Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra arrives in early 2025, solidifying Samsung's position at the pinnacle of the smartphone market. As the successor to the highly acclaimed S24 Ultra, this device promises an iterative yet significant upgrade, focusing on refining user experience through enhanced performance, a more intelligent camera system, and further software integration. Built for power users and photography enthusiasts alike, the S25 Ultra aims to be an all-encompassing device that seamlessly transitions between productivity, entertainment, and creative pursuits. Its launch on January 22, 2025, and release on February 3, 2025, marks a predictable but welcome update to Samsung's flagship lineup. The core philosophy remains: to deliver an uncompromising mobile experience with top-tier hardware and a feature-rich software ecosystem. This review will delve into the nuances of what makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra stand out, examining its specifications and the real-world impact of its advancements.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S25 Ultra retains the familiar, sophisticated aesthetic that has become synonymous with the Ultra line, yet introduces subtle but impactful material enhancements. Measuring 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm and weighing 218 grams, it offers a substantial feel without being overly cumbersome. The front is protected by the advanced Corning Gorilla Armor 2, promising superior scratch resistance and reduced reflections. The back also utilizes a robust Gorilla Glass Victus 2, ensuring durability against everyday wear and tear. The frame is constructed from grade 5 titanium, a premium material that not only adds to the device's perceived quality but also offers a lighter and stronger build compared to previous aluminum frames. The inclusion of a stylus is a defining feature, seamlessly integrated into the chassis, offering enhanced productivity and creative possibilities. The IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, provides peace of mind for users in various environments. The SIM tray configuration offers flexibility, supporting multiple Nano-SIM and eSIM combinations depending on the region, with international models accommodating up to four active SIM connections (2 Nano-SIM + 2 eSIM). The overall design is a testament to Samsung's commitment to premium build quality and functional elegance.

Display

The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a breathtaking 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display. This panel boasts a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and an impressive peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring vibrant colors and exceptional clarity even in direct sunlight. With a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, it offers a pixel density of approximately 498 ppi, resulting in incredibly sharp visuals. The screen-to-body ratio of around 92.5% maximizes the immersive viewing experience. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2, a significant upgrade that not only enhances durability but also incorporates a DX anti-reflective coating, reducing glare and improving readability. The 'Always-on display' feature provides at-a-glance information without waking the entire screen. In tests, the display achieved a measured maximum brightness of 1417 nits, confirming its prowess in delivering stunning visual fidelity under various lighting conditions. The combination of advanced display technology and robust protection makes this one of the finest mobile displays available.

Performance

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the cutting-edge Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, built on a highly efficient 3 nm process. This new flagship silicon boasts an octa-core CPU configuration: 2x4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores for peak performance and 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M cores for efficient multitasking. Paired with the Adreno 830 GPU, this combination delivers exceptional graphical capabilities and raw processing power. Synthetic benchmarks reflect this prowess, with AnTuTu scoring 2,207,809, GeekBench reaching 9,846, and 3DMark's Wild Life Extreme hitting 6,887. These figures place the S25 Ultra at the forefront of mobile performance, capable of handling the most demanding applications, high-fidelity gaming, and complex AI tasks with ease. The device is available with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and UFS 4.0 storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, ensuring swift app loading times and seamless multitasking. The integration of Wi-Fi 7 further enhances its connectivity performance, promising faster and more stable wireless speeds.

Software and User Interface

The Galaxy S25 Ultra launches with Android 15, overlaid with Samsung's refined One UI 7. This software combination promises a fluid, intuitive, and feature-rich user experience. Samsung's commitment to longevity is evident with the promise of up to 7 major Android version upgrades, ensuring the device remains current and secure for an extended period. One UI 7 builds upon the established strengths of its predecessors, offering enhanced customization options, improved multitasking features, and deeper integration with Samsung's ecosystem. Features like Samsung DeX and Samsung Wireless DeX provide a desktop-like experience, transforming the smartphone into a powerful productivity tool when connected to an external display. The inclusion of 'Circle to Search' further streamlines information retrieval and interaction. The ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor, along with an array of other sensors including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer, contribute to a comprehensive and responsive user interface. The software is designed to leverage the powerful hardware, offering a seamless and intelligent user experience.

