Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: Samsung's Most Powerful Flagship Yet

The Galaxy S25 Ultra represents Samsung's pinnacle of smartphone engineering, combining cutting-edge AI capabilities, professional-grade photography, and the iconic S Pen in a device that pushes the boundaries of what Android can achieve.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Display	6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive, 2600 nits peak brightness
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy (3nm), Octa-core CPU
Memory	12GB/16GB RAM (LPDDR5X)
Main Camera	200MP ISOCELL HP2, f/1.7, OIS, Laser AF
Telephoto	50MP Periscope (5x optical), 10MP (3x optical)
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2, 120° field of view
Video Recording	8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, Super Steady mode
Battery	5,500mAh, 65W wired, 25W wireless, reverse wireless
Storage Options	256GB, 512GB, 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Build	Titanium frame, Gorilla Armor glass, 8.6mm thick, 232g weight
Water Resistance	IP68 (1.5m for 30 minutes)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 7, 5G, Ultra Wideband, Bluetooth 5.4
Operating System	Android 15 with One UI 7 and Galaxy AI
S Pen	Integrated, 2.8ms latency, AI-powered features
Colors	Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow
Price	$1,299 (256GB) - $1,699 (1TB)

Design and Build Quality

Samsung has refined the Ultra design language with the S25 Ultra, creating a more ergonomic and premium device. The titanium frame is lighter and more durable than previous aluminum frames, while the new Gorilla Armor glass offers exceptional scratch resistance and reduced reflections.

The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is simply stunning, with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate that scales from 1Hz to 120Hz for optimal battery efficiency. Peak brightness of 2600 nits ensures perfect visibility even in direct sunlight. The bezels are incredibly thin, achieving a 91% screen-to-body ratio.

At 8.6mm thick and weighing 232 grams, the S25 Ultra feels substantial but not heavy. The slightly curved edges make it more comfortable to hold than the S24 Ultra, and the integrated S Pen adds tremendous versatility without compromising the design.

Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy is a custom-tuned powerhouse built on a 3nm process. This exclusive chip delivers:

• 35% faster CPU performance compared to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• 40% faster GPU performance with ray tracing support
• Enhanced AI Engine for on-device Galaxy AI features
• 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X RAM for exceptional multitasking

In real-world usage, the S25 Ultra handles everything effortlessly. Apps launch instantly, multitasking between dozens of apps is seamless, and demanding games like Genshin Impact and Fortnite run at maximum settings with sustained performance thanks to the advanced vapor chamber cooling system.

Galaxy AI: Intelligence Everywhere

What sets the S25 Ultra apart is Galaxy AI, Samsung's comprehensive AI ecosystem that runs primarily on-device for privacy and speed.

Circle to Search with AI

The enhanced Circle to Search now understands context better than ever. Simply circle, highlight, or tap anything on screen to search, translate, or get AI-powered explanations. It now works seamlessly with the S Pen for precise selections.

Live Translate

Real-time translation during phone calls now supports 50+ languages with improved accuracy. The AI understands context and idioms, making conversations feel natural even across language barriers.

Note Assist with S Pen

Samsung Notes now features AI-powered summarization, formatting, and even handwriting-to-text conversion that preserves your writing style. The S Pen integration makes note-taking incredibly natural and productive.

Photo Assist

AI-powered photo editing can remove objects, change backgrounds, adjust lighting, and even generate missing parts of photos with remarkable accuracy. The Generative Edit feature is like having a professional photo editor in your pocket.

Transcript Assist

Record meetings or lectures and get AI-generated transcripts with speaker identification, summaries, and action items automatically extracted.

Camera System: 200MP Powerhouse

The camera system on the S25 Ultra is exceptional:

Main Camera: 200MP ISOCELL HP2

The 200MP main sensor with pixel binning technology delivers stunning detail in all lighting conditions. The advanced OIS and Laser AF ensure sharp photos every time. In good light, the detail is extraordinary, and the 16-in-1 pixel binning produces excellent 12.5MP images with minimal noise.

Dual Telephoto System

The S25 Ultra features two telephoto lenses: a 50MP 5x periscope and a 10MP 3x telephoto. This dual system provides exceptional versatility, allowing you to capture distant subjects with incredible clarity. The 5x periscope rivals dedicated cameras in image quality.

Ultra-Wide: 12MP

The 12MP ultra-wide camera captures expansive scenes with minimal distortion and excellent edge-to-edge sharpness.

Camera Performance Comparison

Feature	Galaxy S25 Ultra	Galaxy S24 Ultra	iPhone 17 Pro
Main Camera	200MP	200MP	54MP
Max Optical Zoom	5x	5x	10x
Telephoto Lenses	2 (3x + 5x)	2 (3x + 5x)	1 (10x)
Max Video	8K@30fps	8K@30fps	8K@30fps
AI Features	✅ Advanced	✅ Basic	✅ Advanced
Night Mode	Nightography 2.0	Nightography	Night Mode 2.0

AI-Powered Camera Features

• Expert RAW: 16-bit RAW capture with full manual controls
• Nightography 2.0: Exceptional low-light performance with AI noise reduction
• Super Steady Video: Gimbal-like stabilization for smooth video
• Director's View: Use multiple cameras simultaneously while recording
• Object Eraser: AI-powered removal of unwanted objects from photos

Video recording supports 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps, making this a serious tool for content creators. The Super Steady mode provides exceptional stabilization even while walking or running.

