The Galaxy S25 Ultra is here, and it will be considered by many as the penultimate Android smartphone. However, the changes it brings over its predecessor are iterative.
Sure, it arrives with a fresh design, refined titanium frame, new Snapdragon chipset, and plenty of AI-powered software features. But, is all this enough in 2025?
Design and Build
Samsung has tweaked the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s design compared to earlier Ultra models. The corners remain somewhat boxy, keeping a signature silhouette, yet the edges along the sides are more rounded than before.
This change is noticeable when you hold the phone. Some people might miss the extra boxiness of previous models, but the new approach offers a balanced feel.
The flat titanium frame is especially nice. It adds a modern flair and feels robust in the hand.
This also means that the device can feel a bit less comfortable in your palm if you prefer softer curves. It is still a massive smartphone.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a large footprint due to its roomy display and robust build. If you love big screens, you might enjoy the grandeur. However, those who prefer a more compact device should keep the size in mind.
There is Gorilla Glass Armour 2 on the front and back, which should help with drop protection. Samsung emphasises durability but, as always, a good case can add peace of mind.
Display
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display measures 6.9 inches. It is an LTPO panel with an adaptive refresh rate. This means scrolling through apps feels buttery smooth, while static images or text might shift the refresh rate down to save battery.
Colours look vivid, and viewing angles are excellent. You get strong brightness levels too, which helps when using the phone in direct sunlight.
One standout feature is the new anti-reflective coating on the screen. When you take the phone outside on a sunny day, glare is significantly reduced. Text and images remain more visible, and you will not see as many distracting reflections.
Do note, however, that Samsung recommends using only its official screen protector to maintain the effectiveness of this coating. Third-party screen protectors might diminish the anti-reflective properties.
Cameras
Samsung’s Galaxy S series has long been known for powerful cameras, and the S25 Ultra is no exception.
At the back, there are four cameras. Three of them carry over from the S24 Ultra, but the ultrawide lens is new at 50MP.
The primary sensor is large and captures detailed images with excellent dynamic range. It tends to produce colours that look natural, without too much oversaturation.
In dim conditions, the camera’s night mode kicks in to balance shadows and highlights. Objects remain sharp, even when light is scarce.
Video recording on the rear main camera includes OIS, which ensures smooth footage, although in indoor videos you may notice a little noise creeping in. That said, its autofocusing ability is excellent.
The new 50MP ultrawide camera offers a broad field of view. It is great for capturing landscapes or large group photos. In some shots, colours can turn out slightly more vibrant than in reality, especially with blues. Same is true for videos, where the skies always appear much bluer.
There is a 10MP telephoto sensor set at 3x zoom. Its resolution is modest and this sensor is aging as a whole. It manages to capture decent clarity for portraits and mid-range zoom shots. Skin tones often remain consistent too, but detail is a bit lacking in 3x shots.
Then, the 50MP 5x lens provides further reach. Shots at 5x zoom look crisp, and colours line up well with the main camera’s output. At even higher zoom levels like 30x, detail remains respectable. You can push up to 100x digital zoom, though images can become overprocessed. Still, for occasional fun or distant details, it is an impressive option.
Selfies come from a front-facing camera that does not disappoint. Skin tones are generally balanced, and the dynamic range is good. For video calls, the front camera also holds up well in various lighting conditions.
Overall, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera suite is versatile and highly capable.
Software and AI Features
The Galaxy S25 Ultra ships with One UI 7, Samsung’s latest interface on top of Android. One UI 7 introduces a bold new look. Icons, menus, and animations feel fresh yet remain familiar if you have used Samsung phones before.
The interface is designed with large screens in mind. Menus and buttons are often placed in reachable zones, so you do not have to stretch your thumbs too much.
Updated Galaxy AI powers many new features that aim to simplify your everyday tasks.\
For example, you can type approximate words or commands in the Settings search bar. The system’s intelligence suggests possible matches, even if you do not use the exact function name. This can speed up navigation through the phone’s many settings.
The Gallery app includes an “Audio Eraser” tool. If you have recorded a video clip with background noise, the phone can reduce that unwanted sound. It is not always perfect, but it can help when you want clearer voices or reduce ambient clutter.
There is also a fun AI drawing tool that can create stylised images or sketches from your prompts.
One UI 7 offers various new privacy settings, advanced language transcription, and more. Samsung also stands out by promising seven years of software and security updates for its latest flagships. This long support window ensures the phone will keep getting better with time.
Performance
The Galaxy S25 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip. This is a customised version of Qualcomm’s top-tier processor, with slightly higher clock speeds. On paper, it should deliver peak performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
However, in real-world use, the difference is negligible. Apps open swiftly, transitions are smooth, and 3D games run at high frame rates without overheating issues.
During our longer gaming sessions with Genshin Impact, the phone remained comfortable to hold, thanks to efficient cooling solutions.
Battery and Charging
Samsung sticks to a 5,000mAh battery in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, despite other manufacturers exploring new battery technologies like Silicon Carbide.
Still, users can expect around eight hours of screen-on time under normal usage. This includes web browsing, social media, and some video playback.
Charging speed, however, is a more traditional 45W for wired charging. While it is not the fastest in the market, it is enough to top up the phone reasonably quickly.
Samsung does not include a charger in the box, so you will need to buy one separately if you do not already own a compatible adapter.
For wireless charging, the device supports the new Qi2 standard, but it does not have built-in magnets like some competing phones. It also charges wirelessly at a maximum of 15W. This is convenient but not particularly fast.
S Pen
One unique perk of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the included S Pen. Samsung brought this stylus over from the old Galaxy Note line, and it fits nicely into the chassis.
Writing or sketching on the phone’s big screen feels smooth and precise. You can jot down quick notes, annotate screenshots, or draw artwork using supported apps.
However, this S Pen does lack Bluetooth functionality. That means you cannot use it as a remote shutter button to snap photos, nor can you use it to control media playback from a distance. It is still fantastic for handwriting and navigation, but it does not act as a remote control.
Galaxy S25 Ultra Review
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra sets a high bar for design, power, and software longevity. It feels premium in every sense. The titanium frame, dependable cameras, and the comprehensive AI features are pretty useful as well.
At ₹1,29,999, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is not a casual purchase. You should consider if you need the advanced zoom capabilities, the AI features, and the stylus.
If those features matter to you, the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers on its promises. The battery life remains solid, performance is snappy, and the display is quite good too.
Do note that the cheaper S25 and S25+ also offer the same AI suite, and it will most likely trickle down to S24/S23 series as well.
If you do decide to invest, you will be getting one of the most complete Android phones available right now.
