If you’re planning to buy a flagship Android phone in 2026, Samsung’s Ultra series remains one of the top choices for power users, photographers, and tech enthusiasts alike. With both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra still highly relevant, it’s worth comparing the two to figure out which one is the better buy right now.
In this head-to-head comparison, we break down real differences in performance, camera, design, software, and value for money, so you can make an informed choice.
Overview: S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra
Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 Ultra in early 2024, followed by the Galaxy S25 Ultra in early 2025. Both sit at the top of Samsung’s smartphone lineup and share many flagship features—powerful hardware, premium designs, excellent cameras, and long software support.
But with nearly a year between launches, the S25 Ultra brings a few noteworthy upgrades that could influence your buying decision in 2026.
Performance & Hardware
Processor
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S24 Ultra: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
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S25 Ultra: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
The S25 Ultra’s chip is more powerful and efficient, offering better performance for gaming, multitasking, and AI tasks. This means smoother operation during demanding use cases and better future-proofing.
Memory & Storage
Both devices support up to 12 GB RAM and up to 1 TB storage, which is plenty for everyday heavy usage and professional tasks.
Battery & Charging
Both phones include a 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast charging and wireless support, so uptime and charging speeds are essentially the same.
Camera Capabilities
Main Cameras
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Both phones feature a 200 MP primary sensor, which delivers outstanding detail and low-light performance.
Ultra-Wide Lens
Here’s one of the big upgrades:
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S24 Ultra Ultra-Wide: 12 MP
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S25 Ultra Ultra-Wide: 50 MP
The bigger sensor on the S25 Ultra means sharper wide angle shots and better low light photography especially important if you love landscape or group photography.
Display & Design
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S24 Ultra: 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED
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S25 Ultra: 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED
Both phones offer top-tier screens with 120 Hz refresh rates and superb colour accuracy. The S25 Ultra’s screen is slightly larger and slightly lighter, making it easier to handle for many users.
The design changes are subtle leaner bezels and a more refined look—but nothing drastic enough to be a stand-alone reason to upgrade.
Software & Future Support
Operating System
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S24 Ultra: Launched with Android 14 & One UI 6.x
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S25 Ultra: Ships with Android 15 & One UI 7
Both models receive years of Android updates and security patches from Samsung, meaning they will stay modern and safe for a long time.
Note: Over time, software features once exclusive to S25 have been rolled out to later S24 updates in some regions, making current differences in everyday use smaller than at launch.