S Pen: The Ultimate Productivity Tool

The integrated S Pen is what truly differentiates the Ultra from other flagships:

• 2.8ms latency: Writing feels as natural as pen on paper
• 4,096 pressure levels: Precise control for drawing and note-taking
• Air Actions: Control your phone with gestures from a distance
• Screen-off Memo: Take quick notes without unlocking
• Smart Select: Capture and share specific screen areas
• Live Messages: Create animated handwritten messages

The new AI-powered features include handwriting recognition that adapts to your style, automatic shape correction, and the ability to convert sketches into polished diagrams.

Battery Life and Charging

The 5,500mAh battery provides excellent all-day battery life:

• Up to 30 hours of video playback
• Up to 100 hours of audio playback
• All-day battery life with heavy use

Charging options include:

• 65W wired charging (0-50% in 20 minutes)
• 25W wireless charging
• Reverse wireless charging for Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Watch

One UI 7 and Software Experience

One UI 7 based on Android 15 is Samsung's most refined interface yet. The design is cleaner, animations are smoother, and Galaxy AI is deeply integrated throughout the system.

Samsung promises 7 years of OS updates and security patches, ensuring your investment is protected for the long term.

Key One UI 7 features:

• Customizable lock screen with widgets and styles
• Enhanced multitasking with improved split-screen and pop-up windows
• Privacy Dashboard for complete control over app permissions
• Modes and Routines for automated workflows

Storage and Pricing

Storage	RAM	Price	Best For
256GB	12GB	$1,299	Most users, cloud storage users
512GB	12GB	$1,499	Power users, moderate photo/video
1TB	16GB	$1,699	Content creators, 8K recording, professionals

Who Should Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is perfect for:

• Android enthusiasts who want the absolute best Android experience
• S Pen users who rely on the stylus for productivity and creativity
• Content creators who need professional camera capabilities
• Power users who demand top-tier performance and multitasking
• Samsung ecosystem users with Galaxy Watch, Buds, and other devices
• Anyone upgrading from Galaxy S22 Ultra or older

If you have a Galaxy S24 Ultra, the upgrade is less compelling unless you specifically want the improved AI features and slightly better performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Galaxy S25 Ultra support expandable storage?

No, the S25 Ultra does not have a microSD card slot. You'll need to choose your storage capacity carefully at purchase, though Samsung offers up to 1TB of internal storage.

Is the S Pen included with the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

Yes, the S Pen is integrated into the phone and included at no extra cost. It's stored inside the device and always ready to use.

How does Galaxy AI compare to Apple Intelligence?

Both are excellent on-device AI systems. Galaxy AI offers more features and customization options, while Apple Intelligence is more tightly integrated into iOS. Galaxy AI works with more third-party apps and services.

Can I use the Galaxy S25 Ultra with a case?

Yes, Samsung and third-party manufacturers offer a wide range of cases. Most cases are designed to allow easy access to the S Pen.

Is the titanium frame more durable than aluminum?

Yes, titanium is significantly stronger and more scratch-resistant than aluminum while being lighter. It also provides better heat dissipation and a more premium feel.

Does the Galaxy S25 Ultra support satellite connectivity?

Currently, the S25 Ultra does not support satellite connectivity for emergency SOS like the iPhone 17 Pro. However, Samsung is working on this feature for future updates.

Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro: Which Should You Choose?

Feature	Galaxy S25 Ultra	iPhone 17 Pro
Display Size	6.9"	6.3"
S Pen / Stylus	✅ Integrated	❌
Main Camera	200MP	54MP
Max Zoom	5x optical	10x optical
Battery	5,500mAh	~4,500mAh
Fast Charging	65W	45W
Customization	✅ Extensive	Limited
Ecosystem	Android/Galaxy	Apple
Starting Price	$1,299	$1,199

Final Verdict

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung's most impressive smartphone to date. The combination of the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, comprehensive Galaxy AI features, exceptional camera system, and the unmatched productivity of the S Pen creates a device that truly earns the "Ultra" designation.

While it's expensive, the S25 Ultra delivers exceptional value for power users and professionals. The 200MP camera produces stunning photos, the dual telephoto system offers incredible versatility, and the S Pen remains the best stylus experience on any smartphone.

For Android enthusiasts, this is the phone to beat. It's powerful, versatile, feature-rich, and backed by Samsung's commitment to 7 years of updates. Whether you're a content creator, business professional, or simply someone who wants the best Android has to offer, the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers on every front.

This is not just the best Samsung phone ever made—it's one of the best smartphones available today, standing toe-to-toe with the iPhone 17 Pro and offering unique advantages that Apple simply can't match.