My 4.5-year-old S20’s charging port finally broke, and I’m tired of not being able to charge it with a wired charger. Now, I’m thinking of upgrading and have narrowed it down to three options:
Galaxy S24. I like the smaller size, but the specs seem limited with only 25W charging and 8GB of RAM, unlike the S24+ with 45W and 12GB RAM. I want to keep this phone for about 4 years, so I’m worried the S24 may not last as long.
Galaxy S24+. It’s got the better specs, but I’m concerned it’s too big. I used to have an S8+ and didn’t mind the size, so maybe I’ll be okay with it. The larger screen would be great for videos and streaming, and it could be a nice upgrade from my compact S20.
Wait for the S25 lineup reveal. It’ll be a tough wait, but I’d get the latest specs, better processor, and maybe camera/display upgrades.
I’m in the US, so I’d get the Snapdragon version regardless of which model. I’d love to hear opinions, especially if you already have an S24 or S24+! Any advice is appreciated.
I always get the latest model just before the next one’s about to launch. I got the S24 Ultra now instead of waiting, so I get a new, stable phone that’s been tested and fixed while the S25 will be fresh with possible issues.
@Frost
Good point, there’s always a chance the S25 might have some issues since it’ll be brand new. S24 has had time for fixes and updates. S25 would have one more year of OS updates, but 6 years on the S24 is still plenty.
Logan said: @Jai
Where’s this possibility of the S25 having hardware issues being reported??
Just saying it’s a risk. New models sometimes have problems at launch—remember iPhone 6 bendgate, Galaxy S8 red tint, Pixel 2 XL blue tint? Nothing’s been announced, just thinking it COULD happen. Haven’t heard any major issues on the S24 series though.
@Jai
Guess I’ve been lucky! I moved from the S6 Edge to the S24 Ultra with no issues, then iPhone XS to 15 Pro Max—no issues either.
Sure, I check for problems before I buy, but these companies test phones a lot before launch, and by the time they’re in stores, they’ve fixed most bugs. Just pick what you want now; tech changes fast, so “future-proofing” is a gamble. S24 Ultra’s amazing for battery, display, and feel. The SPen’s fun but more gimmicky—I’ve used it like 20 times. Gaming is smooth, and the camera’s super sharp.
If you’re in a Snapdragon region, go for it. Exynos isn’t as great in other areas, but for you, S24 Ultra’s solid or wait for S25 if you need to. Just depends on what you want right now.
@Logan
You’re right, the chances are low. And yeah, I’m in the US, so I get Snapdragon no matter what. Really lucky to avoid the Exynos versions, haha.
I had the S21 Ultra and upgraded to the S24+. Both were from work, and Ultras just feel like they’re built better. If size and budget work for you, go for the Ultra.
Zain said:
I had the S21 Ultra and upgraded to the S24+. Both were from work, and Ultras just feel like they’re built better. If size and budget work for you, go for the Ultra.
Not too into the S-Pen or the square shape of the Ultras, so I’m not really looking at the S24 Ultra.
I got the S24 (US) and love the size, but the smaller battery isn’t great. Moderate use gets me 4-5 hours screen time. I came from a budget Motorola and wanted a flagship, but the S24 Plus was too pricey. Maybe the A-series would’ve been better. I’ve heard the S25 might have a bigger battery, makes me wish I’d waited.
@Teo
It’ll be interesting if Samsung really does add a bigger battery to the S25. I saw a review by Mike O’Brien saying the S24 base model’s battery might even last longer than the bigger ones due to the smaller 1080p screen. So, maybe the S24 Plus’s battery upgrade doesn’t make much difference?
Have you tried using something with a needle or sharp tip to clear out the dust and residue from the charging port? That can mess with charging sometimes.
It’s really all about screen size preference. I have the Galaxy S23+ and love it, and the smaller Galaxy S23 for work is also great. Depends on what you need.