Samsung Galaxy S24 vs S25 : What’s New for Unlocking (And What Actually Matters)

Here’s something that’ll save you some headaches: I had three customers this week alone ask if they should upgrade from their S24 to the new S25. Two of them were specifically worried about unlocking.
one needed a FRP bypass, another wanted to switch carriers.

After 12 years of unlocking Samsung phones (started back at Metro PCS, now we’ve unlocked over 12,000 devices), I can tell you the real story about what’s changed between these models. Some of it matters for unlocking, most of it doesn’t.

Let me break down what’s actually different and what it means if you’re dealing with locks, carriers, or thinking about buying either phone.

The Real Differences That Matter for Unlocking

Samsung’s New Security Architecture

The S25 runs One UI 7.1 with some serious security changes under the hood. Samsung didn’t make a big deal about this in their marketing, but it affects how unlocking works.

Knox Security Updates:

• Enhanced FRP protection that’s tougher to bypass
• New authentication layers for factory resets
• Improved integration with Google’s security systems

What this means for you: DIY FRP bypass methods that worked on the S24 might not work on the S25. I’ve already seen this with a few early S25 models that came through our shop.

The good news? Professional tools still work fine. We’ve successfully unlocked every S25 model that’s come through so far, usually in 5-25 minutes.

Carrier Lock Changes (Here’s the Important Part)

Samsung basically killed network unlocking through their servers in late 2024. This affects both the S24 and S25, but it’s worth understanding.

What changed:

• Samsung’s remote unlock servers went offline permanently
• Carrier unlock codes still work (if you can get them)
• Third-party network unlock services mostly stopped working

Real talk: If you’re buying a carrier-locked S24 or S25 hoping to unlock it cheaply, don’t. It’s not 2020 anymore. The easy network unlocks are done.

Android 14 vs Android 15 Security

The S25 ships with Android 15, while most S24s are still on Android 14 (though they’re getting the update).

Android 15 security additions:

• Stricter app permissions
• Enhanced theft protection
• Improved account verification systems

I’ve noticed Android 15 makes some older FRP bypass tricks fail more often. Nothing we can’t handle professionally, but worth knowing if you’re trying DIY methods.

Performance and Build: What Actually Changed

Processing Power Reality Check

Specification	Galaxy S24	Galaxy S25	Winner/Notes
Dimensions	147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6mm	146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm	S25 (slightly thinner)
Weight	167g	162g	S25 (5g lighter)
Build	Aluminum + Gorilla Glass Victus 2	Aluminum + Gorilla Glass Victus 2	Tie (identical)
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68	Tie (identical)
Display Size	6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED	6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED	Tie (identical)
Resolution	2340 x 1080 (FHD+)	2340 x 1080 (FHD+)	Tie (identical)
Refresh Rate	120Hz adaptive	120Hz adaptive	Tie (identical)
Brightness	2,600 nits peak	2,600 nits peak	Tie (identical)
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400	Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)	S25 (15-20% faster)
RAM	8GB	12GB	S25 (better multitasking)
Storage	128GB/256GB/512GB	128GB/256GB/512GB	Tie (same options)
MicroSD	No	No	Tie (both lack it)
Main Camera	50MP f/1.8 with OIS	50MP f/1.8 with OIS	Tie (identical hardware)
Telephoto	10MP f/2.4, 3x zoom, OIS	10MP f/2.4, 3x zoom, OIS	Tie (identical hardware)
Ultra-wide	12MP f/2.2, 120°	12MP f/2.2, 120°	Tie (identical hardware)
Selfie	12MP f/2.2	12MP f/2.2	Tie (identical hardware)
Battery	4,000mAh	4,000mAh	Tie (same capacity)
Wired Charging	25W (50% in 30min)	25W (50% in 30min)	Tie (same speed)
Wireless Charging	15W	15W	Tie (same speed)
Bluetooth	5.3	5.4	S25 (newer standard)
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 6E	Wi-Fi 7	S25 (faster standard)
Satellite	No	Emergency messaging	S25 (limited feature)
Launch Price	$799	$799	Tie (same MSRP)

Key Takeaways:

Real talk: The S25 is 5 grams lighter and 0.4mm thinner. Sounds tiny, but you can actually feel it. The phone sits better in your hand and feels less bulky in your pocket.

Performance: 15-20% faster in benchmarks, but for daily stuff like texting, social media, and basic apps, you won’t notice much difference. Both phones fly through normal tasks.

