Samsung’s Galaxy S series has consistently raised the standard for Android smartphones, and the introduction of the Galaxy S25 continues this trend. However, with the Galaxy S24 FE standing as a budget-friendly flagship alternative from just months earlier, the decision to upgrade isn’t black and white. A detailed comparison of the S24 FE versus the S25 boils down to what users value most—performance, camera improvements, software longevity, or overall value. This article dissects the differences in a clear upgrade equation that should help every potential buyer make an informed decision.
Design and Display: Subtle Refinements vs Functional Aesthetics
At first glance, the S24 FE and S25 may appear quite similar in design language, both featuring Samsung’s signature sleek flat panels and slightly curved edges. The Galaxy S25, however, pushes forward with minor refinements, offering a more premium matte aluminum frame and a slightly thinner profile. Its bezels are reduced to give a near all-screen experience compared to the S24 FE.
The display comparison slightly favors the S25. While the S24 FE comes with a 6.4-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz panel, the S25 steps it up with a 6.6-inch LTPO AMOLED screen that supports a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, improving both battery life and motion smoothness.
If the visual experience is a priority, particularly for mobile gamers and streaming enthusiasts, the S25’s display offers more fluidity and efficient screen management.
Performance: Raw Power and Futureproofing
Under the hood lies one of the more significant distinctions. The Galaxy S24 FE is powered by the Exynos 2200 or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, depending on region. While it’s capable and keeps up with daily tasks and moderate gaming, the S25’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (globally) offers a massive leap in both computational and AI-enhanced performance.
In benchmark results, the S25 handily outpaces the S24 FE in single-core and multi-core scores. What this means in real-world usage is viewed in multitasking smoothness, quicker app startups, advanced camera processing, and notably better thermal management under load.
- S24 FE: Capable, but beginning to show age under demanding loads.
- S25: Built for the next generation of apps, AI tools, and extended gaming sessions.
Users who demand top-tier speed and longevity should seriously consider the upgrade, especially if they plan to use the device intensively for the next 3–4 years.
Camera System: Steady Progress or a Giant Leap?
The Galaxy S24 FE is no slouch in the camera department, featuring a 50MP main shooter, 12MP ultra-wide, and 8MP 3x telephoto lens. This setup produces sharp, well-balanced images in good lighting and respectable low-light performance.
The S25, on the other hand, introduces a reworked camera module. It maintains the 50MP primary but integrates a wider aperture and improved image signal processing (ISP), resulting in noticeably better night photography and finer detail retention in high-contrast scenes. The telephoto lens gets a bump to 10MP with better optical zoom clarity.
Where the S25 truly differentiates itself is in computational photography. Thanks to the upgraded chipset, it supports real-time semantic analysis—identifying subjects and adjusting parameters accordingly. This ensures portraits have better depth, and scenes look more balanced without manual tuning.
Battery and Charging: Efficient Evolution
Battery sizes remain remarkably close: 4,500 mAh for the S24 FE and 4,700 mAh for the S25. Both support 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. However, due to power efficiency from the S25’s 4nm processor and LTPO display, the S25 nets a longer real-world battery life, often lasting an entire day and night under medium to heavy usage without topping off.
Those who value longer battery maintenance without frequent mid-day charges will notice the difference, albeit slightly.
Software Commitment and AI Integration
The software story has drastically changed in 2024. While both devices ship with Android 14 and Samsung’s One UI, the S25 is expected to receive seven years of OS and security updates as announced by Samsung, bringing it on par with Google’s Pixel commitment. In contrast, the S24 FE is capped at four years of OS updates and five years of security updates.
Additionally, the S25 includes Samsung’s new AI-powered features like live call translation, Generative Edit in Gallery, and AI-enhanced battery usage optimization. Though some features trickle down to older models, not all are supported or perform reliably without the S25’s upgraded NPU (neural processing unit).
Price vs. Value: The Final Equation
Cost-wise, the Galaxy S24 FE undeniably strikes the better value proposition. Retailing around $599 to $649 at launch (often discounted), it’s an excellent choice for those wanting core flagship features without breaking the bank. The Galaxy S25 arrives with a premium price tag—starting at $899—due to its higher-tier design and future-proof specs.
Here’s how the upgrade math breaks down:
- Upgrade Recommendation:
- If you already own the S24 FE and use your phone casually: Stick with it.
- If you rely on your phone for photography, productivity, or plan to keep it for 4+ years: Upgrade to S25.
- If you’re upgrading from anything older than the S20 generation: Skip the FE and go straight to the S25.
Ultimately, while both phones serve different audiences, the S25 clearly leads in performance, longevity, and ecosystem synergy. But the value-packed S24 FE still stands as a compelling alternative for budget-conscious users.
FAQ: Galaxy S24 FE vs Galaxy S25
- Q: Is the S25 display really that much better?
A: Yes, the S25’s LTPO screen is more power-efficient and offers better refresh rate control, which helps with smoothness and battery life. - Q: Will the S24 FE get the new Samsung AI features?
A: Some of them, yes. But advanced features like Live Translate and circle-to-search may not run as efficiently or may be exclusive to S25 hardware. - Q: How long will the S24 FE receive software support?
A: Samsung promises up to 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. - Q: Is the S25 good for gaming?
A: Absolutely. With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and improved thermals, it’s one of the best Android phones for gaming in 2024. - Q: Is it worth upgrading from the S24 FE to the S25?
A: It depends. For casual users, the upgrade may not be justified. But if you need ultimate performance, better camera processing, or plan to keep your phone for many years, the S25 is a strong upgrade.