The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra didn’t immediately feel groundbreaking when I first started using it. It looked like an evolution rather than a revolution. But after a week of living with it, I began to appreciate how much polish Samsung has added to nearly every corner of the experience. From the titanium frame to the smarter camera AI and smoother One UI animations, this phone is less about showing off and more about mastering the details. It feels like Samsung finally reached the version of “Ultra” it has been chasing for years.
Design & Build
The S25 Ultra is a premium device in every sense. Samsung replaced the aluminum frame with titanium, which makes it sturdier without adding extra bulk. The matte glass back resists fingerprints and has a softer texture that feels great in the hand. The squared-off edges from earlier Ultras have been softened slightly, which improves grip and comfort.
It’s a large phone with a 6.9-inch display, so it will never be ideal for one-handed use. But the balance of weight and thickness makes it surprisingly manageable. The phone has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, which helps it withstand splashes and occasional outdoor use without worry.
The S Pen remains tucked neatly in its slot on the bottom corner. Samsung simplified its features this time, focusing on quick note-taking, sketching, and precision editing. I used it most for signing PDFs and drawing over screenshots, and it still delivers the accuracy and low latency that makes the S Pen special.
Performance and One UI / AI
Powering the S25 Ultra is Qualcomm’s custom Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, and it shows. Apps open instantly, multitasking feels effortless, and demanding games run at maximum settings without frame drops. Even during extended gaming or 4K video recording sessions, the phone stayed cool and responsive.
The new Galaxy AI suite is where the S25 Ultra distinguishes itself. Tools like Live Translate, Circle to Search, Note Assist, and Generative Edit feel practical rather than gimmicky. Live Translate worked surprisingly well during mixed-language phone calls, and Circle to Search became something I used daily while browsing social media or reading news.
Samsung’s One UI 7 is the smoothest version yet. The interface feels unified and fast, and the extra customization options make it easy to set up exactly how you want. Samsung has trimmed unnecessary features, making the software experience clean and intuitive.
Display and Audio
The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is as close to perfect as a phone screen can get. It offers a QHD+ resolution, 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, and incredible brightness. Outdoors under direct sunlight, I never struggled to read the screen. HDR content looks vibrant, and the contrast levels make movies and games pop with depth and realism.
Audio performance matches the visual quality. The stereo speakers produce a balanced, immersive sound profile. Vocals are crisp, mids are detailed, and while the bass doesn’t rival a small speaker, it’s strong for a phone. Bluetooth audio is stable and low-latency, especially with Galaxy Buds or other high-end earbuds.
Camera and Imaging
The S25 Ultra uses a 200 MP main sensor paired with a 50 MP 5x telephoto, a 10 MP 3x telephoto, and a 50 MP ultra-wide camera. The result is a camera system that handles nearly every situation.
Daytime shots are vibrant and detailed with excellent dynamic range. The 5x zoom is a standout, capturing clear photos that retain sharpness and accurate color. Even at 10x zoom, the quality remains strong enough for social media or casual sharing. Low-light photos show noticeable improvements, with brighter results and reduced grain compared to the S24 Ultra. However, fine texture can still be lost in dark scenes because of over-processing.
Video quality is excellent. It supports 8K recording at 30 fps and 4K at 120 fps with strong stabilization. Autofocus tracks moving subjects well, and HDR10+ support keeps exposure balanced. For vlogging or mobile content creation, this phone can easily replace a small camera.
Battery and Charging
Battery performance is another highlight. The 5,000 mAh battery easily lasted me through a full day of mixed use, often ending with 20 to 25 percent remaining. That included video playback, photography, web browsing, and AI tools running in the background. Even under heavy use, it rarely dipped below 10 hours of screen time.
Wired charging reaches 45W, and wireless supports 15W. It’s not the fastest on the market, but I reached around 60 percent in half an hour. Reverse wireless charging also came in handy for powering earbuds and a smartwatch during travel.
Price and Value
At $1,299, the Galaxy S25 Ultra commands a serious premium. But it delivers an equally serious experience. Between the titanium build, long-term software support, and its combination of power and intelligence, it feels like a true flagship meant to last several years. Samsung also promises seven years of Android and security updates, which strengthens its long-term value.
That said, the Ultra is not for everyone. The size and price limit its audience to power users, creators, and professionals who genuinely use its advanced features. Those who just want a reliable smartphone could save a significant amount with the Galaxy S25 or another high-end Android option.
Pros
- Outstanding performance from Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- Beautiful 6.9-inch AMOLED display with top-tier brightness
- Versatile camera system with detailed photos and stable video
- Useful AI tools that enhance daily tasks
- Durable titanium build and premium design
- Seven years of software updates for longevity
Cons
- Large size makes one-handed use difficult
- AI tools are still inconsistent in accuracy
- Charging speeds lag behind some competitors
- Low-light photos occasionally lose texture
- High price puts it out of reach for casual users
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of the most refined smartphones available today. It combines elegant design, incredible performance, and genuinely helpful AI features in a package that feels polished and professional. The display and camera rank among the best in the industry, and the long software support ensures it will stay relevant for years.
It’s expensive, oversized, and occasionally overpowered for everyday use, but that’s part of what makes it the “Ultra.” For users who want the best Samsung has to offer and are willing to pay for it, the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers excellence across the board.
Overall Score: 9.1 out of 10
