S25 Ultra Review

Samsung has continued its trend of releasing cutting-edge flagship smartphones with the introduction of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This highly anticipated successor to the Galaxy S24 Ultra promises a host of upgrades in design, performance, display, battery, and camera technology. But are these changes meaningful enough to warrant an upgrade? This review and comparison will provide a comprehensive analysis of how the S25 Ultra stands against its predecessor, helping you determine which device is the right fit for your needs.

1. Design and Build Quality: Sleek Refinements

The design of a smartphone is a crucial factor for many buyers, combining aesthetics, comfort, and durability. Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the S25 Ultra excel in this regard, but Samsung has introduced key refinements in its latest flagship.

S24 Ultra: Classic and Sturdy

The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a titanium-reinforced aluminum frame, ensuring a balance between durability and weight. Its rectangular design with flat top and bottom edges provides a modern and robust feel. Available in four color options—Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender—it caters to various style preferences.

S25 Ultra Review: Enhanced Comfort and Lighter Build

With the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung has upgraded to a full titanium frame, offering superior strength while making the device lighter. The rounded corners improve ergonomics, making it easier to hold for extended periods. The new color options, including Phantom Titanium, Graphite Black, and Emerald Blue, add a luxurious touch.

Practical Insights:

• Portability: The S25 Ultra’s lighter build (218 grams vs. 232 grams) makes it more portable and less fatiguing to use.
• Durability: The full titanium frame not only enhances the premium feel but also improves resistance to bending and drops.
• Ergonomics: The rounded design of the S25 Ultra is more comfortable for prolonged use, catering to users who prioritize comfort.

2. Display: Bigger, Brighter, and Better Protected

Display quality is another key selling point of Samsung’s flagship devices. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays on both phones deliver stunning visuals, but the S25 Ultra introduces some incremental improvements.

S24 Ultra: A Near-Perfect Display

The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers 1440 x 3120 resolution, 2600 nits peak brightness, and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides excellent scratch resistance and drop protection.

S25 Ultra Review: Incremental Enhancements

The Galaxy S25 Ultra builds upon this with a slightly larger 6.9-inch display and upgrades the protection to Gorilla Glass Victus 3. This new glass is more resistant to scratches and drops, making it more durable in daily use.

Key Differences:

1. Larger Screen: The slightly increased size (6.9 inches) enhances the multimedia and gaming experience.
2. Durability: Gorilla Glass Victus 3 ensures better longevity and drop resistance, particularly beneficial for users prone to accidental mishaps.

3. Performance: Power and Efficiency Combined

The performance of a smartphone can make or break its user experience. Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S25 Ultra with the latest hardware, ensuring it remains ahead of the competition.

S24 Ultra: A Performance Beast

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, the S24 Ultra delivers excellent performance across demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking. Paired with 12GB RAM and storage options of up to 1TB, it’s built for power users.

S25 Ultra Review: A New Benchmark

The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy in the S25 Ultra takes performance to the next level. It offers 15% faster CPU speeds, 20% GPU improvement, and better energy efficiency. The new AI-driven cooling system ensures sustained performance under heavy workloads, making it perfect for gaming and video editing.

Real-World Impact:

• Gaming: The S25 Ultra delivers smoother frame rates and improved graphics performance, ideal for resource-intensive games.
• Thermal Management: The AI-controlled cooling system keeps the device cooler, ensuring consistent performance during long gaming sessions or 4K video editing.

4. Camera: Elevating Mobile Photography

Samsung has a reputation for pushing the boundaries of smartphone photography, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra lives up to this legacy with notable upgrades.

S24 Ultra: Versatile and Reliable

The 200 MP primary sensor, dual telephoto lenses, and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera make the S24 Ultra a versatile photography tool. Night mode and AI scene detection further enhance its capabilities.

S25 Ultra Review: Enhanced Versatility

The S25 Ultra retains the same 200 MP main camera but upgrades the ultra-wide lens from 12 MP to 50 MP, delivering sharper and more detailed wide-angle shots. AI enhancements improve low-light photography, while 8K video recording is now supported at 60 fps, compared to 30 fps on the S24 Ultra.

Who Benefits Most:

• Content Creators: The enhanced ultra-wide lens and improved video capabilities make the S25 Ultra a better choice for vlogging and professional-grade photography.
• Night Photography Enthusiasts: Improved AI processing ensures brighter and clearer night shots.

5. Battery and Charging: Faster and More Efficient

Battery life and charging speeds have seen significant upgrades in the S25 Ultra.

S24 Ultra: Reliable Battery Life

The 5000 mAh battery in the S24 Ultra supports 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, providing reliable day-long performance.

S25 Ultra Review: Power That Lasts

The S25 Ultra increases battery capacity to 5500 mAh, offering up to 10% longer usage time. Charging speeds are upgraded to 65W wired and 30W wireless, while reverse wireless charging is doubled to 10W.

Key Takeaways:

• Heavy Users: The S25 Ultra’s larger battery and faster charging make it more suitable for power users who demand all-day performance.
• Convenience: Faster wireless charging minimizes downtime, even for users who rely heavily on wireless accessories.

6. Software and Features: Smarter and More Connected

S24 Ultra: Refined and Feature-Rich

The S24 Ultra runs on Android 14 with One UI 6.0, offering features like DeX mode for desktop-like functionality and seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem.

S25 Ultra Review: Smarter and More Intuitive

With Android 15 and One UI 6.5, the S25 Ultra introduces advanced multitasking tools, AI-driven widgets, and better connectivity with smart home devices.

7. Pricing and Value: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is still an exceptional device for those seeking flagship performance without paying the premium price of the latest model. However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra justifies its higher cost with meaningful upgrades in performance, battery life, camera capabilities, and software features.

If you value cutting-edge technology, the S25 Ultra is the clear choice. For those looking for excellent value, the S24 Ultra remains a great option.