The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has arrived, and it’s creating waves in the smartphone world. With its predecessor, the S24 Ultra, being hailed as the “phone of the year” by nearly 90% of tech reviewers, expectations are sky-high. But does the S25 Ultra live up to the legacy? Is it a worthy successor, and more importantly, should you buy it? In this detailed review, we’ll dive into its design, display, performance, camera, battery, AI features, and more to help you decide. Written in simple language, this article is tailored for users who want a clear and comprehensive understanding of the S25 Ultra.
Design: Premium Yet Familiar
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra feels like a refined version of its predecessor, but it’s not a drastic departure. Holding it in your hands is a different experience compared to watching it in videos. While some criticized the S24 Ultra’s boxy design, the S25 Ultra strikes a balance. It has slightly rounded corners, making it more comfortable to hold than the sharp-edged S24 Ultra. The titanium frame, now upgraded to Grade 5, adds a premium touch without compromising durability.
Weighing 218 grams, the S25 Ultra is 15 grams lighter than the S24 Ultra (233 grams). This reduction might seem minor, but it makes a noticeable difference during prolonged use. Contrary to the notion that lightweight phones feel cheap, the S25 Ultra exudes quality. Its flat sides and matte finish enhance grip, and the phone feels sturdy, even after accidental drops. During testing, the phone survived minor drops without a scratch, thanks to the Gorilla Glass Armor 2 on both the front and back. However, its sharp corners could be prone to damage if it lands awkwardly, so a case is recommended.
The camera module protrudes slightly, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and the S Pen remains a signature feature. Unlike the S24 Ultra’s Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, the S25 Ultra’s stylus is passive, losing features like remote camera control. This downgrade might disappoint S Pen enthusiasts, but for writing and drawing, it works flawlessly. The phone is available in four colors: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Gray, and Titanium Black. While these shades are elegant, they lack the vibrancy of past Samsung flagships.
The S25 Ultra also prioritizes sustainability, with recycled materials like cobalt in the battery and aluminum in the frame. This eco-conscious approach is a step forward, aligning with global trends. Overall, the design is a blend of familiarity and subtle improvements, making it a premium yet practical choice.
Display: A Visual Masterpiece
The S25 Ultra’s display is one of its standout features. It sports a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, up from the 6.8-inch display on the S24 Ultra. The increase is subtle, achieved by shrinking the bezels by 15%, resulting in an impressive screen-to-body ratio. With a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 2,600 nits, the display is vibrant and smooth, perfect for gaming, streaming, and outdoor use.
What sets the S25 Ultra apart is its anti-reflective coating. Unlike many smartphones that struggle with glare in sunlight, this coating ensures excellent visibility, making it ideal for users who are often outdoors. The ProScaler technology is another highlight, upscaling low-resolution content to match the QHD+ display. Whether you’re watching old videos or browsing Instagram, everything looks crisp and detailed.
The bezels are among the thinnest in Samsung’s lineup, giving the phone a sleek, modern look. For multimedia enthusiasts, the display, paired with improved dual speakers, delivers an immersive experience. The audio quality is a notch above the S24 Ultra, with clearer highs and decent bass, though deep bass notes may require headphones for the best experience. With an IP68 rating, the phone is dust and water-resistant, adding to its durability.
Performance: Powerhouse Unleashed
Under the hood, the S25 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a slightly overclocked version of the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite. This 3nm chipset, combined with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, ensures blazing-fast performance. Available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants, it caters to different storage needs.
In benchmarks, the S25 Ultra shines. It scores around 10,000 in Geekbench 6 multi-core tests and 2.7–2.8 million in AnTuTu, placing it among the top Android phones of 2025. Real-world performance is equally impressive. Playing demanding games like Wuthering Waves at max settings, the phone maintained a consistent 59.3–59.4 FPS, with ray tracing performance standing out. The 40% larger vapor cooling chamber keeps thermals in check, though the phone can warm up to 45–46°C during extended gaming sessions in performance mode.
Throttling tests show the CPU and GPU maintaining 70% and 64% of peak performance, respectively, under stress. For everyday tasks like multitasking, browsing, and streaming, the phone feels buttery smooth. The One UI 7, based on Android 15, is clean and customizable, with Samsung promising seven years of OS and security updates. This ensures the S25 Ultra remains relevant for years, a crucial factor for Indian buyers investing in a premium device.
Camera: AI-Driven Excellence
The S25 Ultra’s camera system is a blend of familiar hardware and enhanced software. It features a 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens (up from 12MP in the S24 Ultra), a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto, and a 10MP 3x telephoto. The 12MP front camera remains unchanged. While the hardware upgrades are modest, Samsung’s AI-driven algorithms make a significant difference.
