Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review, Hey tech enthusiasts! The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra dropped in early 2025, and it’s making waves as Samsung’s flagship powerhouse. Priced at a hefty $1,299.99, it’s marketed as the ultimate Android phone, packed with a massive display, top-tier performance, and a suite of AI features. But with competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and OnePlus 13 raising the bar, does the S25 Ultra live up to its "Ultra" name? I’ve dug into its specs, tested its features, and scoured the latest reviews to give you the lowdown. Let’s break it down and see if this phone is worth your hard-earned cash in 2025.
Design: Premium but Familiar
Samsung has tweaked the S25 Ultra’s design, moving away from the sharp, boxy edges of its predecessor, the S24 Ultra, to rounded corners and flat sides. It’s slimmer and lighter (7.69 ounces, down 15 grams) with a titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 for added durability. The 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display is a stunner, with thinner bezels and an anti-reflective coating that makes it pop even in bright sunlight. Reviewers rave about its immersive quality, with one calling it “the best display on the market” thanks to its 3,000-nit peak brightness and ProScaler tech for upscaling low-res content.
However, the design isn’t revolutionary. Some critics note it feels too similar to last year’s model, with the same “floating lens” camera design that can trap lint. If you’re upgrading from an older phone like a Galaxy Note 9, the refined look feels fresh, but S24 Ultra owners might not notice a huge difference. The S Pen, a signature feature, is still here, but it’s lost Bluetooth functionality, meaning no more remote shutter or Air Actions—a bummer for stylus fans.
Verdict: The S25 Ultra is sleek and premium, but the design changes are iterative. It’s a win for comfort, but don’t expect a bold new look.
Performance: A Speed Demon
Under the hood, the S25 Ultra rocks Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a 3nm chip with a 40% larger vapor chamber for better cooling. Benchmark tests are impressive, with a single-core score of 2,536 and a multi-core score of 9,138, outpacing the S24 Ultra and even the OnePlus 13 in some metrics. Apps launch instantly, animations are buttery smooth, and gaming is flawless, with no stuttering even in heavy titles like Genshin Impact. The improved cooling means it stays cool under pressure, a big upgrade from past models.
With 12GB of RAM (up to 16GB in some configurations) and 256GB base storage, it’s built for multitasking and future-proofing. One UI 7, running on Android 15, is polished and customizable, with seven years of promised updates—a match for Google and Apple. However, some users report minor software hiccups post-May 2025 updates, like battery drain or fingerprint sensor issues, though these seem rare.
Verdict: The S25 Ultra is a performance beast, perfect for power users and gamers, though software bugs need monitoring.
Camera: Versatile but Not the Best
The S25 Ultra’s quad-camera system is a highlight: a 200MP main sensor, a new 50MP ultrawide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x telephoto with 100x Space Zoom. The upgraded ultrawide shines in low light, delivering crisper details, and the main camera’s pixel-binning produces vibrant 12MP shots by default. The 5x zoom holds its own against the iPhone 16 Pro Max, though some argue Apple’s colors are more share-worthy. Portrait mode and AI editing tools, like improved Generative AI for removing objects, are top-notch.
That said, some tech enthusiasts on X and reviewers point out that Chinese phones like the Vivo X200 Pro and Xiaomi 14 Ultra edge out Samsung in zoom quality and sensor size. The 3x telephoto feels dated with its 10MP sensor, and the loss of the 10x optical zoom from older models stings. The 12MP selfie camera is solid but doesn’t match Apple’s detail in low light.
Verdict: The cameras are versatile and excellent for most users, but nitpicky photographers might prefer competitors’ zoom or sensor tech.
Battery and Charging: Good, Not Great
The 5,000mAh battery delivers solid endurance, lasting a full day of heavy use or two days with moderate use. Reviewers report 30-40% battery left after 5-6 hours of screen-on time. However, compared to the OnePlus 13’s 6,000mAh battery or the RedMagic 10 Pro’s 7,000mAh, it feels underwhelming. Charging is another sore point: 45W wired and 25W wireless (Qi2-ready with a case) are decent but lag behind competitors like OnePlus’s 80W. Some users on X complain about battery drain after recent updates, though this isn’t universal.
Verdict: Battery life is reliable, but Samsung’s playing it safe with capacity and charging speed.
AI Features: Useful or Gimmicky?
Samsung’s Galaxy AI, powered by Google Gemini, is a big selling point. Features like Now Brief (a lock-screen summary of tasks) and cross-app actions (e.g., summarizing YouTube videos or identifying landmarks in photos) are handy when they work. The Audio Eraser for video noise reduction is a nice touch for content creators. However, reviews are mixed—some call these features “thoughtful” and “impressive,” while others find them inconsistent or overhyped. For example, Gemini misidentified a photo’s location in one test, and Now Brief feels like a rehash of Google Now.
Verdict: AI adds convenience, but it’s not a game-changer yet. Expect updates to refine these tools.
Is It Worth Buying?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium Android phone with a gorgeous display, blazing performance, and a versatile camera system. The S Pen, despite its downgrade, remains unique, and seven years of software updates ensure longevity. But at $1,299.99, it’s a tough sell for some. If you’re upgrading from a 3-4-year-old phone, the S25 Ultra is a fantastic choice for its polish and power. However, S24 Ultra owners won’t see enough new to justify the cost, especially with many AI features coming to older models. Competitors like the OnePlus 13 offer better battery and charging, while Chinese brands outshine in camera tech.
For the average consumer, the S25 Ultra’s availability, repair options, and brand reliability make it a safe bet. Tech enthusiasts, though, might find it “boring” or “stagnant” compared to more innovative rivals. If you can snag it on sale (e.g., $1,060 for 256GB during Amazon’s Spring Sale), it’s a better value.
Final Verdict: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a refined, powerful phone that’s ideal for Samsung loyalists and stylus users. It’s not the most exciting upgrade, but it’s a solid choice if you prioritize a premium experience over cutting-edge innovation.
FAQs
Q: Should I upgrade from the Galaxy S24 Ultra to the S25 Ultra?
A: If you have the S24 Ultra, the upgrades (new ultrawide camera, slightly better performance, and minor design tweaks) aren’t significant enough to justify the $1,299 price unless you’re a power user or need the latest AI features. Many AI tools will also come to the S24 Ultra via updates.
Q: How does the S25 Ultra compare to the iPhone 16 Pro Max?
A: The S25 Ultra has a larger 6.9-inch display, a stylus, and more versatile cameras (especially zoom). It outperforms the iPhone in benchmarks and has better AI integration. However, the iPhone offers superior video quality, faster charging, and MagSafe. It’s a toss-up based on ecosystem preference.
Q: Is the S Pen worth it?
A: The S Pen is great for note-taking, drawing, or productivity, but the loss of Bluetooth features reduces its versatility. If you don’t use a stylus often, consider the cheaper S25 or S25+.
Q: Does the S25 Ultra support dual SIM?
A: Yes, it supports dual SIM (two physical SIMs, one physical SIM and one eSIM, or two eSIMs). However, it lacks a microSD slot for expandable storage.
Q: Are there any major issues with the S25 Ultra?
A: Some users report battery drain or fingerprint sensor issues after May 2025 updates, but these aren’t widespread. The camera’s 3x telephoto and lack of Qi2 magnets are also criticized. Always check for software updates to address bugs.