Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, the latest iteration of their flagship smartphone, refines the existing S24 Ultra with subtle yet impactful enhancements. While the external design largely remains consistent, the S25 Ultra boasts rounded corners, a lighter weight (218g compared to the S24 Ultra’s 234g), a slimmer profile, and a slightly larger 6.9-inch display achieved by reducing bezels. These changes contribute to a more comfortable in-hand experience and a sleeker overall aesthetic. The display itself maintains the vibrant, crisp visuals of its predecessor, offering a range of titanium-inspired color options.
Beyond its physical attributes, the S25 Ultra excels in performance and software. Powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, the device handles multitasking and demanding applications with ease, eliminating lag and ensuring a smooth user experience. The inclusion of Snapdragon Satellite allows for satellite messaging, though availability depends on network providers. Samsung’s One UI 7, based on Android 15, provides a clean and intuitive interface, complemented by the promise of seven years of security and software updates, a significant advantage for long-term device usability and cost savings on upgrades.
A key focus of the S25 Ultra is its integration of AI features, aiming to simplify everyday tasks. Samsung’s collaboration with Google brings a seamless experience across multiple apps. One notable example is the integration with Google’s Gemini AI, enabling users to analyze fridge contents through the camera and generate recipe suggestions based on available ingredients. This feature not only promotes efficient food usage and potential cost savings but also streamlines the process by allowing direct transfer of recipes to note-taking apps.
Further enhancing the AI experience is Now Brief, an AI companion acting as a centralized hub for daily activities. While the full potential of this feature may require more extensive testing, its ability to remind users of expiring coupons based on photographed vouchers offers a practical application for saving money and reducing mental clutter. These practical AI applications stand in contrast to more gimmicky features like AI image generation, highlighting Samsung’s focus on delivering genuinely useful AI tools.
The S25 Ultra’s battery performance benefits from the efficiency of the new Snapdragon chip and other technological advancements, offering all-day battery life even with moderate to heavy usage, including web browsing, video playback, light gaming, and messaging. The camera system retains the impressive 200-megapixel main sensor from the S24 Ultra but introduces a significant upgrade to the ultra-wide lens, now boasting 50 megapixels. This enhancement allows for improved close-up macro photography with enhanced focus and detail. As expected from Samsung, the camera delivers consistently high-quality images with vibrant colors, sharp details, and overall excellent performance.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra represents a refinement rather than a revolution, building upon the solid foundation of the S24 Ultra. Its enhanced design, powerful performance, and practical AI integrations make it a compelling device. However, the high starting price of £1,249 / $1,299 requires careful consideration, though trade-in options can mitigate the cost. While S24 Ultra owners might not find the upgrades compelling enough to justify an immediate switch, users of older models will appreciate the numerous improvements and additions. The S25 Ultra ultimately delivers a premium smartphone experience, blending cutting-edge technology with practical functionality, earning a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
