The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has arrived, cementing its position as the pinnacle of Android smartphones. With iterative hardware upgrades and groundbreaking AI innovations, this device aims to cater to power users and creatives alike. But does it justify its $1,299 price tag? Let’s dive into its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it’s worth your investment.
Design & Display: Sleeker, Lighter, Brighter
The S25 Ultra sports a refined design with rounded corners and a titanium frame, making it lighter (7.69 oz) and more comfortable than its predecessor . The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display now features slimmer bezels and Corning Gorilla Armor 2, offering enhanced scratch resistance and a peak brightness of 1,860 nits—outshining the iPhone 16 Pro Max . The anti-reflective coating ensures vivid colors even in direct sunlight, while the 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling buttery smooth .
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Dominance
Powered by the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 12GB RAM, the S25 Ultra blazes through multitasking and demanding apps. Benchmark tests show a 30-40% performance boost over last year’s model, though heavy gaming may drain the 5,000mAh battery faster . Despite its power, Samsung skipped upgrades like 16GB RAM, which rivals like the OnePlus 13 offer .
Camera System: Incremental Upgrades, AI-Driven Magic
The quad-camera setup includes a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens (upgraded from 12MP), and dual telephoto lenses (3x and 5x optical zoom). While daylight shots are crisp and vibrant, low-light performance lags behind Google’s Pixel 9 Pro . The star here is Galaxy AI, enabling generative photo edits (e.g., removing objects and reconstructing faces) and advanced video tools like Log format support and Audio Eraser .
AI Features: A Double-Edged Sword
Samsung’s AI suite steals the spotlight:
- Cross-App Actions: Use voice commands to execute multi-step tasks, like adding events to your calendar and texting details .
- Generative Editing: Erase or generate elements in photos with startling accuracy, even reconstructing faces .
- Live Translation: Real-time voice call translation in 13 languages .
However, the AI ecosystem feels fragmented compared to Apple’s seamless integration, with Bixby, Gemini, and Copilot competing for attention .
Battery & Charging: Longevity Without Innovation
The 5,000mAh battery delivers 29+ hours of video playback, outperforming the iPhone 16 Pro Max . However, 45W wired charging feels outdated next to OnePlus’ 80W speeds. Qi2 wireless charging is supported but requires a proprietary case a missed opportunity .
Software: One UI 7’s Hit-or-Miss Refinements
One UI 7 introduces a cleaner interface but faces criticism for unpolished features like misaligned widgets and unintuitive gesture navigation . While AI tools like Now Brief promise personalized updates, they lack the polish of Google’s Live Notifications .
Price & Value: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
At $1,299, the S25 Ultra targets loyal Samsung users and creatives needing stylus support. However, the S24 Ultra offers similar specs at a discount, and the AI features may trickle down via software updates . Trade-in deals (up to $1,200 off) sweeten the deal for upgraders .
Final Verdict
The Galaxy S25 Ultra excels as a productivity powerhouse with its stunning display, robust performance, and cutting-edge AI. However, minor hardware upgrades and a steep price make it a tough sell for S24 Ultra owners. For Android enthusiasts craving the best-in-class specs or iPhone users eyeing a switch, this device is a compelling choice if you can stomach the cost.
