Samsung kicked off 2025 with a bang at its first Unpacked event by introducing the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a smartphone that sets new benchmarks in Android flagship technology. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the device boasts a fresh design, upgraded internals, and improved camera technology. However, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra still holding strong as a premium smartphone, the big question remains: should you upgrade? Let’s dive deep to explore what’s new and whether it justifies the switch.
Design: Flat and Futuristic
The Galaxy S25 Ultra takes a bold step forward with flat frames and a flat display featuring rounded corners, departing from the curved frame of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This design evolution, paired with Gorilla Glass Armor 2, ensures enhanced durability and resistance to daily wear and tear compared to the Gorilla Glass Armor of its predecessor.
Additionally, the 6.9-inch QHD+ display on the S25 Ultra offers a slightly larger canvas with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering stunning visuals. Despite the bigger screen, it is 15g lighter, making it more comfortable for extended usage.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerhouse. The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy offers:
- 37% faster CPU performance
- 30% improved GPU capabilities
- 40% faster NPU for AI-driven tasks
Though the 12GB RAM and storage options (256GB/512GB/1TB) remain consistent with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the upgraded chip ensures smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better gaming performance. If performance is a priority, the S25 Ultra edges ahead.
The New S-Pen: A Hit or Miss?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces an updated S-Pen that focuses on improved writing precision, thanks to its finer tip. However, it drops Bluetooth functionality, which means features like air actions and remote camera triggers are no longer available.
For users who frequently use the S-Pen for advanced tasks, this may feel like a step back. On the other hand, if your primary use case is note-taking, the S25 Ultra offers a more refined experience.
Camera: Enhanced Ultra-Wide Lens
The camera department sees a notable upgrade with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The 12 MP ultra-wide sensor on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is replaced with a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, ensuring sharper and more detailed landscape shots.
The rest of the setup remains unchanged:
- 200 MP primary camera
- 10 MP 3x telephoto lens
- 50 MP 6x telephoto lens
Software optimizations on the S25 Ultra result in better photo and video quality, but the difference may not be drastic unless you’re a photography enthusiast.
Software: OneUI 7 with AI Enhancements
Running on OneUI 7 based on Android 15, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers advanced AI features like:
- Upgraded Gemini assistant
- Circle-to-search functionality
- Audio eraser for cleaner sound in videos
While most of these features will roll out to the Galaxy S24 Ultra via an update in early 2025, the S25 Ultra users get early access, making it appealing for those who want the latest tech immediately.
Battery and Charging: No Major Changes
Both models share the same 5,000mAh battery and 45W fast charging capabilities. The Galaxy S25 Ultra adds support for Qi2 wireless charging, but speeds remain capped at 15W, requiring a compatible case for magnetic alignment. If battery life is your concern, there’s no compelling reason to upgrade.
Pricing and Availability
As with any new release, the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes at a premium price. While it offers several refinements, the decision to upgrade largely depends on how much value you place on the improved design, performance, and camera.
For those seeking the Best 5G Phone Under ₹30,000, check out our detailed guide.
Should You Upgrade?
Upgrade if:
- You value a larger, flat display with a lighter design.
- You want the latest performance and AI features.
- The improved ultra-wide camera is important to you.
Stick with the S24 Ultra if:
- You heavily use S-Pen’s Bluetooth features.
- Your current phone still meets your needs.
- You prefer to wait for software updates on your S24 Ultra.
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