For years, Samsung’s Galaxy S series has set the benchmark for Android smartphones, often rivaling Apple’s iPhone lineup in innovation and performance. Many would argue that Samsung played a key role in making Android a mainstream alternative to iOS, pushing the boundaries of mobile technology with each new release.
But the competition has only gotten tougher. Other smartphone manufacturers have been aggressively stepping up their game, making every new Galaxy Ultra release a crucial moment for Samsung. That brings us to the big question: How does the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra compare to its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra? Let’s break it down.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. S24 Ultra: Spec Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Display | 6.9-inch Edge QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.8-inch Edge QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz Dynamic | 120Hz Dynamic |
| Glass Protection | Gorilla Glass Armor (front) | Gorilla Glass Armor (front) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear Cameras | 200MP (wide), 50MP (ultrawide), 50MP (5x telephoto), 10MP (3x telephoto) | 200MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide), 50MP (5x telephoto), 10MP (3x telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 12MP Dual Pixel | 12MP Dual Pixel |
| SIM | Dual-SIM | Dual-SIM |
| Network | 5G, 4G LTE | 5G, 4G LTE |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Other Connectivity | NFC, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo | NFC, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo |
| Charging & Battery | 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging, 25W wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, reverse wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 77.6 x 162.8 x 8.2mm | 79 x 162.3 x 8.6mm |
| Weight | 219g | 232g |
| Color Options | Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Blue, Titanium Silver | Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow |
| Software | One UI 7 (Android 15) with 7 years of OS updates | One UI 6.1 (Android 14) with 7 years of OS updates |
What’s New in the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
- Larger display: Thinner bezels allow for a 0.1-inch increase in screen size.
- Upgraded ultrawide camera: Now 50MP, up from 12MP, delivering sharper, more detailed shots.
- Stronger build: Uses a higher-grade titanium frame for added durability.
- Lighter design: Despite the added screen real estate, the phone is 13g lighter than its predecessor.
Where the Galaxy S24 Ultra Still Shines
- S Pen features: While both models come with the S Pen, the S24 Ultra offers a slightly more comprehensive feature set.
Design and Build Quality
Samsung introduced the Galaxy S Ultra series back in 2020 with the S20 Ultra, featuring a massive camera bump that signaled its intent to dominate smartphone photography. Fast forward to 2025, and the design language has evolved—bezels are smaller, materials are more premium, and cameras are more refined.
While the S24 Ultra already featured a titanium frame, the S25 Ultra takes it a step further with higher-grade titanium, making it even more durable. The weight reduction is a welcome improvement, making the phone more comfortable to hold despite its large size.
Display Upgrades
Samsung continues to push the boundaries of smartphone displays. The Galaxy S25 Ultra now boasts a 6.9-inch screen, slightly larger than the 6.8-inch display on the S24 Ultra, thanks to slimmer bezels. Both models retain the QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals.
Performance and Processing Power
Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, a step up from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the S24 Ultra. This means better efficiency, faster AI processing, and improved gaming performance.
Camera Enhancements
One of the biggest upgrades comes in the ultrawide camera. Samsung has bumped it up to 50MP, a significant jump from the 12MP sensor on the S24 Ultra. This should result in much sharper and more detailed ultrawide shots. The 200MP primary sensor and telephoto lenses remain largely unchanged.
Battery and Charging
Both models pack a 5,000mAh battery, but the S25 Ultra now supports 25W wireless charging, up from 15W on the S24 Ultra. Wired fast charging remains at 45W, allowing for quick top-ups when needed.
Final Thoughts: Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re coming from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the upgrades on the S25 Ultra—while meaningful—might not be groundbreaking enough to warrant an immediate switch. However, if you want a slightly bigger and lighter phone, a better ultrawide camera, and a stronger build, the S25 Ultra is a solid step forward.
For those using an older model, like the S22 Ultra or S23 Ultra, the S25 Ultra will feel like a major leap in both performance and design.
Would you upgrade? Let us know your thoughts!