If you’re on the hunt for a compact flagship smartphone, Samsung has consistently delivered some of the most compelling options on the market. The recently unveiled Galaxy S25 promises subtle but meaningful improvements over its predecessor, the Galaxy S24, aiming to attract both new buyers and those considering an upgrade.
But with last year’s Galaxy S24 now available at discounted prices, the choice becomes a bit more challenging. Both phones feature high-quality displays, premium build materials, powerful chipsets, and versatile camera systems, making them exceptional options for most users.
However, is the incremental upgrade offered by the Galaxy S25 significant enough to justify the additional investment, or does the Galaxy S24 provide better value? In this detailed comparison, we’ll dive deep into every key aspect—from design and performance to camera capabilities and battery life—to help you decide whether the Galaxy S25 or the Galaxy S24 is the right choice for your needs and budget.
Design & Build Quality:
The Samsung Galaxy S24 was already a popular flagship, so Samsung didn’t change much for the Galaxy S25, but there are subtle refinements. The S25 is slightly slimmer and lighter, making it easier and more comfortable to handle. Both phones use the same premium materials: Armor Aluminum frames and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on both the front and back.
Durability remains identical, with both phones boasting IP68 ratings, which ensures they’re dustproof and water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. In hand, both feel premium and well-built. The design differences aren’t drastic, but the slimmer profile of the S25 gives it a slight edge if portability and ergonomics matter to you.
Performance & Chipset:
The most significant upgrade in the Galaxy S25 is its chipset. Powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite—an exclusive, higher-clocked variant specifically made for Galaxy phones—the S25 sees notable performance improvements.
The Galaxy S24 comes in two chipset versions depending on the region—Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400. Both are capable, but benchmarks clearly favor the newer Snapdragon 8 Elite, showing significantly higher scores across CPU and GPU tests. Real-world differences, however, are less noticeable as both phones offer seamless multitasking and smooth gaming experiences.
It’s worth noting, however, that both models show noticeable thermal throttling during prolonged intensive tasks, typical for compact flagships. Still, if raw power and future-proofing matter, the Galaxy S25’s Snapdragon 8 Elite holds a clear advantage.
Software & AI Features:
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 introduces the latest One UI 7, based on Android 15. The Galaxy S24 will eventually receive this update too, but the S25 offers immediate access and some exclusive new AI-driven enhancements. Samsung heavily emphasizes AI capabilities on the Galaxy S25, with features that improve efficiency, image processing, and app management.
The Galaxy S24 does have some AI features, but it’s unclear when or if it will get all the latest improvements from the S25. Both models promise 7 years of software support, although the S24, being older, will naturally have one year less left.
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Display Quality:
Display-wise, Samsung hasn’t made changes. Both the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S24 share identical 6.2-inch AMOLED panels with a Full HD+ resolution and a smooth adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Both displays deliver sharp, vibrant visuals, excellent contrast, and HDR10+ support.
Brightness is excellent on both phones, peaking at over 1,400 nits under bright sunlight. Adaptive refresh rate technology allows them to dynamically shift from 120Hz down to as low as 1Hz to conserve battery when necessary. In short, the screen experience is equally impressive on both models.
Fingerprint & Storage Options And Audio Quality:
An unexpected twist: the Galaxy S25’s stereo speakers aren’t as loud as the Galaxy S24’s. However, the newer model provides slightly richer bass and clearer audio quality. For general media consumption, this improved clarity might matter more than sheer volume.
Both the Galaxy S25 and S24 feature Samsung’s reliable ultrasonic under-display fingerprint scanners. Storage options remain identical as well—128GB, 256GB, or 512GB—with no expandable storage via microSD card.
Battery Life & Charging:
Battery capacity hasn’t changed—both phones carry a 4,000mAh cell. Yet, the Galaxy S25 achieves slightly better battery performance, thanks largely to its more efficient chipset. Tests show longer talk-time and gaming sessions on the S25.
Charging speeds remain unchanged at 25W wired charging for both devices. Neither comes with a charger in the box, but both can reach around 60% charge in half an hour, fully charging in approximately 75 minutes. Both phones also support 15W wireless charging. The S25 does have CH 2.1 support for magnetic wireless charging cases, but this doesn’t boost the speed beyond 15W.
Camera Performance:
The camera hardware hasn’t changed for years on the vanilla S-series flagships. Both the Galaxy S25 and S24 feature a triple rear setup consisting of:
- 50MP main camera
- 10MP telephoto camera (3x zoom)
- 12MP ultra-wide camera
Main Camera:
Photos taken in good lighting conditions show little difference. Both models produce detailed shots with vivid colors and good dynamic range. In low light, the S25 slightly edges out with warmer, more natural colors, although the difference isn’t substantial.
Telephoto Camera:
Both devices deliver similarly impressive zoom performance, providing sharp details and good dynamic range even in less-than-ideal lighting scenarios.
Ultra-wide Camera:
Both ultra-wide cameras perform comparably in terms of detail and color consistency, with the S25 sometimes showing minor focusing issues in our review unit. Overall performance remains very close between both phones.
Selfies & Video:
Selfie quality remains consistent at 12MP with autofocus, delivering detailed and vibrant images. Video quality is similar as well—both phones offer great 4K recording. The S25 gains a slight advantage with 10-bit HDR video recording and the new LOG video mode, which offers greater flexibility for video editing.
Pros of Galaxy S25:
- New powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
- Slimmer, lighter, and more comfortable design.
- Slightly better battery performance.
- Latest AI features in software.
- Enhanced bass and clarity in speakers.
- 10-bit HDR video recording capability.
Cons of Galaxy S25:
- Stereo speakers are quieter than Galaxy S24.
- Incremental improvements may not justify the price increase.
- Ultrawide camera occasionally shows focus inconsistency.
Conclusion:
Both Samsung Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S24 offer exceptional flagship experiences. The S25 brings refinements like better battery efficiency, advanced AI features, improved chipset performance, and slightly richer audio.
However, if budget is a significant consideration, the Galaxy S24 remains an outstanding device, offering almost the same user experience at a lower price. In the end, choose the S25 if you prioritize future-proofing and the latest tech advancements, or go with the S24 if you seek maximum value for your money.
- Check out our full reviews of both flagships:
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Review
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Review
Frequently Asked Questions “Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S24”:
Is the Galaxy S25 significantly faster than the Galaxy S24?
- Yes, benchmarks indicate significant improvements due to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, but real-world differences are less noticeable in typical daily use.
Do the Galaxy S25 and S24 have the same camera hardware?
- Yes, both phones have identical camera sensors. Differences in photo quality are minor and mostly software-related.
Is battery life better on the Galaxy S25?
- Slightly, thanks to the efficiency of the new chipset. The S25 lasts a bit longer in tests, especially in gaming and talk-time scenarios.
Which phone has better speakers?
- The Galaxy S24 has louder stereo speakers, but the Galaxy S25 offers slightly better bass and clarity.
Do these phones support wireless charging?
- Yes, both phones support wireless charging up to 15W. The Galaxy S25 also supports CH 2.1 magnetic charging accessories.
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- Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G Review: A New Mid-Range Contender With “Pros And Cons”!
- Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G Review: A Feature-Packed Mid-Ranger Worth Considering?
