Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: Samsung’s Ultimate 2025 Flagship Tested
If the Galaxy S25 and S25+ are about balance and size, the S25 Ultra is all about maximum everything — performance, camera, display, and even price. Launched in February 2025 and now refined through months of software updates, this is Samsung’s most ambitious phone yet. But is it worth the Ultra premium?
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
Price: $1,099.99 USD
📱 Key Specs
- Display: 6.9″ QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz, LTPO, 2600 nits peak
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
- RAM: 12GB or 16GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 45W wired
- Cameras:
- 200MP (main, f/1.7)
- 50MP (5x periscope)
- 10MP (3x telephoto)
- 12MP (ultrawide)
- 12MP front
- Build: Titanium frame, Gorilla Armor
- Software: One UI 7.1 (Android 15)
✅ Pros
- Stunning 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED display (brightest ever on Galaxy)
- S Pen integration with productivity boosts
- 200MP main sensor + dual telephoto (3x & 10x)
- Massive 5,000mAh battery with improved thermal management
- Titanium frame and IP68 durability
❌ Cons
- Expensive, starting above $1,300
- Bulky and not ideal for one-hand use
- Still 45W charging while rivals go faster
📸 Camera: The Ultimate Shooter
The 200MP sensor is more than a spec stunt — it delivers huge detail, incredible sharpness, and better low-light handling thanks to improved pixel binning. The dual telephoto setup makes this the best phone for zoom shots — crisp even at 10x.
Users on Reddit and XDA forums praise its versatility: from ultra-detailed landscapes to impressive moon photography. Portrait mode, edge detection, and night shots are all refined.
Pro video features include 8K recording, Director’s View, and full manual control via the Expert RAW app.
🖊️ S Pen & Productivity
The embedded S Pen is more than a note-taking tool — it adds remote control features, precision editing, and works seamlessly with Samsung Notes, Smart Select, and photo markup tools.
For digital artists and professionals, it remains unmatched.
🔋 Battery & Performance
5,000mAh holds up well even under stress. Samsung’s thermal tuning prevents the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 from throttling too soon, and performance benchmarks are at the top of 2025’s charts.
Games, 4K video editing, DeX desktop mode — the Ultra handles them all. 45W charging isn’t groundbreaking, but it fills up in under an hour and supports wireless and reverse charging too.
🧭 Real Use Impressions
Yes, it’s big — but not uncomfortably so for power users. It feels premium, solid, and refined. The matte finish hides fingerprints and the flat-edge titanium rails make it easier to grip.
One UI 7.1 adds more polish and AI features like improved call screening, object erasing in photos, and contextual auto-replies.
📝 Verdict
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung at full throttle. It’s not for everyone, but for those who want the absolute best Android phone in 2025, this is it.
Its combination of display, camera, S Pen, and raw horsepower makes it a no-compromise device for creators, pros, and enthusiasts who live on their phones.
🙋♂️ Who Should Buy It?
- Mobile photographers and videographers
- Productivity-focused users and digital artists
- Power users who want the absolute best hardware
