Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 ultra

I was surprised by the small Galaxy S25, but not enough to replace my S24 Ultra permanently. I wasn't expecting much when I first held the Galaxy S25 in my hands. After all, in an era dominated by spec monsters like the S24 Ultra, how much really does a "smaller" flagship offer? However, after working with Samsung's newest compact powerhouse for a week, I was truly surprised. The Samsung Galaxy S25 is more than just a miniaturized flagship; it is also a refined, well-balanced, and delightfully unexpected device. Still, as much as I’ve enjoyed it, it hasn’t quite convinced me to retire my Galaxy S24 Ultra.

First impressions: small but high-quality The Samsung Galaxy S25 feels premium right out of the box. It is one of the most comfortable phones I have ever held due to its slightly smaller size. With a smooth glass back, sturdy aluminum rails, and subtle curved edges, the S25 maintains the sleek design language of its predecessor. I can't honestly say that the S24 Ultra doesn't fit perfectly in one hand. Using a phone that doesn't require two-handed gymnastics for simple tasks has a certain charm. Because of its size, using apps, typing messages, and even gaming felt easier. For people with smaller hands or anyone tired of bulky flagships, the S25 could easily be a dream phone.

Performance: A Powerhouse in a Small Package The Galaxy S25 maintains its high level of performance despite its small size. Samsung has packed it with the latest Exynos or Snapdragon chipset (depending on the region), and the result is a blazing-fast experience. App launches are snappy, multitasking is fluid, and even demanding games like Genshin Impact run smoothly with minimal thermal throttling.

One area where it particularly shines is software optimization. One UI 7.0 feels leaner and more refined than ever. Samsung is clearly moving toward a more intelligent smartphone experience, as evidenced by the redesigned widgets and enhanced AI features like smarter app predictions and on-device language translation. However, while the S25 holds its own in performance, it still lacks the raw horsepower of the S24 Ultra—especially when it comes to multitasking across apps in split-screen or using DeX mode. Even though it's powerful, the Ultra still feels more "future-proof." Beautiful display, but a step down First things first: the 6.2-inch AMOLED display on the S25 is stunning. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures that everything appears buttery smooth, with vivid colors and deep blacks. Samsung never disappoints in the display department, and this is no exception.

However, there is no denying that the S24 Ultra's massive 6.8-inch QHD+ LTPO panel has been reduced. The S25’s screen, while excellent, lacks the same immersion. On the smaller screen, neither watching movies nor editing photos feels quite as satisfying. Screen space is also important for someone like me who uses their phone as a mini hub for productivity. Camera System: Surprisingly Capable

This is where the S25 genuinely surprised me. With a triple-lens setup—main, ultrawide, and a 3x telephoto—the S25 manages to deliver flagship-grade photography in a compact body. The photos are clear, the colors are true to life, and the low-light performance has improved noticeably. Samsung’s AI-powered camera features like scene optimizer and object eraser are more intuitive now, making it easier to get great shots without diving into pro mode. The S25 is more than capable for Instagram enthusiasts and casual photographers. Even though the S25 has a good camera, the S24 Ultra still has the best quad-lens array, which includes a 200MP main sensor and a 10x periscope zoom. When it comes to zoomed-in shots or landscapes with a lot of detail, the S25 can't quite match the Ultra's level of versatility and clarity. Decent battery life, but not enough for a marathon Battery life on the S25 is decent for a compact phone. With moderate use, its 4,000 mAh battery can easily last a full day, and fast charging helps reduce downtime. However, due to the S24 Ultra's 5,000mAh cell, which can power through nearly two days on a single charge, you won't get the same endurance from the smaller battery. This becomes more apparent when using the camera or playing games a lot, when the S25 needs to be topped off by evening while the Ultra continues to function. It's a trade-off you'd expect from a smaller phone, but it's still something to keep in mind. What the S25 Does Well The S25 isn’t trying to be the Ultra—and that’s a good thing. It establishes itself as a premium compact flagship, which is becoming increasingly uncommon in the Android industry. It is ideal for users who value convenience and comfort equally to raw power and want top-tier performance without the bulk. It also excels in areas like pocketability, one-handed use, and general daily comfort. In many ways, it reminded me how enjoyable a small phone can be—something the industry has slowly moved away from in the chase for bigger specs and larger screens.

Why I Will Continue to Use the S24 Ultra I like the S25, but I don't want to give up my Galaxy S24 Ultra. When it comes to adaptability, screen quality, battery life, and camera performance, the Ultra is still the king. It is better suited to my workflow and lifestyle due to its robustness, enhanced productivity features, and integration with the S Pen. Having said that, I can easily see myself using the S25 as a backup device, particularly for casual outings or travel. It’s a phone that makes you appreciate simplicity without feeling like you're settling for less.

Final Thoughts

I was pleasantly surprised by the Galaxy S25. It is premium without being overwhelming, compact without being underpowered, and balanced in ways that larger flagships frequently overlook. If you're tired of the ever-growing smartphone trend and want something that fits in your pocket—and your life—the S25 is a strong contender.

However, the S24 Ultra still reigns supreme in my tech kingdom for the time being. Maybe the S26 will change that.