Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S24: Is upgrading worth it?

TL;DR

• Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S24: The Galaxy S25 offers minor upgrades over the S24, including a faster Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and a RAM boost to 12GB on the base model, but the overall experience remains largely the same.
• Design: The S25 looks almost identical to the S24, with only a subtle border around the rear cameras as a new design element. Samsung’s design language feels stagnant compared to competitors.
• Battery and Charging: No improvements in battery capacity or charging speed. The S25 still lacks 45W fast charging, sticking with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging.
• Software and Longevity: Both the S25 and S24 will receive seven years of software updates, and many new Galaxy AI features will come to the S24 via updates, making it hard to justify upgrading from the S24.

The start of 2025 has brought Samsung’s latest flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S25, into the spotlight. As with every new release, the question on everyone’s mind is whether it’s worth upgrading from the previous model, the Galaxy S24.

Samsung has a reputation for delivering high-quality smartphones, but with the S24 already setting a high bar, does the S25 bring enough to the table to justify the upgrade?

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two devices, focusing on design, performance, camera, battery life, and software updates.

By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of whether the Galaxy S25 is worth your money or if you’re better off sticking with the Galaxy S24.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S24 Design: Familiar Looks with Minor Tweaks

When it comes to design, the Galaxy S25 doesn’t stray far from its predecessor. At first glance, it’s hard to tell the two apart.

The S25 retains the same sleek, minimalist design language that Samsung has been using for the past four generations.

The only noticeable change is a new border around the rear camera lenses, which is a subtle aesthetic tweak rather than a major redesign.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S24 review – Easiest compact phone to recommend

While this consistency is good for brand recognition, it does feel like Samsung is playing it safe. Competitors like Apple have managed to introduce new design elements, such as the Dynamic Island or titanium frames, every few years.

In contrast, the S25’s design feels a bit stagnant. If you were hoping for a fresh look, the S25 might not excite you. That said, the build quality remains top-notch, with a durable glass back and aluminum frame that feels premium in hand.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S24 Performance: Incremental Gains

Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 introduces Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which Samsung has optimized for even higher performance.

Early benchmarks suggest that the S25 outperforms the S24 in almost every category, from processing power to graphics rendering.

This makes the S25 a solid choice for gamers, content creators, or anyone who demands peak performance from their device.

The base model of the S25 also sees a RAM upgrade, jumping from 8GB to 12GB. This extra memory should help with multitasking and future-proof the device as more demanding apps and features are released.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S25 Series launched: Specs, features, and pricing in Kenya

However, the Galaxy S25 Plus doesn’t get a RAM boost, sticking with 12GB, which might feel like a missed opportunity for those looking for a more significant upgrade.

While the performance improvements are welcome, they’re not groundbreaking. If you’re already using a Galaxy S24, you might not notice a huge difference in day-to-day use unless you’re pushing your phone to its limits with heavy gaming or video editing.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S24 Cameras: Same Hardware, Potential Software Improvements

The camera setup on the Galaxy S25 is virtually identical to the S24, with the same resolution and focal lengths across all lenses.

This means you’re getting the same 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and 10MP telephoto lens as last year’s model.

While this might feel like a letdown, Samsung has hinted at software improvements that could enhance the overall photography experience.

For example, the S25 might address some of the pain points of the S24, such as slow shutter speed and inconsistent low-light performance.

However, without new hardware, it’s unlikely that the S25 will deliver a dramatic improvement in image quality. If you’re happy with the S24’s camera, there’s little reason to upgrade for this reason alone.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S24 Battery and Charging: No Major Upgrades

One of the most disappointing aspects of the Galaxy S25 is the lack of improvements in battery life and charging speed.

The base model still lacks 45W fast charging, sticking with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. This is a sore spot for many fans of the series, especially since competitors like Xiaomi and OnePlus offer much faster charging speeds.

The battery capacity also remains unchanged, which means you’re not getting any extra juice to power the more demanding Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.

While the S25’s battery life is still solid, it’s a missed opportunity for Samsung to address one of the most common complaints about its flagship phones.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S24 Software: Long-Term Support Continues

One area where Samsung continues to excel is software support. Both the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S24 will receive seven years of software updates, including major Android versions and security patches.

This means your S24 will stay relevant for years to come, even if you don’t upgrade to the S25.

Additionally, Samsung has committed to bringing many of its new Galaxy AI features to older devices via One UI updates.

While some on-device AI tools will remain exclusive to the S25, you can expect a lot of the same functionality to trickle down to the S24. This makes it even harder to justify upgrading if you’re already using last year’s model.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S24: Should You Upgrade?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Gamers and content creators might appreciate the improved performance of the Galaxy S25, but for most users, the difference won’t be noticeable.
• If you already own a Galaxy S24, the hardware differences are minor, so upgrading might not be worth it.
• The Galaxy S25 Plus is a better option if you want a larger phone, but it comes with a higher price tag.
• If you find a good trade-in deal, upgrading to the S25 or S25 Plus could make sense, especially if you’re getting a significant discount.
• If you’re shopping for a new phone, consider looking for a discounted Galaxy S24 instead of paying full price for the S25.