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Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. S24 Ultra

General Report January 13, 2025
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Design and Build
  3. Display Features
  4. Performance Specifications
  5. Camera Innovations
  6. Battery and Charging Features
  7. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra promises compelling advancements over its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, across several key dimensions including design, hardware specifications, and performance. Notable changes in the S25 Ultra encompass a redesigned, more ergonomic body with rounded edges and potential color variations. The flagship device is expected to retain the same 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display as the S24 Ultra, but with enhanced durability via Corning's Gorilla Armor glass. Both models share a high peak brightness, exemplary for outdoor visibility, although incremental improvements may polish the S25 Ultra’s performance outdoors. Another highlight is the adoption of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, suggesting enhanced efficiency and a 45% performance spike, potentially making it a top contender in the smartphone market. Innovations in the camera department are keenly anticipated, with the S25 Ultra expected to sport a new 50 MP ultra-wide sensor alongside AI-driven photography enhancements. Battery life may see improvements due to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset's energy efficiency. However, actual usability gains await real-world testing. While charging speeds are likely to remain similar to the S24 Ultra, support for the Qi2 wireless standard may afford faster wireless charging options. These projected enhancements reflect Samsung's strategic aim to elevate user experience and cement the S25 Ultra's status as a premier choice in the high-end smartphone sector.

2. Design and Build

  • 2-1. Overview of Design Changes

  • The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to feature a notable design overhaul compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Leaks suggest that the S25 Ultra will have more rounded edges, moving away from the sharper corners typical of the previous model. This design choice aims to enhance ergonomics, making the device more comfortable to hold. Additionally, the rear camera array may see changes with thicker, ribbed rings surrounding the lenses, akin to those on the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

  • 2-2. Material and Build Quality

  • The Galaxy S25 Ultra is anticipated to retain a titanium frame, consistent with the high-quality materials used in the S24 Ultra. This material not only contributes to durability but also maintains an upscale aesthetic. The device is rumored to feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring reliability in various conditions.

  • 2-3. Dimensions and Weight Comparisons

  • In terms of dimensions, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to be slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor, measuring approximately 8.2 mm in thickness and weighing around 219 grams. For comparison, the Galaxy S24 Ultra measures 8.6 mm thick and weighs 233 grams. The slight reduction in size and weight aims to enhance portability without compromising on features.

  • 2-4. Color Options

  • While specific details on color options for the Galaxy S25 Ultra remain limited, it is anticipated that Samsung will offer a variety of colors, possibly more muted shades combined with some unique options. The S24 Ultra offered colors like yellow, violet, black, and gray, alongside exclusive colors available through Samsung's website. It is hoped that the S25 Ultra will continue this trend of offering both classic and distinctive color choices.

3. Display Features

  • 3-1. Screen Size and Technology

  • The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy S24 Ultra both feature a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This display technology is known for its high peak brightness and adaptive refresh rate capabilities. It has a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, supporting a dynamic refresh rate between 1 and 120 Hz, which enhances user experience by providing smooth scrolling and improved responsiveness.

  • 3-2. Brightness Levels

  • The Galaxy S24 Ultra's display can achieve a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, which is significant for outdoor usage and visibility in bright conditions. Although projections indicate that the S25 Ultra will maintain similar brightness levels, it is anticipated that it may introduce enhancements in this area to further improve outdoor visibility.

  • 3-3. Refresh Rate and Resolution

  • Both models maintain a resolution capability of 1440 x 3120 pixels and utilize the same refresh rate technology that dynamically adjusts between 1 and 120 Hz. This adaptability improves both battery efficiency and user experience, particularly during gaming and high-motion video playback.

  • 3-4. Display Durability Enhancements

  • The S25 Ultra is expected to incorporate Corning's Gorilla Armor glass, which will enhance its durability compared to previous models. This glass will likely include an anti-reflective coating, a feature introduced in the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which reduces glare and improves visibility.

4. Performance Specifications

  • 4-1. Processor and Chipset Overview

  • The Galaxy S25 Ultra is anticipated to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a significant upgrade over the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This new chipset is built on a 3nm process technology, which may provide enhanced power and energy efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is expected to deliver performance boosts of up to 45%, solidifying its position as a top competitor against Apple's A-series chips.

  • 4-2. RAM Options and Performance Metrics

  • The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to offer configuration options up to 16GB of RAM, specifically for the 512GB and 1TB storage models. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra features a uniform 12GB RAM across all variants. With these potential upgrades, the S25 Ultra is expected to provide better handling of multitasking and high-performance applications.

  • 4-3. Software Enhancements with One UI 7

  • Running on Android 15, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will feature Samsung's One UI 7, which is set to introduce various new AI functionalities and a UI redesign. This update will retain a commitment to seven years of software support, ensuring long-term usability for both the Galaxy S25 and S24 Ultra models.

  • 4-4. Expected Benchmark Improvements

  • While exact benchmark figures for the Galaxy S25 Ultra have yet to be released, expectations indicate it will surpass the Galaxy S24 Ultra in terms of performance metrics, thanks to the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The enhanced thermal management of the device aims to prevent throttling during high-demand tasks, thereby maintaining consistent performance during extended usage.

