The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the latest addition to Samsung’s flagship lineup, promising cutting-edge AI features, a refined design, and enhanced performance. But does it truly stand out, or is it merely an incremental upgrade over its predecessor?
Design: Sleek and durable with a touch of titanium
Samsung continues its commitment to premium craftsmanship with a titanium frame, ensuring improved durability while keeping the device lightweight. The Gorilla Glass Armor 2 on both sides adds scratch and drop resistance, making the phone more resilient.
The design sees subtle refinements, including a flat frame that offers better grip, reducing the risk of accidental slips. The camera module now protrudes less, improving aesthetics, though it still causes minor wobbling on flat surfaces.
With an IP68 rating, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains dust and water-resistant, reinforcing its rugged appeal for daily use.
Display & audio: Bigger and brighter, but No Dolby vision
The 6.9-inch QHD+ flat display delivers sharp visuals, vibrant colours, and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth user experience. Samsung has added an anti-reflective coating, improving outdoor visibility. However, the lack of Dolby Vision may disappoint those who prioritise high-end HDR viewing.
On the audio front, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support provide immersive sound, making it an excellent choice for multimedia consumption.
Cameras: Incremental but meaningful upgrades
The Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces a new 50MP ultra-wide sensor, while retaining the 200MP primary camera, 10MP 3x telephoto lens, and 50MP 5x telephoto sensor.
Key camera features:
- Primary sensor: Faster shutter speeds, reduced lag, and better low-light performance.
- Ultra-wide sensor: Maintains colour accuracy but struggles with low-light autofocus.
- Telephoto lenses: Provide excellent zoom but have slower shutter speeds in dim lighting.
- Video recording: Supports 4K@60fps across all cameras and 8K@30fps on select sensors.
New AI-powered features include auto-framing, enhanced stabilisation, and generative AI tools for video editing. Samsung’s Audio Eraser also helps remove unwanted background noise in videos.
One UI 7: A more intuitive software experience
Running Android 15 with One UI 7, the S25 Ultra introduces several refinements:
- Customisable widgets and folder management for a personalised home screen.
- The new “Now Bar” on the lock screen, providing quick access to media controls, timers, and voice recording.
- Grouped alarms and an improved camera UI for convenience.
Galaxy AI: A step towards the future
Samsung’s AI-powered features, developed with Google Gemini, bring next-gen automation:
- AI Agentic Experience: A smart assistant that handles multiple tasks in a single command.
- Drawing Assist: Converts sketches into images using generative AI.
- AI Select: Allows users to highlight on-screen elements for contextual actions.
AI enhancements in photography and productivity further solidify Samsung’s focus on artificial intelligence.
S Pen: The Bluetooth downgrade
The S Pen remains an iconic feature, but loses Bluetooth support. While this results in a lighter device, users who relied on Air Actions and remote camera control may be disappointed. The core stylus functions, such as note-taking and sketching, remain unchanged.
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Performance & battery: Powerhouse performance with efficient battery life
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, paired with 12GB RAM and up to 1TB storage, the S25 Ultra ensures lag-free performance. The device handles intensive gaming, multitasking, and AI tasks seamlessly, with minimal heating.
The 5,000mAh battery offers all-day endurance, and 45W wired charging delivers fast top-ups, though some rivals offer quicker charging speeds.
Verdict: A worthy upgrade or not?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra builds upon its predecessor with incremental refinements, AI-powered tools, and a durable design. However, the lack of Dolby Vision, removal of Bluetooth from the S Pen, and slower shutter speeds in low-light telephoto shots may be deal-breakers for some.
For those seeking a premium AI-powered smartphone with industry-leading hardware, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains a strong contender.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Pricing & configurations
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage – Rs 1,29,999
- 12GB RAM + 512GB storage – Rs 1,41,999
- 12GB RAM + 1TB storage – Rs 1,65,999
Would you upgrade or stick with last year’s model? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
