Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Late 2025: Still a King or a Has-Been? The Ultimate Guide
Here at TechDiary, we often get asked a classic question: “Should I buy last year’s flagship phone?” It’s a smart way to potentially get premium features without the premium price tag. With 2025 coming to a close and the Galaxy S25 series on the horizon, the spotlight turns to its predecessor—the mighty Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
So, does this 2024 powerhouse still hold its ground, or should you save your pennies for the next big thing? Let’s dive deep into the details.
The Short Answer
Yes, but with a big asterisk. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra can be a phenomenal purchase at the end of 2025, but it heavily depends on your priorities, the discounted price you can find, and your willingness to compromise on a couple of future-facing features.
Now, let’s get into the why.
Why You SHOULD Buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra in Late 2025
1. The Price Drop is Real (The Biggest Factor)
This is the most compelling reason. Flagship phones see their most significant price drops a year after launch. You can expect to find the S24 Ultra at a substantial discount compared to its original ₹1,39,999 price tag. This means you’re getting a top-tier, no-compromise device for potentially mid-range money. The value-for-money proposition becomes incredibly strong.
2. A Proven, Unmatched Camera System
The S24 Ultra’s camera setup was legendary in 2024, and it remains exceptional in 2025.
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200MP Main Sensor: Captures insane detail. You can crop and zoom into photos without losing clarity.
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5x Optical Zoom (10x Optical Quality): This periscope telephoto lens is its secret weapon. The optical zoom quality for distant shots—be it at a concert, a safari, or your kid’s sports day—is still best-in-class.
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Stunning Video: It shoots gorgeous 8K video and has incredible stabilization.
While the S25 Ultra will undoubtedly improve, the S24 Ultra’s camera will still be better than 99% of phones on the market. For most users, it’s more than enough.
3. Performance That Won’t Age
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset, this phone is an absolute beast. Even in late 2025, it will handle everything you throw at it—intensive gaming, multitasking, 4K video editing—with effortless ease. The performance gap between the Gen 3 and the upcoming Gen 4 (in the S25 Ultra) will be marginal for everyday users and gamers. You will not feel this phone is slow.
4. Long-Term Software Promise
Samsung promises 7 years of software updates and security patches. This is a game-changer.
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Buying in late 2025 means you are guaranteed official Android updates up to Android 21 and security patches until 2032.
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Your phone will remain secure, feature-rich, and modern for years to come. This promise eliminates the biggest fear of buying an “older” phone: software obsolescence.
5. The Built-Like-A-Tank Design & S-Pen
The titanium frame and anti-reflective display aren’t just 2024 buzzwords; they are tangible benefits. The phone feels premium and is built to last. Plus, the integrated S-Pen remains a unique productivity and creativity tool that no other Android flagship offers. If you jot down notes, sign documents, or enjoy precise control, this is a killer feature.
Why You Should NOT Buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra in Late 2025
1. The “Next Big Thing” is Around the Corner
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is likely just 2-3 months away from being announced (typically February 2026). It will bring:
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Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Processor: A noticeable, though likely not revolutionary, performance and efficiency boost.
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Camera Improvements: Samsung always tweaks the camera system. Expect better sensors, improved AI processing, and new photography features.
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New Design Language: There might be a fresh look and feel.
If you always want the latest and greatest technology, waiting is the prudent choice.2. AI Features Might Get Left Behind
The S24 series was the launchpad for Galaxy AI. While the phone will receive updates, the most advanced and cutting-edge AI features might be exclusive to the S25 series and newer models. If on-device AI is a primary draw for you, the newer model will have a clear edge.
3. Battery Technology Advancements
While the S24 Ultra’s 5,000mAh battery is excellent, battery tech is always improving. The S25 Ultra might offer better power efficiency or slightly faster charging, leading to a longer real-world battery life.
4. Depreciation Hit
The moment the S25 Ultra is launched, the resale value of the S24 Ultra will take another significant drop. If you plan to upgrade your phone frequently, buying a year-old model just before its successor launches is the worst time for retaining value.
The TechDiary Verdict
Who should BUY the S24 Ultra in late 2025?
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The Value Seeker: You want 95% of the premium flagship experience for 70-80% of the original price.
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The Practical User: You don’t need the absolute latest specs; you need a powerful, reliable, and proven workhorse.
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The Photography Enthusiast: The brilliant telephoto camera is a must-have, and you don’t want to pay a fortune for it.
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The S-Pen User: The built-in stylus is a non-negotiable feature for your workflow.
Who should WAIT for the S25 Ultra?
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The Early Adopter: You crave the newest technology, the best possible specs, and want to be on the bleeding edge.
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The AI Enthusiast: You believe the next generation of on-device AI will be a game-changer and want full access to it.
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The Long-Term Planner: You plan to keep your phone for 4-5 years and want the most future-proof model available.
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Money is no object: If the budget isn’t a concern, then the newer model is always the logical choice.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a testament to building a truly future-proof flagship. Its combination of stellar cameras, brute-force performance, a stunning display, and an unprecedented 7-year software promise makes it far from obsolete.
Our recommendation: If you find a good deal on the Galaxy S24 Ultra in late 2025 (look for discounts during holiday sales like Diwali or year-end clearances), pull the trigger. It’s a fantastic piece of hardware that will serve you brilliantly for many years to come. However, if the allure of the unknown and the promise of “next-gen” tech keeps you up at night, holding out for the S25 Ultra might be worth the wait and the extra cash.
What do you think? Would you buy the S24 Ultra today or wait for its successor? Let us know in the comments below!
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