Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review Powerful Phone 2025

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched in January 2025 with a starting price of $1,299, is Samsung’s flagship smartphone designed to dominate the premium market.

While it boasts a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a refined design, and a suite of AI features, it takes a conservative approach, offering incremental updates over the Galaxy S24 Ultra without embracing cutting-edge innovations like silicon carbide batteries or IP69 certification.

In this Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review, we’ll explore its design, performance, software, cameras, and more to assess whether it justifies its premium price tag or falls short in a competitive landscape. Let’s dive into the details.

Design: Familiar Yet Refined

The Galaxy S25 Ultra maintains the iconic Ultra aesthetic but introduces subtle refinements that enhance its premium feel. The phone adopts flatter, boxier edges with slightly rounded corners, making it look more modern while improving grip compared to the S24 Ultra’s sharper edges.

It measures 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm and weighs 218 grams, making it 0.1 mm thinner and 14 grams lighter than its predecessor, despite appearing slightly thicker due to its flat sides.

The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (up from 6.8 inches) benefits from thinner bezels, offering a more immersive viewing experience.

Crafted with a Grade 5 titanium frame, the S25 Ultra is protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back.

The new Gorilla Armor 2 features an anti-reflective coating, reducing glare for better outdoor visibility, and is rated to survive drops from up to 2.2 meters—a step up from standard glass. However, glass is still prone to scratches, so a case is advisable.

The rear camera rings are more pronounced, adding a touch of elegance, while the IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance (up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes). Notably, Samsung skipped IP69 certification, which competitors like the OnePlus 13 offer for enhanced durability against high-pressure water jets.

The bottom edge houses the S Pen, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port, a speaker, and a SIM card tray, which has been reoriented to avoid confusion with the microphone—a small but thoughtful change. The phone supports a single physical SIM plus two eSIMs, limiting dual-SIM flexibility.

Available in colors like Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Blue, and Titanium White, the design is sleek but not revolutionary.

Why It Matters: The Galaxy S25 Ultra refines an already premium design with a larger display and durable materials. However, the lack of IP69 and the familiar look may leave some wanting more innovation for the price.

Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Delivers, But It’s Not Unique

The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy powers the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a 3nm chipset with two high-performance cores at 4.47 GHz, six efficiency cores at 3.53 GHz, and an Adreno 830 GPU.

It offers a 40% NPU boost, 37% CPU improvement, and 30% GPU enhancement over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the S24 Ultra. Benchmarks show it rivals Apple’s A18 Pro, with higher multi-core scores but slightly lower single-core performance.

Real-world usage is flawless, from multitasking with dozens of apps to running demanding games like Genshin Impact at max settings.

Samsung paired the chip with a 40% larger vapor chamber, keeping thermals in check during gaming or video editing.

However, under sustained stress (e.g., 3DMark Wild Life Extreme), performance throttles by up to 20%, trailing competitors like the OnePlus 13. The phone comes with 12GB RAM (256GB/512GB models) or 16GB RAM (1TB model) and UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring snappy app launches and file transfers. Unlike previous years, all global variants use the Snapdragon 8 Elite, eliminating Exynos disparities.

While the chip is a highlight, it’s not exclusive—most 2025 Android flagships, like the OnePlus 13 and Vivo X200 Pro, will use the same processor, making performance a level playing field. Samsung’s edge lies in its optimization, delivering a smooth experience across One UI 7.

Why It Matters: The Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures top-tier performance, but its ubiquity among 2025 flagships means the S25 Ultra’s speed isn’t a standout feature. Thermal throttling under heavy loads is a minor drawback.

Software: One UI 7 and Galaxy AI—Polished with a Catch

Running One UI 7 on Android 15, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a refined software experience with seven years of OS and security updates (until 2032). One UI 7 borrows from iOS but adds Samsung’s flair:

• Now Bar: A bottom-screen widget showing timers, navigation, or media playback, more accessible than OnePlus’s Dynamic Island clone.
• Notification Shade: Swipe right for quick settings, left for notifications, with customizable sides and seamless switching.
• Lock Screen Customization: Extensive options for clock styles, fonts, and widgets, surpassing iOS in versatility.

