At first glance, all three phones look like premium Samsung flagships with large QHD+ AMOLED displays, 200MP main cameras, 5,000mAh batteries, S Pen support and 120Hz refresh rates. However, there are important differences in the processor, camera system, design, display size, weight, software support and AI features.

For Kenyan buyers considering a new or Ex-UK flagship Samsung, understanding these differences can help you avoid paying more for features you may not actually need.

Samsung S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: Quick Comparison

Samsung’s official specifications confirm the core hardware differences between these generations, including the S23 Ultra’s 200MP/10x camera arrangement, the S24 Ultra’s 50MP 5x telephoto and the S25 Ultra’s 50MP ultrawide camera.

1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The original 200MP Ultra in this comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains a powerful flagship even though it launched in 2023.

It introduced the 200MP main camera to the Ultra line and paired it with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. It also brought a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate and an integrated S Pen.

S23 Ultra specifications

• Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Resolution: 3088 × 1440
• Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
• RAM: 8GB or 12GB
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
• Main camera: 200MP
• Ultrawide: 12MP
• Telephoto: 10MP 3x + 10MP 10x
• Selfie: 12MP
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• S Pen: Built-in
• Video: Up to 8K
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Port: USB-C
• Water resistance: IP68
• Weight: 233g

Samsung lists optical 3x and 10x zoom, up to 100x digital zoom and 8K video recording for the S23 Ultra.

What makes the S23 Ultra interesting?

Its biggest strengths remain the 10x optical telephoto camera, S Pen, QHD+ display and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy.

For photography enthusiasts, the 10x optical camera is an important distinction because the newer S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra use 5x optical telephoto hardware instead.

2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

A major change in design, cameras and software support

The Galaxy S24 Ultra introduced one of the biggest changes in the Ultra design.

Samsung moved from the Armor Aluminum frame used on the S23 Ultra to a titanium frame, while also making the display flatter. The phone retains the 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

S24 Ultra specifications

• Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Resolution: 3120 × 1440
• Refresh rate: 1–120Hz
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
• Main camera: 200MP
• Ultrawide: 12MP
• Telephoto: 50MP 5x + 10MP 3x
• Selfie: 12MP
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• S Pen: Built-in
• Video: Up to 8K
• Frame: Titanium
• Port: USB-C
• Water resistance: IP68
• Weight: 232g

Samsung’s official comparison shows the S24 Ultra moved from the S23 Ultra’s 10MP 10x telephoto to a 50MP 5x optical telephoto while retaining a separate 10MP 3x camera.

Why the S24 Ultra matters

One of the biggest differences isn’t actually the processor or camera.

It is software support.

Samsung committed the S24 series to seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. That’s considerably longer than the S23 series’ four OS upgrades and five years of security updates.

For someone buying a phone to keep for several years, this is an important consideration.

3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The lightest and most refined Ultra of the three

The Galaxy S25 Ultra continues the Ultra formula but makes several changes to the design, processor and camera system.

Samsung increased the display to 6.9 inches, rounded the device’s edges and reduced its weight to 218g. It also uses titanium and Gorilla Armor 2.

S25 Ultra specifications

• Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Resolution: 3120 × 1440
• Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
• Main camera: 200MP
• Ultrawide: 50MP
• Telephoto: 50MP 5x + 10MP 3x
• Selfie: 12MP
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• S Pen: Built-in
• Frame: Titanium
• Port: USB-C
• Water resistance: IP68
• Weight: 218g
• Bluetooth: 5.4
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7-class connectivity
• Video: Up to 8K

Samsung lists the S25 Ultra at 218g, compared with 232g for the S24 Ultra and 233g for the S23 Ultra.

S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: Display

All three phones offer large, high-resolution AMOLED displays.

S23 Ultra

The S23 Ultra has a:

6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display

with a 3088 × 1440 resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate.

S24 Ultra

The S24 Ultra increases the resolution to:

3120 × 1440

while retaining a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel and 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

The flatter display also makes the phone feel different from the curved-edge S23 Ultra.

S25 Ultra

The S25 Ultra increases the screen size slightly to:

6.9 inches

while retaining the 3120 × 1440 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.

Display difference in simple terms

For normal everyday use, all three provide a high-end display experience. The more noticeable difference is the flat/rounded-edge design progression rather than simply the number of pixels.

Processor Comparison

This is where the three generations become easier to separate.

The S23 Ultra uses a customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 platform, while the S24 Ultra moves to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. The S25 Ultra moves again to Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy.

The newer processors are particularly relevant for:

• Gaming
• AI processing
• Video editing
• Heavy multitasking
• High-resolution photography
• Long-term performance

The S25 Ultra’s processor also contributes to Samsung positioning the device around more advanced on-device AI capabilities.

Camera Comparison

This is one of the most interesting parts of the comparison.

Main camera

All three models use a:

200MP primary camera.

That means the headline megapixel number hasn’t changed.

However, Samsung has continued improving image processing and the supporting cameras around it.

Ultrawide camera

This is where the S25 Ultra makes a major jump.

Samsung upgraded the S25 Ultra’s ultrawide camera from 12MP to 50MP.

This can be particularly useful for:

• Landscapes
• Architecture
• Group photographs
• Interior photography
• Wide video
• Travel photography

Telephoto Camera: 10x vs 5x

Here’s a detail many buyers overlook.

S23 Ultra

10MP 3x + 10MP 10x optical zoom

S24 Ultra

10MP 3x + 50MP 5x optical zoom

S25 Ultra

10MP 3x + 50MP 5x optical zoom

Samsung’s official specifications confirm this camera arrangement.

