The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra arrived in early 2025 with big promises—top-tier performance, refined design, and a heavy dose of AI. But after spending time with this $1,299 flagship, one question looms large: is it worth upgrading? In this Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review, we’ll unpack why this latest iteration feels more like a rerun than a revolution. For owners of recent Samsung flagships—or even rival Android devices—the upgrades here simply don’t justify the cost.
Design: A Subtle Refresh, Not a Leap
The Galaxy S25 Ultra sports a familiar look with a few tweaks. Its 6.9-inch AMOLED display (up a smidge from the S24 Ultra’s 6.8 inches) is framed by slimmer bezels, and the titanium-clad body now has flatter edges and rounded corners for better grip. At 218 grams, it’s 15 grams lighter than its predecessor, which is noticeable but not transformative. The Gorilla Armor 2 glass keeps glare at bay—a standout feature carried over from 2024—but there’s no leap to IP69 water resistance or built-in Qi2 magnets. It’s a polished design, but nothing screams “must-have upgrade.”
Performance: Power Without Purpose
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the S25 Ultra is undeniably fast. Benchmark scores soar (think 10,000+ on Geekbench 6 multi-core), and apps like Genshin Impact run smoothly with improved thermal management. But here’s the catch: the S24 Ultra was already blazing fast, and for everyday tasks—scrolling, streaming, multitasking—the difference is negligible. With 12GB of RAM (no 16GB option despite AI hype) and storage options unchanged at 256GB to 1TB, this feels like a lateral move, not a step up.
Battery Life: Solid, But Stagnant
Samsung rates the 5,000mAh battery for 31 hours of video playback, and real-world tests hover around 24-27 hours with mixed use. That’s impressive, but it’s nearly identical to the S24 Ultra. No silicon-carbide battery tech, no faster 45W charging leap—just the same 15W wireless and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Compared to rivals like the OnePlus 13 with its 80W speeds and multi-day endurance, the S25 Ultra’s battery life doesn’t justify an upgrade.
Camera: One Upgrade, Same Old Story
The camera system sees one notable change: a 50MP ultrawide sensor replaces the S24 Ultra’s 12MP version, delivering sharper, more detailed wide-angle shots. The 200MP main, 50MP 5x telephoto, and 10MP 3x telephoto lenses remain unchanged, though Samsung touts better algorithms. Photos are vibrant—sometimes overly so—and low-light performance holds up against the Pixel 9 Pro. New LOG video recording adds appeal for creators, but the lack of a 1-inch sensor or significant zoom improvements leaves this kit feeling iterative. If you loved the S24 Ultra’s cameras, there’s little here to lure you away.
AI Features: Hype Over Substance
Samsung’s big pitch for 2025 is Galaxy AI, with tools like Now Brief (predictive summaries) and enhanced photo editing. While these are slick—think removing objects from pics or summarizing your day—they’re not game-changers. Many features will trickle down to older models via One UI 7 updates, and rivals like Google’s Pixel 9 series already offer robust AI. The S Pen loses Bluetooth functionality (no more air gestures), further dimming the “Ultra” shine. For a $1,299 phone, these software perks don’t feel exclusive enough to justify an upgrade.
Who’s It For?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra shines as a premium Android flagship for someone upgrading from a 3-4-year-old device like the S21 Ultra. Seven years of software updates, a stunning display, and reliable performance make it a safe bet. But for S24 Ultra or S23 Ultra owners, the differences—a slightly bigger screen, a faster chip, and one camera tweak—don’t add up. Even compared to cheaper alternatives like the OnePlus 13 or Pixel 9 Pro XL, Samsung’s latest feels overpriced and under-delivered.
Final Thoughts
In this Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review, the verdict is clear: it’s a great phone, but not enough to justify an upgrade for most. At $1,299, it banks on brand loyalty and minor refinements rather than bold innovation. If you’re due for a new phone and love Samsung’s ecosystem, it’s a solid pick—especially with trade-in deals. But if you’re holding a recent flagship, save your money. The S25 Ultra is “Ultra” in name, not in impact.
What’s your take on the S25 Ultra? Let us know below!