Galaxy AI enhances functionality with features like:

• Object Eraser: Removes unwanted objects from photos with impressive generative fill.
• Natural Language Search: Finds settings or photos by description (e.g., “find my dog’s picture”).
• AI Select: Summarizes text or creates GIFs, though it’s less context-aware than Google’s Circle to Search.
• Gemini Integration: Handles complex tasks like adding events to your calendar based on web searches.

However, Galaxy AI’s future is uncertain. Samsung markets these features as free until December 31, 2025, but hasn’t disclosed potential costs afterward, raising concerns about subscription fees. Features like Daily Briefs (calendar, weather, news summaries) feel underwhelming, offering little AI-driven value.

Why It Matters: One UI 7 is smooth and feature-rich, but the iOS-inspired design and unclear AI pricing model temper enthusiasm. Long-term support is a plus, but the AI cost ambiguity is a concern.

S Pen: A Signature Feature, Downgraded

The S Pen remains a hallmark of the Ultra series, offering 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity for note-taking, sketching, and precise navigation.

However, Samsung removed Bluetooth functionality, eliminating remote shutter control and media playback gestures.

The decision was based on data showing less than 1% of users used these features, but it feels like a cost-cutting move for a device meant to offer every bell and whistle.

The S Pen still performs well for writing and drawing, stored conveniently in the phone’s silo. However, the older Bluetooth-enabled S Pen from the S24 Ultra isn’t compatible, and replacements cost $49.99. This downgrade undermines the “Ultra” promise of maximizing features for niche users.

Why It Matters: The S Pen sets the S25 Ultra apart, but removing Bluetooth functionality is a step backward, disappointing users who expect more from a premium device.

Cameras: Solid Upgrades, But Not Revolutionary

The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a quad-camera system with one key upgrade:

• 200MP Main Camera (f/1.7, ISOCELL HP2, OIS): Produces vibrant 12MP images via pixel-binning, but some users report haziness in fine details compared to the S24 Ultra.
• 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera (f/2.2): A major improvement, delivering sharper images and better low-light performance than the S24 Ultra’s 12MP ultra-wide.
• 10MP 3x Telephoto (f/2.4): Reliable for portraits but outdated compared to competitors’ 5x zooms.
• 50MP 5x Periscope Telephoto (f/3.4): Offers 10x optical-quality zoom via hybrid processing, but quality drops at 30x and 100x due to smoothing.

The 12MP front camera (f/2.2) is unchanged, delivering decent selfies. Video recording supports 8K at 30fps, 4K at 120fps, and features like Super Steady mode and Audio Eraser. The camera app includes AI tools and manual controls, but the system doesn’t match the Vivo X200 Pro’s versatility or the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 5x zoom.

Why It Matters: The ultra-wide camera’s upgrade is a highlight, but the overall system feels iterative, falling short of competitors in zoom and main sensor clarity.

Battery and Charging: Reliable, But Outpaced

The 5,000mAh battery is identical to the S24 Ultra’s, lacking the silicon carbide technology found in rivals like the OnePlus 13, which offers higher capacity and faster charging.

Battery life is strong, lasting 1.5–2 days with moderate use (4–5 hours of screen-on time), with 30–40% remaining at day’s end. Heavy tasks like gaming reduce this to a single day.

Charging speeds are modest:

• 45W Wired Charging: Reaches 35% in 15 minutes, 64% in 30 minutes, and full charge in 65 minutes—faster than the S24 Ultra but slower than the OnePlus 13 (100W, 40 minutes).
• 25W Wireless Charging (Qi2): Requires a magnet-equipped case, as the phone lacks built-in Qi2 magnets.
• 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging: Charges accessories like earbuds.

Why It Matters: Battery life is dependable, but slower charging and the absence of silicon carbide technology make the S25 Ultra lag behind competitors.

