The next big thing is here
With a refreshed design, blazing-fast hardware, lots of AI-based smarts, and top-tier cameras, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is an uber-premium Android flagship.
For
- Ridiculously fast performance
- Lighter and thinner than the last-gen model
- Slightly rounded corners for a more comfortable grip
Against
- No Qi2 support
- No improvements in charging speeds
- S Pen no longer supports Bluetooth Low Energy
Last year's best
Featuring a stunning AMOLED screen, super-fast hardware, full S Pen integration, and a versatile quad-lens rear camera setup, the Galaxy 24 Ultra has it all and then some.
For
- Incredible AMOLED panel is a sight to behold
- Built-in S Pen stylus
- Seven years of major updates
Against
- One-handed use is impossible
- Many AI features are cloud-based instead of being on-device
As the newest standard-bearer of Samsung's slab-style flagship family, the Galaxy S25 Ultra packs a number of noticeable design improvements over the previous-gen model. And, of course, you can expect the latest and greatest in terms of hardware, cameras, and software as well — highlighted by a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip.
But just how significant are all these Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra upgrades? Are they really worth upgrading to if you have a Galaxy S24 Ultra? Or, if you're on the fence, should you simply go ahead and get the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is still one of the most feature-packed Android smartphones out there? Let's find out.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Design and display
Over the last few years, the design language of all three members of the Galaxy S series has remained quite consistent. Furthermore, the 'Ultra' model has always been easily distinguishable from its two younger siblings, primarily because of those right-angled corners and a slightly curved frame. However, finally changed in 2025 with the Galaxy S25 series.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with more rounded corners, matching the corners of the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S25 Plus. Add a fully flat frame to the mix, and the Galaxy S25 trio finally has a unified design language across the board. There are also changes to the rear camera array, with the individual lenses now being surrounded by thicker, ribbed rings similar to the ones on the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Samsung's Ultra phones have always been big (at least when compared to the other two members of the line-up), and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no different. Despite having a bigger 6.9-inch display panel, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is thinner and lighter than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, weighing just 218 grams.
The display is likely to remain unchanged, aside from the new the 6.9-inch size of the LTPO Dynamic AMOLED screen. Considering the Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the most gorgeous-looking panels on any smartphone in the market, that's not a bad thing. All other goodies such as Corning's Gorilla Armor protection and an anti-reflective coating are carried forward as well, albeit with minor improvements.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm (6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in) | 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm (6.39 x 3.11 x 0.34 in) |
| Durability & Case Material(s) | IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, Corning Gorilla Armor, Titanium frame | IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, Corning Gorilla Armor (Front & Back), Titanium frame |
| Weight | 218 g | 232 g |
| Display | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED, LTPO, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED (1440x3120 pixels resolution), LTPO, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Chipset / SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Sensors | Under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, Compass, and Barometer | Under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, Compass, and Barometer |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, 5G (mmWave and Sub-6), Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, UWB, and USB-C 3.2 (with DisplayPort) | Wi-Fi 7, 5G (mmWave and Sub-6), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC, UWB, and USB-C 3.2 (with DisplayPort) |
| Other Features | Samsung DeX (wired & wireless), Galaxy AI, S Pen | Samsung DeX (wired & wireless), Galaxy AI, S Pen |
| Battery & Charging | 5,000mAh, 45W (wired) and 15W (wireless) charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | 5,000mAh, 45W (wired) and 15W (wireless) charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging |
| Cameras (Rear) | 200MP wide-angle, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 50MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom), and 50MP ultrawide | 8K video recording | 200MP wide-angle, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 50MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom), and 12MP ultrawide | 8K video recording |
| Camera (Front) | 12MP wide-angle | 4K video recording | 12MP wide-angle | 4K video recording |
| OS & Update Policy | Android 15 with One UI 7 (preinstalled), seven years of OS and security updates | Android 14 with One UI 6.1 (preinstalled), seven years of OS and security updates |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Hardware and cameras
A smartphone this 'Ultra' needs equally 'Elite' innards, which is why the Galaxy S25 Ultra is driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm's newest top-of-the-line chipset. More specifically, it's using a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy variant that was co-designed by Samsung and Qualcomm.
In terms of RAM and storage, the offerings are completely unchanged from the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both phones ship with 12GB of RAM, start with 256GB of storage, and can be configured with up to 1TB of storage.
While all that's great, it's worth mentioning that Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is—and will remain for quite some time—a powerhouse capable of handling everything you throw at it without breaking a sweat. The performance gains from the new hardware will primarily come in handy for things like faster on-device processing of AI-based tasks. It goes without saying that we'll only be able to comment on the Galaxy S25 Ultra's real-world performance improvements after we put it through its paces.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's quad-lens rear camera system makes it one of the best Android camera phones you can buy right now. You get a 200MP wide-angle sensor with OIS, a 10MP telephoto module with 3x optical zoom, a 50MP periscope telephoto unit with 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Of course, there's also a diverse range of shooting modes, Galaxy AI-powered editing capabilities, and whatnot thrown into a mix.
In his dedicated Galaxy S24 Ultra camera review of the device, Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich called the setup even better than what you get with a Google Pixel, which is arguably the highest praise any Android smartphone's camera(s) can get.
And you know what's the best part? The Galaxy S25 Ultra's primary camera system is largely the same, complete with Samsung's very own ISOCELL sensors. There is a new 50MP ultrawide on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, though.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Software and battery life
Introducing a redesigned quick settings panel, updated icons, better animations, and even more Galaxy AI-powered features with integrated parental controls, One UI 7 goes a long way in making the Galaxy S25 Ultra a productivity powerhouse. However, it's pointless to get the new phone just for its software, as the Galaxy S24 Ultra will eventually get a similar experience via a future update. And thanks to Samsung's excellent support policy, both phones will likely be getting seven years of OS and security updates, so longevity is guaranteed.
Coming to endurance, the Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery with support for 45W wired, as well as 15W wireless charging. If these numbers look familiar, it's because they're exactly the same specifications that the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with.
Considering that you can get similar (or better) charging speeds even on Android phones costing hundreds of dollars less, that's underwhelming. However, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra already having a two-day battery life, we're certain that the Galaxy S25 Ultra—with its power-efficient hardware—won't disappoint us, even if we take the slow charging speeds into account.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Which is best?
It's true that the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a solid upgrade over the device it replaces. With a refreshed and slightly more compact chassis, top-of-the-line hardware, feature-laden software, and much more, it'll undeniably end up at the top of the mountain as far as the best Android phones are concerned, just like its predecessor.
But here's the thing! You might see a reduction in the Galaxy S24 Ultra's price now that the newer model is launched.
So, if you're in the market for a premium Android smartphone want to save a few bucks, we suggest getting the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It's a high-end device that'll continue to serve you well for years to come, even if it's no longer the newest thing in town.
Conversely, if you must have the freshest Android flagship and money is no object, waiting for the Galaxy S25 Ultra is absolutely worth it.
The next big thing
With a refreshed design, blazing-fast hardware, lots of AI-based smarts, and top-tier cameras, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is an uber-premium Android flagship.
Last year's best
Featuring a stunning AMOLED screen, super-fast hardware, full S Pen integration, and a versatile quad-lens rear camera setup, the Galaxy 24 Ultra has it all and then some.
