Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: Iterative Upgrade with AI Focus

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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is here, but it might not be the revolutionary upgrade some were hoping for. While it boasts a refined design, powerful AI features, and the signature S Pen, it lacks significant improvements in other areas. In this review, we'll take a critical look at the S25 Ultra, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it's the right phone for you.

Design: Familiar Yet Less Distinctive

The Galaxy S25 Ultra adopts a more familiar design language, aligning with the rest of the S25 series. While this makes it more comfortable to hold, it also loses some of the unique identity that previous Ultra models possessed. The large display and minimal bezels contribute to its imposing size.

  • Refined design, but less distinctive
  • Large display with minimal bezels
  • Comfortable to hold, but bulky

Specs: Minimal Upgrades

The Galaxy S25 Ultra's spec sheet offers few surprises. Aside from the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, most of the hardware remains unchanged from the S24 Ultra. This lack of significant upgrades is disappointing, especially when compared to competitors like the OnePlus 13, which offer larger batteries, faster charging, and improved cameras.

  • Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
  • 12GB RAM, up to 1TB storage
  • 5,000mAh battery
  • Minimal camera upgrades

Camera: Minimal upgrade but great results

The S25 Ultra has a very similar camera system on the back as its recent predecessors, including the main 200MP camera, a 10MP 3x telephoto and a 50MP 5x telephoto camera capable of optically zooming to 10x magnification, or beyond with digital zoom. New for this year is a much improved 50MP ultra wide camera, which has much better low-light performance producing crisper and better detailed images indoors and in other dim environments.

The camera app is also packed with plenty of fun and useful modes, including its best-in-class portrait mode, full manual control and various advanced tools. But as with its predecessors, the S25 Ultra’s best feature is simply the adaptability of having four cameras with multiple different magnifications available.

  • Rear camera: Wide (main): 200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm, 1/1.3", 0.6µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS; Telephoto: 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm, 1/3.52", 1.12µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom; Telephoto: 50 MP, f/3.4, 111mm, 1/2.52", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom; Ultra wide angle: 50 MP, f/1.9, 120˚, 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video.
  • Front camera: 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF.
  • Video capture: Rear camera: 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 10-bit HDR, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps.

AI Features: The Main Focus

Samsung is heavily emphasizing the Galaxy S25 Ultra's AI capabilities. Galaxy AI offers a range of new features and tools designed to improve productivity and personalization. However, many of these AI features are expected to arrive on older Galaxy devices via software updates, diminishing the S25 Ultra's exclusivity.

  • Galaxy AI with new features and tools
  • AI-powered photography enhancements
  • Personalized Now Brief widgets
  • Many AI features coming to older devices

S Pen: Reduced Functionality

While the S Pen remains a key feature of the Ultra line, it has lost some functionality in the S25 Ultra. Bluetooth LE features, including Air Actions and camera shutter controls, have been removed, which may disappoint some Note enthusiasts.

  • S Pen included, but with reduced functionality
  • No Bluetooth LE support

Price and Value: A Tough Sell

Starting at ₹1,29,990, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is an expensive phone. With minimal hardware upgrades and the promise of AI features coming to older devices, its value proposition is questionable. Competitors like the OnePlus 13 and Pixel 9 Pro XL offer compelling alternatives at lower prices.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Refined design
  • Powerful performance
  • Improved AI features
  • Versatile S Pen

Cons:

  • Minimal hardware upgrades
  • S Pen loses Bluetooth LE features
  • High price
  • Questionable value compared to competitors

Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerful and capable flagship phone, but it's not a must-have upgrade. If you prioritize AI features and a refined design, it's worth considering. However, the lack of significant hardware upgrades and the high price tag may make it a less compelling option compared to its predecessor or competitors like the Pixel 9 Pro XL and OnePlus13.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is an iterative upgrade that focuses on AI enhancements and a refined design. While it's a solid flagship phone, it may not be the revolutionary device some were hoping for. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the S25 Ultra depends on your individual needs and priorities. Let me know your thought about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in the comments below.

Source: Samsung India Website

Follow the link below to purchase the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:

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