Galaxy S25 Plus Vs S24 Fe Is The Upgrade Really Worth It 2

Choosing between Samsung’s latest flagship and its fan edition can be a tough decision. The Galaxy S25 Plus represents the cutting edge of Samsung’s smartphone innovation, while the Galaxy S24 FE delivers a premium experience at a more accessible price. For users debating whether to upgrade from the S24 FE to the S25 Plus—or deciding which to buy outright—the real question is: does the performance leap justify the cost? This in-depth analysis breaks down every key factor to help you make an informed choice.

Design and Build Quality: Premium vs Practical

The Galaxy S25 Plus continues Samsung’s tradition of sleek, minimalist flagship design. It features a titanium frame (rumored for select models), Gorilla Glass Victus 3 on both front and back, and a refined flat-edge display that improves grip. At approximately 175g, it’s slightly lighter than its predecessor, with tighter bezels and a higher screen-to-body ratio.

In contrast, the Galaxy S24 FE sticks with a polycarbonate back and aluminum frame—durable but less luxurious. While it still feels solid in hand and retains IP68 water resistance, the materials clearly signal its mid-tier positioning. The S24 FE is also marginally thicker and heavier at around 196g, making it less ideal for one-handed use over long periods.

Tip: If build quality and ergonomics matter most, the S25 Plus offers a noticeable step up in refinement and comfort.

Display: Brightness, Smoothness, and Real-World Use

The S25 Plus is expected to feature a 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits—up from 1,750 nits on the S24 FE. Both support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, but the S25 Plus likely introduces new power-saving display tech, such as LTPO 3.0, enabling smoother transitions between refresh rates and better battery efficiency.

The S24 FE uses a 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and decent outdoor visibility, but it doesn’t match the S25 Plus in color accuracy or HDR performance. Gamers and media consumers will appreciate the S25 Plus’s deeper blacks, wider color gamut, and improved auto-brightness algorithm.

“Higher resolution and smarter brightness controls make a difference not just in specs, but in daily usability.” — David Kim, Mobile Display Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Performance and Software: Generational Leap or Incremental Gain?

This is where the divide widens. The Galaxy S25 Plus is expected to debut with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (or Exynos 2500 in select regions), built on a 3nm process. Early benchmarks suggest a 25–30% improvement in CPU performance and up to 40% better GPU efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the S24 FE.

Real-world implications include faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and enhanced AI capabilities—especially with Samsung’s new Galaxy AI suite. The S25 Plus may offer double the on-device AI processing power, enabling real-time translation, advanced photo editing, and predictive task automation without cloud dependency.

The S24 FE, while still powerful, runs on last year’s chipset. It handles everyday tasks effortlessly and even manages demanding games, but future-proofing is limited. Users planning to keep their phone for four years or more may find the S25 Plus a safer investment.

Camera Comparison: Pro-Grade vs Capable

Samsung has reportedly redesigned the S25 Plus’s camera system with larger sensors and improved stabilization. The main sensor is rumored to be a 200MP HP3 with variable pixel binning, delivering sharper detail in low light. The telephoto lens now supports 5x optical zoom (up from 3x) and 50x digital zoom with AI enhancement. Ultra-wide performance has also been upgraded with reduced distortion and better night mode processing.

The S24 FE, by comparison, features a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom. It takes solid photos in daylight and acceptable ones in dim conditions, but lacks the dynamic range and zoom flexibility of the S25 Plus. Video recording is capped at 4K/60fps on both, but the S25 Plus adds director-grade stabilization and AI-powered audio focus.