Where you’ll see the difference: Gaming, video editing, or if you’re one of those people who keeps 47 apps open at once.

Camera reality check: Identical hardware sensors. Samsung focused on software improvements rather than hardware upgrades. If camera quality is your main concern, save your money and stick with the S24.

Battery life: The S25 shows slightly better battery life due to the more efficient processor, but we’re talking maybe 30-60 minutes extra per day. Not a game-changer.

The Unlocking Reality: What We See in Our Shop

FRP Bypass: S25 vs S24

Galaxy S24 FRP bypass: Usually takes 5-10 minutes with our professional tools. Most common issues are forgotten Google accounts after factory resets.

Galaxy S25 FRP bypass: Takes 10-15 minutes due to enhanced security. Still very doable, just requires updated methods.

Success rates: 99%+ for both models when using our professional services.

Common Customer Scenarios

Scenario 1: Bought Used Phone, FRP Locked This happens constantly. Someone buys a “great deal” S24 or S25 on Facebook Marketplace, gets home, and can’t get past the Google account screen.

Our advice: Always test a used phone completely before buying. If you’re already stuck, we can usually fix it same day.

Scenario 2: Forgot Google Account After Reset Factory reset your phone and suddenly can’t remember which Google account you used? We see this weekly with both S24 and S25 owners.

Should You Upgrade? The Honest Answer

Upgrade if:

• Your S24 is having problems (cracked screen, battery issues, etc.)
• You want the latest security updates immediately
• Camera quality matters a lot to you
• You’re planning to keep the phone for 3+ years

Don’t upgrade if:

• Your S24 works fine
• You’re hoping for easier unlocking (it’s actually harder)
• You’re expecting a huge performance jump (you won’t get one)
• Money’s tight (the S24 will be supported for years)

Buying Advice: New vs Used vs Waiting

New Galaxy S25

Pros: Latest security, full warranty, guaranteed unlocked if bought direct
Cons: Expensive, not much different from S24
Best for: People who want the newest thing and don’t mind paying for it

Used Galaxy S24

Pros: Much cheaper, nearly identical performance, still gets updates
Cons: Risk of FRP locks or hidden carrier locks
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who do their homework

Wait for Price Drops

The S24 will get cheaper as the S25 gains traction. If you’re not in a rush, waiting 3-6 months could save you $200-300.

Red Flags When Buying Either Phone

Avoid phones that:

• Are priced way below market value (usually FRP locked)
• Seller won’t let you test completely before buying
• Have “activation lock” or “verification required” in the description
• Come from overseas sellers promising “easy unlocks”

Always check:

• IMEI is clean (not blacklisted) – “Our site will soon provide this service”
• Phone actually turns on and gets past setup
• No carrier locks or restrictions – “Test your sim card”
• Factory reset works normally

When You Need Professional Help

Look, I’m all for trying to fix things yourself. But with Samsung’s newer security, some stuff just needs professional tools and experience.

Call us for:

• FRP locks on S24 or S25 that won’t accept your Google account
• “This device was reset” screens that won’t go away
• Carrier verification loops
• Samsung account locks you can’t reset

We’ve unlocked every S24 and S25 variant that’s come through our shop. Most take 5-15 minutes, and we guarantee our work.

Why choose UnlockJunky:

Money-back guarantee if we can’t help
The fix: UnlockJunky’s FRP bypass tool.
Don’t waste days trying YouTube methods they don’t work anymore.

12+ years Samsung unlocking experience

12,000+ devices successfully unlocked

Same-day service for most issues

Scenario 3: Carrier Lock Issues Bought a phone that’s supposed to be unlocked but still shows carrier branding or restrictions.

Current reality: Network unlocks are nearly impossible now. Buy truly unlocked phones or expect to live with the carrier lock.

Bottom Line: What Really Matters

The Galaxy S25 is a solid phone, but it’s not a revolutionary upgrade from the S24. For unlocking purposes, it’s actually a bit more challenging due to enhanced security.

If your S24 works fine, keep it. If you need a new phone, either model is good just buy from reputable sources and test everything before you pay.

And if you run into FRP locks or other unlock issues with either phone, don’t waste weeks fighting with DIY methods that mostly don’t work anymore. Sometimes the smart move is getting help from people who do this every day.

Need help with a stubborn S24 or S25 lock? We’re here Monday thru Saturday , 7AM-4PM PST. Most Samsung unlocks take us 5-15 minutes, and we’ve never met a Samsung lock we couldn’t beat.