The Samsung Galaxy S25 has arrived, and as usual, the question arises: is it worth upgrading from last year’s Galaxy S24? Both phones represent the entry-level to their respective generations, and with the S25’s release, the S24 has seen a price drop. This article dives deep into the similarities and differences to help you decide whether to upgrade or buy the older generation.
Specs Comparison: Galaxy S25 vs. S24
Here’s a quick overview of the key specifications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x (1080 x 2340) | 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x (1080 x 2340) |
| Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1-120Hz | Adaptive 1-120Hz |
| Dimensions & Weight | 5.78 x 2.78 x 0.28 inches, 5.71 ounces | 5.79 x 2.78 x 0.30 inches, 5.89 ounces |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Memory & Storage | 12GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB | 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, 8GB/512GB |
| Colors | Icy Blue, Navy, Mint, Silver Shadow | Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4,000mAh | 4,000mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless |
| Price | Starting from $800 | Starting from $800 |
Samsung Galaxy S25 in navy with the screen on
Design and Display
At first glance, the S25 and S24 are nearly identical, sharing the same design language and triple-camera layout. However, the S25 is slightly thinner (0.4mm) and lighter (6 grams), offering a more comfortable grip. Both phones boast a vibrant 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 2600 nits peak brightness, and HDR10+ support. The S25 edges out the S24 with a marginally higher screen-to-body ratio. While minor, these improvements give the S25 the edge.
Performance and Battery
The most significant difference lies under the hood. The S24 utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with 8GB of RAM. The S25, however, boasts the custom-designed Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, built on a more efficient 3nm process and paired with 12GB of RAM. This translates to a noticeable performance boost and improved battery life. Both devices feature a 4,000mAh battery with 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. The S25 also supports the newer Qi2 magnetic wireless charging standard with a compatible case. Connectivity enhancements in the S25 include Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7, and emergency satellite messaging.
The USB port on the Samsung Galaxy S25 in Navy
The side buttons on the Galaxy S25 in Navy
Camera
While the S25 Ultra features a new ultrawide camera, the base S25 retains the same camera hardware as the S24. The improvements are primarily software-driven, leveraging the enhanced image signal processor (ISP) of the new chipset. Both phones feature a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
A close up of the Galaxy S25 cameras in the hand
Software and Updates
The Galaxy S25 launches with One UI 7 based on Android 15, while the S24 initially shipped with One UI 6 based on Android 14, but is slated to receive the One UI 7 update. Both devices are guaranteed seven years of software and security updates, but the S25 will receive support for a longer period. One UI 7 introduces new AI-powered features like personalized daily briefings and enhanced search capabilities. Crucially, the S25 runs these AI features on-device, resulting in faster performance compared to the S24.
Lock screen on the Galaxy S25 in Navy including the Now Brief
Price and Availability
Both phones launched with a starting price of $800. While the S24 offers a 512GB storage option, it’s important to note that the 128GB variant utilizes slower UFS 3.1 storage, whereas the 256GB and 512GB models of the S24, and all S25 variants, use faster UFS 4.0 storage. Both phones are available in a range of standard and exclusive colors.
The seven colors for the Galaxy S25
The Verdict
If you already own a Galaxy S24, upgrading to the S25 may not be essential. However, for new buyers, the S25 presents a compelling package. Its superior processor, enhanced AI capabilities, improved battery efficiency, and longer software support make it the better long-term investment, especially if the price difference isn’t significant.
