When should I choose Samsung S25 Ultra?

Users wanting Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) performance with up to 16GB RAM. Landscape and macro photographers seeking a high-resolution 50MP f/1.9 ultra-wide camera. Users prioritizing ergonomic comfort with a lighter 219g chassis, rounded corners, and a 6.9-inch display. Buyers desiring slightly extended battery life (14:49h active use score, 19:04h video playback). Users who want Android 15 and One UI 7 out of the box with the latest native Galaxy AI optimizations.

When should I choose Samsung S24 Ultra?

Value-focused buyers looking to save significantly below the $1,299 flagship retail price. Users who prefer a sharper, classic rectangular boxy chassis aesthetic. Owners already possessing the phone who do not need minor generational camera or chip iterations. Users satisfied with a 12MP ultra-wide camera alongside a powerful 200MP main sensor. Buyers wanting long-term support (7 years of OS updates) without paying top launch prices.

What are the advantages of Samsung S25 Ultra over Samsung S24 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is equipped with the 3nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and up to 16GB of RAM, providing higher CPU, GPU, and NPU performance than its predecessor.. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra upgrades its ultra-wide camera to a higher-resolution 50MP f/1.9 sensor with dual pixel PDAF.. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra features a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with slimmer bezels in a lighter 219g and thinner 8.2mm chassis with rounded corners.. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra achieves a longer Active Use Score of 14 hours and 49 minutes from its 5,000 mAh battery, including 19:04h of video playback and 10:06h of gaming.. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra ships out of the box with Android 15 and One UI 7, offering updated on-device Galaxy AI optimizations alongside 7 major OS upgrades and 7 years of security updates..

What are the advantages of Samsung S24 Ultra over Samsung S25 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers superior price-to-value by delivering flagship performance and core Ultra capabilities at a significantly discounted price compared to the $1,299 MSRP.. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra matches the newer model's long-term commitment with 7 years of major Android OS upgrades and security updates.. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra provides dependable all-day endurance with a 5,000 mAh battery, delivering a 13 hours and 48 minutes Active Use Score with 16:48h of video playback.. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra retains a robust imaging setup that includes a 200MP main wide camera, a 10MP 3x optical telephoto lens, and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens..

AI comparison report

Samsung S25 Ultra vs Samsung S24 Ultra

By CompareAI Editorial Team · Published 2026-09-29 · How we compare

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the superior flagship for those demanding cutting-edge 3nm performance and refined ergonomics, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ult…

Who wins: Samsung S25 Ultra or Samsung S24 Ultra?

Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra first if you want the fastest 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, up to 16GB RAM, an upgraded 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a more comfortable 219g rounded design; choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want top-tier flagship capabilities and 7 years of software support at a significantly discounted price.

Based on our analysis across 6 dimensions with 20 sources, Samsung S25 Ultra scores 8.8/10 overall while Samsung S24 Ultra scores 8.4/10 overall.

Dimension	Samsung S25 Ultra	Samsung S24 Ultra
Performance & Processing Hardware	9.5/10	8.5/10
Camera System & Sensor Upgrades	9.3/10	8.5/10
Design, Ergonomics & Display	9.2/10	8/10
Software Experience & Galaxy AI Capabilities	9.4/10	8.8/10
Battery Life & Efficiency	9/10	8/10
Price-to-Value & Upgrade Justification	6.5/10	8.5/10
Overall	8.8/10	8.4/10

Should I choose Samsung S25 Ultra or Samsung S24 Ultra?

Verdict: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra first if you want the fastest 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, up to 16GB RAM, an upgraded 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a more comfortable 219g rounded design; choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want top-tier flagship capabilities and 7 years of software support at a significantly discounted price.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the superior flagship for those demanding cutting-edge 3nm performance and refined ergonomics, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra represents the smarter purchase for budget-conscious buyers seeking flagship performance at a steep discount.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra improves upon its predecessor across key hardware areas by introducing Qualcomm's 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and an upgraded 50MP f/1.9 ultra-wide camera over the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12GB RAM, and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide lens. Ergonomically, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers a slightly larger 6.9-inch display in a lighter 219g chassis (8.2mm thick) with rounded corners, compared to the heavier 232g, 8.6mm boxy frame of the 6.8-inch Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The newer chip's efficiency also translates to longer battery endurance from the shared 5,000 mAh capacity, reaching an active use score of 14 hours and 49 minutes (including 19:04h of video playback) versus 13 hours and 48 minutes (16:48h video playback) on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, because both devices share 7 years of major OS support, 200MP primary cameras, and identical battery capacities, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains the better price-to-value choice for buyers able to purchase it at substantial discounts below the $1,299 MSRP.

Best for Samsung S25 Ultra

Users wanting Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) performance with up to 16GB RAM
Landscape and macro photographers seeking a high-resolution 50MP f/1.9 ultra-wide camera
Users prioritizing ergonomic comfort with a lighter 219g chassis, rounded corners, and a 6.9-inch display
Buyers desiring slightly extended battery life (14:49h active use score, 19:04h video playback)
Users who want Android 15 and One UI 7 out of the box with the latest native Galaxy AI optimizations

Best for Samsung S24 Ultra

Value-focused buyers looking to save significantly below the $1,299 flagship retail price
Users who prefer a sharper, classic rectangular boxy chassis aesthetic
Owners already possessing the phone who do not need minor generational camera or chip iterations
Users satisfied with a 12MP ultra-wide camera alongside a powerful 200MP main sensor
Buyers wanting long-term support (7 years of OS updates) without paying top launch prices

When not to compare directly

Do not compare them directly if you are choosing purely based on launch MSRP versus clearance/refurbished second-hand market pricing, or if you are an existing Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra owner deciding whether to make an annual upgrade, as core features like the 200MP main sensor, 5,000 mAh battery, and 7-year update policy remain fundamentally similar.

