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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a refined powerhouse that swaps sharp edges for rounded corners and features the class-leading Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It is the peak of Android power, though it removes S-Pen Bluetooth functionality in favor of raw performance and AI efficiency.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra arrives as the most powerful Android phone ever built. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and a refined ergonomic design, it aims to solve the S24 Ultra's few flaws. This Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review explores whether the 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED 2X display and updated 50MP ultrawide sensor justify the $1,300 price tag.
Design and Ergonomics: Fixing the 'Jabbing' Issue
For years, the Ultra line has been defined by its sharp, monolithic corners. While they looked professional, they were notorious for digging into palms during long sessions. With the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung has finally listened. The transition to a refined design with rounded corners and flat edges marks the most significant ergonomic shift since the series adopted the Note's DNA.
Handling the device feels fundamentally different. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is approximately 14 grams lighter than the previous model, weighing 218 grams compared to the 232 grams of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This reduction, combined with a slimmer 8.2mm profile, makes it one of the most pocketable large-screen phones we have tested. The brushed titanium frame feels premium and resists fingerprints better than polished alternatives, while the anti-reflective screen coating on the 6.9-inch display continues to be a game-changer for outdoor visibility.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra rounded corners vs S24 Ultra design debate will likely split purists, but from a real-world usage perspective, the ergonomic jabbing issues are gone. Samsung has managed to increase the screen real estate slightly by trimming bezels, giving you a massive canvas that feels surprisingly nimble.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite and Thermal Reality
Under the hood, this is an iteration done right. The device is powered by the 3nm process technology found in the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. This isn't just a incremental bump; the Galaxy S25 Ultra Snapdragon 8 Elite performance represents a massive leap in raw compute.
In our testing, the CPU is 30% faster and the GPU is 37% faster than the previous generation. In Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmarks, the Galaxy S25 Ultra achieved a score of 9,763, representing a 46.2% increase in performance over the Galaxy S24 Ultra's score of 6,675.
To keep this power in check, Samsung utilized an enlarged vapor chamber cooling system that is 40% larger than before. During extended Galaxy S25 Ultra Snapdragon 8 Elite gaming performance tests, we noticed the device maintained higher frame rates for longer periods in titles like Genshin Impact and Warzone Mobile. The Ray tracing capabilities are particularly impressive, providing desktop-like lighting effects that the LTPO AMOLED 2X display renders beautifully at 120Hz.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Weight | 218g | 232g |
| Display | 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED 2X (498 PPI) | 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Ultrawide Camera | 50MP | 12MP |
| S Pen | Standard (No Bluetooth) | Bluetooth-enabled |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
Camera Shootout: The 50MP Ultrawide Upgrade
While the 200MP main sensor remains the star of the show, the real story in Samsung S25 Ultra camera improvements is the new 50MP ultrawide sensor. Moving from 12MP to 50MP allows for significantly more detail in landscape shots, but more importantly, it enables high-resolution macro photography.
In our test shots of Samsung S25 Ultra 50MP ultrawide camera macro photos, we saw textures in flower petals and insect wings that were previously blurred. The ProVisual Engine has also been tuned to reduce the warm color-casting often seen in previous models, opting for a more neutral, true-to-life color science.
The periscope telephoto lens and optical image stabilization work in tandem to deliver crisp 10x and 30x shots. While 100x zoom remains more of a parlor trick, the AI-driven processing does a better job of cleaning up "digital noise" than the S24 Ultra, making those moon shots look slightly more organic and less like a watercolor painting.
Software and AI: One UI 7 and the 'Now Bar'
The software experience centers on the One UI 7 interface, which feels more fluid thanks to revamped animations. The standout feature is the Now Bar, a persistent UI element that provides real-time updates for things like sports scores or Uber rides without needing to open an app.
Samsung is leaning heavily into localized AI. The Personal Data Engine processes your sensitive information on-device rather than in the cloud, which speeds up tasks like live translation and generative editing. We found the AI Audio Eraser for video to be particularly useful for removing wind noise or background chatter during outdoor vlogs.
However, there is a trade-off for all this internal power. In a surprising move, the Galaxy S25 Ultra S Pen Bluetooth features removed from the hardware mean you can no longer use the stylus as a remote camera shutter or a presentation clicker.
While the S Pen still offers incredible precision for note-taking and multi-window multitasking, the loss of remote connectivity is a blow to those who used their Ultra as a content creation hub. It seems Samsung decided to prioritize the internal layout and thermal management over the Bluetooth module in the pen.
Battery Life and Real-World Endurance
Even though the battery capacity remains at 5,000mAh, the efficiency of the 3nm process technology in the Snapdragon chip makes a noticeable difference. In our Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra battery life real world test, the device consistently outlasted the S24 Ultra by about 45 to 60 minutes of screen-on time.
The phone is also Qi2-ready, which simplifies magnetic alignment for wireless charging and accessories. While wired charging speeds haven't seen a massive jump, the improved thermal profile means the phone can sustain its peak charging rate for longer without slowing down due to heat.
The Upgrade Matrix: S22 vs S23 vs S24 Owners
Deciding to spend $1,300 requires looking at what you currently have in your pocket. This Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra upgrade guide breaks down the value:
- S22 Ultra Owners: This is a massive leap. You gain a significantly faster processor, much better battery life, and the new titanium design. It is a highly recommended upgrade.
- S23 Ultra Owners: You will notice the improved ergonomics and the jump in AI features. If you feel your current phone is getting warm or heavy, the 14g weight reduction is a valid reason to switch.
- S24 Ultra Owners: This is a tougher sell. Unless you specifically want the rounded corners or the 50MP ultrawide for macro work, your current device is still a top-tier performer.
Current trade-in values remain aggressive, with some carriers offering between $365 and $454 for a base S24 Ultra, significantly lowering the entry price for the new peak of Android.
FAQ
Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra worth the upgrade?
If you are coming from a device that is two years or older, the answer is a resounding yes. The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Elite performance and the improved ergonomics makes it a significantly better daily driver than the S22 or S23 Ultra. For S24 owners, it is more about whether you value the rounded design and macro camera.
What are the key differences between the S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra?
The most obvious changes are the rounded corners and the 14g weight reduction. Internally, the S25 Ultra moves to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, replaces the 12MP ultrawide with a 50MP sensor, and introduces One UI 7 with the Now Bar. However, the S25 Ultra loses the Bluetooth functionality in the S Pen.
How does the S25 Ultra camera compare to previous models?
The S25 Ultra offers much sharper wide-angle and macro shots thanks to the new 50MP ultrawide sensor. The ProVisual Engine provides more natural color rendering than the S24 Ultra, and the AI-driven zoom processing produces cleaner images at high magnification levels.
What is the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
While it still uses a 5,000mAh battery, the efficiency of the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip allows it to last longer than its predecessor. In typical usage, you can expect a full day of heavy use with roughly 10-15% more remaining power at the end of the day compared to the S24 Ultra.
Does the S25 Ultra have a new design?
Yes, the design has been refined to include rounded corners that eliminate the palm-piercing feel of previous models. It also features a brushed titanium frame and is significantly lighter and thinner than the S24 Ultra, making it much easier to hold.
What are the best new AI features in the S25 Ultra?
The Now Bar is a standout, providing persistent real-time updates on the interface. The Personal Data Engine allows for faster, more secure on-device processing of AI tasks, and the new AI Audio Eraser for video is incredibly effective at cleaning up distracting background noise.