5. Camera Innovations

  • 5-1. Camera Specifications Overview

  • The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to maintain the robust camera specifications of its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, while incorporating enhancements that focus on photography capabilities. The Galaxy S24 Ultra originally features a 200 MP main sensor, 10 MP 3x telephoto, 50 MP 5x periscope zoom, and 12 MP ultra-wide cameras. Early reports indicate that the S25 Ultra will introduce a new 50 MP sensor for the ultra-wide camera, leveraging improved hardware and software enhancements.

  • 5-2. Main Sensor and Secondary Camera Enhancements

  • The primary 200 MP main camera is anticipated to benefit from updated processing algorithms that enhance image quality. Furthermore, the S25 Ultra may upgrade additional camera modules, with two of its lenses expected to transition from 12 MP to 50 MP sensors, improving overall versatility in photography, particularly in low-light conditions.

  • 5-3. Software and AI Capabilities in Photography

  • Improvements are not only anticipated in hardware but also in the software domain. The introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor could usher in an enhanced image processing pipeline, allowing for better post-processing and potentially new features aimed at image refinement. This includes advancements aimed at incorporating more refined AI capabilities, which could rival competitors' photographic styles.

  • 5-4. Comparison with Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera System

  • When comparing the camera systems of the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy S24 Ultra, it is noted that the S24 Ultra's camera system has built a reputation for excellence, scoring high in camera performance benchmarks. The S25 Ultra, while expected to build on these strengths, will need significant enhancements to outperform its predecessor, especially given that the S24 Ultra currently remains one of the leading smartphone cameras with an array of features and operational capabilities.

6. Battery and Charging Features

  • 6-1. Battery Capacity and Expected Performance

  • The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is anticipated to retain a 5,000 mAh battery, consistent with its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This capacity has become standard for Android flagships, providing adequate performance for daily usage. The Galaxy S24 Ultra reportedly lasts more than a day under casual usage. The energy efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset expected within the S25 Ultra may potentially enhance battery life, although the exact balance between power consumption and chip efficiency awaits verification.

  • 6-2. Charging Speed Comparisons

  • The charging specifications are expected to remain unchanged from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with 45W wired charging support and 15W Qi wireless charging. The Galaxy S25 Ultra will also likely support the new Qi2 wireless charging standard, which could facilitate 25W charging speeds. However, there are no confirmed upgrades to the maximum charging power, leading to an assumption that charging speeds will be similar to previous models.

  • 6-3. Energy Efficiency Improvements

  • The transition to a 3nm process in the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is expected to improve energy efficiency for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This advanced manufacturing technique signifies a potential increase in performance coupled with lower battery consumption. Nevertheless, real-world efficiency gains will only be ascertainable upon testing the device under actual usage conditions.

  • 6-4. Impact of Chipset on Battery Life

  • The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is anticipated to significantly impact the Galaxy S25 Ultra's battery life. As the first 3nm processor from Qualcomm, it promises enhanced energy efficiency and performance. However, the potential need for advanced thermal management emerges as a concern, as high-performance processors can lead to increased heat generation, possibly affecting battery longevity. The actual impact of this chipset on battery performance will be determined once extensive benchmarking is completed.

Conclusion

  • The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra appears poised to expand on the strengths of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, particularly through expected enhancements in design, performance, and camera capabilities. With its transition to a more ergonomic, rounded form and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the S25 Ultra aims to deliver a superior user experience through improvements in speed and energy efficiency. Anticipated upgrades in camera technology, such as the 50 MP ultra-wide sensor, alongside better AI functionalities could offer enhanced photography experiences, setting a new benchmark for smartphone imaging. Despite retaining certain features such as the 5,000 mAh battery capacity and similar charging capabilities, the real-world effects of the new processor's energy efficiency and the practical usability improvements will be clearer post-launch. While the S25 Ultra showcases promising enhancements, its ability to persuade current S24 Ultra users to upgrade involves critical dependence on these improvements' tangible benefits in daily use. As current leaks and rumors suggest, the S25 Ultra embodies Samsung's commitment towards innovation and pushing boundaries. Its future prospects are optimistic, with potential applications in professional photography and high-performance tasks, indicating its appeal to tech enthusiasts and users looking for high-end devices. The emergence of the S25 Ultra reflects both an evolutionary step forward for Samsung's flagship lineup and a strategic endeavor to maintain leadership in the competitive smartphone market.

Glossary

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra [Smartphone]: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the upcoming flagship smartphone from Samsung, expected to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, advanced camera technology including a 200MP main sensor, and a redesigned ergonomic form factor. It aims to compete with high-end devices in the market by delivering top-tier performance, innovative features, and enhanced user experience.
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra [Smartphone]: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the predecessor to the S25 Ultra, recognized for its powerful performance, impressive camera system, and premium build quality. With a 200MP camera and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it sets a high standard in the flagship smartphone category.

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