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

Performance & Processing Hardware

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra upgrades to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with up to 16GB of RAM, outperforming the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra which features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with 12GB of RAM.
Samsung S25 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) processor paired with up to 16GB of RAM, offering superior raw CPU/GPU computing power, enhanced thermal efficiency, and next-generation NPU performance for Galaxy AI tasks.
Samsung S24 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm) chipset with a standard 12GB of RAM across its storage variants, delivering strong processing and AI capabilities.
Scores — Samsung S25 Ultra: 9.5/10, Samsung S24 Ultra: 8.5/10
Determines raw computing power, thermal efficiency, AI processing capability, and long-term app responsiveness.
Sources: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Full phone specifications, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Full phone specifications
Camera System & Sensor Upgrades

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra upgrades the ultra-wide camera to a higher-resolution 50MP f/1.9 sensor, compared to the 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide sensor on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Samsung S25 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra upgrades its camera system with a new 50MP f/1.9 ultra-wide sensor featuring dual pixel PDAF, paired with a 200MP main wide camera, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens with refined Snapdragon 8 Elite ISP processing.
Samsung S24 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features an older 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide sensor alongside its 200MP main camera, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, and 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens.
Scores — Samsung S25 Ultra: 9.3/10, Samsung S24 Ultra: 8.5/10
Photography and videography quality across diverse focal lengths are major selling points for Ultra flagship buyers.
Sources: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Full phone specifications, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Full phone specifications
Design, Ergonomics & Display

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra features a larger 6.9-inch display and rounded corners in a lighter 219g chassis, compared to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's boxier 6.8-inch, 232g body.
Samsung S25 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra upgrades to a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with slimmer bezels, rounded corners, and a lighter 219g titanium chassis measuring 8.2mm in thickness.
Samsung S24 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display set within a boxier chassis with sharper corners, measuring 8.6mm thick and weighing 232g.
Scores — Samsung S25 Ultra: 9.2/10, Samsung S24 Ultra: 8/10
Changes in screen size, corner curvature, bezel thickness, and chassis weight significantly influence one-handed usability and daily pocketability.
Sources: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Full phone specifications, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Full phone specifications
Software Experience & Galaxy AI Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra ships out of the box with Android 15 and One UI 7 for newer native Galaxy AI optimizations, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra originally launched on Android 14 with One UI 6.1 [1, 4].
Samsung S25 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra launches with Android 15 and One UI 7, delivering enhanced on-device Galaxy AI capabilities and promising 7 major Android OS upgrades and 7 years of security updates [1].
Samsung S24 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra originally debuted with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, supporting extensive Galaxy AI productivity tools alongside a matching 7-year policy of major OS and security updates [4].
Scores — Samsung S25 Ultra: 9.4/10, Samsung S24 Ultra: 8.8/10
Software optimizations, native AI feature integration, and the One UI interface affect overall user convenience and productivity.
Sources: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Full phone specifications, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Full phone specifications
Battery Life & Efficiency

While both smartphones feature identical 5,000 mAh batteries, the Samsung S25 Ultra lasts approximately one hour longer in overall active use (14:49h vs. 13:48h) thanks to the greater power efficiency of its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor over the Samsung S24 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Samsung S25 Ultra: The Samsung S25 Ultra retains a 5,000 mAh battery capacity and achieves an improved Active Use Score of 14 hours and 49 minutes (14:49h), benefiting from the enhanced power efficiency of its 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor during gaming (10:06h) and video playback (19:04h).
Samsung S24 Ultra: The Samsung S24 Ultra is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery powered by the 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, delivering a reliable 13 hours and 48 minutes (13:48h) Active Use Score with 16:48h of video streaming and 9:06h of gaming.
Scores — Samsung S25 Ultra: 9/10, Samsung S24 Ultra: 8/10
Endurance throughout heavy usage scenarios ensures reliable all-day productivity without frequent recharging.
Sources: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Full phone specifications, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Full phone specifications
Price-to-Value & Upgrade Justification

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers significantly superior price-to-value because it matches the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's 5,000mAh battery and 7-year software commitment at a steep discount from the $1,299 launch price.
Samsung S25 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra launches at a premium starting price of approximately $1,299 with incremental upgrades like the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and an upgraded 50MP ultrawide camera, offering only marginal generational gains over its predecessor [1].
Samsung S24 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers nearly identical core functionality, including 7 years of major OS upgrades, a 200MP main camera, and a 5,000mAh battery, at a significantly reduced market price below its original $1,299 launch MSRP [4].
Scores — Samsung S25 Ultra: 6.5/10, Samsung S24 Ultra: 8.5/10
Determines whether the generational improvements justify paying full retail launch price over purchasing a discounted prior-generation flagship.
Sources: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Full phone specifications, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Full phone specifications

What are the pros and cons of Samsung S25 Ultra vs Samsung S24 Ultra?