Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review The AI-Powered Giant with Mixed Results
In 2025, AI hasn't just come into our lives; it rules our tech. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out in this new age. After testing it for months, we're here to see if this big-spec device really hits the mark. Is it a dream for film fans, a tool for getting lots done, or a gadget that doesn't know what it is.
Look & Screen Top-Notch Design
A Screen Like No Other
First up, the screen catches your eye. The 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display is truly the best you can find on any phone right now. It shows every detail just right, making all pictures look great. The colors pop but stay real, the detail is sharp, and the 120Hz speed lets everything run very smooth. You can turn up the detail, but it will use up your battery fast.
The big win, though, is the Gorilla Armor 2 glass with a special coat. Even in bright sun, it cuts down glare a lot, which makes the screen easy to read. This single bit makes the S25 Ultra's screen work better outside than any other phone, even those with very high brightness.
Build and How it Feels
This year, Samsung made the Ultra feel more like an iPhone. It's got flat titanium sides and smooth edges, making it nice to hold. It comes in a great Jet Black color that looks high-end and competes with Apple's cool factor. The edges around the screen are very thin, and the phone itself feels strong and tough. It doesn't scratch easy, even without a case.
But, it's not all great. The S25 Ultra is a big phone. With a case, it gets even bigger and hard to use with one hand. It's a bit lighter than the S24 Ultra, but the square shape might feel odd to some. Also, the vibrations it makes are the same as before, not as fine as those from the Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The AI Surge Useful, Overhyped, and Incomplete
AI is the big word this year, and Samsung is all in. But what's really helpful, and what's not.
- Gemini Integration: A fast way to ask Gemini quick stuff works well. But for deeper or more creative questions, many like ChatGPT better. There's also an odd clash between Gemini and the old Google Helper, which seems rough and not done.
- Circle to Search: A cool tool for finding out about clothes, furniture, or other things you see on your screen.
- AI Photo Editing: The tool to take out objects or people in pictures is very good. Using the S Pen to fix up photos is easy and fun, cutting out the need to use a computer. The AI boost for zoomed-in pictures is another nice touch.
- AI Voice Recorder: The note-taking feature is a real winner. While not perfect, it can sum up meetings, spot who's talking, and find key parts by words, all for free while others make you pay.
- Now Brief: This tried but didn't really wow anyone. It gives you a daily update but can feel too much, and less clear than just using different apps. Its AI feels simple, just sharing news without smart advice.
- Language & Translation: On-the-go translation and talk modes are close by and very handy for people who travel a lot.
Camera System Simple and Trusty, Yet Old-School
The S25 Ultra's camera setup centers on fine-tuning over big change. The key idea is steadiness; each lens captures pictures with matching color shades, hitting a good mix of bright and true-to-life. The dynamic range shines, and the sharpness is top-notch.
The main 200MP sensor catches a lot of detail, letting you cut parts out without losing quality. The better 50MP wide lens is clear and stays true in shape. The real gems are the 3x and 5x zoom lenses, both very practical and clear, giving sharp images. The 100x "Space Zoom" is more of a fun extra and not very useful.
But, the tech falls short in some areas. The 3x zoom lens has a small sensor that does poorly in weak light, making noise and too sharp edges. In dim light, even the main sensors show some grain. Even though it's strong, it's clear that others like the Pixel for photos and the iPhone for videos still do better in some ways. Samsung hasn't added the huge sensors some other top phones have, which holds back its full tech power.
For videos, the steadiness is great and almost as good as the iPhone's. You can adjust deep video colors because of Samsung Log video, which is a big win for professionals.
Speed, Battery, and the S Pen
Super Fast, But With a Limit
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is very strong. Multi-tasking, high-end gaming on top settings, and running a full desktop with Samsung DeX are all smooth. A big cooling part helps a lot during long play times. Yet, in tests and long gaming, it scores a bit lower than other phones with the same chip, like the OnePlus 13. It's powerful, but not untamed.
Battery Life Okay, But Unchanged
The battery lasts well. With light to normal use, the phone goes past a day. Even with a lot of use, the 5,000 mAh battery lasts a day. It's not that the battery is poor; it's that it hasn't changed for years. Others are using newer battery tech to fit bigger batteries into the same space. The 45W wired charge works but isn't the quickest, and the 15W wireless charge is old, missing the new, handy Qi2 magnetic type.
The S Pen A Slight Letdown
The S Pen is still great for writing and drawing. But, Samsung took out the Bluetooth part, which ended the remote camera and Air Actions. It was a small thing, but for a high-end phone, taking away features feels like a step back and a lower move, no matter how few used it.
Pros
- Top Screen: Bright, vivid colors, and it does not glare much.
- Smart AI: Helps edit photos, write out what you say, and find things, making everyday tasks easier.
- Great Camera Set: Takes clear, steady shots with good zoom.
- Smooth Work: Runs every app or game very well.
- High-End Look: Both looks and feels very fancy and strong.
- Easy Software: One UI 7 has many options, is easy to change, and fun to use.
- Long Battery Life: Lasts more than a day, even under lots of use.
Cons
- Too Big & Heavy: Hard to hold with one hand, harder with a case.
- Worse S Pen: Missing Bluetooth is a letdown.
- Old Battery Tech: Not as fast to load or as new as others.
- No Qi2 Wireless Charge: Cannot use magnetic tools which is less handy.
- Not Great AI Tools: Some tools like 'Now Brief' seem too simple or not yet ready.
- Old Camera Tech: Not as advanced as other brands might have.
Overall Rating
Screen: 10/10
Look & Make: 9/10
Work Speed: 9.5/10
Camera: 8.5/10
Battery & Charge: 8/10
Software & AI Tools: 9/10
Worth: 8.5/10
Total Score: 8.9/10
Final Say Who Should Get the S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is very good, but not the top new thing now. Still, it's a solid choice. If you use your phone a lot, make content, or have other Samsung gear, this phone with its amazing screen, many camera options, and smart AI will catch your eye. It's the best Ultra Samsung has made so far.
But, if you want the newest tech, fastest charge, or a smaller phone, better look elsewhere. The S25 Ultra is smooth and refined, but it’s not the most groundbreaking Ultra phone Samsung has made.