If you’re excited about the upcoming Samsung S25 and thinking of buying rugged phone cases early, it’s a good idea to first compare it to older models. This way, you can make sure you're spending your money wisely and getting the best features for your needs.

Here’s a comparison of the Samsung S25 (based on current leaks) and earlier versions, focusing on key areas like design, display, camera, and performance:

1. Design & Build Quality

Image Credit: PhoneArena 

Samsung S25: According to the leaks, the upcoming S25 will likely have a more refined and sturdy design. It may have thinner edges around the screen and use better materials, like a lighter but stronger type of metal. There are also rumors of a new frame that will provide a better grip so you don't have to worry about dropping your phone accidentally, like when you're trying to call someone while commuting to work on a busy train.

Samsung S24: The S24 made some small improvements to the design of the S23, with slightly thinner edges and similar materials (like Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame). While the design was appreciated for its sleek look, it didn’t represent a big change from the previous model.

Samsung S23: The S23 introduced minor design upgrades compared to the S22, particularly in screen protection by using Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the first time. It also had a more squared-off shape, giving it a more premium appearance.

2. Display

Image Credit: Lucic on Android Headlines

Samsung S25: The new features include a very advanced screen that makes everything look smoother, especially when playing games or scrolling through apps. It might stay at a high resolution (1440p), but it could be much brighter, reaching up to 2,500 nits. If you often use your phone outside—like checking messages during a walk or navigating while driving—having a brighter screen means you can see what’s on your screen without squinting in the sunlight.

To add better protection, if your phone gets too hot from high brightness levels, rugged phone cases can help insulate it, keeping it cooler and maintaining performance.

Samsung S24: The S24 features a 6.1-inch screen that also looks great and has a refresh rate of 120Hz, making everything smooth and colorful. It can get as bright as 1,750 nits, which is brighter than the S23, making it easier to see outdoors.

Samsung S23: The S23 also has a 120Hz screen, but it doesn’t get quite as bright as the S24, maxing out at around 1,300 nits. While it still offers excellent display quality, the differences from the S24 aren’t huge.

3. Camera System

Samsung 25: We expect a fantastic camera upgrade. The new features may include a new 200MP main camera, which could take much clearer and more detailed photos, especially in low light. For instance, if you take a picture of your child at night, the S25 should make their face look bright and clear, unlike older models. This camera upgrade might also lead to larger camera openings, which could change how phone cases are designed to fit around the camera.

Samsung S24: The Samsung S24 kept the impressive 200MP camera from the S23 Ultra model but improved how the camera processes images. While the hardware was similar to the previous model, pictures taken with the S24 should look even better due to smarter software. Imagine taking a picture of your family at a birthday party; the S24 would help make the colors more vibrant and the details clearer, even though the camera hasn’t changed much.

Samsung S23: The S23 was the first Samsung phone to feature a 200MP camera, but only in its Ultra version. The standard models had a 50MP camera, which still produced good-quality pictures. While it didn't bring many new features, it improved the overall quality of photos, making everyday shots look nice. For example, if you snapped a photo of your lunch, it would still look appealing, though not as advanced as the upcoming version.

Investing in sturdy phone covers, especially with these camera advancements, is a great idea. Samsung phone cases can protect the camera from scratches and accidental drops, keeping those important upgrades safe. Plus, with larger camera openings on the S25, a well-designed case will ensure you can take great pictures without blocking the camera lens. A case can also help you grip your phone better, making it less likely to slip out of your hand while you’re trying to snap a perfect photo.

4. Performance & Processing Power

Image Credit: Tom's Guide / Qualcomm

Samsung S25: Rumored to feature the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor (or Samsung's own Exynos equivalent in select regions), offering faster speeds, better thermal management, and improved AI capabilities. This means the phone will be faster and more efficient, making it perfect for playing games or using multiple apps at once. For example, you could smoothly play a graphics-heavy game while chatting with friends, without your phone slowing down or overheating.

Samsung S24: S24 uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which provides slight performance improvements compared to the previous S23 model. It was designed to help the phone use less battery while gaming and to respond quicker when you tap the screen. While these changes improved it, they weren’t huge differences from the S23.

