What are the key differences between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy S24 Ultra?

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

If you are thinking of getting the S24 Ultra in less, now that the S25 Ultra has been released. You are at the right place. Every January, we expect Samsung to launch its new upgraded S-series smartphone. People like me who are tech/smartphone enthusiasts want to see what changes in the brand new Samsung Galaxy S 25 Ultra. Here is an honest review of what is an upgrade and degraded from S 24 Ultra

Because I am most biased toward performance we will start with the processor and then we will thoroughly examine every aspect, including:

• Chipset
• RAM and Storage (ROM)
• CPU and GPU
• Display
• Cameras
• User Interface (UI)
• Additional features and S-Pen
• DMG verdicts

Chipset: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra

Released on October 21, 2024, the Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite currently stands as the most powerful chipset for Android smartphones. Benchmark results from AnTuTu, Geekbench, and 3DMark validate its exceptional performance. Now, let's assess how the Galaxy S24 Ultra compares to its successor, as it is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor

AnTuTu Scores:

• The 8 Gen Elite scored 2,759,190 points in the benchmark and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 scored 2,054,380 points
• The CPU scored 550,000 points or more, and the GPU scored 1,000,000 points or more. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU scored 432,754 points, and the GPU scored 800,000 points or more.

Geekbench

• In Geekbench 6, the 8 Gen Elite scored 3,212 for single-core and 10,318 for multi-core, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 scored 2,303 for single-core and 7,376 for Multi-core.

3DMark

• The Snapdragon 8 Elite scored an average of 8,518 points in the 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme whereas Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 scored 5,338 points.

RAM and Storage(ROM)

Both devices feature the same LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage technology. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra offer identical storage configurations: 12GB RAM with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage options.

CPU and GPU

CPU Performance

Both devices have an Octa-Core processor, but the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is not far behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite.

Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite (Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra): Octa-core configuration – 2x 4.47GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L and 6x 3.53GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M. This new architecture introduces Qualcomm’s custom Oryon cores, offering significantly higher clock speeds, improved efficiency, and enhanced AI processing capabilities.

Snapdragon Gen 3 (Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra): 8-core configuration – 1x 3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x 3.1GHz Cortex-A720, 2x 2.9GHz Cortex-A720, and 2x 2.2GHz Cortex-A520. This setup balances high performance with power efficiency, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming.

GPU Performance

Adreno 830 (S25 Ultra): offers smoother frame rates, better thermal management, and enhanced AI-driven optimizations.

Adreno 750 (S24 Ultra): This GPU also delivers top-notch graphical performance and efficiently handles high-end games like PUBG/BGMI, Genshin Impact, and WutheringWaves, as well as demanding applications. However, the Adreno 830 performs slightly better.

Thermal Performance

The thermal performance has improved quite significantly in the S25 Ultra it has got 40% larger vapour chamber as compared to the S24 Ultra.

Display

Both devices feature nearly identical display specifications, utilizing Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X technology with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2600 nits. The screens both display 1440 x 3120 pixels and the screen ratio is 19:5:9. At first glance, this may lead to the question: What sets them apart? Let’s explore the differences.

The S25 Ultra has a 6.9-inch display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2, and the S24 Ultra has a 6.8-inch display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 1.

Cameras

Both Smartphones come with a Quad (4) camera setup.

The only major upgrade I see is a 50 MP, f/1.9, 120˚ (ultrawide), 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video ultrawide camera in the S25 Ultra,

Whereas S24 Ultra the ultrawide camera is 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video and 

Other cameras remain the same as the S24 ultra

• 200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), sensor size 1/1.3", 0.6µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
• 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto), sensor size 1/3.52", 1.12µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
• 50 MP, f/3.4, 111mm (periscope telephoto), sensor size 1/2.52", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom

User Interface (UI)

Both smartphones are guaranteed seven years of major Android upgrades and run on Samsung's One UI, delivering a feature-rich and user-friendly experience. The Galaxy S25 Ultra debuts with One UI 7, based on Android 15, introducing enhanced AI-driven optimizations. Meanwhile, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra will receive software updates, certain exclusive AI and performance enhancements may remain limited to the newer model.

Additional Features and S-Pen

The design of the S25 Ultra has changed from last year now it feels easier to hold, and tho the S24 Ultra is not that far behind. Design can be subjected to user preference.

S-Pen

Samsung has removed the Bluetooth functionality from the S-Pen, a decision that may spark some controversy among users who appreciate its advanced features. However, in practical use, the impact may be minimal.

Speaking from experience, I frequently use the S-Pen on my Samsung Tab S7 Plus for note-taking for my students and holiest drawing. Over the past three to four years, I have never utilized the Bluetooth gesture functions, highlighting that while the feature may seem appealing, its real-world usage might be limited for many users.

DIGITAL MAGIC GURU Final Verdict

Both smartphones will receive 7 years of major Android updates. Meanwhile, the S24 is a last-year product, so it has already received its first major update. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is undoubtedly a powerhouse in terms of performance. 

Camera performance is nearly identical, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has received a significant 50MP ultrawide camera upgrade. Additionally, the night mode is now more functional than ever, along with further camera enhancements thanks to the 8 Gen Elite for Galaxy processor. A new feature, LOG mode, has been introduced, allowing you to shoot in HDR10 and 10 bits. This provides more flexibility for video editing afterwards.

Among its unique features, the new pro scaler upscales lower resolutions from around 720p to 1080p. One thing we will miss in the S24 Ultra is the new UI 7 update, which is just around the corner. Some features may appear on the S24 Ultra, while others may not be available.

If you're considering purchasing the S24 Ultra, now is a fantastic time as its price has been significantly reduced to 99,500/-, ensuring you won't lose much value. Conversely, if you're interested in the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is priced at 1,29,999/-, it's a future-proof smartphone, much like the S24 Ultra, but with minor enhancements.