Galaxy S24 FE • Unlocked vs Galaxy S25 • Unlocked

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S24 FE was released in October 2024, while the Galaxy S25 followed in February 2025. This difference means the S25 will generally receive software updates for a slightly longer period.
• Software Support: Both devices are promised 7 years of operating system and security updates. The S24 FE launched with Android 14, with support expected to end around 2031. The S25, starting with Android 15, will receive updates until approximately 2032, offering an additional year of future OS updates.
• Durability and Repairability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and utilize Gorilla Glass for screen protection, with the S25 featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Armor Aluminum for its frame, while the S24 FE uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back with an aluminum frame. The Galaxy S24 FE has a repairability score of 8.0 or 8.5 out of 10, indicating a relatively straightforward repair process for many components. The Galaxy S25 generally receives a slightly higher repairability score, often rated at 8.5 or 9 out of 10, suggesting a design that facilitates easier component replacement.

Performance is a critical aspect for daily usage, affecting everything from app responsiveness to demanding tasks like gaming.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 FE is equipped with the Exynos 2400e processor, which handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S25 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, providing enhanced performance for intensive applications and a more responsive overall user experience.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The S24 FE comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' multitasking needs. The S25 offers 12GB of RAM, providing more headroom for running numerous applications simultaneously and handling complex tasks with greater fluidity.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 FE houses a 4700mAh battery, generally offering reliable power for a full day of typical use. The Galaxy S25, with its 4000mAh battery, provides decent battery life for its compact size, though heavy users might find themselves needing to charge more frequently. Both devices support 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging.

The display is the primary interface for interaction, and differences in technology and specifications can significantly impact the visual experience.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S24 FE features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks suitable for media consumption. The Galaxy S25 has a more compact 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which also delivers rich colors and strong contrast.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both devices offer an FHD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels), ensuring sharp visuals for text and images. The S25's smaller screen size with the same resolution results in a slightly higher pixel density (416 ppi), contributing to a very clear viewing experience.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The S24 FE has a peak brightness of 1900 nits, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions. The S25 boasts a higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing. The S25's display also utilizes LTPO technology, allowing its refresh rate to dynamically adjust down to 1Hz for improved power efficiency.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, influencing the quality of photos and videos captured in various scenarios.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 FE features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The Galaxy S25 also comes with a triple-camera system, comprising a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens.
• Photography Performance: The S24 FE generally produces good photos with pleasing color reproduction, though some users note colors can be oversaturated. Its low-light performance is considered admirable. The S25's cameras are noted for taking clear, steady shots with good zoom, and improvements in night photography and focus modes have been observed.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 8K video at 30 frames per second. The S24 FE has a 10MP front-facing camera, while the S25 features a 12MP front camera, which may offer slightly more detail in selfies.

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

• Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S24 FE supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy S25 offers more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.4, providing faster and more stable wireless connections. Both devices utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.
• Biometric Security: Both smartphones incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and authentication. They also support face recognition.
• Design and Handling: The S24 FE weighs 213g and has a thickness of 8mm. The S25 is lighter at 162g and slimmer at 7.2mm, making it a more compact and potentially easier-to-handle device for one-handed use. The S25 also features a more refined design with flat sides and thin bezels.