Samsung’s Galaxy S series remains one of the most popular choices for premium Android smartphones in the United States, and the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S24 show exactly why. Both models deliver top-tier build quality, vibrant displays, and long-term software support, but the S25 takes things further with a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite processor, smarter AI features, and improved power efficiency. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll look at design, display, privacy and security, cameras, performance and software, and battery life to help US buyers decide whether it’s worth upgrading or sticking with the previous generation.
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | Samsung Galaxy S25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+ (2340×1080), 120 Hz, up to 2600 nits | 6.2″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, FHD+ (2340×1080), 120 Hz, up to 2600 nits, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Processor | Exynos 2400 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 “Elite” (3 nm) |
| RAM / Storage | 8 GB RAM; 128/256 GB storage | 12 GB RAM; up to 512 GB storage |
| Rear Cameras | 50 MP (wide) + 12 MP (ultrawide) + 10 MP (telephoto) | Same triple setup: 50 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh, improved efficiency (up to ~37 h mixed use) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, ultrasonic in-display fingerprint, IP68 | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB-C 3.2, ultrasonic in-display fingerprint, IP68 |
| Design & Dimensions | Compact; slim bezels | Slightly thinner and lighter with even smaller bezels |
| Software & Support | One UI 6 (Android 14), 7 years of updates (until 2031) | One UI 7 (Android 15), new AI features, 7 years of updates (until 2032) |
Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung Galaxy S25
- Faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite processor
- 12 GB RAM for smoother multitasking
- More efficient battery life (up to ~37 hours mixed use)
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for future-proof connectivity
- Improved AI features in One UI 7
- Slimmer, lighter design with smaller bezels
- Same camera hardware as S24
- Same battery capacity (4000 mAh) as previous model
- Charging speed unchanged (25 W wired)
- Higher launch price compared to discounted S24
Design
The Galaxy S25 refines the S24’s design with even slimmer bezels and a slightly lighter frame, making it more comfortable in the hand. It retains the aluminum build and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides, along with IP68 water and dust resistance. The overall look remains sleek and premium.
Display
It features the same 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel with FHD+ resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate. The display supports HDR10+ and can reach up to 2600 nits brightness. LTPO technology allows the refresh rate to adapt more efficiently, improving battery life without compromising smoothness.
Privacy & Security
The S25 includes the latest version of Samsung’s ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, facial recognition, and Samsung Knox for enhanced protection. With One UI 7, privacy features are expanded, including improved permission management and on-device AI that processes sensitive data locally.
Cameras
The S25 keeps the same 50 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP triple camera setup as the S24 but benefits from improved AI-driven image processing. This results in sharper details, more accurate colors, and better low-light performance. The 12 MP selfie camera remains, with enhancements for portrait and night shots.
Performance & Software
Powered exclusively by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 “Elite” chip built on a 3 nm process, the S25 offers a significant leap in performance and efficiency. It comes with 12 GB RAM and up to 512 GB storage, running One UI 7 on Android 15. Samsung’s AI integration is deeper, assisting in photo editing, text summarization, and real-time translation. Software support extends for 7 years.
Battery
The S25 still packs a 4000 mAh battery but benefits from the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and LTPO display, allowing up to 37 hours of mixed-use battery life. Charging speeds remain 25 W wired and 15 W wireless, with reverse wireless charging also supported.
Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung Galaxy S24
- Premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- Excellent Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 2600-nit brightness
- Solid camera performance with 3x optical zoom
- Compact and lightweight design
- More affordable now with price drops
- 7 years of software updates
- Less RAM (8 GB) compared to S25
- Older chipset (Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3)
- No Wi-Fi 7 or latest Bluetooth version
- Battery life not as efficient as S25
Design
The Galaxy S24 keeps Samsung’s signature minimalistic and elegant design, with a flat frame, rounded corners, and individually housed rear cameras. The aluminum frame offers solid durability, while Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protects both the front and back. The device is slim and compact, making it comfortable for one-handed use. It is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, ensuring resilience in daily use.
Display
Samsung equips the S24 with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering FHD+ resolution (2340×1080) and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. The panel supports HDR10+ and reaches up to 2600 nits of peak brightness, ensuring visibility even in direct sunlight. Colors are vivid and contrast is deep, as expected from Samsung’s high-end screens.
Privacy & Security
The S24 integrates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for fast and secure unlocking, along with facial recognition. Samsung Knox provides hardware and software-level protection, safeguarding sensitive data. Secure Folder allows users to keep private files and apps locked away.
Cameras
The rear camera system includes a 50 MP wide sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The camera performance is excellent in daylight and offers improved low-light shots thanks to better image processing. The 12 MP front camera delivers crisp selfies with natural skin tones.
Performance & Software
Depending on the region, the S24 runs on either the Exynos 2400 or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, paired with 8 GB of RAM. It comes with One UI 6 based on Android 14, offering a clean interface with plenty of customization options. Samsung promises 7 years of software updates, making it a long-lasting choice.
Battery
A 4000 mAh battery powers the S24, supporting 25 W wired charging, 15 W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. While capacity is modest, efficiency optimizations allow a full day of moderate use.
