Samsung has once again thrown its hat into the ring with the release of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a device that promises cutting-edge features and enhancements over its predecessor. But does it truly deliver on its promises? At the Samsung Unpacked event in San Jose, California, we got an exclusive first look at this high-end flagship. Let’s dive into what makes the S25 Ultra shine and where it might still fall short.
Design: Sleek, Durable, and Minimalist
The first thing you’ll notice about the Galaxy S25 Ultra is its sleek design. Samsung has opted for a titanium build, which makes the phone feel more premium while also improving its durability. Not only is it tougher, but it’s also lighter. At just 7.69 ounces (218 grams), it’s lighter than the S24 Ultra and is now 15 percent thinner. These changes might not be immediately noticeable, but over time, they become appreciated.
Additionally, the phone features Gorilla Glass 2 Victus, similar to the glass found on the iPhone 16 Pro. This glass is incredibly resilient, and its inclusion here is a welcome upgrade. With subtle colors like silver, gray, and black, Samsung’s minimalist aesthetic shines through, giving the device a refined and elegant look.
Performance: Power and Efficiency in Harmony
Under the hood, the S25 Ultra houses the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a powerhouse that ensures faster and more efficient performance. While the battery capacity remains the same as the S24 Ultra, the new processor promises better power efficiency. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or multitasking, the device handles it all effortlessly.
Samsung has made the S25 Ultra sleeker, lighter, and significantly faster than its predecessor, creating a device that feels premium in every sense.
Camera: A Mix of Familiarity and Innovation
Moving on to the cameras—one of the key selling points for any flagship smartphone—the Galaxy S25 Ultra brings a mix of familiarity and innovation. While the camera array is largely unchanged, the addition of a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens is a notable improvement. This upgrade allows for better macro photography and sharper, more detailed shots compared to the 12-megapixel camera on the S24 Ultra.
The 200-megapixel main camera and 3x telephoto lens return, capturing stunning images. The 5x telephoto lens remains, disappointing some who hoped for a 10x option. However, Samsung’s real-time AI-based noise reduction for low-light photos and videos is a game-changer. Unlike Google’s Pixel series, which relies on cloud processing, Samsung’s on-device AI eliminates delays, delivering clearer images instantly.
Video Capabilities: A Content Creator’s Dream
Samsung has made significant advancements in video. The S25 Ultra now supports log recording in all modes, allowing users to capture 10-bit H265 video with a flat profile. This feature enhances flexibility during post-production and provides videographers with plenty of room for color grading. Combined with improved low-light performance, the S25 Ultra is shaping up to be a strong contender for content creators.
Generative AI: Faster and More Intuitive
Generative AI, introduced with the S24 Ultra, has seen a significant overhaul in the S25 Ultra. Previously, features like subject removal and object manipulation were cloud-dependent, resulting in frustratingly long wait times. Now, these AI tools are processed on-device, making them faster and more convenient to use.
The Sketch to Image tool—which converts basic doodles into AI-generated images—is still cloud-dependent, but processing times have been drastically reduced. Another addition is the Photo Studio feature, which applies stylized effects to portraits. Results vary from adorable cartoon transformations to impressionistic watercolor paintings, offering a fun and creative outlet for users.
Areas for Improvement
While the S25 Ultra excels in many areas, some features remain stagnant. Video recording modes, for example, offer the same options as the S24 Ultra, with resolutions of 8K, UHD, FHD, and HD, and frame rates of 30 and 24 FPS. For a flagship device, more innovation in this area would have been appreciated.
Pricing and Final Thoughts
The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,299, firmly placing it in the premium category. This price raises an important question: Is it worth it? For those who demand the best in smartphone technology, the answer might be yes. However, for the average user, the improvements over the S24 Ultra might not justify the cost.
Samsung’s efforts to compete with Apple are evident throughout the S25 Ultra. From the titanium build to the advanced AI tools, the company is clearly trying to match—if not surpass—the iPhone 16 Pro Max. While it’s a valiant effort, there’s a lingering sense that Samsung is still playing catch-up.
That said, the S25 Ultra is undeniably an impressive device. It’s faster, lighter, and more durable than its predecessor. Its cameras capture stunning photos and videos, and its AI tools are more accessible than ever before. For photographers, videographers, and tech enthusiasts, it’s a compelling choice. For everyone else, it might be worth waiting to see how it stacks up against the competition in the coming months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a device that strives for greatness but doesn’t always hit the mark. It’s a testament to how far smartphones have come but also a reminder of the challenges that remain. Whether it’s the right choice for you will depend on your priorities and how much you’re willing to invest in cutting-edge technology. Either way, the S25 Ultra is a fascinating glimpse into the future of smartphones.