Samsung Galaxy S25 vs S24: What’s Actually Different?

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs S24: What’s Actually Different?

Thinking about upgrading from the Galaxy S24 to the new S25? Here’s a straight-up look at what’s changed—and what stayed the same.

Design

Both phones look pretty similar. Flat edges, matte glass back, and minimal bezels. The S25 has flatter sides and a smaller camera bump, but it’s subtle.

Display

Same size (6.6-inch AMOLED), same resolution, same 120Hz refresh rate. The S25 is a bit brighter outdoors, but otherwise it’s hard to tell them apart.

Performance

The S25 runs on Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. It’s a bit faster and handles heat better. The S24 is still fast though, so the difference is small unless you game a lot.

Camera

Specs are the same: 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto. But the S25 handles night shots better. If you take lots of low-light photos, you’ll notice.

Battery

S25 has a 4700mAh battery vs 4500mAh in the S24. That gives it a little more screen time, especially on 5G. Charging speeds are the same. No charger in the box.

Software and Support

Both run Android 15 with One UI 7. Samsung promises 7 years of updates for the S25. The S24 will get them too, just a year earlier.

Quick Recap

• Design: Slightly flatter edges on S25
• Display: Nearly identical
• Performance: S25 is faster, but both are smooth
• Camera: Minor improvement in night shots
• Battery: S25 lasts longer, same charging speed
• Software: Both get Android 15, S25 supported longer

Should You Upgrade?

Not sure if the Galaxy S25 is worth it? Here's a breakdown based on what phone you're using and how you use it.

If you already have the Galaxy S24

Skip the upgrade.
The S25 feels like a minor refresh. Same display, same camera setup, same charging speed. The only real gains are better battery life and slightly better low-light photos. That’s not enough to justify the price if you just bought an S24 last year.

If you’re using a Galaxy S22 or older

The S25 is a solid step up.
You’ll notice faster performance, longer battery life, and more years of software updates. The camera quality—especially at night—is a noticeable upgrade from the S22 or earlier. If your phone feels slow or battery life is poor, now’s a good time to upgrade.

If you care about long-term software support

S25 is the better pick.
Samsung is offering 7 years of OS and security updates starting with the S25. That puts it on par with Pixel and iPhone in terms of longevity. If you want a phone you can keep for a while, this one makes more sense.

If you mostly use your phone for the camera

Upgrade only if you take a lot of low-light shots.
Daylight photos are nearly identical between the S25 and S24. Night shots are where the S25 is better. If you’re into night photography or shoot in dark environments often, the S25 will give you clearer, sharper photos.

If you game or multitask heavily

You’ll benefit from the S25’s new chip.
It runs cooler and more efficiently. Games load faster, frame drops are less common, and overall responsiveness is better. Still, the S24 is no slouch—only power users will really notice the difference.

If you’re looking for major new features

This is not the upgrade you’re looking for.
The S25 doesn’t add anything new in terms of hardware features. No new sensors, no big design overhaul, no faster charging. It’s more of a refinement than a reimagining.

Final Thought

S25’s better, but not by much. Your call.

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