Display: Top-Tier, But Not the Brightest

The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display boasts a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440), 120Hz LTPO refresh rate (1–120Hz), and 2600 nits peak brightness. The anti-reflective Gorilla Armor 2 enhances visibility, and LTPO technology optimizes efficiency.

However, it lacks high-frequency PWM dimming for eye comfort and doesn’t support Dolby Vision, unlike some rivals. Compared to the OnePlus 13’s brighter display, the S25 Ultra’s screen is excellent but not the best.

Why It Matters: The display is vibrant and efficient, but missing advanced dimming and trailing in brightness keeps it from leading the pack.

Specifications Table

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Price (Starting)	$1,299 (256GB), $1,419 (512GB), $1,659 (1TB)
Display	6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+ (3120 x 1440), 120Hz LTPO, 2600 nits, Gorilla Armor 2
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3nm, 2×4.47 GHz + 6×3.53 GHz, Adreno 830)
Memory	12GB (256GB/512GB), 16GB (1TB) RAM, LPDDR5X
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB (UFS 4.0, no microSD)
Rear Cameras	200MP main (f/1.7, OIS), 50MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 10MP 3x (f/2.4), 50MP 5x (f/3.4, 10x hybrid zoom)
Front Camera	12MP (f/2.2)
Battery	5,000mAh, 45W wired (65% in 30 min), 25W wireless (Qi2 with case), 4.5W reverse wireless
Operating System	Android 15, One UI 7, 7 years of OS/security updates
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB-C 3.2, UWB, eSIM + single SIM
Build	Titanium frame, Gorilla Armor 2 (front), Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (back), IP68
Dimensions & Weight	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm, 218g
S Pen	Yes (non-Bluetooth, 4,096 pressure levels)
Additional Features	Samsung DeX, Galaxy AI, ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, Circle to Search

Competition and Value

In the US, Samsung’s carrier dominance shields the Galaxy S25 Ultra from brands like Vivo and Oppo, but it faces the iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,199) and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL ($1,099). The iPhone offers a better 5x zoom and ecosystem but slower charging.

The Pixel excels in AI photography and is $200 cheaper but lacks the S Pen. The OnePlus 13 ($899) offers IP69, faster charging, and a brighter display for $400 less, but limited carrier support hinders its reach.

The Galaxy S25 ($799) and S25+ ($999) share the same chip and software, making them better value for most users. At $1,299, the S25 Ultra’s premium price demands more innovation, especially with competitors closing the gap.

Why It Matters: The S25 Ultra is a safe bet in the US, but its price feels steep when alternatives offer more for less, appealing to tech enthusiasts willing to look beyond carriers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful Chip: Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures blazing-fast performance.
• Gorgeous Display: 6.9-inch AMOLED with anti-reflective coating.
• Long Software Support: Seven years of updates.
• Improved Ultra-Wide Camera: Sharper and better in low light.
• Reliable Battery Life: 1.5–2 days of use.

Cons

• S Pen Downgrade: No Bluetooth functionality.
• Missing Innovations: No silicon carbide battery, IP69, or Qi2 magnets.
• Slow Charging: 45W wired lags behind competitors.
• Pricey: $1,299 feels high for incremental upgrades.
• AI Cost Uncertainty: Free until 2025, but future costs unclear.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium smartphone with a stunning display, powerful performance, and a polished software experience.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite, upgraded ultra-wide camera, and One UI 7 make it a reliable choice, but the lack of groundbreaking features and the S Pen downgrade prevent it from being the best.

At $1,299, it’s a safe option for Samsung fans and carrier shoppers, but alternatives like the OnePlus 13 or Vivo X200 Pro offer more value for enthusiasts. If you’re upgrading from an older device, the S25 Ultra is solid, but S24 Ultra owners can skip this iteration.

What are your thoughts on the Galaxy S25 Ultra? Is it worth the price, or are you eyeing other flagships? Let us know in the comments!