Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra
A family lineup gives you options, and options create homework. Here’s the homework for the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Scoring each area separately, the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes out on top 4 times out of 6. Its lead is sharpest in camera. On top of that, the Galaxy S25 Ultra asked $500 more at launch. The rest of this page walks through each difference between the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
At a glance
- Display Galaxy S25 Ultra wins
- Performance Tie
- Memory & Storage Galaxy S25 Ultra wins
- Camera Galaxy S25 Ultra wins
- Battery & Charging Galaxy S25 Ultra wins
- Software & Updates Tie
- Price Galaxy S25 wins
- Display5.8
- Performance5.9
- Camera1.4
- Battery & Charging0.7
- Display6.9
- Performance5.9
- Camera5.5
- Battery & Charging2.8
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Galaxy S25 Ultra has 5× optical zoom versus 3×
Here the Galaxy S25 Ultra pulls well ahead of the Galaxy S25, with 5× compared to 3×. Digital zoom can fake reach, but optical zoom is where the detail actually comes from.
-
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has 25% more battery capacity
The Galaxy S25 Ultra doesn’t just edge this one; 5,000 mAh against 4,000 mAh is a lead you’ll feel. Capacity isn’t everything, but when two phones are otherwise close, more milliamp-hours is the simplest endurance advantage there is.
-
The Galaxy S25 has a 1.98 oz lighter build
Big gap, real consequences. The Galaxy S25’s 5.71 oz versus the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 7.69 oz changes how the two compare in daily use. A few grams won’t matter, but bigger gaps add up in a pocket or a small bag over a full day.
-
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB
The Galaxy S25 is clearly behind on base storage (128 GB against 256 GB), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts with more room, which means fewer “storage full” warnings and less time deleting old videos.
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The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a higher-resolution 200 MP main camera
On this line of the spec sheet, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is in a different league: 200 MP, next to 50 MP for the Galaxy S25. Megapixels are only one part of image quality, so treat this as a sign of detail potential, not a verdict on photos.
Design & Size
- Galaxy S25 5.78 in × 2.78 in × 0.28 in
- Galaxy S25 Ultra 6.41 in × 3.06 in × 0.32 in
Size is a trade-off, not a score: the Galaxy S25 Ultra is larger, the Galaxy S25 more compact. The Galaxy S25 saves 1.98 oz. How much that matters depends on how you use it. The Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 0.04 in more in depth than the Galaxy S25.
Design & Build
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 in | 6.41 in |
| Width | 2.78 in | 3.06 in |
| Thickness | 0.28 in (winner) | 0.32 in |
| Weight | 5.71 oz (winner) | 7.69 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Armor Aluminum | Titanium |
Display
Galaxy S25 Ultra leads
The Galaxy S25 Ultra dominates the display section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The Galaxy S25 Ultra brings 20% sharper pixel density. The Galaxy S25 Ultra packs its pixels more tightly, which shows most in small text, fine patterns and zoomed-in photos. Anyone shopping mainly on display should start with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Screen size
Galaxy S25: 6.2 in Galaxy S25 Ultra: 6.9 in A larger display also means a larger phone overall, so this is as much about your hands and pockets as it is about the picture.
Pixel density
Galaxy S25: 416 ppi Galaxy S25 Ultra: 498 ppi Higher pixel density keeps text and fine detail crisper, although the benefit shrinks once both panels are already sharp at normal viewing distance.
Performance
Too close to call
Both the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S25 Ultra cover performance equally well on paper. Treat performance as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Memory & Storage
Galaxy S25 Ultra leads
Look at the memory & storage table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra and you get 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB. Base storage is what you get without paying extra. Photos, videos and apps add up quickly, so more space at the entry price is real value. The memory & storage verdict goes to the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Base storage
Galaxy S25: 128 GB Galaxy S25 Ultra: 256 GB If you shoot a lot of video or keep music and maps offline, base storage is one of the specs you’ll feel most over the years.
Camera
Galaxy S25 Ultra leads
In the camera category, the Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Galaxy S25 Ultra takes this one with 5× optical zoom versus 3×. Higher optical zoom lets you frame distant subjects tightly without losing detail to digital cropping. In short, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the better-equipped phone for camera.
Optical zoom
Galaxy S25: 3× Galaxy S25 Ultra: 5× The Galaxy S25 Ultra reaches further with real optics, which pays off for wildlife, stages and sports from the stands.