Feature	Galaxy S25 Plus	Galaxy S24 FE
Main Camera	200MP (HP3), f/1.7	50MP, f/1.8
Telephoto Zoom	5x optical, 50x digital	3x optical, 30x digital
Low-Light Performance	Advanced AI Night Mode + Sensor Upgrade	Basic Night Mode, moderate gain
Video Recording	8K@30fps, 4K@60fps with AI stabilization	4K@60fps, basic stabilization
Front Camera	12MP, autofocus, wider field	10MP, fixed focus

Tip: If photography is a priority—especially zoom, night shots, or video quality—the S25 Plus delivers a meaningful upgrade.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The S25 Plus comes with a 5,000mAh battery, only slightly larger than the S24 FE’s 4,600mAh unit. However, thanks to the more efficient chipset and optimized software, it achieves longer screen-on time—up to 14 hours under mixed use, compared to 11–12 hours on the FE model.

Both support 25W fast charging, but the S25 Plus adds 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging with improved thermal management. New AI-driven battery health monitoring predicts degradation and adjusts charging patterns to extend lifespan over two to three years.

Value Proposition: Who Should Upgrade?

The Galaxy S25 Plus starts at $999, while the S24 FE retails for $699—a $300 difference. That gap raises the central question: is the upgrade worth it?

For power users, creatives, and professionals who rely on their phones for photography, multitasking, and productivity, the answer is often yes. The combination of superior hardware, AI enhancements, and long-term software support (expected to be seven years for the S25 series) makes it a compelling flagship.

However, casual users who prioritize battery life, durability, and core functionality may find the S24 FE more than sufficient. It runs One UI 6.1 (upgradable to 8.0), supports DeX, and includes all essential features like Wi-Fi 6E, UWB, and Knox security.

“The S24 FE is the best 'value flagship' Samsung has ever made. But if you want the best, no compromises, the S25 Plus is where you land.” — Maria Lopez, Senior Editor at MobileEdge Review

Mini Case Study: Alex, Travel Photographer

Alex used the S24 FE for 18 months, capturing landscapes and cityscapes across Southeast Asia. While satisfied with general performance, he struggled with inconsistent zoom quality and slow processing when editing RAW files on-device. After upgrading to a pre-release S25 Plus unit, he noted immediate improvements: faster AI denoising in night shots, reliable 5x zoom for distant subjects, and smoother 4K video editing via Samsung Notes integration. “It’s not just better—it changes how I work,” he said.

Checklist: Is the S25 Plus Right for You?

• ✅ Need top-tier camera performance, especially zoom and low-light
• ✅ Plan to keep your phone for 4+ years
• ✅ Use AI tools or multitask heavily (e.g., split-screen, Dex)
• ✅ Value premium materials and ergonomic design
• ✅ Budget allows for $900+
• ❌ Primarily use your phone for calls, messaging, and social media
• ❌ Prefer lower upfront cost and don’t mind minor lag over time

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the S25 Plus get longer software support than the S24 FE?

Yes. Samsung has confirmed that the S25 series will receive seven years of OS and security updates, matching the S24 series. However, the S25’s newer hardware will better handle future updates, extending its usable lifespan.

Can the S24 FE handle Galaxy AI features?

Yes, but with limitations. The S24 FE supports basic AI functions like Circle to Search and Live Translate, but lacks on-device processing power for advanced AI photo editing or real-time summarization available on the S25 Plus.

Is the price difference justified?

For average users, no. The $300 gap is significant, and the S24 FE covers 90% of daily needs. But for professionals or enthusiasts, the S25 Plus’s performance, camera, and longevity deliver tangible returns over time.

Conclusion: Make the Choice That Fits Your Life

The Galaxy S25 Plus isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a redefinition of what a Samsung flagship can do. With elite performance, pro-level cameras, and AI deeply embedded into the experience, it sets a new benchmark. Yet the S24 FE remains one of the most well-rounded mid-tier phones ever released, offering flagship-like features at a fraction of the cost.

The decision ultimately hinges on how you use your phone. If excellence matters and budget isn’t tight, the S25 Plus is worth every dollar. But if practicality, value, and reliability are your priorities, the S24 FE stands tall without apology.

💬 Have you made the jump or staying put? Share your thoughts and experiences below—your insight could help someone decide their next move.