Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra launched in early 2025 as the flagship successor to the widely praised S24 Ultra, and by September 2026 both phones sit at very different price points but share more DNA than Samsung's marketing suggests. If you already own the S24 Ultra, is spending several hundred dollars on the S25 Ultra actually worth it? And if you're buying fresh, does the older model still make sense? This comparison breaks down every meaningful difference—chipset, cameras, S Pen, battery, software support, and price—so you can decide with clarity rather than FOMO.
Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, the upgraded 50MP ultrawide, and the newest Galaxy AI on-device features. Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra if you value S Pen Bluetooth support, want to save $500+, and are fine with a phone that still receives updates through 2031.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung's 2025 flagship, powered by the custom-tuned Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. Design changes are subtle but meaningful: rounded corners replace the sharper S24 Ultra frame, the titanium chassis is lighter (218g vs 233g), and the display grows marginally to 6.9 inches. Samsung's headline story is deeper Galaxy AI integration—cross-app agents, PDF overlay translation, and improved Now Brief context awareness.
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Best for Power UsersThe most powerful Galaxy yet, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite and a genuinely improved ultrawide camera. Ideal for buyers who want the latest AI tools and multi-year longevity.
Check Price2. Galaxy S24 Ultra Product Information
Released in January 2024, the Galaxy S24 Ultra was the first Samsung flagship to bring titanium construction, a flat display, and the initial wave of Galaxy AI. Two years in, it's aged remarkably well thanks to Samsung's seven-year update commitment. Its cameras remain excellent, the S Pen still supports Bluetooth features (rare among stylus phones), and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy handles anything short of the most demanding on-device AI workloads.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best Value FlagshipStill an outstanding phone in 2026 with strong camera performance, full S Pen functionality, and years of updates remaining. Currently the best price-to-performance flagship.
View Price3. S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra Comparison Table
3.1 Key Specs Side-by-Side
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9" QHD+ 120Hz Winner | 6.8" QHD+ 120Hz |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy Winner | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Weight | 218g Winner | 233g |
| Ultrawide Camera | 50MP Winner | 12MP |
| Main Camera | 200MP | 200MP |
| Telephoto | 50MP 5x + 10MP 3x | 50MP 5x + 10MP 3x |
| Battery / Charging | 5,000mAh / 45W wired | 5,000mAh / 45W wired |
| S Pen | Included (no Bluetooth) | Included with Bluetooth Winner |
| Software Support | Through 2032 Winner | Through 2031 |
| 2026 Street Price | ~$1,099-$1,299 | ~$599-$799 Winner |
3.2 Pricing Comparison
By September 2026, the S25 Ultra has dropped from its $1,299 launch price to roughly $1,099 for the 256GB model at major U.S. retailers. The S24 Ultra, now in its third year, hovers between $599 and $799 depending on storage and retailer promotions—a substantial saving. Trade-in offers from Samsung and carriers can knock another $200-$400 off either model. Because prices swing weekly, it's worth watching both listings before pulling the trigger.
Not sure which retailer has the lowest S25 Ultra price today? Compare it on ShopFox across Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung, and more in one view.
3.3 Editor Scores
4. Real User Reviews from S25 Ultra Owners
Public discussion of the S25 Ultra on Reddit's r/GalaxyS25 and community reviews points to three consistent themes: users love the sustained gaming performance and cooler thermals, praise the refreshed ultrawide for landscape and food photos, but frequently mention disappointment with the removal of S Pen Bluetooth features. Long-term owners note that Galaxy AI feels more useful now than at launch, especially the writing suggestions and image editing tools.
For a deeper look at community sentiment, check aggregated user opinions on the S25 Ultra user reviews page.
5. Real User Reviews from S24 Ultra Owners
Two years after launch, S24 Ultra owners on Reddit and YouTube commentary threads overwhelmingly report the phone "still feels new." The most common praise centers on camera reliability, the flat display for note-taking, and the value of Bluetooth S Pen tricks like remote shutter. Complaints focus on weight, occasional throttling during extended 4K recording, and the phone's slightly warmer skin under gaming loads compared to the S25 Ultra.
Read the aggregated S24 Ultra user reviews for a full pulse-check from owners who've had it for two years.
6. Pros & Cons Summary
6.1 Galaxy S25 Ultra
- New 50MP ultrawide captures noticeably sharper landscape shots
- Lighter and thinner than the S24 Ultra despite larger screen
- Longer software support window (through 2032)
- Improved on-device Galaxy AI processing
- Premium price still hovers above $1,000 in 2026
- Charging speed unchanged at 45W
6.2 Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Excellent 2026 pricing—often $500+ cheaper than the S25 Ultra
- Cameras still competitive for most everyday shooting
- Five more years of Samsung software updates remaining
- Same 5,000mAh battery and 45W charging as the newer model
- Older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 shows its age in demanding AI workloads
- 12MP ultrawide is the weakest camera in the array
How We Researched This
This comparison is not based on first-hand lab testing. Instead, we researched and compared manufacturer specifications, published expert reviews from established tech publications, aggregated community feedback from owner forums, and public benchmark databases. Editor scores are qualitative summaries of that public evidence, not measured results. Prices reflect observed U.S. retailer listings as of September 2026 and will change over time.
7. Which One Should You Choose?
The decision comes down to three questions: Do you already own the S24 Ultra? How much do you rely on S Pen Bluetooth features? And what's your budget ceiling? If you're upgrading from the S22 Ultra or earlier, either phone is a huge leap—choose based on price. If you own the S24 Ultra, the S25 Ultra's improvements are real but incremental, and the loss of Bluetooth in the S Pen is a genuine downgrade for some. Fresh buyers on a budget should strongly consider the S24 Ultra, which remains one of the best flagship values in 2026.
