Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S24: What’s Actually Changed?
At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy S24 look almost identical. Samsung has clearly chosen evolution over reinvention, which makes it harder to tell whether the newer model brings meaningful improvements or simply refines what already worked well.
To understand the real difference, it helps to look at the underlying hardware and how those changes translate into everyday use.
Processor and Core Performance
One of the biggest changes sits at the heart of the phone. The Galaxy S24 is powered by the Exynos 2400 processor in the UK, while the Galaxy S25 moves to a newer generation chipset designed for improved efficiency and sustained performance.
On paper, the newer processor offers higher peak performance and better power management. In practice, this means the Galaxy S25 is better at maintaining smooth performance during longer tasks such as gaming, navigation and video recording.
For everyday activities like messaging, browsing and social media, both phones feel fast. The difference becomes noticeable when the phone is under load for extended periods.
Memory and Storage
Both the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 start with generous RAM and storage options that comfortably support modern apps and multitasking.
Samsung has focused less on increasing raw memory figures and more on optimising how memory is used. As a result, app switching and background performance feel slightly more consistent on the Galaxy S25, particularly during longer sessions.
Display Technology
Samsung’s AMOLED displays remain a standout feature on both models. Screen size, resolution and refresh rate remain the same, offering sharp visuals, smooth scrolling and excellent brightness.
The difference lies in efficiency rather than appearance. The Galaxy S25 uses improved display power management, allowing it to maintain brightness while drawing slightly less energy.
Visually, most users will not see a difference. Over the course of a day, however, the improved efficiency contributes to better battery behaviour.
Battery Capacity and Real-World Life
Battery capacity between the two models remains very similar, with both designed to comfortably last a full day for typical use.
The Galaxy S25 benefits from its newer processor and display efficiency, which helps it stretch that battery slightly further under the same conditions.
This does not translate into dramatically longer battery life, but users may notice more headroom by the end of the day, particularly during heavier usage.
Camera Hardware and Processing
Samsung has kept the core camera hardware largely consistent between the two generations. Both phones offer high resolution sensors capable of sharp, vibrant photos.
Where the Galaxy S25 pulls ahead is image processing. Improvements in the processing pipeline help deliver better low-light detail, more controlled highlights and improved consistency across shots.
Video recording also benefits from slightly improved stabilisation, especially when filming while moving.
The Galaxy S24 still produces excellent photos and video, and for most users the difference will only matter in challenging lighting or frequent video use.
Connectivity and Everyday Features
Both models support modern connectivity standards, including fast mobile data, WiFi and Bluetooth.
The Galaxy S25 benefits from incremental improvements to wireless efficiency, helping maintain stable connections while reducing power draw slightly.
These are not headline features, but they contribute to a smoother overall experience.
Software and AI Capabilities
Samsung continues to push Galaxy AI features across its flagship devices. Both the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 support these tools, including on-device processing for tasks such as photo enhancement and productivity features.
The newer hardware in the S25 allows these features to run more efficiently, but many of the same capabilities are available on the S24 through software updates.
This means software alone is unlikely to be the deciding factor between the two models.
Longevity and Update Support
Samsung has committed to long-term software and security updates for both devices. The Galaxy S25 will naturally be supported for longer, but the Galaxy S24 still has many years of updates ahead.
This is important when weighing value, as neither phone is close to becoming obsolete.
Is Upgrading from Galaxy S24 Worth It?
If you are currently using a Galaxy S24, upgrading to the Galaxy S25 is not essential for most users. The improvements are real but incremental.
The upgrade makes the most sense for people who regularly push their phone with demanding tasks or value slightly better battery efficiency and camera consistency.
For everyone else, the Galaxy S24 remains a strong and capable device.
Using Resale Value to Offset an Upgrade
If you do decide to upgrade, selling while your phone is still considered current can help protect its value.
You can sell your Samsung phone and use that value to reduce the cost of moving to a newer model.
Refurbished as a Practical Middle Ground
For many people, refurbished devices offer the best balance between performance and price. Instead of choosing between holding on or paying full launch prices, refurbished options sit comfortably in the middle.
By browsing refurbished Samsung Galaxy phones on Envirofone, you can find models such as the Galaxy S24 or even the Galaxy S25 that still deliver flagship performance without the early adopter premium.
These devices have already passed through the steepest depreciation phase, making them a sensible choice for value-focused buyers.
The Difference in Simple Terms
The Galaxy S25 improves on the Galaxy S24 with a more efficient processor, slightly better sustained performance, refined camera processing and marginal battery gains.
The Galaxy S24 remains fast, reliable and well supported. Choosing between them comes down to whether you value the latest refinements or prefer stronger value for money.
Understanding the actual hardware differences helps you make a decision based on real-world benefits rather than launch hype.