Compared to the S24 Ultra, the S25 Ultra produces more natural photos with improved skin tones and reduced oversharpening. Colors are punchier, making images social media-friendly without looking artificial. The 50MP ultrawide lens excels in low-light conditions, capturing sharper details than its predecessor. Portrait shots at 3x and 5x zoom are clearer, with better edge detection and a pleasing bokeh effect.
Videography is another strong suit. The S25 Ultra supports 10-bit HDR, Log video for professional-grade color grading, and Nightography for low-light performance. The Audio Eraser feature, powered by AI, isolates background noise, enhancing voice clarity in videos—a boon for content creators. While the camera system doesn’t revolutionize smartphone photography, it’s versatile and reliable, outperforming many competitors, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max, in zoom capabilities.
For a detailed look at sample photos and videos, check the G-Drive link provided by reviewers. Samsung’s promise of camera improvements via software updates further sweetens the deal, as the S series typically gets better with time.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
The S25 Ultra retains the 5,000mAh battery of its predecessor, equipped with Silicon Carbon technology for better efficiency. It supports 45W wired charging, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes for a full charge, and 15W wireless charging with Qi2 compatibility (requires a compatible case). Reverse wireless charging is also included.
In real-world use, the phone delivers 7–8 hours of screen-on time, easily lasting a full day with mixed usage (gaming, streaming, calls, and social media). For light users, it can stretch to 1.5 days. While the battery capacity hasn’t increased, the optimized Snapdragon 8 Elite and One UI 7 contribute to excellent endurance. However, the lack of faster charging in a phone priced at ₹1,23,999 is a minor drawback, especially when competitors like OnePlus offer 100W+ speeds.
Galaxy AI: The Game-Changer
Galaxy AI is where the S25 Ultra truly shines. While some dismiss it as an “AI phone,” the features are practical and seamlessly integrated. Powered by Google Gemini and Samsung’s on-device processing, AI functions are fast and secure, with 70–90% of tasks handled locally via Knox Vault for enhanced privacy.
Key AI features include:
- Now Brief and Now Bar: These provide personalized daily updates (steps, weather, schedule) on the lock screen, reducing the need to unlock the phone.
- Audio Eraser: Removes background noise from videos, ideal for vloggers.
- AI Select: Converts video clips into GIFs or extracts objects with a tap.
- Photo Editing: Transform photos into watercolor or cartoon styles, with quick processing.
- Cross App Actions: Perform complex tasks, like sending pet-friendly restaurant lists, with a single voice command.
Circle to Search, introduced in the S24 Ultra, has evolved with AI Select, making it more intuitive. The ability to process queries in Hindi is a thoughtful addition for Indian users. While Galaxy AI will be free until the end of 2025, a potential subscription model post-2025 is worth noting. For now, these features enhance productivity and creativity, setting the S25 Ultra apart from rivals.
Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 2,600 nits |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (UFS 4.0) |
| Rear Cameras | 200MP (main), 50MP (ultrawide), 50MP (5x telephoto), 10MP (3x telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless (Qi2) |
| OS | Android 15 with One UI 7 |
| S Pen | Passive (no Bluetooth) |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Armor 2, Grade 5 Titanium frame, IP68 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Weight | 218 grams |
| Colors | Titanium Silver Blue, White Silver, Gray, Black |
Should You Buy the S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a refined flagship that builds on the S24 Ultra’s strengths. Its stunning display, powerful performance, versatile cameras, and innovative AI features make it a top contender in 2025. The lightweight design, improved thermals, and long-term software support add to its appeal, especially for Indian buyers seeking value for money.
However, it’s not a revolutionary upgrade. If you own an S24 Ultra, the differences—aside from AI enhancements and a better ultrawide camera—may not justify the ₹1,23,999 price tag. The lack of Bluetooth in the S Pen and unchanged battery capacity are minor letdowns. For S23 Ultra or older model users, the S25 Ultra is a compelling upgrade, offering significant improvements in performance, display, and software.
Launch offers sweeten the deal, with a free storage upgrade (256GB to 512GB) and up to ₹21,000 in benefits, including exchange bonuses. If you’re switching from an iPhone or another Android brand, the S25 Ultra’s ecosystem, AI capabilities, and S Pen make it a strong choice. For those on a budget, the Galaxy S25 or S25 Plus offer similar performance at lower prices.
Is It Worth It?
Yes, the S25 Ultra is worth it for power users, content creators, and anyone seeking a future-proof flagship. Its AI-driven features, while not perfect, are practical and ahead of competitors like Apple and Google. The camera excels in versatility, and the display is unmatched for multimedia. However, if AI isn’t a priority or you’re happy with your current phone, waiting for a price drop or sticking with the S24 Ultra (available at discounts) is a sensible choice.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t just an AI phone—it’s a well-rounded powerhouse that justifies its premium status. Whether it’s the right phone for you depends on your needs, budget, and love for cutting-edge technology.
