Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The important upgrades and compromises

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a large flagship for people who want an integrated S Pen, long software support, a versatile camera system, and high-end performance. Its size, weight, and 45W charging are just as relevant as its processor and cameras.

What you get

• 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with adaptive refresh rate.
• Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy performance.
• 200MP main camera with ultrawide and telephoto cameras.
• Built-in S Pen and Samsung’s productivity features.
• IP68-rated construction and USB-C connectivity.

Display and design

The screen is bright, sharp, and easy to read outdoors. The phone is still wide and heavy, even with its flatter, more angular design. One-handed use, pockets, and long reading sessions are worth considering before purchase. IP68 protection is useful, but it is not a promise of damage-proof operation or coverage for liquid damage.

Camera system

The main camera handles most everyday shots. The ultrawide camera is useful for architecture and groups, while the telephoto cameras provide more useful framing than digital zoom alone. Results vary with lighting and Samsung’s processing. “200MP” does not mean every image is sharper; the shooting mode, movement, and available light matter more.

S Pen and software

The S Pen is valuable if you annotate documents, mark up screenshots, write notes, or use remote-control features supported by the software. It adds little for someone who mainly messages, watches video, and takes occasional photos. Samsung’s software adds useful controls but also more settings and bundled services than a minimal Android build.

Performance and battery

The processor has enough headroom for demanding games, editing, and multitasking. Battery life is strong for a large flagship, but camera use, gaming, high brightness, and weak cellular signal can change the result. 45W wired charging is adequate rather than class-leading, and the charger may not be included depending on the market bundle.

Who should buy it?

Buy it for the S Pen, camera flexibility, display quality, premium construction, or long-term software support. A smaller Galaxy model makes more sense if the pen and large screen will stay unused. A less expensive Android phone may deliver the same messaging, video, and social-app experience for far less money.

Before buying

• Compare the storage tier and launch price with the current sale price.
• Check the included accessories and regional warranty.
• Confirm SIM, eSIM, UWB, and 5G-band support for your country.
• Look at trade-in terms separately from the phone’s cash price.

Full Specifications

General

Display

Hardware

Camera, software and connectivity

Specification note: Colour, SIM, storage and network support vary by market. Check Samsung’s regional page before ordering.

Source

Check Samsung’s official Galaxy S25 Ultra page for regional specifications and software features.