The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its impressive camera, seemed like the perfect companion for a long weekend getaway. I swapped my SIM card, silenced work notifications, and prepared to immerse myself in entertainment, using the phone purely for leisure. After four days of exploring the S25 Ultra’s capabilities, here are my revisited impressions.
Design Still Disappoints
The back of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The S25 Ultra’s strikingly flat design remains a significant drawback. The flat sides, display, and minimally curved corners contribute to a slab-like aesthetic, far from visually appealing. While aesthetics are subjective, comfort is universal, and the S25 Ultra falls short in this crucial aspect.
Having recently used phones like the OnePlus 13, Google Pixel 9a, and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the difference in ergonomics is stark. The S25 Ultra digs into the palm, its sharp edges noticeable with every grip. Its slippery finish further exacerbates the issue, demanding a constant, firm hold.
Whether browsing Reddit, scrolling through Threads, or playing Magic: The Gathering Arena, the S25 Ultra’s uncomfortable design discouraged casual pickup. Compared to the ergonomic Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, using the S25 Ultra felt like a chore.
A Display That Shines
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The S25 Ultra’s exceptional display almost makes up for its design flaws. Under the bright UK sun, the anti-reflective screen truly shone. It effectively minimizes harsh reflections, ensuring clear visibility from various angles, a feature difficult to capture in photos.
This anti-reflective quality proved invaluable for photography. The ability to clearly see the viewfinder, regardless of angle or lighting, greatly enhances the shooting experience. The S25 Ultra’s display surpasses all current smartphone screens, offering unparalleled clarity and vibrancy.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, showing the screen reflection.
Beyond brightness, the automatic brightness adjustment deserves commendation. It consistently balanced the screen’s luminance with ambient lighting, requiring manual intervention only once indoors after extended outdoor use.
Camera Performance: A Mixed Bag
A photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Having previously been impressed by the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s camera, I had high expectations for the S25 Ultra. While the main camera hadn’t initially wowed me, I hoped a change of scenery would alter my perspective.
The trip primarily involved using the main and wide-angle lenses. The consistency between them is commendable, delivering balanced colors and contrast even in challenging light. However, the out-of-camera images appeared slightly too natural for my liking.
A photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
A photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
This is where One UI 7’s excellent photo editing suite comes into play. Applying filters like Chill, Amber, or Sunbeam, followed by further tweaks, yielded the desired results. The ability to save edits as custom filters proved invaluable for batch editing similar shots. The AI-powered eraser tool continues to impress, effortlessly removing unwanted objects.
A photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
While pleased with the final images, the need for extensive editing suggests Samsung’s default tuning needs refinement. Those seeking a point-and-shoot experience might be disappointed. However, the comprehensive editing tools mitigate this drawback.
A photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
A photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
A photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
A photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
A photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The S25 Ultra’s stellar display, performance, and two-day battery life made it a reliable travel companion. However, its uncomfortable design remained a constant frustration. A case would improve ergonomics, but feels unnecessary given the phone’s inherent durability.
The captured photos, after editing, beautifully documented the trip. While the S25 Ultra is a premium, future-proof smartphone, it failed to evoke genuine enthusiasm. The OnePlus 13 might have offered a comparable, if not superior, experience.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerful yet impersonal device. Its all-around competence and superb screen are undeniable strengths. However, it remains a purchase driven by logic rather than emotion, echoing my initial review impressions.