Choose the S25 Ultra If…
You want the newest Snapdragon 8 Elite, the improved ultrawide camera, a lighter body, and the longest possible software support runway. You don't use S Pen Bluetooth features and are comfortable spending flagship-tier money for genuine but incremental gains.
View S25 Ultra PriceChoose the S24 Ultra If…
You want maximum value, care about the Bluetooth S Pen (remote shutter, Air Actions), and are fine with a phone that still receives five more years of Samsung updates. The savings can go toward accessories, a case, or a Galaxy Watch.
View S24 Ultra Price8. Purchase Timing & Market Cycle Advice
8.1 Galaxy S25 Ultra Timing
The S25 Ultra follows the typical Samsung price curve: modest discounts at three months, a first major cut around six months, and steeper drops each subsequent quarter. In September 2026, prices are approaching their pre-S26 low point. Historically, the best S25 Ultra deals will land in late 2026 to early 2027, especially during Black Friday and right after the S26 Ultra reveal in January 2027. If you don't need it now, waiting 2-4 months could easily save another $100-$200.
8.2 Galaxy S24 Ultra Timing
The S24 Ultra has been discounted for so long that its pricing floor is closer than ever. Refurbished and open-box units are now the sweet spot, frequently dipping below $550. Watch for carrier trade-in deals during major shopping events and back-to-school promotions in August. Once the S26 Ultra launches, expect a final small dip in S24 Ultra stock before availability declines.
Waiting for the right price? Set a price alert with ShopFox and get notified the moment the S24 Ultra drops to your target.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra worth upgrading from the S24 Ultra?
For most S24 Ultra owners, no. The S25 Ultra brings the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a new 50MP ultrawide, and expanded Galaxy AI, but day-to-day gains are modest. If your S24 Ultra still holds a charge well and you use it primarily for calls, photos, and media, sitting this generation out is the smarter financial move. Wait for the S26 Ultra if you want a bigger year-over-year jump.
Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra still get Galaxy AI features in 2026?
Yes. Samsung committed to seven years of major OS and security updates for the S24 Ultra, which means it continues receiving Galaxy AI features through 2031. Some on-device AI tasks run faster on the S25 Ultra thanks to the newer NPU, but the core AI toolkit—Circle to Search, Note Assist, Live Translate, and generative photo edits—remains available on both phones.
What is the biggest difference between the S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra?
The two biggest differences are the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which delivers roughly 30–40% better sustained performance and cooler thermals, and the new 50MP ultrawide camera that replaces the S24 Ultra's 12MP sensor. Design-wise, the S25 Ultra also has rounded corners and a titanium frame that's slightly lighter and thinner. Everything else—main camera, telephoto lenses, battery capacity—is essentially identical.
Did Samsung remove S Pen Bluetooth features on the S25 Ultra?
Yes. The S25 Ultra's S Pen no longer supports Bluetooth, meaning you cannot use it as a remote shutter or for Air Actions like gesture-based slide control. The S24 Ultra retains full S Pen Bluetooth functionality. For photographers, presenters, and note-takers who rely on this feature, the S24 Ultra is arguably the better long-term buy.
Which has better battery life, S25 Ultra or S24 Ultra?
Both phones use the same 5,000mAh battery, but the S25 Ultra's more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite chip typically delivers 30–60 minutes more screen-on time in mixed use, based on public reviewer benchmarks. Heavy gaming widens the gap further. In light usage, the two are within margin of error. Neither phone supports faster than 45W wired charging.
Is the S25 Ultra camera really better than the S24 Ultra?
In ultrawide and macro shots, yes—the new 50MP ultrawide is a noticeable step up. The main 200MP sensor and telephoto lenses are nearly identical, so daylight photos look very similar between the two. Video processing on the S25 Ultra is smoother thanks to the new ISP, but nothing here is transformative if you already own the S24 Ultra and mostly shoot with the main lens.
How much cheaper is the S24 Ultra than the S25 Ultra in 2026?
In September 2026, the S24 Ultra typically sells for $500–$700 less than the S25 Ultra depending on storage tier and retailer. Refurbished and open-box S24 Ultra units drop even lower, sometimes under $550. That price gap makes the S24 Ultra one of the strongest value flagships currently available, especially when paired with carrier trade-in offers.
Should I wait for the Galaxy S26 Ultra instead?
If you can wait until early 2027, yes—rumored upgrades include a variable aperture main sensor, a larger battery, and further AI enhancements. But if you need a new phone now and want the latest, the S25 Ultra is a safe pick. If you can wait a few more months, expect the S25 Ultra to drop further once the S26 launches, making it an even better deal.
Are the S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra display specs identical?
Nearly. Both are QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with 120Hz variable refresh and 2,600 nits peak brightness. The S25 Ultra is marginally larger at 6.9 inches versus 6.8 inches, and its rounded corners give it a slightly more modern look. Color accuracy, HDR performance, and outdoor visibility are essentially the same across both models.
Conclusion
In 2026, the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra represent two very different value propositions. The S25 Ultra is the more polished, more powerful phone, with a faster chip, an improved ultrawide camera, and a longer software runway. But its removal of S Pen Bluetooth features, unchanged charging speed, and premium price tag mean the upgrade case is weaker than Samsung's launch marketing suggested. The S24 Ultra, meanwhile, has aged into an exceptional value—a fully-featured flagship for hundreds less, still supported by Samsung through 2031, and arguably the more complete S Pen experience.
If you already own the S24 Ultra, skip this generation and consider the S26 Ultra in 2027. If you're upgrading from an older phone and price matters, the S24 Ultra is the smarter buy. If you want the newest and best regardless of cost, the S25 Ultra is a worthy successor. Whichever you choose, tracking price history and comparing retailers before purchasing will save you real money—especially heading into the holiday season.