Samsung Galaxy S25 vs S24: A 10-Point Comparison – Should You Upgrade?
Samsung’s Galaxy S series continues to set benchmarks in the Android ecosystem, and with the Galaxy S25’s launch on January 23, 2025, millions of Galaxy S24 owners are pondering the big question: Is it time to upgrade? The S25 builds on the S24’s foundation, introducing refinements in performance, AI capabilities, and subtle hardware tweaks, but it retains much of what made its predecessor a bestseller.
As of August 2025, Samsung has sold over 30 million units of the S24 series globally, with the base model praised for its compact form and Galaxy AI integration. The S25 aims to elevate this with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and enhanced AI features, but at a similar starting price of $799, the upgrade path isn’t straightforward.
This 10-point comparison breaks down the key aspects using a “What’s New” and “What’s the Same” format for clarity. We’ll cover design, build quality, display, processor, RAM and storage, camera system, battery life, software and Galaxy AI, pricing and availability, and additional features. Drawing from official specs and hands-on reviews, we’ll analyze whether these changes justify trading in your S24, including a look at trade-in offers and overall costs. If you’re an S24 user eyeing the S25 for its AI prowess or performance boosts, this guide will help you decide before heading to a store or Samsung’s website.
1. Design: Subtle Refinements for Better Ergonomics
The Galaxy S25 refines the S24’s premium aesthetic, maintaining a compact flagship appeal that’s ideal for one-handed use.
What’s New: The S25 is noticeably thinner at 7.2mm (versus the S24’s 7.6mm) and lighter at 162g (down from 167g-168g), making it feel more sleek in the hand. It features slimmer bezels for a more immersive screen-to-body ratio, and new color options like Icyblue, Navy, Mint, and Silver Shadow add fresh variety.b5a92e Rounded corners on the frame improve grip compared to the S24’s sharper edges.
What’s the Same: Both phones share a similar footprint with dimensions around 147 x 70.6mm, an aluminum frame, and IP68 water/dust resistance. The flat display and hole-punch camera layout remain unchanged, ensuring familiarity for upgraders.
These tweaks make the S25 more comfortable for extended use, but if your S24 feels fine, the differences might not compel an upgrade.
2. Build Quality: Enhanced Durability with Familiar Materials
Samsung emphasizes robustness in both models, but the S25 introduces minor upgrades for longevity.
What’s New: The S25 uses an upgraded Gorilla Glass Victus 3 on both front and back, offering better scratch resistance than the S24’s Victus 2. It also incorporates more recycled materials in its construction, aligning with Samsung’s sustainability goals.
What’s the Same: Both feature Armor Aluminum frames, with no shift to titanium (reserved for Ultra models).The IP68 rating protects against submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, and both include ultrasonic fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking.
The S25’s build feels premium, but the S24’s is already durable—upgrades here are evolutionary, not revolutionary.
3. Display: Brighter and Smoother, but Largely Identical
The screen remains a highlight for both, delivering vibrant visuals for media and gaming.
What’s New: While peak brightness is matched at 2600 nits, the S25’s display benefits from anti-reflective coating improvements for better outdoor visibility. It also supports a slightly wider color gamut for more accurate hues in photos and videos.
What’s the Same: Both boast a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 1080×2340 resolution (FHD+), 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. Always-On Display and Vision Booster tech are carried over, ensuring crisp, fluid scrolling.
If glare was an issue on your S24, the S25 offers a minor edge, but the core experience is unchanged.
4. Processor: A Significant Performance Leap
This is where the S25 pulls ahead, thanks to cutting-edge silicon.
What’s New: The S25 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite globally (no Exynos variant), with an 8-core setup clocked up to 4.47GHz—up to 30% faster CPU and 40% better GPU performance than the S24’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400. This enables smoother multitasking and enhanced AI processing.
What’s the Same: Both chips support advanced features like ray tracing for gaming and efficient power management.
For gamers or heavy users, the S25’s chipset justifies consideration, as it handles demanding tasks with less heat.
