Samsung is gearing up for its highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, where the company is expected to unveil the new Galaxy S26 series. With this in mind, many potential buyers who have been eyeing the Galaxy S25 Ultra might wonder whether they should wait for the new release or jump in now. While the S25 Ultra is undoubtedly a top-tier smartphone with premium features, its steep $1,300 price tag places it out of reach for many consumers. However, for those who are determined to upgrade soon, there is a compelling alternative: the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This previous generation model currently offers exceptional value, especially when purchased new for around $950 or used for as low as $544. This price difference is substantial, making the S24 Ultra a bargain for anyone looking for a high-end device without breaking the bank.
At first glance, the Galaxy S25 Ultra may seem like the obvious choice for the latest technology and best performance. Yet, the S24 Ultra remains a powerhouse in its own right. Both phones share numerous similarities that make the older model still highly relevant, even as a flagship device from the previous generation. To understand the real value proposition, it’s worth comparing the two phones side by side.
Starting with design and core specifications, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra are strikingly alike. Both feature large, high-resolution displays with the same refresh rates, ensuring smooth visuals whether you’re gaming, scrolling, or watching videos. Internally, they are powered by Qualcomm processors—though different generations—with 12GB of RAM, and both come equipped with a massive 200-megapixel main camera. The phones also share durable titanium frames and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, making them robust choices for everyday use. Additionally, both models include the beloved S Pen stylus, a hallmark of Samsung’s Ultra series, perfect for note-taking or creative doodling. Interestingly, the S24 Ultra’s S Pen has a few unique features that were actually removed in the S25 Ultra’s stylus, which may appeal to some users.
The upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to launch soon, potentially bringing some upgrades. However, early rumors suggest these improvements might be modest rather than revolutionary. If this turns out to be true, the price of the S25 Ultra will likely drop sharply once the new model arrives. This pattern means that savvy buyers could continue to find excellent deals on previous generation phones, making the Galaxy S24 Ultra a sensible purchase even after the S26 hits the market.
When it comes to real-world usage, the differences between the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra are minimal, especially in areas that matter most to everyday users. Camera performance is often a major selling point for flagship smartphones, and Samsung has traditionally used this as a key area for upgrades. While the S25 Ultra boasts a higher-resolution 50-megapixel ultrawide camera compared to its predecessor, the overall camera setup remains largely unchanged from previous Ultra models. In practice, photos taken with both phones are remarkably similar. They deliver vivid images with wide dynamic range, accurate colors, and great detail. Zoom capabilities on both devices are excellent, and night mode photography yields impressive results. The slight increase in ultrawide resolution on the S25 Ultra provides marginally more detail, but it’s unlikely that most users would notice this difference without direct side-by-side comparisons.
One area where the S25 Ultra does have a clear advantage is in processing power. It features a custom version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, known as the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which outperforms the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in the S24 Ultra. Benchmark tests show an approximately 25% increase in performance with the newer chip. However, for typical daily use—including gaming, photo editing, and general navigation—the real-world difference is subtle. Both phones handle demanding 3D games like Genshin Impact and PUBG at maximum settings smoothly and without hiccups. Photo editing apps like Adobe Lightroom respond quickly, and the overall user interface experience remains fluid and responsive on both devices. In essence, while the S25 Ultra’s processor is more powerful on paper, the S24 Ultra is already more than capable of meeting the needs of most users.
Software is another important consideration. Both models run the latest Android 16 operating system with Samsung’s One UI 8 skin layered on top. They share the same software features, including Samsung