In this detailed review, we’re diving into the features of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, a smartphone that blends cutting-edge technology with innovative AI integration.
From its sleek design to its revolutionary camera and AI capabilities, this device is poised to redefine the Android experience in 2025.
Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design and First Impressions
Sleek Design with a Nod to the Galaxy Note Series
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has undergone a subtle redesign this year, with its edges now more curved, giving it a smooth feel, while the sides are flatter, providing a more ergonomic grip.
The design is reminiscent of the Galaxy Note series, which many users still fondly remember. One notable feature is the S Pen located at the bottom left of the device, making it a powerful tool for creativity and productivity.
The unboxing experience is minimalistic – no extra cables or power bricks, just the essentials.
Enhanced Display: Bigger and Better
The 6.9-inch display is another standout feature. With a 15% reduction in bezel size, the phone offers an expansive screen without feeling too bulky.
Samsung’s collaboration with Google brings a 15% smaller bezel than its predecessor, making it feel immersive without compromising the overall design.
The screen’s quality remains impressive, with vibrant colors and sharp contrast, perfect for media consumption and gaming.
The Future of AI: How Samsung and Google Are Shaping Smartphones
Personalized AI Features: Meet the “Now Brief”
A standout addition to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the Now Brief, a new AI-powered feature that provides users with personalized content and recommendations. The more you use the phone, the smarter it gets, learning your preferences and routines.
For example, it tracks your favorite coffee shops and sports games, providing relevant updates throughout the day. This integration of AI makes the phone feel less like a device and more like a personal assistant.
AI-Powered Actionable Results: Convenience Meets Privacy Concerns
With Google’s partnership, AI features on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra have become more than just gimmicks. The phone taps into your emails, search history, and other data to offer personalized suggestions and results. While this makes for a highly efficient and convenient smartphone, it raises important questions about privacy.
How much data are we willing to sacrifice for convenience? This question will likely dominate conversations as AI continues to advance.
Camera Upgrades: Photography Meets AI Innovation
Software-Driven Camera Improvements: Night Photography and More
The camera hardware has seen only incremental changes this year, with the main upgrade being the ultra-wide lens. While the S24 Ultra boasted impressive camera specs, this year’s model focuses heavily on software-driven improvements.
One such enhancement is the variable aperture, which was last seen in the Galaxy S9. This feature helps adjust the light intake based on the situation, providing more control over the camera’s performance.
Although the camera is fantastic, there isn’t a massive leap from last year’s model.
AI Photography Features: Capturing the Perfect Shot Every Time
With AI-backed software, Samsung promises improvements in night photography. Whether you’re in a dimly lit environment or taking a photo at golden hour, the camera intelligently adjusts settings for the best possible shot.
As we tested in low-light conditions, we found that while night mode can introduce motion blur with moving subjects, the regular photo mode often yielded clearer and more vibrant images.
Battery Life and Performance: A Day in the Life with the S25 Ultra
Battery Performance: How Long Will the S25 Ultra Last?
Throughout our review, we tested the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. By 2:30 p.m., the phone was still at 78%, but by 4:20 p.m., it had dropped to 61%. This is typical for Samsung devices, as it takes a couple of weeks for them to fully optimize battery performance based on user habits.
We expect the battery life to improve with continued use. Overall, it’s impressive, especially given the powerful performance under the hood.
Fast Performance and AI-Enhanced Efficiency
Powered by an improved CPU, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers a 37% boost in processing power, making the phone feel incredibly responsive. Navigating through apps, playing games, and multitasking is smooth, all while using AI-enhanced features.
However, one downside this year is the S Pen downgrade: it no longer includes Bluetooth functionality, removing features like gesture controls. Despite this, the S Pen remains a versatile tool for productivity.
AI-Powered Features for Convenience and Entertainment
AI-Driven Cross-Platform Integration: From Calendar to Concerts
One of the most exciting features of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the integration of cross-platform AI. For example, you can ask Bixby SL Gemini about upcoming events, like Taylor Swift’s next concert, and it will automatically add the date to your calendar.
Although this feature isn’t flawless yet, it shows how deeply integrated AI is becoming into the Android ecosystem.
Self-Driving Cars and Future Tech: Living in the Future
A fascinating experience during our review was using the AI-powered self-driving car. As autonomous vehicles become more common, it’s mind-blowing to think that this is becoming a reality.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra integrates seamlessly with this technology, further enhancing the “futuristic” feel of the device. Whether it’s tracking your movements or adjusting based on your habits, the AI’s ability to learn from your behavior is truly next-level.
Camera Quality: Exploring Pro Mode and Advanced Features
Pro Video Mode: Enhancing Your Cinematic Shots
For cinematographers and camera enthusiasts, the Pro Video Mode introduces exciting new features, such as zebra patterns for exposure and false color to indicate proper exposure levels.
These additions make the S25 Ultra a powerful tool for content creators looking to capture high-quality videos on the go.
Zoom and Stability: Balancing Clarity and Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra also excels in zoom capabilities. With up to 100x zoom, you can capture distant subjects with surprising clarity.
However, the quality deteriorates beyond 30x zoom, with 100x zoom still feeling like more of a gimmick. For everyday users, the 10x zoom provides excellent detail without losing too much image quality.
Health and Wellness Features: Tracking Your Fitness and Mental Well-being
Holistic Health Monitoring: Sleep and Fitness Integration
In 2025, Samsung has integrated a more holistic approach to health with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Whether you’re tracking your sleep, fitness activities, or even mental health, the phone syncs with Samsung’s ecosystem of products to offer a personalized health experience.
For example, the phone can work with your smart thermostat and lights to optimize your environment for better sleep. This level of integration sets the Galaxy S25 Ultra apart from other smartphones.
Mental Health Focus: AI for Well-Being
Samsung has also introduced mental health check-ins that assess your well-being throughout the day. By tracking your behaviors and correlating them with your mood, the phone aims to help you understand how different factors affect your mental health.
This integration of wellness and AI is a forward-thinking feature that could change the way we interact with technology.
Conclusion: Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Worth It?
A Premium Experience for the Future
While the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra may not have seen as many hardware upgrades this year, the significant advancements in AI, camera software, and battery optimization make it a standout device.
For those who want the best Android smartphone experience, this phone delivers. Priced at $1,299, it may be a hefty investment, but with seven years of major updates, it promises to be a solid choice for years to come.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older Samsung model or coming from another brand, the S25 Ultra offers a sleek design, powerful AI features, and a performance that is hard to beat. If you’re looking for the future of smartphones, this might just be it.
