Galaxy S24 FE Vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy S24 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£250.00

Versus £741.91 new

See options
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£654.00

Versus £1,249.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, released in October 2024, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched in February 2025, represent distinct offerings within Samsung's smartphone lineup. The S24 FE aims to deliver a premium experience by incorporating key flagship features at a more accessible point, while the S25 Ultra stands as Samsung's top-tier device, pushing the boundaries of mobile technology. The primary differentiators between these two Android smartphones lie in their processing power, camera capabilities, and display advancements, catering to different user priorities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors such as release timeline, software support, and physical durability are key. Both the Galaxy S24 FE and the Galaxy S25 Ultra are designed for extended practical lifespans, benefiting from Samsung's commitment to software longevity.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S24 FE was introduced in October 2024, making it a slightly older model compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which debuted in February 2025. This difference in release dates means the S25 Ultra will likely receive software updates for a slightly longer period.
  • Software Longevity: Both devices are expected to receive up to seven years of Android OS and security updates, aligning with Samsung's current policy for its flagship and premium devices. This extensive support ensures that both phones remain secure and functional with the latest features for a considerable duration. [8, 12, 13, 16, 20]
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S24 FE features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on its display and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, offering robust everyday durability. [2, 3, 8, 12] The Galaxy S25 Ultra elevates this with a titanium frame and more advanced display protection, such as Corning Gorilla Armor 2, alongside its IP68 rating, providing enhanced resistance to drops and scratches. [4, 6, 7]

Year of Release

2024

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for handling daily tasks, demanding applications, and multitasking. Both the Galaxy S24 FE and the Galaxy S25 Ultra offer robust performance, though they cater to different levels of intensity.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 FE is equipped with a current-generation flagship-level processor, ensuring smooth operation for most applications, efficient multitasking, and capable gaming experiences. [2, 3, 8, 11, 12] The Galaxy S25 Ultra, on the other hand, integrates the absolute latest and most powerful mobile processor available at its release, specifically optimized for its ecosystem. This provides a noticeable advantage in handling the most intensive tasks, such as advanced mobile gaming, professional-grade video editing, and complex AI computations, with exceptional speed and efficiency. [4, 6, 7, 9]
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy S24 FE manages multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns, offering a fluid user experience. [2, 11, 12] The Galaxy S25 Ultra typically comes with 12GB of RAM, with some regional variants offering 16GB, providing even greater headroom for power users who frequently switch between numerous demanding applications or engage in heavy content creation. [1, 7]
  • Storage Options: The S24 FE is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, suitable for a wide range of users. [2, 8, 11] The S25 Ultra offers more expansive storage options, starting from 256GB and extending to 512GB and 1TB, accommodating larger media libraries and extensive application installations. [1, 7]

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality visual experiences, albeit with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 FE features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks, suitable for everyday viewing and media consumption. [2, 3, 8, 12] The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a higher QHD+ resolution, resulting in sharper details and a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for high-resolution content. [1, 4, 6, 7]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. [1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 12] The S24 FE reaches a peak brightness of up to 1900 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. [2, 3, 8, 12] The S25 Ultra surpasses this with a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits and an anti-reflective coating, making it exceptionally clear and comfortable to view even in bright outdoor environments. [4, 7]
  • Viewing Experience: The S24 FE provides an excellent visual experience for general use, streaming, and casual gaming. The S25 Ultra's larger size, higher resolution, and superior brightness, combined with its advanced display protection, offer a more premium and robust viewing experience, ideal for content creators, avid gamers, and those who prioritize screen quality. [4, 7]

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440x3120

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S24 FE and the Galaxy S25 Ultra are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, but they differ significantly in their advanced capabilities and versatility.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 FE features a capable triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration is well-suited for capturing detailed everyday photos and wide-angle shots. [2, 8, 12] The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a more advanced quad-camera system, highlighted by a 200MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens providing 5x optical zoom and up to 100x Space Zoom. This extensive array allows for greater flexibility in photography, from expansive landscapes to distant subjects. [1, 4, 7, 9, 17, 19]
  • Photography Performance: Both devices excel in well-lit conditions, producing sharp and vibrant images. The S24 FE includes features like Nightography for improved low-light performance. [21] The S25 Ultra, with its higher megapixel counts, larger sensors, and advanced AI-powered image processing (including features like ProScaler), delivers superior detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance across all its lenses, making it a more versatile tool for serious photographers. [1, 4, 7, 9, 17]
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of high-quality video recording. The S24 FE has a 10MP front camera for selfies and video calls. [2, 8, 12] The S25 Ultra features a 12MP front camera and offers more advanced video recording features, including enhanced stabilization and potentially higher resolution options, catering to users who prioritize video content creation. [4, 7, 19]

Front camera

10 megapixels

12

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features and design elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S24 FE and S25 Ultra support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast mobile data speeds. The S24 FE includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a USB Type-C port. [12] The S25 Ultra is expected to feature the latest Wi-Fi standards, potentially Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth, offering even faster and more stable wireless connections, also utilizing a USB Type-C port. [15]
  • Biometrics and Sensors: Both devices incorporate an in-display fingerprint scanner for secure and convenient unlocking. [2, 8, 12] The S25 Ultra further distinguishes itself with the integration of the S Pen, offering enhanced productivity for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation. It also includes Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for advanced location services and device tracking. [4, 17]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S24 FE features a sleek design with Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection and an IP68 rating, providing a balance of aesthetics and durability. [2, 3, 8, 12] The S25 Ultra, while also IP68 rated, utilizes a premium titanium frame and more advanced display glass, contributing to a more robust and refined feel. [4, 6, 7] The S25 Ultra also features a slightly larger form factor and weight due to its expansive display and advanced internal components, while the S24 FE offers a slightly more compact and lighter build for easier one-handed use. [4, 6]

Weight

213 g

233 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.9

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy S25 Ultra cater to different segments of the smartphone market, each offering a compelling set of features tailored to specific user needs. User feedback often praises the S24 FE for delivering a strong flagship-like experience without the absolute top-tier specifications, making it a balanced choice for many. Common praise points include its vibrant display, capable camera system for everyday use, and robust software support. Some users might note that while its processor is powerful, it may not match the absolute peak performance of the latest Ultra models for the most demanding tasks.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra, conversely, is frequently lauded for its cutting-edge technology, particularly its industry-leading camera system with advanced zoom capabilities, its expansive and exceptionally bright display, and the integrated S Pen for productivity. Users appreciate its uncompromising performance and premium build. Potential criticisms might revolve around its larger size and weight, which some users might find less comfortable for extended one-handed use, and the fact that its advanced features might be beyond the needs of an average user.

Users prioritizing a premium smartphone experience with excellent performance, a versatile camera, and long-term software support for general use, media consumption, and moderate gaming, will find the Galaxy S24 FE well-suited to their needs. It offers a compelling blend of features for a well-rounded daily driver. Conversely, users who demand the absolute best in mobile photography, require the highest processing power for intensive applications and gaming, or benefit from the precision and functionality of the S Pen, will lean towards the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It is designed for power users, content creators, and those who seek the pinnacle of smartphone technology.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, allowing access to these advanced technologies while making a sustainable choice.

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