Samsung S23: The S23 was the first to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which made the phone much more efficient and powerful. This means it could easily handle demanding tasks like running several apps at the same time or playing high-performance games. However, the improvements weren’t drastically different from the earlier S22 model.

5. Battery Life & Charging

Samsung S25: Leaks suggest that the upcoming Samsung S25 will have a bigger 5,500mAh battery, which means it can last longer before needing a charge. It’s also expected to support faster charging speeds of up to 65W when plugged in, allowing you to charge your phone much quicker. For example, you could go from a dead battery to a full charge in about an hour. Plus, the wireless charging is set to improve, helping it stay cool while charging.

Samsung S24: The Samsung S24 comes with a 5,000mAh battery, similar to the S23. It supports 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. While it’s very similar to the S23, it’s designed to be a bit better at saving battery life, which means it can last longer on a single charge.

Samsung S23: The S23 has a 5,000mAh battery and can charge quickly at 45W, providing good battery life for everyday use. However, it didn’t stand out much compared to other phones on the market. Its wireless charging is limited to 15W, decent but not as fast as some newer models.

6. Software & Features

Image Credit: Samsung 

Samsung S25: One of the new features of the upcoming Samsung S25 is that it comes with One UI 6.1, built on Android 14. This means you’ll get new features that make using your phone easier, like improved multitasking, allowing you to use two apps side by side more smoothly. There will also be better functionality with Samsung DeX, which lets you use your phone like a computer. Plus, it’s likely to work better with other Samsung devices, such as smartwatches and smart home gadgets, making everything more connected.

Samsung S24: This model runs on One UI 6 with Android 14 and offers enhancements for multitasking, such as improved split-screen views, making it easier to juggle multiple apps. It also features better memory management, meaning your phone will run smoothly even when using several apps at once. Additionally, it includes smarter AI features for voice commands and camera controls, making it easier to use without having to tap as much.

Samsung S23: The S23 was the first model to use One UI 5.1 based on Android 13. This version focused on making the phone look and feel more customizable, allowing users to change themes and layouts. While it provided a more polished and visually appealing interface, it didn’t introduce any major changes to how the phone functions overall.

7. Compatibility with Rugged Phone Cases

Samsung S25: The upcoming Samsung S25 is expected to have a new camera layout, larger camera sensors, and a slimmer design. Like the iPhone 16, these changes could affect how well-existing phone cases fit, especially for rugged cases that need precise cutouts. This is why we are redesigning our rugged phone cases to match the new shape and camera setup of the S25.

Samsung S24: Many rugged phone cases made for the S23 can still be used with the S24 because it has a similar camera bump and dimensions. While some small adjustments may be needed, most cases will still fit well, making it easy for users to keep their phones protected without needing to buy a new case.

Samsung S23: The S23 was compatible with a wide range of rugged phone cases since it had a stable design carried over from the S22. The camera and frame didn’t change much, so case manufacturers didn’t have to make significant changes, allowing users to find protective cases easily.

8. Pricing & Value

Samsung S25: Some leaks suggest there might be a slight increase in price due to higher costs for materials and chips. If you're interested in the latest technology and features, this higher price could be worth it.

Samsung S24: The Samsung S24 was launched at a price similar to the S23, with minor differences based on how much storage you choose. It offered good value for people upgrading from much older models but didn’t present a strong reason for S23 owners to upgrade right away.

Samsung S23: The S23 had a competitive price, providing excellent value for the upgrades it offered compared to the S22. If you pre-ordered the S23, you could often take advantage of discounts or trade-in deals, making it more affordable for early adopters.

Final Thoughts

Based on these leaks, the Samsung S25 may bring more meaningful upgrades compared to its immediate predecessors, particularly in the areas of camera technology, battery life, and processing power. If you prioritize the latest features and performance, the S25 could be a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you’re coming from the S23 or S24, the improvements may feel incremental unless you want a major camera or performance boost.

If you're already sold and are already looking for rugged phone cases, we have the phone case just for you here on our website: https://supcase.com/