Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review: a strategic refinement of the modern flagship

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a device that marks a significant pivot in the company’s flagship strategy by prioritizing ergonomic comfort and software intelligence over radical hardware shifts. While early reception was met with skepticism regarding iterative technical specifications and the removal of certain legacy features, the device emerges as a refined powerhouse tailored for high-end productivity and mobile gaming. By departing from the sharp, boxy silhouette that defined the Ultra line since 2022, Samsung has created a more accessible flagship that addresses long-standing complaints regarding the usability of its largest handsets.

The most immediate change is the structural transition to rounded corners and a Grade 5 titanium frame. This design overhaul effectively ends the era of the "boxy" Ultra, making the 6.9-inch device considerably more comfortable for one-handed use as the edges no longer press into the palm. Despite the slight increase in screen size from the previous 6.8-inch standard, the S25 Ultra is both thinner and lighter than its predecessor. While it retains the IP68 rating for water and dust resistance—notably trailing behind some competitors offering IP69 standards—the build quality remains exceptionally premium, achieving a calculated balance between industrial aesthetics and daily practicality.

Visual and auditory performance have received targeted upgrades that enhance the multimedia experience. The display features a vibrant AMOLED panel protected by the second generation of Corning Gorilla Armor. This specialized glass remains a market-leading feature, reducing ambient reflections by up to 75% and maintaining clarity even under intense lighting. Samsung has also addressed the display graininess issues that affected the previous generation, particularly at low brightness levels. Complementing the visuals is a revised stereo speaker system that delivers increased volume and more pronounced bass, providing a distinct advantage for users who prioritize mobile gaming and cinematic content.

The integration of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset serves as the technical backbone of the S25 Ultra, facilitating the smoothest user interface in the company’s history. This processor enables the fluid animations of the new One UI 7 and provides the necessary overhead for demanding tasks like console-quality gaming and on-device AI processing. Heat management is handled by an enlarged vapor chamber, which allows the device to maintain high performance in titles such as GRID Legends without immediate thermal throttling. However, the performance leap is most noticeable for those upgrading from three-year-old devices, as the daily speed difference compared to the S24 Ultra remains marginal for standard applications.

Software and artificial intelligence represent the primary focus of the S25 Ultra experience. Launching with One UI 7 based on Android 15, the device introduces the "Now Bar" and "Now Brief" features, which offer a more aesthetic and organized way to view live notifications and daily summaries. Samsung has deepened its partnership with Google, making Gemini the default digital assistant. The Galaxy AI suite has also matured, featuring a highly impressive Audio Eraser tool that can isolate and remove specific sounds from video recordings, alongside enhanced "Sketch to Image" capabilities that now support text-based prompts for generative art.

The camera system presents a mix of significant software progress and hardware stagnation. A new 50MP ultra-wide sensor improves low-light performance and allows for 8K video recording, matching the capabilities of the 200MP main lens. However, the 3x and 5x telephoto lenses remain hardware-identical to previous models. To compensate, Samsung has utilized the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s image signal processor to significantly reduce shutter lag, a persistent issue in earlier Galaxy flagships. Professional users will also appreciate the addition of Log video recording and a "virtual aperture" feature within the Expert RAW application, allowing for more precise control over background blur and dynamic range.

A point of contention for long-term fans is the revised S Pen functionality. For the first time since 2018, the included stylus lacks Bluetooth connectivity, meaning Air Actions and remote camera shutter features are no longer supported. Samsung justifies this by stating that fewer than 1% of users utilized these wireless functions. Despite this loss, the S Pen remains a best-in-class tool for digital illustration and handwriting, maintaining its 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and low latency. It also remains central to AI features like "Circle to Search" and advanced document organization.

Battery performance continues to be a highlight, with the 5,000 mAh cell benefiting from improved idle efficiency. Users can consistently expect over eight hours of screen-on time, and the device has notably fixed the "instant shut-off" issue previously seen when the battery reached 1%. While 45W wired charging persists—reaching approximately 70% in 30 minutes—the device adds support for the Qi2 wireless charging standard, though magnetic functionality requires the use of a compatible case. Ultimately, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a sophisticated, if not revolutionary, upgrade that excels as a comprehensive tool for power users and mobile professionals.