Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. S24 Ultra: Should You Save ₹30,000 or Go for the Latest Flagship?

Samsung has once again raised the bar with the launch of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the direct successor to last year’s S24 Ultra. But with only incremental upgrades this time, the big question remains: Is the new model worth the premium, or should you save ₹30,000 and opt for the S24 Ultra?

With a similar design language, nearly identical performance in real-world use, and an improved but familiar camera setup, the decision isn't as clear-cut as previous years. Let’s dive deep into this ultimate showdown of Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. S24 Ultra and see which one truly offers the better value.

Performance & Battery: Do You Need the Extra Power?

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs. Snapdragon 8 Elite

Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra are powered by custom Snapdragon chipsets—but the S25 Ultra gets the new Snapdragon 8 Elite. Qualcomm’s latest silicon brings marginal improvements in efficiency and AI-based enhancements, but when it comes to raw performance, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the S24 Ultra is no slouch either.

For day-to-day usage—whether it's gaming, multitasking, or heavy workloads—the difference is barely noticeable. If you’re chasing benchmark numbers, the S25 Ultra does hold an edge, but real-world performance remains very similar.

Battery Life & Charging: No Changes Here

Samsung has stuck with the same 5000mAh battery and 45W wired fast charging on both models. You’re getting all-day battery life regardless of which one you choose. Wireless charging speeds (15W) also remain unchanged.

 Verdict: If raw power is your top priority, go for the S25 Ultra. But if you don’t mind saving ₹30,000 and still getting a beastly performer, the S24 Ultra remains a solid choice.

Cameras: Evolution, Not Revolution

Main Camera: Still 200MP, But With Minor Tweaks

Both the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra feature the same 200MP main sensor, so image quality in most conditions remains identical. You can expect stunning details, excellent dynamic range, and sharp low-light shots on both models.

Ultra-Wide Camera: A Meaningful Upgrade

Here’s where things get interesting. The S25 Ultra comes with a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, a huge jump from the 12MP sensor on the S24 Ultra. This means crisper ultra-wide shots with better details and improved low-light performance.

Telephoto Lenses: No Major Changes

Samsung continues to use a 10MP 3x telephoto lens and a 50MP 5x periscope zoom lens on both models, ensuring stellar zoom capabilities remain unchanged.

Front Camera & Video Features

Both phones feature a 12MP selfie shooter, capable of 4K 60fps recording with HDR10+ support. However, the S25 Ultra introduces Galaxy Log video—a feature tailored for professional videographers who want more flexibility in post-processing.

 Verdict: If ultra-wide photography is a priority for you, the S25 Ultra is worth considering. Otherwise, the S24 Ultra holds its ground quite well, even in 2025.

Design & Build Quality: Smoother, But Is It Better?

Curved vs. Boxy Corners

The biggest design change this year is curved corners on the S25 Ultra, making it more comfortable to hold. The S24 Ultra’s boxier design might still appeal to fans of Samsung’s signature sharp edges.

Titanium Build & IP68 Rating

Both models use titanium, ensuring premium durability while maintaining IP68 water and dust resistance. However, Samsung has refined the camera module on the S25 Ultra, giving it a sleeker, brushed-metal look.

Verdict: If you prefer a more comfortable grip, the S25 Ultra is a slight upgrade. But if you like the bold, industrial look, the S24 Ultra still looks stunning.

Display: Small Tweaks, Same Brilliance

Slightly Bigger Screen, Same Peak Brightness

The S25 Ultra bumps the screen size up to 6.9 inches, compared to the 6.8-inch panel on the S24 Ultra. That said, both displays offer:  1440 x 3120 resolution (498 PPI)  LTPO 120Hz refresh rate  2600 nits peak brightness  Gorilla Armor Glass for improved durability

Verdict: While the S25 Ultra has a slightly bigger display, it doesn’t significantly impact usability. Both displays remain among the best in the industry.

Software & Updates: Future-Proofing

The S25 Ultra launches with Android 15 & One UI 7, while the S24 Ultra runs on Android 14 but will soon be updated. Both models are promised seven years of major Android updates, making them equally future-proof.

S Pen: A Strange Downgrade

Surprisingly, the S25 Ultra removes the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, which means you lose remote features like camera control. The S24 Ultra retains the more feature-rich S Pen, making it a better pick for S Pen enthusiasts.

🖊 Verdict: If you use the S Pen extensively, the S24 Ultra is actually the better choice!

Price: The Ultimate Deal Breaker?

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Price in India

 ₹1,29,999 (12GB RAM + 256GB Storage)

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Price in India

 ₹1,00,000 (approx.) after price drops

With a ₹30,000 difference, the S24 Ultra suddenly looks like an incredible deal—especially since it offers 95% of the experience of the S25 Ultra at a significantly lower price.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the S25 Ultra or Save Money?

Who Should Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

 If you want the latest and greatest, regardless of cost  If you care about the ultra-wide camera upgrade  If you prefer a more comfortable design with curved corners

Who Should Buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra?

 If you want to save ₹30,000 without missing out on much If you prefer the boxy design & Bluetooth-enabled S Pen  If you don’t need the Galaxy Log video recording feature

At the end of the day, the S24 Ultra still holds its ground remarkably well, making it the smarter pick for most users looking for a premium flagship without breaking the bank. But if you want the latest refinements, the S25 Ultra is still an incredible choice.