Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: A Near-Perfect Flagship, But Should You Buy It?
Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is arguably the most enticing smartphone Samsung has ever produced. It’s an addictively delightful device, blending premium materials, cutting-edge performance, and an AI-driven experience that pushes boundaries. Some might even call it the closest any Android phone has come to being an “iPhone killer.”
But here’s the real question: Should you rush out and buy it right now?
For most users, the answer is no—and here’s why.
What Makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra So Good?
1. Premium, Durable Build
From a materials perspective, the S25 Ultra is a tank. The stronger titanium frame and scratch-resistant glass (front and back) make it one of the most durable flagship phones available.
- Real-world durability test:
- Used without a case in backpacks, pockets, and even dropped 1.5 meters onto concrete—only minor scuffs.
- Resistant to wedding ring scratches (a common test for glass durability).
2. Stunning Display & Software Experience
The borderless Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is vibrant, crisp, and nearly reflection-free, making it easily visible even in bright sunlight.
- One UI 7 (Android skin) is Samsung’s best yet:
- Feels more intuitive than ever, even for lifelong iPhone users.
- iPhone-like refinements:
- Swipe-down Control Center (right side) and notifications panel (left side).
- Lock screen customization mirrors iOS but with better execution.
- Search in Settings now understands natural language queries (no need to remember exact menu names).
3. Blazing-Fast Performance
The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip is significantly faster than last year’s model.
- Benchmark results:
- Even at its lowest performance (after a 30-minute stress test), it’s ~25% faster than the S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Real-world speed:
- Animations are smoother and quicker than iOS, making the phone feel instantaneous.
4. Improved Battery Life
- ~9 hours of screen-on time at default FHD+ resolution.
- Consistently ends the day with 30-40% battery remaining.
5. AI Features: The Future, But With Caveats
Samsung has doubled down on AI, and some features are game-changers:
- AI Select: Copy specific text from images or chats.
- Gemini (Google’s AI): More advanced than Google Assistant—handles complex queries (e.g., finding restaurants for groups with dietary restrictions).
- AI Wallpaper Generation: Fast, high-quality, and adapts UI colors to match.
- Object Eraser: Removes distractions from photos better than Google Pixel’s version.
However, some AI features fall short:
- Lock screen “Briefs” (morning/evening updates) feel redundant (e.g., showing weather when it’s already on the home screen).
- Cross-App AI Actions lack contextual understanding (e.g., adding a Pokémon pop-up event to your calendar without specifying time/day).
- Call Recording & Translation is unreliable (often misinterprets speech).
6. Camera: Incremental but Meaningful Upgrades
While the hardware is unchanged from the S24 Ultra, software improvements make a difference:
- Sharper images across all lenses (ultra-wide, zoom, portrait).
- Better low-light video with less noise.
- Finally fixed shutter lag (a long-standing Samsung issue).
Verdict: Still a top 5 smartphone camera, but iPhone 16 Pro Max and Vivo X200 Pro edge it out.
Why You Should Wait Before Buying
1. The S24 Ultra is a Better Value
- $800 (S24 Ultra) vs. $1,300 (S25 Ultra)—a 60% price difference.
- One UI 7 is coming to the S24 Ultra, meaning most software improvements will be available.
2. AI Subscription Costs Are Unknown
- Samsung has confirmed AI features will be free only until the end of 2025.
- No pricing details yet—will it be a monthly fee? One-time purchase?
- Risk: If Samsung prices AI too high, competitors (Apple, Google) could undercut them.
3. The Extra Performance Isn’t Fully Utilized Yet
- Most mobile games/apps are designed for budget phones, so the S25 Ultra’s power is overkill.
- Android app optimization remains inconsistent (e.g., Pokémon TCG Pocket lags despite the phone’s power).
4. Some Features Are Going Backwards
- S Pen lost Bluetooth functionality (no more remote camera/music controls).
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the S25 Ultra?
✅ Buy if:
- You must have the absolute best Android phone.
- You’re excited about AI and don’t mind potential future costs.
- You upgrade every year and want the latest specs.
❌ Wait if:
- You prioritize value (the S24 Ultra is 80% the same phone for $500 less).
- You’re unsure about AI pricing (wait for Samsung’s official announcement).
- You’re happy with your current flagship (the improvements are incremental).
Conclusion
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a phenomenal phone, but unless you need the absolute latest, the S24 Ultra (or waiting for AI pricing clarity) is the smarter choice.
Would you buy the S25 Ultra today? Let us know in the comments!
