Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra Refurbished UK: Which Is Better Value?
Samsung Ultra comparison
Newer Ultra, or smarter refurbished value?
Compare the exact specification and condition, not just the badge.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S25 UltraProducts shown are examples from Tech Market; stock, price and grading may change.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra are premium Android phones with large high-refresh displays, built-in S Pens and versatile camera systems. The S25 Ultra brings a newer chipset, a larger but slightly lighter design and an upgraded ultra-wide camera. The S24 Ultra remains a capable phone for photography, note-taking and everyday work.
If you are buying refurbished in the UK, the answer is not simply “newer is better”. Compare the precise model, S Pen functionality, storage, condition and actual total price. Samsung’s stated features also vary by region and software version.
The quick verdict
Best newer hardware: Galaxy S25 Ultra. It has a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy platform and a 50MP ultra-wide camera.
Best value opportunity: Galaxy S24 Ultra. Its 200MP main camera, 5x optical telephoto, S Pen and 120Hz panel still form a strong specification.
Check before choosing: whether you use Bluetooth S Pen gestures, and whether the price difference justifies the upgrades.
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: comparison table
| Specification | Galaxy S24 Ultra | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED, up to 120Hz | 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED, up to 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Main camera | 200MP | 200MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12MP | 50MP |
| Telephoto cameras | 5x 50MP and 3x 10MP | 5x 50MP and 3x 10MP |
| Typical battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Weight | About 232g (sub-6 model) | 218g |
| Storage options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Stylus | Built-in S Pen with Bluetooth functions | Built-in S Pen, without Bluetooth remote functions |
1. What changes in real day-to-day use?
The S25 Ultra gives you a marginally larger screen without the same weight penalty as the S24 Ultra. Rounded design details and reduced bezels can also make it feel different in hand. Both remain large phones: if you value compactness, neither is the obvious first choice. Compare dimensions as well as diagonal display measurements.
Both include high-resolution, high-refresh panels suited to reading, gaming, document annotation and editing pictures. You do not need the newest Ultra simply to browse, message or watch streaming video.
2. Camera upgrades: what does 50MP ultra-wide buy you?
Both phones have a 200MP main camera and dual telephoto options with 3x and 5x optical zoom. The important generational hardware change is the jump from a 12MP ultra-wide on S24 Ultra to a 50MP ultra-wide on S25 Ultra. This can provide more image detail in certain wide-angle and macro situations, although computational photography, focus, light and processing also matter.
Samsung also discusses improvements in image processing and low-light video for the newer model. Those are manufacturer claims about its platform, not evidence that every picture from S25 Ultra beats every S24 Ultra shot. A refurbished unit with damaged camera glass, weak autofocus or an unsuitable screen condition can undermine the result.
3. Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs 8 Elite
S24 Ultra uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, and S25 Ultra uses Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. For gaming, longer editing tasks and demanding AI-assisted features, the newer chip offers more processing headroom. If you primarily use WhatsApp, maps, email, video and banking, the older flagship already provides considerable capability.
Do not treat memory and storage capacity as identical when comparing actual listings. An S25 Ultra 512GB and an S24 Ultra 256GB are not the same storage configuration, even if their conditions look similar. Choose based on files, offline media and the amount of space your workflow needs.
4. S Pen users should check this difference carefully
Both Ultra phones have a built-in S Pen for writing, drawing and selecting content. However, the S25 Ultra S Pen does not support the Bluetooth-enabled remote features offered on the S24 Ultra, such as certain air actions and remote camera shutter use. If those functions are central to the way you take photographs or present slides, the S24 Ultra may actually be more suitable.
When buying refurbished, confirm that the S Pen is included and that it docks, writes and is recognised as expected. Do not assume every used Ultra listing contains all original accessories.
5. Battery and charging: avoid a misleading shortcut
Samsung lists a typical 5,000mAh battery for both generations. That is a capacity specification, not a promise of identical real-world endurance: chipset efficiency, brightness, signal strength and battery wear all influence runtime. A lightly used S24 Ultra can be preferable to an S25 Ultra with a degraded battery, and vice versa.
Both support wired and wireless charging under compatible conditions. Before ordering a refurbished device, check the USB-C port, charging behaviour, battery information where available, and the charger or cable included with the offer.
6. Software support and long-term ownership
Samsung announced seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates for the S24 series, with a similar long support commitment for S25. The practical remaining window is shorter for an older device simply because its support period began earlier. Confirm current update policy and region for the precise model when long-term use is a priority.
Keep the phone updated, ensure a factory reset is complete and confirm there is no unexpected device-management or account restriction before setup.
7. Which refurbished Ultra should you buy?
- Prefer S24 Ultra if price is substantially better, its display and cameras cover your needs, or Bluetooth S Pen remote features matter.
- Prefer S25 Ultra if you prioritise the newer chip, upgraded ultra-wide hardware and a lighter flagship body.
- Compare grade, battery information, storage and warranty before comparing price.
- Read exact specifications because Samsung features can vary by market and software.
Compare Ultra devices at Tech Market
These are individual listings, not fixed prices or a guarantee of availability.
View S24 Ultra listingView S25 Ultra listingFrequently asked questions
Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra camera much better?
The S25 Ultra has a higher-resolution ultra-wide camera and newer image processing, but both retain flagship main and telephoto hardware. The benefit depends on what you photograph.
Does the S25 Ultra S Pen work as a camera remote?
Its S Pen does not support the Bluetooth remote functions of the S24 Ultra S Pen. Check the exact feature you need before switching.
Do both phones have 120Hz screens?
Yes, both use high-refresh AMOLED panels with up to 120Hz refresh rates.
Is the S24 Ultra still a good phone in 2026?
For buyers who value its flagship display, cameras and stylus, a suitable refurbished S24 Ultra can still be a strong choice. Condition and price remain decisive.
Does bigger battery capacity mean longer runtime?
No. Both list 5,000mAh typical capacity, but software, chipset efficiency, settings and actual battery wear affect endurance.
Related buying guides
Sources and editorial method
This is a specification-led buying guide, not a claim that Tech Market has independently benchmarked every individual pre-owned device. Manufacturer figures describe new-device test conditions; actual refurbished battery life and performance vary with condition, configuration and use.