Main camera
Galaxy S25: 50 MP Galaxy S25 Ultra: 200 MP The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s higher-resolution main sensor gives you more room to crop, which helps when you can’t get closer.
Battery & Charging
Galaxy S25 Ultra leads
For battery & charging, the verdict is easy: the Galaxy S25 Ultra leads, and not by a little. On its side, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has 25% more battery capacity. A bigger battery usually means longer days between charges, although chip efficiency and screen size also shape real endurance. On battery & charging alone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra gets the nod.
Battery capacity
Galaxy S25: 4,000 mAh Galaxy S25 Ultra: 5,000 mAh Extra capacity also ages better: after a few years of charge cycles, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has more headroom left.
Wired charging
Galaxy S25: 25 W Galaxy S25 Ultra: 45 W Peak charging speeds depend on a compatible charger, which may not come in the box.
Software & Updates
Too close to call
On paper, the software & updates comparison ends all square. Both cover software & updates well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.2 in | 6.9 in |
| Panel type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Pixel density | 416 ppi | 498 ppi (winner) |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2,600 nits | 2,600 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Process node | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 256 GB (winner) |
| Max storage | N/A (not specified) | 1 TB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP (winner) |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 50 MP (winner) |
| Telephoto camera | 10 MP | 50 MP (winner) |
| Optical zoom | 3× | 5× (winner) |
| Rear cameras | 3 | 4 (winner) |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 8K30 | 8K30 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh (winner) |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 45 W (winner) |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 15 (One UI 7) | Android 15 (One UI 7) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 7 years | 7 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 in | 6.41 in |
| Width | 2.78 in | 3.06 in |
| Thickness | 0.28 in (winner) | 0.32 in |
| Weight | 5.71 oz (winner) | 7.69 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Armor Aluminum | Titanium |
Price
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $800 (winner) | $1,300 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Galaxy S25 came in $500 lower than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a sizable gap of 63%. If $500 isn’t a stretch, the Galaxy S25 Ultra gives you 5× optical zoom versus 3× and 25% more battery capacity.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of January 2025. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Galaxy S25 if…
- you notice every gram in your pocket (5.71 oz vs 7.69 oz)
- you care about a thin profile in your pocket (0.28 in vs 0.32 in)
- you’d rather keep $500 in your pocket
Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if…
- you want more optical reach (5× vs 3×)
- you often spend long days away from a charger (5,000 mAh vs 4,000 mAh)
- you shoot a lot of photos and video (256 GB vs 128 GB base storage)
- you like to crop into your photos (200 MP vs 50 MP main camera)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Galaxy S25 or the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
For most people, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the stronger choice, unless you’d rather have a 1.98 oz lighter build on the Galaxy S25.
Does the Galaxy S25 last longer on a charge than the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Going by the official figures, the Galaxy S25 Ultra leads: 5,000 mAh versus 4,000 mAh for battery capacity. Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Is the Galaxy S25 bigger than the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra takes that one. With dimensions of 6.41 × 3.06 × 0.32 in, it is larger than the Galaxy S25 (5.78 × 2.78 × 0.28 in).
Which has the better camera, the Galaxy S25 or the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has the edge for photography, offering 5× optical zoom versus 3× and a higher-resolution 200 MP main camera.
Which has the better screen, the Galaxy S25 or the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Going by the numbers, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s screen comes out ahead: 20% sharper pixel density.
Which costs less, the Galaxy S25 or the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Galaxy S25 is the cheaper option, launching at $500 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra (launch prices as of January 2025).
Is the Galaxy S25 lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Going by the official figures, the Galaxy S25 weighs 1.98 oz less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Which has more storage, the Galaxy S25 or the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with more room: 256 GB versus 128 GB.
Executive Summary
If you’ve settled on this lineup, the Galaxy S25 or the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the last call to make. Here’s mine. Start with the headline difference (the Galaxy S25 Ultra has 5× optical zoom versus 3×), and a lot of the decision falls into place. It also helps that the Galaxy S25 Ultra has 25% more battery capacity. Credit where it’s due: the Galaxy S25 offers a 1.98 oz lighter build.
Put simply, the Galaxy S25 suits people who care about portability, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra suits people who put display first.
My pick: the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with one exception: if what you want most is a 1.98 oz lighter build, go for the Galaxy S25.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.