Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is finally here, and it is already making waves with its fresh take on smartphone design and functionality. As the successor to the widely praised Galaxy S24 Ultra, the S25 Ultra aims to set a new benchmark in the premium smartphone category. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review, diving into its design, performance, software, AI features, and more.
Design
The first thing you notice about the Galaxy S25 Ultra is its refined design. Samsung has opted for a lighter and thinner build compared to its predecessor. The device is 15 grams lighter and 0.4 mm thinner, making it the thinnest Ultra phone Samsung has ever produced.
The body features a titanium frame with a compact molecular structure, offering enhanced durability. The Gorilla Glass Armor 2 on the front provides 29% more toughness compared to last year’s model. While testing this might be tricky, Samsung claims this improvement significantly reduces screen damage, as evidenced by 60% fewer screen repairs with the previous generation.
However, the color options are underwhelming. The hero color, “Titanium Silver Blue,” feels dull, and the mismatched back panels and sides give the device an inconsistent appearance. On the bright side, Samsung has finally rounded off the sharp corners, making the phone more ergonomic—though the flat sides may not appeal to everyone.
The bezels are 15% smaller, creating a sleeker look and enabling a slightly larger 6.9-inch display in a smaller overall footprint. This thoughtful adjustment ensures a visually striking, futuristic silhouette.
Display
Samsung is known for its class-leading displays, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra doesn’t disappoint. Featuring the new Hop 3 display technology, this screen promises improved touch response, image quality, and energy efficiency. The anti-reflective coating introduced last year is now even better, cutting screen reflections dramatically and making outdoor visibility exceptional.
With a 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED panel boasting vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a 120Hz refresh rate, the Galaxy S25 Ultra continues to lead the industry in display technology. Whether you’re gaming, watching videos, or simply browsing, the viewing experience is immersive and satisfying.
Performance and Software
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by Samsung’s latest Exynos or Snapdragon chipset (region-dependent), delivering blazing-fast performance. Paired with up to 16GB of RAM, the phone handles multitasking and demanding apps effortlessly. Storage options go up to 1TB, catering to users who need plenty of room for photos, videos, and apps.
One UI 7:
Running on One UI 7, based on Android 14, the Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces a more modern and intuitive software experience. Samsung has revamped the interface to make it cleaner, more customizable, and user-friendly. Widgets and quick settings are now more flexible, allowing users to tailor their home screens to suit their preferences.
The software is not just about aesthetics. It’s lightning-fast, delivering a snappy experience across the board. Samsung has committed to five years of software updates, ensuring the S25 Ultra stays relevant well into the future.
AI Features
Samsung is making a big bet on AI, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the embodiment of this vision. The phone’s AI features can be divided into three categories: Cross-App Actions, Iterative Upgrades, and Personalized AI.
1. Cross-App Actions
This innovative feature allows users to issue commands that span multiple apps. For example, you can hold the power button and say, “Find the next concert and add it to my calendar.” The phone will search online, extract the relevant details, and input them into your calendar. While this feature shows promise, it’s still in its infancy and needs refinement. Issues like adding outdated events to the calendar highlight its current limitations.
2. Iterative AI Upgrades
Samsung has enhanced existing AI capabilities:
- AI Select: Automatically highlights key content on the screen without user input, making it easier to share or save.
- Generative Editor: Improved to remove distractions from photos and fill gaps seamlessly.
- Bixby Enhancements: Now supports more natural language, allowing for conversational commands.
- Circle to Search: Can now identify background music in videos without needing third-party apps like Shazam.
- Call Transcriptions: Automatically records and transcribes calls into a searchable text format.
- Browser Summaries: Uses AI to summarize webpages and read them aloud.
3. Personalized AI
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s AI capabilities are tailored to individual users. By analyzing emails, reminders, and browsing history (with permission), the phone provides contextually relevant notifications and suggestions. For instance, it can remind you about an expiring coupon or notify you about traffic delays before your flight.
This level of personalization raises concerns about privacy, but Samsung has assured users that all data is handled securely. However, the AI suite will transition to a subscription model in 2026, raising questions about future costs.
Camera
The camera system on the Galaxy S25 Ultra builds upon the strengths of its predecessor. The 200MP main sensor delivers exceptional detail and low-light performance. The upgraded telephoto lens now supports 10x optical zoom and improved image stabilization, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects.
The ultra-wide lens excels in dynamic range, ensuring consistent performance in various lighting conditions. AI-powered features like Smart Select and Drawing Assist enhance creativity, allowing users to create unique visuals effortlessly. Video capabilities are equally impressive, with support for 8K recording at 30fps.
Battery and Charging
The Galaxy S25 Ultra retains its 5,000mAh battery capacity, which is commendable. Thanks to efficiency gains from the new display technology and processor, users can expect an extra hour of video playback. Charging speeds remain competitive, though Samsung could have pushed for faster charging to match its rivals.
Privacy and Security
Samsung has bolstered the security features of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The phone includes an advanced fingerprint scanner and facial recognition, ensuring secure access. The Secure Folder provides a private space for sensitive files and apps. Samsung Knox continues to deliver enterprise-grade security, protecting user data from potential threats.
Price and Availability
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra is undoubtedly a premium device, the pricing reflects its high-end positioning. Samsung’s decision to charge for AI features in the future may deter some buyers, but the phone’s hardware and software innovations justify the investment for many.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Price in India ₹1,29,999
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Price in Nepal NPR 199,999(expected)
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Price in USD $1,299
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a statement of intent from Samsung. It’s not just about iterative upgrades; it’s about redefining what a smartphone can be. From its sleek design and stunning display to its advanced AI features and powerful performance, the S25 Ultra sets a new standard in the industry.
However, it’s not without flaws. The color options are uninspired, and some AI features feel like works in progress. The upcoming subscription model for AI capabilities also raises concerns about long-term value.
If you’re looking for a cutting-edge smartphone that pushes the boundaries of technology, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is worth considering. But if you’re not ready to embrace AI subscriptions or can’t overlook its minor shortcomings, you may want to explore other options.
Ultimately, the Galaxy S25 Ultra represents the future of smartphones—a device that’s as intelligent as it is beautiful. The question is: Are you ready to join Samsung on this journey?
