Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in 2025: Is Its AI Still Worth Your Money?
You’re looking at the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, released almost a year ago. The big question in late 2025 isn’t just about its specs, but whether its much-hyped “Galaxy AI” features still deliver real value. Is it still the flagship to beat, or has the tech moved on? Let’s break down what truly matters.
The S24 Ultra’s 2025 Reality Check: Performance and Longevity
When the S24 Ultra launched, it was a beast. A year later, it remains a top-tier device, largely thanks to its robust hardware and Samsung’s commitment to software updates. This isn’t just about raw speed; it’s about how long this phone will genuinely serve you well.
What Holds Up, What Excels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy: This chip was a powerhouse in early 2024, and it absolutely holds its own today. You won’t find any app or game that truly taxes it. Expect smooth performance for years.
- Display: Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 2,600 nits Peak Brightness: Still one of the best displays on any phone. The brightness makes outdoor viewing a breeze, and the flat design was a welcome change for many.
- Camera System: 200MP Main, 50MP 5x Telephoto: This setup delivers exceptional photos and videos. The 5x telephoto is particularly versatile, offering fantastic reach without significant quality loss. While new phones push boundaries, the S24 Ultra’s camera is still a top performer.
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W Fast Charging: Expect solid all-day battery life for most users. 45W charging isn’t the fastest on the market anymore, but it’s perfectly adequate for quick top-ups.
- Software: Android 14, One UI 6.1 (and beyond): Here’s a critical point for 2025. Samsung promised seven years of OS upgrades and security updates for the S24 series. This means your S24 Ultra will receive updates well into the 2030s, significantly extending its usable lifespan and value.
- Build: Titanium Frame: More durable and lighter than the S23 Ultra’s aluminum, this frame still feels premium and offers better protection against drops.
Galaxy AI: What You *Actually* Use in 2025 (and Why)
Samsung’s “Galaxy AI” isn’t a single feature; it’s a suite of tools integrated across the phone. The key is understanding which of these genuinely enhances your daily experience and which are more niche. Many of these features leverage on-device generative AI, meaning they work without an internet connection, offering better privacy and speed.
Practical AI Tools That Stick
- Circle to Search: This is a genuinely useful feature. See something on your screen – a product in an image, a landmark in a video, text in an article – long-press the home button, circle it, and get instant Google Search results. It bypasses screenshots and switching apps, making visual searches incredibly fluid.
- Live Translate: Communicating across language barriers becomes far simpler. During a phone call, you get real-time voice and text translations. For messaging, it translates texts instantly. Because it often runs on-device, your conversations stay private, and it works even without Wi-Fi or cellular data. This is a game-changer for travelers or anyone interacting with different languages.
- Chat Assist: Ever struggled to find the right tone for a message? Chat Assist rewrites your messages to sound more professional, casual, or even polite. It also offers grammar and spelling corrections. Think of it as a smart proofreader and tone-setter for all your text-based communication.
- Note Assist: This transforms how you handle notes. It can automatically format messy jottings, summarize long notes into concise bullet points, and even create pre-made templates for consistency. For anyone who takes a lot of notes, this saves significant time in organization and review.
- Generative Edit: This is where the “magic” of AI photo editing comes in. You can move or resize objects in your photos, and the AI intelligently fills in the background. Want to remove a photobomber or adjust a composition post-shot? This tool handles it. However, remember that images edited with Generative Edit include a watermark and metadata for authenticity.
- Instant Slow-mo: Convert standard videos into slow-motion clips. The AI analyzes the movement and interpolates frames, creating a smooth slow-motion effect even if the original video wasn’t shot that way. Great for highlighting action or funny moments.
S24 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra: Is the Upgrade Still Worth It?
If you own a Galaxy S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra needs to justify an upgrade. Here’s a direct comparison of the most impactful differences from a 2025 perspective:
| Feature | Galaxy S24 Ultra (2024) | Galaxy S23 Ultra (2023) | Why It Matters in 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Titanium | Armor Aluminum | The titanium frame is lighter and more durable, offering better long-term resistance to dings and drops. |
| Display Brightness (Peak) | 2,600 nits | 1,750 nits | Significantly brighter. Crucial for outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight, improving overall usability. |
| Display Design | Flat Screen | Curved Edges | A preference, but many prefer the flat screen for better S Pen use, less accidental touches, and easier screen protector application. |
| Telephoto Camera | 50MP 5x Optical Zoom | 10MP 10x Optical Zoom | The S24 Ultra’s 5x optical zoom is more versatile for everyday use, producing sharper images at common zoom levels compared to the S23 Ultra’s 10x, which was often too much for typical shots. |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | The Gen 3 is faster and more efficient, particularly for AI tasks. This means better performance for current and future AI features and longer support. |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 is newer and offers potential for faster, more stable wireless connections, future-proofing your device for upcoming router technology. |
| AI Features | Full Galaxy AI Suite (on-device capabilities) | Limited/No dedicated AI suite | Galaxy AI is the S24 Ultra’s biggest differentiator, offering practical tools like Live Translate and Generative Edit that the S23 Ultra lacks. |
| Software Support | 7 Years of OS & Security Updates | 4 Years of OS, 5 Years Security Updates | This is a massive difference. The S24 Ultra will receive updates for three years longer than the S23 Ultra, significantly extending its lifespan and value. |
The Galaxy S24 Ultra isn’t just an iterative update; it’s a statement. Samsung packed it with significant upgrades that matter for everyday use and future-proofing.
