Unlock the Power of the Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Surprisingly Exceptional Smartphone Experience

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Familiar, Yet Frustratingly Familiar Experience

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the latest flagship smartphone from the tech giant, and it’s a device that’s hard to ignore. Despite being a flagship, it’s not as flashy or innovative as previous models, and it’s not exactly cheap either. But after spending two weeks with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it’s hard to deny that it’s a phone that might just surprise you.

Hardware: A Step in the Right Direction, But Not Exactly Groundbreaking

The design of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is, well, familiar. If you’ve seen one Samsung smartphone, you’ve seen them all. The edges are slightly curved, the camera module is a bit different, and that’s about it. The only real change is the removal of sharp corners, which makes the device feel more comfortable in the hand. The downside is that the flat edges don’t provide as much grip as the previous generation.

The only real color options are black, gray, and a gray with a hint of blue that looks more like gray in person. It’s not exactly exciting, and it’s a shame, because Samsung used to be known for its bold color choices. The only exclusive colors are the green and pink options available only on Samsung.com.

The good news is that the display remains top-notch, with a bright, sharp, and vivid panel. The standout feature is the Gorilla Glass 2 cover, which has anti-reflective qualities and is more scratch-resistant than previous models.

Software: A Step in the Right Direction, But Still a Bit Behind

One UI 7 is the best part of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and it’s a significant improvement over previous versions. The software is smooth, fast, and a pleasure to use, with some notable highlights like the new vertically-scrolling app drawer, Samsung’s new multitasking page, and the new split notification/quick settings panel.

However, the competition is catching up, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s endurance is still not up to par. The battery life is fine, but not great, and the charging situation is a bit lacking. 45W charging is fine, but it would be nice to see 65W speeds for those days when you need a quick boost.

Camera: A Step in the Right Direction, But Still a Bit Behind

The camera on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still not the best in the business, but it’s definitely improved. Shots have a bit more life and detail, and there’s been a significant reduction in motion blur and weird processing decisions. The 50MP ultrawide sensor is also a notable improvement, with sharper results.

However, it still falls apart in low-light conditions, with fuzzy shots and motion blur. And, unfortunately, there’s no fixing a "bad" shot in the moment, which is a shame.

S Pen: A Step Backwards, But Not a Dealbreaker

The S Pen remains on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and it’s still a useful feature for those who love it. However, Samsung has removed all remote, Bluetooth-powered features, which might be a bit of a blow for some users. The S Pen still has fast response times and handy features, but it’s not quite the same as before.

Final Thoughts: A Fine Device, But Not Exactly Groundbreaking

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a fine device, but it’s not exactly groundbreaking. It’s a phone that does everything you want a smartphone to do, but it doesn’t exactly push the boundaries. The software is improved, the camera is better, and the display is top-notch, but it’s not exactly exciting.

And that’s the problem. Samsung’s latest flagship is a bit of a rehash of the same old formula, without any real innovation or excitement. It’s a fine device, but it’s not exactly worth the $1,300 price tag. If you’re looking for a better value, you might want to consider the Pixel 9 Pro XL or the OnePlus 13.

Where to Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra

If you’re still interested in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, you can find it at various retailers and carriers. Follow the link below to learn more.