Galaxy S24 • Unlocked vs Galaxy S25+ • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24, released in January 2024, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in February 2025, represent two consecutive generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the S25 Plus introduces a larger display, an updated processor, and a more substantial battery, building upon the foundation set by its predecessor. These differences cater to varying user preferences regarding screen size, performance demands, and battery longevity.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, software support and physical durability are key factors. Both the Galaxy S24 and the Galaxy S25 Plus offer extensive support, ensuring a prolonged practical lifespan.

• Software Longevity: Both the Galaxy S24 and the Galaxy S25 Plus are committed to receiving seven generations of Android operating system upgrades and seven years of security updates. The Galaxy S24 launched with Android 14, while the Galaxy S25 Plus debuted with Android 15, meaning the S25 Plus will receive updates for one additional year compared to the base S24 model, extending its software viability further into the future.
• Repairability: Both devices demonstrate a high degree of repairability. The Galaxy S24 received a 9/10 repairability score, with features like easily removable batteries via pull tabs. Similarly, the Galaxy S25 Plus also achieved a 9/10 repairability score, featuring an improved battery pull pouch and the use of standard Philips screws for internal components, which can simplify repairs.
• Physical Durability: Both models incorporate Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen and back panel protection and carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a robust build designed to withstand daily use and accidental exposure to elements.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, influencing everything from app responsiveness to gaming capabilities and multitasking efficiency. The Galaxy S24 and S25 Plus offer distinct levels of power.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a newer, more advanced processor, which offers significant improvements in CPU, GPU, and AI task handling, resulting in even smoother performance for intensive applications, advanced AI features, and graphics-heavy gaming.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S24 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, with some configurations offering 12GB, providing ample capacity for running multiple apps simultaneously. The Galaxy S25 Plus consistently offers 12GB of RAM, enhancing its capability to manage numerous applications and complex workflows without slowdowns. Both devices offer various storage options, with faster UFS 4.0 storage available in higher capacities, contributing to quicker app loading and data transfer speeds.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S24 houses a 4000 mAh battery, which generally provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate use. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a larger 4900 mAh battery, leading to extended usage times. Users often report that the S25 Plus can last between 24 to 36 hours on a single charge, making it well-suited for heavy users or those who need longer battery life between charges.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S24 and S25 Plus offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with notable differences in size and resolution.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Galaxy S24 has a 6.2-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), providing clear visuals for everyday content. The Galaxy S25 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), offering a sharper and more detailed viewing experience, particularly noticeable with high-resolution media.
• Brightness and Smoothness: Both models achieve a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. They also feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth scrolling and fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience whether browsing, gaming, or watching videos.
• Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the Galaxy S25 Plus offers a more expansive canvas for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks, making it suitable for users who prefer a more immersive visual experience. The S24's more compact screen might appeal to users who prioritize one-handed use and portability.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many smartphone users, and both the Galaxy S24 and S25 Plus offer versatile camera systems designed for various photographic scenarios.

• Rear Camera System: Both the Galaxy S24 and S25 Plus feature a triple rear camera setup, including a 50 MP main wide-angle sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This hardware configuration allows for a range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots.
• Image Processing and Performance: While the camera hardware is largely consistent between the two models, the Galaxy S25 Plus benefits from an overhauled backend and a new ProVisual Engine, tightly integrated with its updated processor. This results in improved image processing algorithms, potentially leading to better detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance compared to the S24. User feedback for the S24 indicates good performance in bright conditions but some struggles in low light. The S25 Plus is noted for good low-light performance, though some users find its overall camera performance to be average.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support high-quality video recording, including 8K at 30 frames per second. The front-facing camera on both models is a 12 MP sensor, capable of capturing sharp selfies and clear video calls.