I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for two weeks, and the question on everyone’s mind is: is it a significant upgrade? While the hardware similarities to its predecessor are undeniable, Samsung’s focus on software, particularly Galaxy AI, promises a transformative experience. But are these AI features truly compelling and useful enough to justify an upgrade, especially if you already own the S24 Ultra? My time with the S25 Ultra led to a surprising conclusion.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm (6.4 x 3.1 x 0.32 inches) |
| Weight | 218 grams (7.7 ounces) |
| Display | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 1-120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Operating System | One UI 7 based on Android 15, 7 years of updates |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Rear Cameras | 200MP primary (OIS), 50MP wide-angle, 50MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom), 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 100x Space Zoom |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.4, fixed focus |
| Durability | IP68, Titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Battery | 5,000mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired, 15W wireless (Qi2 Ready), Reverse wireless charging |
| Colors | Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Whitesilver (Retail); Titanium Jetblack, Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Pinkgold (Online Exclusives) |
| Price | Starting at $1,300 |
Design and Build
The S25 Ultra boasts noticeable design changes compared to the S24 Ultra. A key improvement is the 15-gram weight reduction, making it significantly more manageable. While the reduced weight is welcome, the flattened sides, top, and bottom create sharp edges that compromise the in-hand feel, negating the benefit of the rounded corners. The titanium frame, while durable, can also feel slippery. Samsung claims increased durability with improved titanium and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The improved anti-reflective coating, combined with high brightness, ensures excellent outdoor visibility. The IP68 rating adds further protection. The design has sparked some debate due to the attached camera rings, which appear less premium. Overall, the S25 Ultra’s design is a mixed bag, with the lighter weight and enhanced durability being notable improvements.
Camera Performance
The S25 Ultra inherits the 200MP main camera and dual telephoto lenses from its predecessor, but introduces a new 50MP wide-angle camera. This upgrade delivers excellent detail, color, and dynamic range, surpassing even the iPhone 16 Pro Max. While the main camera performs well in various lighting conditions, it doesn’t fully maximize its high megapixel count, losing out to the iPhone 16 Pro Max in detail. The 3x and 5x telephoto lenses produce great results, but the 10x hybrid zoom suffers from pixelation and smoothing. The 100x zoom is impressive for its reach, but image quality is understandably compromised. Samsung’s editing suite offers a user-friendly filter system and video features like automatic slow-motion and Audio Eraser, though the latter’s effectiveness varies.
For a flagship phone, the camera performance is good but not groundbreaking. While the wide-angle lens is a significant improvement, the main camera’s detail could be better. The S Pen’s remote shutter functionality is missed. Overall, the camera upgrades are incremental rather than transformative.
Software and Galaxy AI
The S25 Ultra runs One UI 7 on top of Android 15, with an impressive seven years of software and security updates. The software is fast, smooth, and feature-rich. The redesigned notification and quick settings menu may not appeal to everyone. The vertical app drawer is a welcome addition, improving app navigation.
Samsung is heavily promoting Galaxy AI as a key selling point. Features like AI summaries, translation, Circle to Search, and writing assistance return from the S24 Ultra. New additions include Now Brief and Now Bar, designed to personalize the user experience. Now Brief provides daily summaries of your schedule, weather, and health data. Its usefulness depends heavily on your lifestyle and reliance on Samsung wearables.
The Now Bar, located at the bottom of the lock screen, displays information from select apps, but its functionality is limited compared to Apple’s Dynamic Island. The effectiveness of Galaxy AI depends on individual needs. Features like translation and summaries can be helpful in specific situations, but their overall impact may be limited. Google Gemini replaces Bixby as the voice assistant, offering natural conversation and summarization capabilities, but its accuracy and conciseness need improvement. Useful features like voice search for settings and the updated Circle to Search, which now analyzes audio and recognizes contact information in images, add genuine value.
Display and Performance
The S25 Ultra boasts a stunning 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, high resolution, exceptional brightness, and an effective anti-reflective coating. The Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite for Galaxy processor, co-developed with Qualcomm, delivers seamless performance. While its daily performance is comparable to other Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite devices, it handles demanding tasks and gaming with ease, managing heat effectively.
Battery and Charging
The 5,000mAh battery provides up to two days of use with moderate usage. Heavy usage, including gaming and 4K video recording, will reduce battery life. 45W wired charging provides a quick top-up, reaching 50% in 20 minutes. 15W wireless charging and Qi2 readiness are supported, but require a compatible case with magnets.
Price and Availability
The S25 Ultra is available starting February 7, with prices matching the S24 Ultra. The high price tag puts it in competition with several less expensive, yet highly capable, Android phones, as well as Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is undeniably a powerful smartphone with impressive performance, a stunning display, and long battery life. Its durability, software support, and extensive features ensure longevity. However, given its price, these are expected qualities, not standout features. The S25 Ultra falls short in delivering the “extra” features that justify its premium cost. While Galaxy AI offers some useful functionalities, they aren’t consistently compelling or unique enough to set it apart. Furthermore, certain omissions, such as fully integrated Qi2 wireless charging and the S Pen’s reduced functionality, are disappointing. Ultimately, while the S25 Ultra is a great phone, its high price and the availability of excellent alternatives make it difficult to wholeheartedly recommend.
