 200 MP (both) ·
Battery capacity: 5000 mAh (both) ·
Weight: 232 g (S24 Ultra) vs 218 g (S25 Ultra) ·
RAM: 12 GB (both)
Quick snapshot
- Both have 200MP main camera (Droid Life (Android news site))
- Both have 5000mAh battery (PCMag (tech review outlet))
- Both are IP68 rated (Droid Life)
- S25 Ultra weighs 14g less (Droid Life)
- Exact real-world battery life differences
- Long-term durability of S25 Ultra display
- Whether S24 Ultra will get future AI features
- January 2024: S24 Ultra released
- January 2025: S25 Ultra released
- 2026: Expected price drops on S24 Ultra
- S25 Ultra likely to be the performance leader through 2026
- S24 Ultra will remain a strong value pick as discounts deepen
Six specs, one pattern: the S25 Ultra refines the formula without reinventing it.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (S24 Ultra) / Snapdragon 8 Elite (S25 Ultra) |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Display | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
| Weight | 232g (S24) / 218g (S25) |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Main Camera | 200MP, f/1.7 |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
The spec sheet tells a story of two phones sharing a skeleton. The real differentiation comes from how they execute — not what they list.
The implication: core hardware is nearly identical; the real differences lie in processing, weight, and glass.
Is the S24 Ultra better than the S25 Ultra?
Key specs comparison
Three specs, one standout: the S25 Ultra’s processor leap is the most significant change.
| Spec | S24 Ultra | S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
The pattern: raw specs are almost identical except for the chip, which drives benchmark gains.
Display and design differences
Both phones use a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 120Hz refresh rate, but the S25 Ultra has slightly thinner bezels and upgraded front glass. The S24 Ultra uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the S25 Ultra uses Gorilla Armor (Droid Life (Android news site)). The S25 Ultra also weighs 14g less — 218g vs 232g — making it noticeably lighter in hand.
Performance benchmarks
PCMag measured the S25 Ultra at 86 fps in its benchmark, up from 66 fps for the previous model (PCMag (tech review outlet)). That’s a 30% raw performance jump. The Guardian confirmed the S25 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, outperforms the OnePlus 13 in speed tests (The Guardian (UK newspaper)). The S24 Ultra still handles daily tasks smoothly, but the S25 Ultra pulls ahead in gaming and AI workloads.
For most daily scrolling, messaging, and social media, the speed difference vanishes. The 30% GPU uplift only becomes obvious in sustained gaming, video editing, or AI-heavy apps.
The trade-off: the S24 Ultra is plenty fast for most users, but the S25 Ultra is measurably faster for demanding apps and future-proofing.
Is it worth upgrading from S24 to S25?
Price difference
At launch, the S25 Ultra started at $1,299. The S24 Ultra now sells with discounts of up to $300, making it the budget-friendly flagship option. The upgrade premium is about $200–$300 if you sell your S24 Ultra.
Performance gains
PCMag’s benchmark tests show a 30% uplift in GPU performance. The Snapdragon 8 Elite also brings faster AI processing, which powers features like real-time translation and photo editing. For power users, the difference is tangible.
Camera improvements
9to5Google reported that the S25 Ultra camera has “more life, more detail, and noticeably more consistency” than earlier Samsung flagships (9to5Google (Google-focused tech blog)). The Guardian described the rear camera system as largely unchanged from recent models (The Guardian), but the processing improvements matter. PCMag noted vibrant colors and consistent output across cameras (PCMag).
Battery life
PCMag found the S25 Ultra lasted 14 hours and 15 minutes in its streaming battery test, only five minutes longer than the S24 Ultra (PCMag). The Guardian reported around two days in mixed daily use for the S25 Ultra (The Guardian). Charging is where the S25 Ultra pulls ahead: PCMag recorded a full charge time of 65 minutes, 15 minutes quicker than the S24 Ultra, reaching 35% in 15 minutes and 64% in 30 minutes when charged from empty with a 45W brick (PCMag).
If you are happy with your S24 Ultra’s camera and battery, the upgrade is optional. But the faster charging and AI features make the S25 Ultra a better long-term investment for users who keep phones three years or more.
Which camera is better: Samsung S25 Ultra or S24 Ultra?
Main camera comparison
Both phones use a 200MP main sensor with f/1.7 aperture. Amateur Photographer said the best still-image results come from the main 200MP sensor (Amateur Photographer (camera enthusiast magazine)). The S25 Ultra’s processing produces more vibrant colors and fewer motion-blurred shots, according to 9to5Google (9to5Google).
Ultrawide and telephoto
The S24 Ultra has a 10x optical telephoto lens, while the S25 Ultra uses a 5x optical lens with 10x hybrid zoom. In practice, the S25 Ultra’s hybrid zoom is nearly as good, and the processing gives it an edge in color consistency. PCMag described the S25 Ultra’s output as producing vibrant colors and consistent output across its cameras (PCMag).
Low-light performance
Amateur Photographer reported that the S25 Ultra is about the same as the S24 Ultra in low light (Amateur Photographer). No major breakthrough here — both flagship cameras handle night scenes well.
Video recording
Both phones record 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps. The S25 Ultra benefits from better stabilization and color science, resulting in more consistent video. The trade-off: the S24 Ultra’s 10x optical zoom gives it a unique edge for distant subjects, but the S25 Ultra’s processing wins for everyday shots.
