Samsung S24 Ultra vs. Samsung S25 Ultra: A Comprehensive Comparison
Samsung S24 Ultra Vs Samsung S25 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy Ultra series has long been a benchmark for premium smartphones, combining cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and powerful performance. With the release of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in early 2025, tech enthusiasts are eager to see how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in January 2024. Both devices represent the pinnacle of Samsung’s engineering, but the question remains: Does the S25 Ultra bring enough to the table to justify an upgrade, or does the S24 Ultra still hold its own in 2025? In this detailed comparison, we’ll dive into every aspect—launch details, pricing, features, camera systems, battery life, and more—to help you decide which flagship reigns supreme.
Introduction: The Evolution of Samsung’s Ultra Lineup
Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra series has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a smartphone can achieve. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, released in January 2024, wowed users with its stunning display, top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and a camera system that redefined mobile photography. Fast forward to January 2025, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra arrives with promises of enhanced AI capabilities, a refined design, and subtle yet impactful upgrades. As of March 9, 2025, both phones remain hot topics in the tech world, with the S24 Ultra now available at discounted prices and the S25 Ultra commanding attention as the latest and greatest.
This blog will break down the differences and similarities between these two powerhouses, offering an SEO-optimized, engaging, and professional analysis for readers seeking clarity.
Whether you’re a Samsung loyalist, a photography buff, or simply looking for your next smartphone upgrade, this comparison will guide you through the decision-making process.
Launch Details: When Did Samsung S24 Ultra Vs Samsung S25 Ultra Hit the Market?
Samsung S24 Ultra Vs Samsung S25 Ultra:
Samsung S24 Ultra:
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra made its grand debut at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event on January 31, 2024. It quickly became a fan favorite, shipping shortly after and earning praise for its robust feature set and premium build. The phone introduced Galaxy AI, a suite of artificial intelligence tools that elevated the user experience, from photo editing to real-time language translation.
Samsung S25 Ultra:
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, on the other hand, was unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 on January 22, 2025. Pre-orders opened immediately, with shipping commencing on February 7, 2025. Building on the S24 Ultra’s foundation, the S25 Ultra arrived with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a refreshed design, aiming to solidify Samsung’s dominance in the flagship market. By March 2025, it’s fully available, giving us ample time to assess its real-world performance.
Price Comparison: Value vs. Innovation
Pricing is a critical factor when choosing between these two devices. At launch, the Galaxy S24 Ultra started at $1,299 for the 256GB model, with 512GB and 1TB variants priced at $1,399 and $1,619, respectively. As of March 2025, with the S25 Ultra now on the scene, the S24 Ultra has seen significant discounts. Retailers like Amazon and Samsung’s own store offer it for as low as $899-$999 for the base model, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, being the newer model, retains its premium pricing. It launched at $1,299 for the 256GB version, $1,399 for 512GB, and $1,599 for 1TB—matching the S24 Ultra’s initial cost. However, Samsung shifted the base configuration for the S25 Ultra to 12GB RAM + 512GB storage in some markets, slightly increasing the entry price to $1,349 in regions like India. Trade-in deals and early adopter promotions can lower the cost, but it’s undeniably a bigger investment upfront.
Verdict: If price is your priority, the S24 Ultra offers near-identical performance at a steep discount. For those who crave the latest tech, the S25 Ultra’s price reflects its cutting-edge upgrades.
Design and Build: Subtle Refinements or Major Overhaul?
Samsung has refined the Ultra design with each iteration, and both phones showcase premium craftsmanship. The Galaxy S24 Ultra introduced a titanium frame (Grade 2), weighing in at 233g with a boxy, angular aesthetic. Its 6.8-inch display is protected by Gorilla Glass Armor (Gen 1), boasting anti-reflective properties that reduce glare significantly.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra takes this a step further. It retains the titanium frame but upgrades to Grade 5 titanium,which is stronger and lighter, bringing the weight down to 218g—a 14g reduction. The design shifts to flatter sides and rounded corners, making it more comfortable to hold than the S24 Ultra’s sharper edges. The bezels are slimmer, nudging the screen size up to 6.9 inches, and it features Gorilla Glass Armor 2, which Samsung claims is 29% more fracture-resistant.Both phones maintain an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and include the S Pen—a signature Ultra feature. However, the S25 Ultra’s S Pen loses Bluetooth functionality, meaning no air gestures or remote camera triggering, a downgrade that has disappointed some fans.
Verdict: The S25 Ultra feels more modern and ergonomic, but the S24 Ultra’s design remains iconic and durable.
Display: Bigger, Brighter, Better?
The display is a highlight of both devices. The Galaxy S24 Ultra sports a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 1440 x 3120 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. It’s vibrant and sharp, though some noted a slight softness compared to rivals like the Pixel 8 Pro.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra bumps the size to 6.9 inches while keeping the same resolution and refresh rate. Its peak brightness matches the S24 Ultra at 2,600 nits, but improved color accuracy and higher saturation make it pop more vividly. The slimmer bezels enhance immersion, and the upgraded Gorilla Glass Armor 2 adds durability.
Verdict: The S25 Ultra’s display is a marginal improvement—brighter and more refined—but the S24 Ultra’s screen is still top-tier for most users.
