Samsung A25 Vs A24 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

When Samsung releases a new model in its popular A-series lineup, many users wonder whether upgrading from last year’s version is truly justified. The Samsung Galaxy A25 and A24 are nearly identical at first glance—same design language, similar display size, and both positioned as budget-friendly mid-rangers. But beneath the surface, key differences in performance, software support, and hardware longevity could influence your decision. For current A24 owners debating an upgrade—or first-time buyers comparing options—this deep dive will clarify what’s actually improved and whether the extra cost delivers real-world value.

Design and Build: Almost Identical, But Not Quite

The Galaxy A25 and A24 share a nearly identical aesthetic: a glossy plastic back with a subtle textured finish, slim bezels, and a centered punch-hole front camera. Both feature IP67 water and dust resistance—a rare perk in this price range—ensuring protection against spills and brief submersion. However, there's one crucial distinction: the A25 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, while the A24 only has Gorilla Glass on the front, leaving the rear more vulnerable to scratches.

This might seem minor, but over time, daily use in pockets or bags can degrade an unprotected back panel. For users who don’t consistently use cases, the A25 offers better long-term durability out of the box.

Tip: Even with Gorilla Glass, consider a lightweight case and screen protector to prevent micro-scratches that degrade clarity over time.

Display Quality: Brighter, Smoother, More Efficient

Both phones sport a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2340), delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the A25 upgrades the refresh rate from 90Hz on the A24 to a full 120Hz. This may not sound like much, but the difference in scrolling smoothness, app transitions, and gaming responsiveness is immediately noticeable.

Additionally, the A25 boasts a peak brightness of 1000 nits compared to the A24’s 800 nits. In direct sunlight, text remains readable and videos retain contrast far better on the newer model. For outdoor users—commuters, travelers, or those frequently checking maps—this improvement enhances usability significantly.

Feature	Samsung A25	Samsung A24
Display Type	Super AMOLED	Super AMOLED
Refresh Rate	120Hz	90Hz
Peak Brightness	1000 nits	800 nits
Glass Protection (Back)	Gorilla Glass 5	Plastic

Performance and Hardware: A Meaningful Leap

Under the hood, the shift from the MediaTek Helio G99 (A24) to the Exynos 1280 (A25) marks a tangible upgrade. The Exynos 1280 is built on a 5nm process, offering better power efficiency and thermal management. Real-world benchmarks show a 25–30% improvement in CPU performance and a 40% boost in GPU capabilities, which translates into smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better gaming performance—even in titles like Genshin Impact on medium settings.

Both devices come with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB RAM options and 128GB/256GB storage (expandable via microSD). However, the A25 supports faster UFS 2.2 storage, whereas the A24 uses eMMC 5.1. This affects file transfer speeds, app installation times, and overall system responsiveness.

“Even in entry-level segments, storage type matters. UFS 2.2 can be twice as fast as eMMC 5.1, making the phone feel snappier over time.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Battery and Charging: Same Capacity, Smarter Efficiency

Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, so raw endurance is comparable. However, thanks to the more efficient Exynos chip and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (which drops to 60Hz or lower when idle), the A25 often lasts 30–60 minutes longer under mixed usage. Users report up to 1.5 days of moderate use, compared to about 1.2 days on the A24.

Charging speed remains unchanged at 25W, but the A25 includes slightly improved power management in One UI 5.1 (based on Android 13), which learns usage patterns to optimize background activity. Over weeks of use, this leads to less battery drain overnight.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery and restrict background data for rarely used apps to extend daily battery life on either model.

Camera Comparison: Subtle Improvements, Not Revolutionary

The camera setups are nearly identical: a 50MP main sensor, 5MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro on both models. The front-facing camera is also 13MP. However, the A25 benefits from improved image processing due to the Exynos 1280’s dedicated ISP (Image Signal Processor). This results in better dynamic range, reduced noise in low light, and more accurate color reproduction.

In daylight, photos from both phones are hard to distinguish. But in dim environments—like indoor cafes or evening walks—the A25 captures brighter images with finer detail and less grain. Video recording remains capped at 1080p@30fps, so neither supports 4K, but stabilization is slightly better on the A25 due to enhanced software tuning.

Real-World Example: Commuter Photography

Take Maria, a freelance photographer who uses her phone for quick social media content during city commutes. She upgraded from the A24 to the A25 primarily for the display and performance. While she noticed the camera didn’t transform her workflow, she appreciated that night shots of street food stalls came out clearer without needing third-party editing apps. “It’s not a DSLR,” she said, “but I spend 20% less time fixing shadows now.”

Software Support and Longevity

One of the most compelling reasons to choose the A25 is future-proofing. Samsung promises four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the A25—aligning it with their flagship policy. The A24, released in 2023, only guarantees two OS upgrades (up to Android 15) and four years of security updates.

If you plan to keep your phone beyond two years, this difference is critical. By 2027, the A25 will still receive updates, while the A24 may become vulnerable to new threats and incompatible with updated apps. For users prioritizing digital safety and long-term usability, the A25 clearly wins.

Price and Value: Is the Premium Justified?

The A25 typically costs $50–$70 more than the A24 at launch. Whether that premium is worth it depends on your priorities:

• For heavy users: If you multitask, play games, or rely on your phone for productivity, the A25’s faster processor, smoother display, and better efficiency justify the cost.
• For casual users: If you mostly browse, message, and watch videos, the A24 remains a capable device at a lower price point.
• For long-term ownership: The A25’s extended software support makes it a smarter investment if you dislike frequent upgrades.

“The A25 isn’t a revolutionary leap, but it’s a refinement where it counts—performance, display, and longevity. That’s what budget-conscious buyers should prioritize.” — Lena Tran, Senior Editor at MobileInsight Weekly

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

Use this checklist to determine if moving from the A24 to A25 makes sense for you:

1. Do you want a smoother 120Hz display for scrolling and gaming? ✅
2. Are you concerned about long-term software updates beyond 2027? ✅
3. Do you notice lag or slow app loading on your current device? ✅
4. Do you frequently use your phone outdoors and need higher brightness? ✅
5. Are you already happy with your A24’s performance and battery? ❌

If three or more answers are “yes,” the upgrade is likely worthwhile. If not, the A24 remains a strong, cost-effective option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A25 run Fortnite or Genshin Impact smoothly?

Yes, the A25 handles both games at medium settings with stable 30–40 FPS. The A24 struggles more with frame drops and overheating during extended sessions.

Does the A25 have a headphone jack?

Yes, both the A25 and A24 include a 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo speakers, making them excellent choices for wired audio users.

Is the design more durable on the A25?

Yes. With Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back, the A25 resists scratches better than the A24, which has a plastic rear. Both have IP67 rating for water resistance.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Samsung Galaxy A25 isn’t a dramatic overhaul, but it refines the A24 formula in ways that matter: a faster processor, a smoother and brighter display, better build quality, and longer software support. If you’re using an older phone or demand reliability and performance, the A25 is worth the extra investment.

However, if you already own an A24, the upgrade offers incremental gains rather than transformative changes. Unless you’re particularly bothered by the 90Hz screen or want extended update coverage, holding onto your A24 is perfectly reasonable.

Ultimately, the A25 is the better device—but only you can decide if the improvements align with how you use your phone. For new buyers, it’s the smarter pick. For existing owners, patience may be the better strategy.

🚀 Ready to make your move? Compare current prices and carrier deals for both models, and consider trading in your old device to offset the upgrade cost. Your next phone should work for you—not the other way around.