The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Is builds on the strengths of its predecessors while heavily integrating AI features and refining its design and performance .
1. At a Glance : Launch & Price
Launch date : Officially announced at Samsung’s January 22 Unpacked event, followed by a global release on 7 February 2025 .
• Pricing (UK market) :
• 256 GB: £1,249
• 512 GB: £1,349
• 1 TB: £1,549 .
2. Design & Display
Flat Display : Moving away from the subtle curves on the edges seen in the S24 Ultra and earlier models , the S25 Ultra features a completely flat display . This is a significant change that many users prefer for better usability , reduced accidental touches , and improved S Pen interaction right up to the edges .
Flatter Rear Panel : The back glass is also flatter , contributing to a more unified , monolithic look .
Premium Materials :
Titanium Frame : Building on the S24 Ultra , the S25 Ultra utilizes a titanium frame for enhanced durability and a premium feel . Some reports suggest it might use a higher grade of titanium (Grade 5) compared to the S24 Ultra , potentially offering even better strength-to-weight ratio .
Display specs :
• 6.9″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen
• QHD+ resolution (approx. 1440×3210 px)
• Variable refresh rate of 1–120 Hz
• Peak brightness: 2,600 nits .
3. Performance & Battery
Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm), with notably faster CPU, GPU, and NPU—gpu up to 40% faster .
Memory/Storage : 12 GB RAM ; options of
256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB
Battery :
• 5,000 mAh capacity
• 45 W wired, 15 W Qi2 wireless charging
Thermals & cooling: Improved heat management via vapour‑chamber and graphite systems .
4. Cameras & Imaging
Rear camera array :
• 200 MP main wide (f/1.7)
• 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom)
• 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom)
• 50 MP ultra‑wide with new macro-ready sensor
Video capabilities :
• 10-bit HDR recording, Nightography with spatio‑temporal filtering
Camera performance :
• Crisp, high‑detail photos; ultra‑wide excels in low light
Some over‑processing reported (pale skies/clouds) compared to competitors .
5. Software & Intelligence
OS & interface: Android 15 with One UI 7—clean, intuitive, with smoother toggles and animations .
Galaxy AI & Gemini :
Google’s Gemini AI takes centre stage, brought up via long-press of power button .
Features like Drawing Assist, Audio Eraser, Object/Generative Edit, Instant Slo‑Mo, and cross‑app actions .
Bixby remains for device control
Practical AI : Now Brief compiles reminders, news, coupons and calendar alerts; intelligent gallery and editing tools are slick, albeit inconsistent .
6. Productivity & EXtras
Smart Select : Efficiently capture specific parts of the screen , extract text , or even create GIFs from videos with precise S Pen selection .
Flat Display : Moving away from the subtle curves on the edges seen in the S24 Ultra and earlier models , the S25 Ultra features a completely flat display . This is a significant change that many users prefer for better usability , reduced accidental touches, and improved S Pen interaction right up to the edges .
7. Pros & Cons
✅ Pros❌ Cons
Stunning, durable design No remote S Pen features .
Outstanding AMOLED display Slow wireless charging .
Top‑tier performance Camera can be over‑processed .
Superb battery life Lacks Dolby Vision support
Richly featured AI integration Less excitement vs. S24 Ultra .
8. Verdict: Who Should Buy It ?
Superior Scratch Resistance : Corning claims it's significantly more scratch-resistant than previous Gorilla Glass versions , though some real-world tests have shown mixed results , with some suggesting it might scratch slightly easier than the original Gorilla Armor (on S24 Ultra) but potentially being more shatter-resistant.
S24 Ultra users : Consider the phone only if AI and ultra‑wide enhancements entice you; otherwise, upgrades are incremental .
9. Step‑by‑Step: Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra for You?
Evaluate the camera: Compare its punchy, high‑MP shots to rivals—observe whether over‑processing matters to you .
Consider battery & chargers : A separate 45 W charger might be needed—note no charger in-box .
Check ecosystem needs : If you rely on remote S Pen controls or Dolby Vision, investigate alternatives .
Final Word
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra It’s a remarkable phone—but most of its allure lies in evolutionary progression rather than revolution . For anyone upgrading from a significantly older device , it’s a powerhouse ; for those already carrying an S24 Ultra , it may offer fewer compelling reasons to switch—unless you’re after the enhanced ultra‑wide lens or sharper AI tricks .
I hope this in-depth , stepwise guide helps you thoroughly assess the S25 Ultra . If you'd like a side-by-side comparison with another phone—or a deep dive into a specific feature—just let me know !
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