The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has arrived with a price tag of $1,299, and at first glance, it may seem very similar to last year’s S24 Ultra. At this price point, you might be wondering, “What new features does this phone offer?” Is it worth upgrading, or has Samsung played it safe? Let’s break down the design, performance, and features to find out.
Design: Subtle Changes That Don’t Really Matter
At first, the Galaxy S25 Ultra looks almost identical to its predecessor. The edges are a little boxier, the bezels thinner, and the screen size is 6.9 inches—just a small increase from the previous 6.8 inches.
Additionally, Samsung added a more durable Gorilla Glass on the front, but remember, it’s still glass. The camera rings are slightly more pronounced, adding a touch of flair, but none of these changes make a significant impact on usability.
While these aesthetic tweaks are nice, they don’t change the fact that this phone’s true power lies inside.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Chip Delivers Exceptional Power
The real star of the S25 Ultra is its Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. If you read the OnePlus 13 review, you’ll know that in 2025, several flagships are using this cutting-edge chip. The S25 Ultra is no exception, and it delivers outstanding performance. It benchmarks crazy high, rivaling Apple’s A18 Pro chip—with higher scores in multi-core performance.
Using this phone is a breeze, with the interface feeling smoother and more efficient than ever. Samsung paired this chip with a 40% larger vapor chamber, ensuring that the device doesn’t overheat during regular use.
Performance Summary:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite chip provides blazing-fast speeds
- No Exynos chips: Global versions get the same chip for a consistent experience
- Efficient cooling keeps the phone cool
Software: One UI 7 and AI Features
One of the standout features of Samsung phones has always been One UI, and the S25 Ultra brings the latest One UI 7 with Android 15. Over time, it’s clear that Samsung has taken inspiration from iOS while putting their unique spin on it.
Innovative Features:
- Now Bar: This new feature shows ongoing activities like timers, Google Maps navigation, and media playback in a convenient spot at the bottom of the screen.
- New Notification Shade: You can swipe down from either side of the screen to access quick controls or notifications, with an option to customize it to your liking.
- Lock Screen Customization: Much like iOS, but with more styles and options for personalization.
However, not all AI features are a hit. Some, like the Object Eraser in the Photos app, are genuinely useful, while others, like the Daily Briefs, feel underwhelming.
S Pen: A Downgrade That Might Frustrate Some Users
The S Pen has been a hallmark feature of Samsung’s Ultra series, but this year, Samsung made a controversial decision. They removed the Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen, which means you can no longer use it as a remote control shutter for the camera or for media playback.
While this may seem like a reasonable decision based on the fact that less than 1% of users actually used this feature, it leaves some feeling disappointed. The removal of this feature takes away a unique capability that made the S Pen stand out from the crowd.
Camera: 50 Megapixel Ultra-Wide and Consistent Performance
Despite the S25 Ultra being a minor upgrade from last year’s model, Samsung has made a solid improvement to the camera. The new 50 MP ultra-wide camera is a noticeable upgrade, providing sharper corner-to-corner shots and better low-light performance. While the other cameras remain relatively unchanged, the 50 MP ultra-wide camera is a nice touch for those who care about photography.
Key Camera Features:
- 50 MP ultra-wide camera: Better image quality, especially in low light
- Camera performance: Fast autofocus and solid processing
- Consistent results: Samsung’s camera still delivers impressive photos
Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra Really Worth $1,299?
While the S25 Ultra is undeniably an excellent phone, it’s not the best. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and improved camera make it a powerful device, but there are missed opportunities. Features like IP69 certification, Qi2 magnets, and silicon carbide batteries are absent, leading many to question whether Samsung could’ve pushed the envelope further.
For $1,299, it’s understandable to expect the best. However, the S25 Ultra’s strategy seems to be all about playing it safe. Samsung knows that in markets like the US, they’re the go-to safe choice, and this phone will satisfy many, but it won’t blow anyone away.
Alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
If you’re looking for something that offers better value, consider these options:
- OnePlus 13: Offers a brighter display, better battery life, and a lower price tag of $799.
- Vivo X200 Pro: A great choice for those who prioritize camera performance and don’t mind importing the device.
Conclusion: Good, But Not the Best
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a great phone, but it’s hard to ignore its missed opportunities. It’s fast, features an impressive camera, and comes with Samsung’s signature software, but it lacks a few key features that could’ve made it truly remarkable. For $1,299, you might expect more than just incremental updates.
If you’re already entrenched in the Samsung ecosystem, you’ll be pleased, but if you’re open to alternatives, you might find better value elsewhere. Regardless, the S25 Ultra is still one of the best phones on the market—just not the best it could have been.
FAQ – Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The design of the S25 Ultra remains very similar to the S24 Ultra, with subtle tweaks like boxier edges, thinner bezels, and a slightly larger screen (6.9 inches). Samsung also upgraded the durability with a more robust Gorilla Glass but didn’t make any major changes in usability.
Yes, the 50 MP ultra-wide camera on the S25 Ultra is a significant improvement. It offers sharper corner-to-corner shots and performs better in low-light conditions compared to the previous model. However, the other cameras remain mostly unchanged.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip provides impressive performance, with multi-core benchmarks that rival Apple’s A18 Pro chip. It ensures smooth performance and exceptional speed, making the S25 Ultra one of the most efficient devices in its class. The phone is paired with a 40% larger vapor chamber for better cooling.
Yes, the S Pen has been downgraded in the S25 Ultra. Samsung removed the Bluetooth functionality, which means you can no longer use it for remote control shutter or media controls. Additionally, some other features, like IP69 certification, Qi2 magnets, and silicon carbide batteries, are missing.
At $1,299, the S25 Ultra is an impressive phone, but it doesn’t offer the best features in its class. While it has the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and improved camera performance, some expected features were left out. If you’re looking for a phone with a bit more innovation, you might want to explore alternatives.
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