Camera

The camera system on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerhouse, designed to capture stunning photos and videos in any scenario. The quad-camera setup on the rear is headlined by a massive 200 MP wide sensor (f/1.7, 24mm, 1/1.3", 0.6µm) with multi-directional PDAF and OIS for exceptional detail and stability. It is complemented by a 10 MP telephoto lens (f/2.4, 67mm, 1/3.52", 1.12µm) offering 3x optical zoom with PDAF and OIS, and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens (f/3.4, 111mm, 1/2.52", 0.7µm) providing a remarkable 5x optical zoom, also with PDAF and OIS. A 50 MP ultrawide lens (f/1.9, 120˚, 0.7µm) with dual pixel PDAF and Super Steady video capabilities completes the versatile array. Features like Laser AF, Best Face, LED flash, auto-HDR, and panorama enhance the photographic experience. Video recording is equally impressive, with support for 8K at 24/30fps, 4K at up to 120fps, and 1080p at up to 240fps, including 10-bit HDR and HDR10+ support, along with stereo sound recording and gyro-EIS. The 12 MP selfie camera (f/2.2, 26mm, 1/3.2", 1.12µm) with dual pixel PDAF and HDR10+ ensures high-quality front-facing shots and 4K video recording. This camera system is poised to set new benchmarks for mobile photography.

Battery Life

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is equipped with a robust 5000 mAh Li-Ion battery, designed to provide all-day power for even the most demanding users. It supports 45W wired charging, which is capable of achieving a 65% charge in approximately 30 minutes, thanks to PD3.0 technology. For wireless charging, the device supports 15W wireless charging, with Qi2 compatibility ensuring broader accessory support. Furthermore, it features 4.5W reverse wireless charging, allowing users to power up compatible accessories like earbuds or smartwatches on the go. While the exact 'Active use score' from tests isn't fully detailed in the provided specs, the substantial battery capacity combined with the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and LTPO display technology suggests excellent endurance. This combination of a large battery and fast, versatile charging options ensures that users will spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time enjoying their device.

Connectivity and Networking

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers comprehensive and cutting-edge connectivity options. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 standards, with tri-band support and Wi-Fi Direct for robust and fast wireless networking. Bluetooth connectivity is at version 5.4, supporting A2DP and LE for efficient and reliable wireless audio and device pairing. For location services, it utilizes a full suite of global navigation satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS, ensuring accurate positioning. NFC is integrated for contactless payments and quick pairing. The device does not include an FM radio. The USB Type-C 3.2 port is versatile, supporting DisplayPort 1.2 for external display output and OTG functionality for connecting peripherals. The inclusion of Ultra Wideband (UWB) support further enhances its connectivity for precise spatial awareness and seamless device interaction. This array of connectivity features ensures the S25 Ultra is well-equipped for the modern connected world.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra positions itself as the king of Android flagships, aiming to outperform its predecessors and contemporary rivals. Compared to the S24 Ultra, expect incremental but meaningful upgrades in the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, likely leading to better sustained performance and efficiency. The display's peak brightness and anti-reflective coating are also noteworthy advancements. Its camera system, with refined sensors and processing, will likely offer superior low-light performance and zoom capabilities. In comparison to other top-tier devices like the latest iPhones or Google Pixel flagships, the S25 Ultra's strengths lie in its unparalleled versatility, particularly its stylus integration, the comprehensive DeX ecosystem, and its exceptionally powerful and adaptable camera hardware. While competitors might excel in specific areas like AI integration or software simplicity, the S25 Ultra aims for an all-encompassing premium experience. Its commitment to long-term software support also sets it apart from many Android rivals who offer shorter upgrade cycles. The price point, starting at €1,159.88, places it firmly in the premium segment, a justifiable cost for the cutting-edge technology and features it offers.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stands as a formidable flagship, meticulously engineered to deliver an uncompromising mobile experience. Its fusion of a powerhouse Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a breathtaking display, and a revolutionary camera system makes it a top contender for those seeking the pinnacle of smartphone technology. The premium titanium build, integrated stylus, and extensive software support further solidify its position as a device built for longevity and unparalleled productivity. While the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack and its premium price tag are points to consider, the S25 Ultra offers a compelling package for power users, content creators, and anyone who demands the very best from their smartphone. Samsung has once again raised the bar, offering a device that not only meets but often exceeds the expectations of the most discerning consumers. It's a testament to their commitment to innovation and a clear statement of intent in the competitive premium smartphone market.