Camera purists should not expect a generational leap. The S25 Ultra narrows the consistency gap that plagued earlier Samsung flagships, but the hardware itself remains largely unchanged from the S24 Ultra.
The catch: camera die-hards may prefer the S24 Ultra for its 10x optical zoom, but the S25 Ultra is the more reliable all-rounder.
What are common S24 Ultra problems?
Display issues
Some users report screen flickering, particularly at low brightness settings. This has been an intermittent issue across Samsung forums, though not widespread. The S25 Ultra’s Gorilla Armor glass may offer better durability, but long-term reports are still emerging.
Battery drain
After major One UI updates, some S24 Ultra owners noticed degraded battery life. While the hardware is unchanged, software optimization has been a recurring complaint. The S25 Ultra’s more efficient chip may mitigate this going forward.
Software bugs
One UI bugs have been reported, including occasional app crashes and notification delays. Samsung has resolved most with patches, but the S24 Ultra’s update cycle is now slower than the S25 Ultra’s.
Camera focus issues
Some users experienced autofocus inconsistencies in low-light video. The S25 Ultra’s improved processing reduces these issues, but the S24 Ultra remains capable for most scenarios.
Most S24 Ultra problems are software-related rather than hardware defects. The S25 Ultra addresses many of these through better processing and a newer OS version, giving upgraders fewer headaches.
Is S24 Ultra worth buying in 2026?
Price drops
As of 2026, the S24 Ultra is expected to see discounts of $300 or more off its original $1,299 price. That makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a flagship experience.
Future software support
Samsung promises four years of major OS updates and five years of security patches for the S24 Ultra. That means it will receive updates through at least Android 18 (2028). The S25 Ultra, launched in 2025, will get updates through 2029.
Comparison with newer models
The S24 Ultra lacks the newest AI features — such as real-time translation and advanced photo editing — that the S25 Ultra introduced. For users who value bleeding-edge features, the S25 Ultra is the better choice. For everyone else, the S24 Ultra remains a capable flagship.
The S24 Ultra is a smart buy in 2026 if you prioritize price and do not need the latest AI tricks. The S25 Ultra is the better long-term investment for performance and features, especially if you plan to keep the phone past 2028.
Timeline
- January 2024: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra released (Droid Life)
- January 2025: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra released (Droid Life)
- 2026: Expected S24 Ultra price drops; continued software support for both models
For more on the S25 launch timeline, see our Samsung S25 Release Date article.
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Both have 200MP main camera
- Both have 5000mAh battery
- Both are IP68 rated
- S25 Ultra weighs 14g less
- S25 Ultra charges 15 minutes faster
- S25 Ultra has Gorilla Armor glass
What’s unclear
- Exact real-world battery life differences
- Long-term durability of S25 Ultra display
- Whether S24 Ultra will get future AI features
- Consistency of S24 Ultra camera over time
What experts say
“Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra either equals or surpasses the S24 Ultra in nearly all areas.”
“At 1x and 2x, the S25 Ultra shows nicer, more vibrant colors.”
Reviewers consistently praise the S25 Ultra’s camera processing and performance, while noting the S24 Ultra remains a strong competitor.
What’s the verdict?
For anyone upgrading from an S24 Ultra, the decision hinges on how much you value faster charging, AI features, and a lighter frame. The S25 Ultra is the better phone, but the S24 Ultra is still a flagship that will serve you well for years. If you can find the S24 Ultra at a significant discount, it’s a smart buy. For buyers in 2026 with a bigger budget, the S25 Ultra is the clear choice — it offers better performance, longer software support, and a more refined camera experience. For the budget-conscious, the S24 Ultra delivers 90% of the experience at 70% of the price. The choice is yours.
Related reading: Samsung S25 Release Date · Change Phone DNS on Android & Samsung
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Frequently asked questions
Does the S25 Ultra have a better screen than the S24 Ultra?
Both have 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with 120Hz refresh rate. The S25 Ultra has slightly thinner bezels and uses Gorilla Armor glass, which is more scratch-resistant, but the core display quality is identical.
Is the S25 Ultra faster than the S24 Ultra?
Yes. The S25 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip delivers up to 30% better GPU performance compared to the S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, according to PCMag benchmarks.
What colors are available for the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra?
Both phones come in multiple color options. The S24 Ultra is available in Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, and others. The S25 Ultra offers refreshed colors including Titanium Silver and Titanium Blue. Exact availability varies by region.
Which has more storage options, S24 Ultra or S25 Ultra?
Both offer 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage variants. No microSD expansion on either.
Is the S Pen improved in the S25 Ultra?
The S Pen experience is largely unchanged. The S25 Ultra’s S Pen retains the same features — Bluetooth remote, air gestures, and note-taking — with no hardware upgrades.
How does the design of the S24 Ultra compare to the S25 Ultra?
The S25 Ultra is slightly lighter (218g vs 232g) and has slightly thinner bezels. Both phones have a similar squared-off design with a metal frame and glass back. The S25 Ultra’s camera bump is slightly more refined.
Does the S25 Ultra support faster charging?
Yes. The S25 Ultra charges 15 minutes faster than the S24 Ultra, reaching 65% in 30 minutes with a 45W charger, compared to the S24 Ultra’s 80-minute full charge time. Both support 45W wired charging.