Samsung Galaxy S24 vs S25: what is the difference?

Roel21 JANUARY 2026

Content

What are the main differences between the Galaxy S25 and S24?
When should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 or the S25?
Frequently asked questions

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Samsung launched the Samsung Galaxy S25 series in January 2025. This line of smartphones is the successor to the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, which came onto the market about a year earlier. Are you looking for a new phone and hesitating between the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the S25? In this article you will discover the most important differences between the 2 series, so you can choose the model that suits you best.

What are the main differences between the Galaxy S25 and S24?

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It has almost become a tradition for Samsung to add a new line to the Samsung Galaxy S series at the beginning of the year. The new line of Samsung smartphones often has a different design from its predecessor and also comes with slightly different features and technologies. Below we have listed the main differences between the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy S24 for you. We discuss the different versions, the design, the screen, the camera, the processor and memory, the user interface and the AI features of both series.

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Models

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series consists of 3 models. The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the standard version of the series, and the Galaxy S25 Plus is the larger variant. The top model in the series is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. In terms of versions, the new series doesn’t differ from its predecessor, which also consisted of a Samsung Galaxy S24, S24 Plus and S24 Ultra.

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Design

The Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus are very similar in design to their predecessors. You can recognise both models in the series by the rounded corners and the cameras positioned one below the other on the back of the phone. The most striking design difference between the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus and their predecessors lies in the colours in which the models are available. The external differences between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra are greater. The latter has square corners, while the S25 Ultra, like the other models in the series, has a rounded screen.

Screen

The display of the standard Galaxy S25 model is unchanged compared with the Galaxy S24. Both smartphones have a 6.2‑inch display with AMOLED technology. The same goes for the 6.7‑inch AMOLED screen found on both the Galaxy S25 Plus and the Galaxy S24 Plus. The biggest display difference is in the Samsung Galaxy Ultra models. The AMOLED screen of the S25 Ultra is, at 6.9 inches, just a fraction larger than that of the S24 Ultra (6.8 inches).

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Camera

As with the design and display, only the S25 Ultra model clearly differs from its predecessor in terms of cameras. Both Ultra models do have a 200‑megapixel main camera and a 10‑megapixel telephoto camera, but the wide‑angle lens of the S25 Ultra (50 megapixels) is more powerful than that of the S24 Ultra (12 megapixels). This means you capture more detail with the S25 Ultra when taking photos of, for example, wide landscapes. The S25 and S25 Plus both have a 50‑megapixel main camera, a 12‑megapixel wide‑angle lens and a 10‑megapixel telephoto lens. This is exactly the same camera set‑up as on the S24 and S24 Plus respectively.

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Processor and memory

The biggest difference between all models in the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and those in the Galaxy S24 series isn’t visible on the outside. The Galaxy S25, S25 Plus and S25 Ultra all run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. This is an upgrade for all variants compared with their predecessors in the Galaxy S24 series, ensuring that even the extensive AI features of the Galaxy S25 models run quickly and smoothly. In terms of RAM and storage, the only difference is in the standard model of both Galaxy S series. The Galaxy S25 has 12 GB of RAM, whereas the Galaxy S24 has 10 GB. In addition to the 128 GB and 256 GB storage options that were also available with the Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S25 also has a version with 512 GB of storage.

User interface

The smartphones in the Samsung Galaxy S25 series are the first to run on the One UI 7 operating system. This is the most powerful software to date on a Samsung smartphone and is needed to ensure all the smart AI features run properly and smoothly. The aforementioned Snapdragon 8 Elite processor also plays a major role here. Thanks to One UI 7 you can switch between different apps on your phone at lightning speed and without stuttering. Combined with the Elite processor, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is faster, more efficient and more energy-efficient than the Galaxy S24.

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AI features

The Galaxy S24 was the first series of Samsung smartphones with ultra-smart Samsung Galaxy AI features. The AI capabilities on the Samsung Galaxy S25 series have been expanded even further. For example, they feature Cross App Action. This allows your smartphone to switch automatically between different apps, meaning you only need a single (voice) command to get something done. Ask your smartphone, for instance, when all the home matches of your favourite football club are, and Cross App Action will immediately add all the dates to your calendar. Another new AI feature is Now Brief. This function recognises your daily patterns and gives you advice and updates throughout the day that make your life easier. For example, Now Brief will let you know if the train you normally take is delayed or suggest Spotify playlists at times when you are working. You’re completely in control of what Now Brief advises you about during the day.

When should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 or the S25?

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The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is the successor to the Galaxy S24 series. The main differences are in particular between the Ultra models of the 2 series. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, for example, has a display that’s a fraction larger than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and the wide‑angle lens of the newer Ultra phone is more powerful than that of its predecessor. Another important difference is the One UI 7 user interface on the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and the extremely powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor in these smartphones. As a result, the Galaxy S25 works quickly, smoothly, efficiently and energy‑efficiently, even when you’re using one of the new smart AI features. Want to use the very latest technology? Then the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is for you. Are you looking for a high‑end smartphone and don’t you mind having an older model? Then a smartphone from the Samsung Galaxy S24 series is a very good option.

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