5. RAM and Storage: More Options for Power Users
Storage configurations see a boost in the S25 for better future-proofing.
What’s New: Base RAM jumps to 12GB (from 8GB on the S24’s entry model), with options up to 512GB storage using faster UFS 4.0. This improves app loading and multitasking.
What’s the Same: Entry-level 128GB variant persists, with no microSD expansion on either.
If you opted for the 8GB S24, the S25’s standard 12GB could feel like a worthwhile step up for longevity.
6. Camera System: AI-Enhanced Upgrades
Photography remains a strong suit, with the S25 focusing on software improvements.
What’s New: The ultra-wide sensor upgrades to 50MP (from 12MP), delivering sharper details and better low-light performance. The Next Gen ProVisual Engine enhances processing for vibrant colors and 10-bit HDR video.
What’s the Same: The triple setup includes a 50MP main (with OIS), 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and 12MP front camera. 8K video recording at 30fps is standard.
Casual photographers might not notice huge differences, but the S25’s ultra-wide boost shines in landscapes.
7. Battery Life: Optimized for All-Day Use
Battery performance gets a tweak for efficiency.
What’s New: The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s efficiency yields up to 10-15% better battery life, with tests showing 20+ hours of mixed use.
What’s the Same: Both have a 4000mAh battery, 25W wired charging, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging.
If your S24 lasts a full day, the S25’s gains are marginal unless you’re a power user.
8. Software and Galaxy AI: The Real Game-Changer
Galaxy AI evolves significantly in the S25, making it a true “AI phone.”
What’s New: One UI 7 introduces features like Auto Trim for instant video edits, ProScaler for image upscaling, Now Brief widget for summaries, and enhanced call transcription. Drawing Assist and AI Select add creative tools.
What’s the Same: Seven years of OS updates (up to Android 21 for S25, Android 20 for S24), with core AI like Circle to Search carried over.
These AI enhancements could transform daily workflows, making the S25 appealing for productivity-focused users.
9. Pricing and Availability: No Major Shifts
Affordability remains consistent.
What’s New: Launch promotions include free storage upgrades and bundled accessories.
What’s the Same: Starting at $799 for 128GB, available unlocked or via carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile.
Official Website
Galaxy S25
Galaxy S24
The flat pricing eases upgrades, but value depends on trade-ins.
10. Additional Features: Connectivity and Extras
Rounding out the package with modern conveniences.
What’s New: Wi-Fi 7 support for faster speeds and improved UWB for precise tracking.
What’s the Same: 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and stereo speakers tuned by AKG.
These are nice-to-haves, but not upgrade drivers.
Analyzing Trade-In Offers and Upgrade Costs
Samsung’s trade-in program sweetens the deal for S24 owners. As of August 2025, trading in a Galaxy S24 in good condition nets up to $500 instant credit toward the S25, dropping the effective cost to $299 for the base model. Carriers like AT&T offer up to $800 off with eligible trade-ins and plans, while T-Mobile provides $800 without trade for new lines. International offers vary; in Canada, up to $350 top-up is available. Adding taxes and fees, the net upgrade cost ranges from $200-$500, depending on your S24’s variant and condition.
However, resale value for the S24 is strong—around $400-$500 privately—potentially making a self-sale and full-price S25 purchase more economical if you skip trade-ins. Promotions like Samsung’s $50 credit for pre-orders (now expired) or bundle deals with Galaxy Buds can further reduce costs.
Verdict: Hold Onto Your S24 Unless AI or Performance Calls
The Galaxy S25 is an iterative upgrade: faster processor, better AI, and minor design tweaks make it a solid refinement, but the S24 holds up remarkably well. If you’re deep into Galaxy AI for editing or productivity, or if your S24 feels sluggish, the $200-$500 net cost via trade-in justifies the switch—especially with seven years of updates ensuring longevity. For most users, though, the S24’s capabilities suffice, wait for the S26 or snag an S25 on sale. Test both in-store to feel the differences, as the upgrade’s value is personal.
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