**What the S24 Ultra Delivers**
The S24 Ultra brings a brighter, flat display with Gorilla Glass Armor, offering superior outdoor visibility and better resistance to damage. Its peak brightness of 2,600 nits is a substantial jump, making content legible even in direct sunlight. The flat screen also improves S Pen usability and simplifies screen protector application.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor provides a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency, especially for AI tasks. This translates to smoother performance across the board and better handling of the advanced Galaxy AI suite.
Speaking of AI, this is where the S24 Ultra truly differentiates itself. Features like Live Translate for real-time multilingual calls, Circle to Search for instant information lookup, and Generative Edit for advanced photo manipulation are genuinely useful, not just gimmicks. While some AI features may require an internet connection, many operate on-device, enhancing privacy and speed.
The telephoto camera also sees a shift, with the S24 Ultra opting for a 50MP 5x optical zoom over the S23 Ultra’s 10MP 10x. This 5x zoom often proves more practical for common shooting scenarios, delivering sharper results at everyday focal lengths.
Perhaps the most impactful upgrade for long-term value is software support. The S24 Ultra guarantees seven years of OS and security updates, dwarfing the S23 Ultra’s four years of OS and five years of security updates. This means your S24 Ultra will remain current and secure for significantly longer, extending its usable lifespan and resale value.
**Should You Upgrade or Stick with the S23 Ultra?**
It’s November 2025. Both phones have been on the market for a while.
**Upgrade to S24 Ultra if:**
* **You demand the absolute latest.** If you always want the best performance, brightest screen, and cutting-edge features, the S24 Ultra is your clear choice. * **AI features are appealing.** Live Translate, Circle to Search, and Generative Edit genuinely enhance productivity and creativity. * **Longevity matters most.** Seven years of updates ensures this phone will serve you well into the future. * **You prefer a flat screen and enhanced durability.** The titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor are real improvements. * **Your S23 Ultra is showing its age or damage.** If you’re due for an upgrade anyway, go for the S24 Ultra.
**Stick with the S23 Ultra if:**
* **Your S23 Ultra works perfectly well.** It remains a powerful flagship, even in late 2025. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip still delivers excellent performance. * **Budget is a primary concern.** The S23 Ultra’s price has dropped significantly, making it an outstanding value. Refurbished models can be found for around $350-$500, a massive discount from its original price. New S24 Ultra devices still retail for around $1,299.99, while unlocked S24 Ultra models can be found for around $638-$664 on the used market. * **You prefer a curved display.** This is a subjective preference, but if you like the feel of curved edges, the S23 Ultra still offers it. * **You don’t heavily rely on the specific new AI features.** While compelling, not everyone needs them daily. * **The 10x optical zoom was a key feature for you.** While the S24 Ultra’s 5x is more versatile, the S23 Ultra offered more reach.
**The Bottom Line**
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the superior phone, no question. Its advancements in display, processor, AI, and software support create a compelling package. However, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, especially at its current reduced price, still represents incredible value. If you’re chasing the bleeding edge and want a phone that will last you nearly a decade in terms of software, the S24 Ultra is worth the investment. If you want a top-tier Android experience without spending flagship money, the S23 Ultra is still a fantastic option.
**FAQs**
**Q: Is the S23 Ultra still a good phone in 2025?** A: Absolutely. The S23 Ultra remains a highly capable flagship with excellent performance, a great camera system, and solid battery life. It still receives software updates, though fewer than the S24 Ultra.
**Q: How much cheaper is the S23 Ultra compared to the S24 Ultra now?** A: Significantly cheaper. In November 2025, new S24 Ultra models are around $1,299.99, while used S24 Ultras are around $638-$664. Refurbished S23 Ultra models can be found for as low as $350-$500, a substantial saving.
**Q: Are the Galaxy AI features available on the S23 Ultra?** A: Some Galaxy AI features have rolled out to the S23 series with One UI updates, but the S24 Ultra has the full, dedicated suite with on-device capabilities, leveraging its more powerful processor.
**Q: Does the S24 Ultra really have better battery life?** A: Both phones have a 5000mAh battery. While the S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more efficient, the real-world battery life difference is often minor, with both offering excellent endurance.
