Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, has arrived, but is it a true evolution of the S24 Ultra, or just a minor update?
While both phones share a lot in common, there are key differences that might sway buyers in one direction or the other.
Here, we break down the most significant differences between the two models.
Design & Build
At first glance, the S25 Ultra looks very similar to the S24 Ultra, maintaining Samsung’s signature boxy design.
However, one of the biggest changes is the slightly rounded corners, with the aim to improve comfort in-hand.
The S24 Ultra, with its sharper edges, can dig into the palm, making the S25 Ultra’s design a welcome refinement.
Luke Baker
Another noteworthy change is the weight reduction. The S25 Ultra is approximately 15g lighter than its predecessor, thanks in part to more efficient use of materials.
While this may not seem drastic, it does contribute to a slightly more comfortable experience, particularly for users who handle their phones extensively throughout the day.
Despite these tweaks, Samsung has retained the titanium frame exclusive to the Ultra models, ensuring premium durability.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
However, the biggest disappointment for long-time S Pen users is the removal of Bluetooth functionality from the stylus in the S25 Ultra.
This means you can no longer use the S Pen as a remote shutter for taking photos, and that’s a frustrating downgrade.
If this functionality is a must for you, then you better opt for the S24 Ultra.
Display
Both the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra feature stunning AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2600 nits.
However, the S25 Ultra refines its display technology by introducing Corning Gorilla Armor 2, which not only provides improved scratch resistance but also enhances anti-reflective properties.
This makes the screen easier to view under bright lighting conditions, reducing glare significantly.
Luke Baker
Additionally, the bezel on the S25 Ultra has been reduced by 15%, creating a more immersive viewing experience without increasing the overall size of the device.
While the changes may not be groundbreaking, they do refine an already excellent display, making the S25 Ultra’s screen the best Samsung has produced to date.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Another software-based enhancement comes in the form of ProScaler, an AI-powered image enhancement feature. While it claims to improve image clarity, real-world use does not reveal a striking difference.
This is another instance of AI being subtly integrated rather than delivering a truly transformative experience.
That being said, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display has received some improvements, but they aren’t outstanding enough to justify choosing this model over the S24 Ultra.
Cameras
On paper, the camera systems on the S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra look nearly identical, but the key upgrade is in the ultrawide lens.
The S25 Ultra now boasts a 50Mp ultrawide sensor, up from 12Mp on the S24 Ultra. This should theoretically result in sharper, more detailed wide-angle shots, although in practical use, the difference is subtle.
Luke Baker
More noticeable, however, are the software-based improvements.
Samsung’s new ProVisual Engine and Spatio Temporal Filter enhance image processing, leading to more natural-looking skin tones and better overall colour accuracy.
Night photography, however, still remains an area where both models struggle slightly, particularly with the 3x telephoto lens, which produces noisy images in low-light.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
For video shooters, the S25 Ultra introduces Log video recording, which allows for greater control in post-production.
This is particularly useful for professionals, but for the average user, the benefits are marginal compared to standard video recording.
So, if you are most concerned with the best possible photographic capabilities, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be slightly better.
Still, last year’s S24 Ultra remains one of the best camera phones you can buy right now and is also likely to receive S25 Ultra’s software improvements.
Other Differences
Beyond these major upgrades, there are a few other minor differences worth noting.
The S25 Ultra features a more efficient cooling system with a 40% larger vapour chamber, allowing for better-sustained performance under heavy workloads.
However, it can still get quite warm under prolonged use, much like the S24 Ultra.
Luke Baker
Battery life remains similar, with Samsung claiming minor efficiency improvements on the S25 Ultra, though the 5000mAh capacity and 45W wired charging remain unchanged.
The S25 Ultra can go from fully flat to around 70% charged in 30 minutes while the S24 Ultra reaches 63% after half an hour.
Wireless charging has technically been upgraded to Qi2.1, but speeds remain locked at a lacklustre 15W.
Besides that, these two phones are nearly identical.
Price & Availability
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced at £1,249/$1,299 for the 256GB model, £1,349/$1,419 for the 512GB version, and £1,549/$1,659 for the 1TB variant. These prices are unchanged from the S24 Ultra at launch.
It’s available on the Samsung UK and Samsung US sites, but there are also some appealing offers available elsewhere.
Check out our guide to the best Galaxy S25 series deals to make sure you’re getting the best price.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra was launched at the same price points as its successor: £1,249/$1,299 for the 256GB model, £1,349/$1,419 for the 512GB, and £1,549/$1,659 for the 1TB variant.
You can it buy direct from Samsung UK and Samsung US, but also via a variety of third-party retailers and carriers. Importantly at reduced prices as you would expect for a previous generation, potentially making it better value for many.
Verdict
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a refinement rather than a revolution. It improves on its predecessor with a more comfortable and lighter design, slightly enhanced display technology, and a marginally better ultrawide camera.
For current S24 Ultra users, there is little reason to upgrade. Many of the AI-powered enhancements are expected to arrive on the S24 Ultra via software updates, further reducing the urgency to switch.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
If you’re trying to choose between the S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra, then the cheaper prices for the older model combined with how similar the two are mean that the S24 Ultra is likely a better value choice.