So the S23 Ultra actually has a unique advantage for users who specifically want 10x optical zoom hardware.

Meanwhile, the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra use a higher-resolution 50MP 5x telephoto camera.

Battery Comparison

All three phones have a:

5,000mAh battery.

However, Samsung’s rated video playback figures increase across the generations.

Samsung lists these figures in its official specifications, although actual battery life depends on network conditions, brightness, apps, settings and usage.

This is a good example of why battery capacity alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

The capacity stayed at 5,000mAh, while efficiency and platform improvements changed the rated endurance.

Design and Build Comparison

The S25 Ultra is noticeably lighter and thinner on paper than both predecessors. Samsung describes it as its slimmest and lightest Ultra generation at launch.

Software Support: A Major Difference for Kenyan Buyers

This is one area where the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra stand apart.

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Samsung promises:

• 4 generations of OS upgrades
• 5 years of security updates

Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung promises:

• 7 generations of OS upgrades
• 7 years of security updates

Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung promises:

• 7 generations of OS upgrades
• 7 years of security updates

This can make a substantial difference if you plan to keep the phone for several years.

Galaxy AI: S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra

The S24 generation marked a major push toward Galaxy AI.

Samsung introduced features including:

• Circle to Search
• Live Translate
• Chat Assist
• AI-assisted photo features
• Generative editing

Samsung subsequently extended many Galaxy AI experiences to earlier models, including the S23 series through software updates.

The S25 series then expanded Samsung’s AI approach further with One UI 7 and additional AI functionality. Samsung describes the S25 series as an AI companion and launched it with One UI 7.

Therefore, buying an S23 Ultra does not mean you are automatically excluded from Samsung’s newer AI ecosystem.

S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: What’s Actually Different?

S23 Ultra → S24 Ultra

The major changes include:

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 → Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Curved display → flatter display
• Armor Aluminum → titanium
• 10MP 10x telephoto → 50MP 5x telephoto
• Android 13 → Android 14 at launch
• 4 OS upgrades → 7 OS upgrades
• 5 years security → 7 years security
• Major Galaxy AI introduction

Samsung also introduced a new ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI features with the S24 series.

S24 Ultra → S25 Ultra

The changes include:

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 → Snapdragon 8 Elite
• 6.8″ → 6.9″
• 12MP ultrawide → 50MP ultrawide
• 232g → 218g
• 8.6mm → 8.2mm
• New rounded-edge design
• Gorilla Armor 2
• Further AI/software improvements

Samsung’s official comparison confirms the S25 Ultra’s 50MP ultrawide and newer Snapdragon platform.

Which S Ultra Makes Sense for Different Buyers?

Instead of looking only at the generation number, consider what you actually use your phone for.

For long-term software support

The S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra have Samsung’s seven-year OS and security commitment.

For 10x optical zoom

The S23 Ultra has the dedicated 10MP 10x optical telephoto camera.

For a high-resolution ultrawide camera

The S25 Ultra has a 50MP ultrawide camera.

For a lighter Ultra

The S25 Ultra weighs 218g, compared with 232g for the S24 Ultra and 233g for the S23 Ultra.

For an S Pen

All three include integrated S Pen support.

Samsung S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: Buying Checklist in Kenya

If you are buying a new, pre-owned or Ex-UK model, don’t look at specifications alone.

Check:

1. Exact model number

Regional variants can differ, so confirm the exact model before purchasing.

2. Processor

Verify which chipset the specific phone contains.

3. Display

Check for:

• Green lines
• Burn-in
• Dead pixels
• Touch issues
• Scratches
• Uneven brightness

4. Cameras

Test every camera, including:

• Main
• Ultrawide
• 3x
• 5x/10x
• Front camera
• Video

5. S Pen

Test the S Pen before purchasing.

6. Battery

A used flagship can have significantly different battery condition from another unit of the same model.

7. IMEI

Check the phone’s IMEI and make sure the device information matches.

8. Software

Check the Android and One UI version installed and confirm that the device can receive updates.

9. Warranty

For an Ex-UK phone, ask exactly what warranty the seller provides.

10. Physical condition

Inspect:

• Frame
• Camera lenses
• Back glass
• USB-C port
• Buttons
• SIM tray
• Screen

S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra or S25 Ultra: Which One Should You Buy?

There isn’t one specification that makes the decision for everyone.

The S23 Ultra remains distinctive because of its 10x optical telephoto system and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy.

The S24 Ultra represents a major transition with titanium construction, a flatter display, 5x 50MP telephoto and Samsung’s seven-year software-support policy.

The S25 Ultra builds further on that platform with a newer Snapdragon processor, 50MP ultrawide camera, 6.9-inch display and lighter 218g body.

For a Kenyan buyer, the most important question is therefore not simply “Which has the highest number?”

Instead, compare the price of the specific unit, condition, storage, warranty, remaining software support and the features you actually use.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: Final Specification Table

Specifications are based primarily on Samsung’s official product and support documentation; regional configurations can vary.

Buy Samsung Galaxy Ultra Phones in Nairobi

If you’re comparing the Samsung S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra or S25 Ultra in Kenya, Value Hub Kenya provides a physical shopping location in Nairobi CBD.

Value Hub Kenya

Kenya Cinema Plaza, 4th Floor, Shop C1
Moi Avenue, Nairobi CBD

Phone: 0700 003 640
Website: valuehubkenya.co.ke

Value Hub Kenya serves customers in Nairobi and offers delivery across Kenya and East Africa.

When buying a pre-owned or Ex-UK Ultra, confirm the exact storage, condition, warranty and variant available before purchase.