Performance: Power Under the Hood
Performance is where the S25 Ultra pulls ahead. The Galaxy S24 Ultra runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a 4nm chip that delivers blazing-fast speeds for gaming, multitasking, and AI tasks. Paired with 12GB of RAM across all configurations, it’s a powerhouse that holds up in 2025.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a 3nm chip with a 40% larger vapor cooling chamber to manage heat during intensive use. This overclocked processor offers a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency, excelling in benchmarks and real-world tasks like video editing or 3D gaming. RAM remains at 12GB, though rumors of a 16GB option for higher storage tiers didn’t materialize.
Both phones run One UI 7 (based on Android 15 by March 2025), but the S25 Ultra’s Personal Data Engine enhances on-device AI processing, making features like Gemini and Bixby more responsive. The S24 Ultra will receive these updates too, but they’re optimized for the S25 Ultra’s hardware.
Verdict: The S25 Ultra is faster and future-proof, but the S24 Ultra’s performance is more than adequate for most users.
Camera System: A Photography Showdown
Samsung’s Ultra phones are renowned for their camera prowess, and both deliver exceptional results. The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a quad-camera setup:
- 200MP main (f/1.7, OIS)
- 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
- 10MP telephoto (3x zoom, f/2.4)
- 50MP periscope telephoto (5x zoom, f/3.4)
- 12MP front camera (f/2.2)
It excels in zoom photography, low-light shots, and AI-enhanced editing, though some criticized its oversaturation tendencies.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra keeps most of this intact but upgrades the ultrawide to a 50MP sensor (f/2.2), promising sharper wide-angle shots and better macro photography. The rest of the setup—200MP main, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x telephoto, and 12MP selfie camera—remains unchanged on paper. However, Samsung’s new ProVisual Engine refines post-processing, delivering more natural colors and improved low-light performance compared to the S24 Ultra’s slightly punchy output.
Verdict: The S25 Ultra’s ultrawide upgrade and software tweaks give it an edge, but the S24 Ultra is still a photography beast.
Battery Life and Charging: Endurance Test
Battery capacity remains identical: both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra pack a 5,000mAh battery. The S24 Ultra lasts over a day with casual use (16-17 hours in tests), thanks to the efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It supports 45W wired charging (68% in 30 minutes) and 15W wireless charging.
The S25 Ultra, with its more efficient 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite, squeezes out slightly better endurance—about 17-18 hours in similar tests, with Samsung claiming 31 hours of video playback vs. the S24 Ultra’s 30 hours. Charging speeds remain 45W wired and 15W wireless, though the S25 Ultra is “Qi2-ready,” hinting at future magnetic wireless charging compatibility with the right accessories.
Verdict: The S25 Ultra offers a small battery life boost, but charging speeds are unchanged, lagging behind competitors like OnePlus.
Software and AI: Smarter Every Year
Both phones launched with One UI 6.1 (Android 14) but are now on One UI 7 (Android 15) as of March 2025. The Galaxy S24 Ultra introduced Galaxy AI, with features like Circle to Search and real-time translation. It’s promised seven years of updates, lasting until 2031.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra builds on this with enhanced AI tools, including Cross-App Actions via Gemini and camera-specific features like Audio Eraser and Virtual Aperture. It also gets seven years of updates, extending support to 2032. While the S24 Ultra will inherit many of these AI upgrades, the S25 Ultra’s hardware optimization gives it a slight edge.
Verdict: The S25 Ultra’s AI is more advanced, but the S24 Ultra remains highly capable with updates.
Additional Features: What Else Stands Out?
- S Pen: Included in both, but the S25 Ultra’s lacks Bluetooth, reducing functionality.
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB options for both; no microSD slot.
- Audio: Both feature stereo speakers, with the S25 Ultra slightly louder and clearer.
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 on both; no major differences.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a stellar choice in 2025. Its discounted price, robust performance, and excellent cameras make it a value-driven option for those who don’t need the latest tech. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, is the enthusiast’s pick—faster, lighter, and packed with subtle upgrades that hint at Samsung’s future direction.
If you own an S24 Ultra, upgrading might not feel urgent unless you crave the S25 Ultra’s refined design or improved ultrawide camera. For new buyers, the S24 Ultra offers unbeatable bang for your buck, while the S25 Ultra is the ultimate Samsung experience. Which one’s right for you? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What is the price of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in 2025?
As of March 2025, the S24 Ultra starts at $899-$999 (256GB) due to discounts, originally launched at $1,299. - What are the camera specs of the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
It features a 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x periscope telephoto, and 12MP front camera. - How long does the Galaxy S24 Ultra battery last?
The 5,000mAh battery lasts 16-17 hours with adaptive use, up to 30 hours of video playback. - Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra have an S Pen?
Yes, it includes an S Pen with Bluetooth support for air gestures and remote camera control. - What processor powers the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
It’s equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, offering fast performance for gaming and multitasking. - When was the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra released?
It was unveiled on January 22, 2025, with shipping starting February 7, 2025. - What’s new in the Galaxy S25 Ultra camera?
It upgrades to a 50MP ultrawide (from 12MP), retains the 200MP main, 10MP 3x, 50MP 5x telephoto, and 12MP selfie camera. - How much does the Galaxy S25 Ultra cost?
It starts at $1,299 for 256GB, $1,399 for 512GB, and $1,599 for 1TB as of March 2025. - What’s the battery life of the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The 5,000mAh battery lasts 17-18 hours, slightly better than the S24 Ultra, with 45W wired charging. - What chipset does the Galaxy S25 Ultra use?
It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a 3nm chip, delivering up to 40% better performance than the S24 Ultra.
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