Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: Small but Great Hardware Improvements

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Refined, Not Revolutionary, Flagship

Let's be frank: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is an excellent phone. This review was surprisingly straightforward because it's remarkably similar to its predecessor, the S24 Ultra.

##### Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

8/10 $1300 $1500 Save $200

This top-tier smartphone features a stunning 6.9-inch QHD Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12GB of RAM, and a robust 5,000mAh battery supporting 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0.

Highlights & Drawbacks:

• Pros: Sleeker, lighter, and flatter design; improved 50MP ultrawide camera; all-day battery life; blazing-fast processor; gorgeous display.
• Cons: Ineffective Now Brief; largely gimmicky AI features; "Qi2 Ready" implementation falls short.

Pricing and Availability:

The S25 Ultra is available in Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Whitesilver, and Titanium Silverblue. Pricing starts at $1,299.99 for the 256GB model and goes up to $1,659.99 for the 1TB variant. Carrier deals and trade-in options often significantly reduce the cost.

Specifications

Display

6.9", 3120 x 1440, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz

SoC

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy

RAM

12GB

Storage

256GB, 512GB, 1TB

Battery

5,000mAh

Ports

USB-C

Charge speed

45W

Dimensions

162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm

Weight

218g

Front camera

12MP f/2.2

Rear camera

200MP f/1.7 main, 50MP f/1.9 ultrawide, 10MP f/2.4 telephoto, 50MP f/3.4 telephoto

Operating System

Android 15 with One UI 7

Connectivity

NFC, UWB

Colors

Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Silverblue

IP Rating

IP68

Stylus

S Pen

A Noticeable Design Shift:

Samsung adopted the flat-edged design from the S24 and S24 for the S25 Ultra, resulting in a more comfortable and premium feel. The slight reduction in thickness (8.2mm) and weight (218g) enhances the overall handling experience. The bezel reduction, though subtle, contributes to the larger 6.9-inch display. The Gorilla Armor 2 glass with its anti-glare coating remains a standout feature.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor delivers exceptional speed and performance across all tasks.

Qi2: A Missed Opportunity

Samsung's "Qi2 Ready" claim is misleading. While supporting 15W wireless charging, a case or magnetic sticker is required for MagSafe/Qi2 accessory compatibility. This necessitates additional purchases, unlike the seamless integration promised. The placement of the wireless charging coils also presents issues with many accessories obscuring the bottom camera.

S Pen Downgrade? Maybe Not.

The removal of Bluetooth functionality and Air Actions from the S Pen might disappoint some, but for most users, the core writing and drawing capabilities remain unaffected.

One UI 7: A Polished Experience

One UI 7, built on Android 15, is a significant improvement over previous iterations. It's faster, smoother, and more customizable, resembling Google's Pixel experience. Minor tweaks to notification handling and quick settings are easily adjustable in the settings menu.

Now Bar: A Hit, Now Brief: A Miss

The Now Bar, offering real-time updates, is a welcome addition. However, the Now Brief, intended for daily summaries and suggestions, proved largely unhelpful and underwhelming.

AI Features: A Mixed Bag

While improved Gemini integration and natural-language search in settings are helpful, overall AI performance is inconsistent. AI Select offers convenient options for creating GIFs or setting wallpapers from screen content.

Cameras: Solid, But Not Groundbreaking

The camera system, featuring a new 50MP ultrawide sensor, delivers excellent image quality. However, capturing moving subjects remains a challenge, and the lens still exhibits a slight warp effect. The camera lens caps are prone to collecting lint.

Should You Buy It?

The S25 Ultra is a top-tier phone, offering excellent performance and features. However, it lacks the groundbreaking innovation that might justify an upgrade for existing Samsung flagship users. If you value consistency and top-tier specs, it's a solid choice. If you're seeking something truly revolutionary, look elsewhere.

##### Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

8/10 $1300 $1500 Save $200

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