Samsung Galaxy S25 vs S24: Real-Life Differences & Upgrades
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| Samsung Galaxy S25 vs S24 |
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy S25 series, and many tech enthusiasts are wondering: Is the S25 worth upgrading from the S24? While the specifications have received some expected improvements, real-world usage often reveals more significant changes.
After using both the Galaxy S24 and S25, I have noticed several key differences that will help you decide whether to save money by sticking with the S24 or invest in the latest S25.
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs S24: Design & Build Quality
At first glance, the Galaxy S25 and S24 look nearly identical. The design language remains unchanged, making it hard to distinguish the two devices side by side.
- The S25 is slightly lighter than the S24 by 5 grams, but the difference is hardly noticeable.
- Samsung has added camera rings around the lenses, which give the phone a slightly more premium look.
- The build quality remains the same as the S24, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back.
The fingerprint scanner is still ultrasonic, just like in the S24, and performs flawlessly. However, I was hoping for improved speaker clarity, but the speakers on the S25 sound nearly identical to the S24.
Display: Any Noticeable Improvements?
The S25 retains the same 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel as the S24, with:
LTPO technology
FHD+ resolution
120Hz refresh rate
Peak brightness of 2600 nits
HDR10+ support
While on paper the displays are the same, real-life usage shows some improvements:
Better color accuracy: The S25's colors appear more natural, whereas the S24 had a slight purple tint in some situations.
Similar outdoor visibility: Both phones are equally bright under direct sunlight, with no major difference in peak brightness.
Performance & Benchmark Tests
Samsung has upgraded the processor in the S25, which provides noticeable performance improvements.
Geekbench scores:
S24 Multi-core: ~5800
S25 Multi-core: 9100+ (A significant jump!)
3D Mark Stress Test: Shows that the S25 maintains higher FPS than the S24 and offers more consistent frame rates under load.
Gaming Performance
I tested two heavy games on both devices:
1. Wuthering Waves
S25: 20 FPS higher on average than the S24
S25 heats up 2°C more than S24, but performance remains stable.
2. GRID Legends
S25 performs slightly better but shows better frame rate consistency under load.
S24's FPS fluctuates more when temperatures rise.
Samsung still locks BGMI at 90 FPS on the S25, but a future update might unlock 120 FPS, as the processor is fully capable.
Software & AI Features
Both the S24 and S25 run One UI 7, based on Android 15, so there aren't major UI differences. However, Samsung has added some AI-powered features to the S25:
"Circle to Search" and "Generative AI" remain the same as the S24.
New AI assistant (Galaxy AI): Holding the power button activates Gemini (Google AI integration), allowing for smart tasks like:
Creating shopping lists
Translating restaurant menus in foreign languages
Identifying vegetarian dishes from a menu using the camera
Camera Comparison: Subtle but Meaningful Upgrades
The camera hardware remains identical:
50MP Main Sensor
12MP Ultra-Wide
10MP Telephoto (3x Optical Zoom)
However, image processing has improved on the S25:
More realistic colors: The S24 tended to over-brighten colors, while the S25 balances color saturation better.
Improved HDR & contrast: The S24 overexposed some shots, while the S25 maintains a more balanced dynamic range.
Better portrait shots: Skin tones appear more natural on the S25, and background blur (bokeh) remains high quality.
Low-Light Performance
The telephoto lens struggles in low light on both phones, requiring more light to produce clean images.
Ultra-wide and selfie cameras have better color processing on the S25.
Video Recording Improvements
The S25's video recording has improved significantly:
More natural skin tones under different lighting conditions.
Reduced face oversharpening (a common issue on the S24).
Better selfie video quality with improved HDR processing.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery specs remain unchanged:
4000mAh battery on both S24 and S25
25W wired charging
15W wireless charging
Real-life battery life remains similar between the two, as efficiency improvements from the new chipset balance out the same battery capacity.
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
The Galaxy S25 is a refined version of the S24, fixing minor shortcomings rather than introducing radical changes.
Reasons to Choose the S25:
✅ Better performance (higher benchmark scores and smoother gaming)
✅ More natural color processing in photos and videos
✅ Improved AI features for smart assistance
✅ Slight design enhancements (camera rings, lighter body)
Reasons to Stick with the S24:
✅️ Identical design and display
✅️ Same battery life and charging speed
✅️No major upgrades in camera hardware
If you already own the S24, upgrading to the S25 is not necessary unless you want the latest AI features and performance boost. However, if you're using an older device (S23 or earlier), then the S25 is a solid upgrade.
Verdict: Is the S25 Worth the Extra Cost?
✔ If you want the best compact flagship with the latest AI and camera processing improvements, go for the S25.
✔ If you already have an S24 and don't care about minor upgrades, save your money.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Would you upgrade to the S25 or stick with the S24?
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