It has been over a month since I have been the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. As the first Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphone I’ve used, this represents a huge jump in terms performance, AI, and photography in the smartphone category.
As the fastest flagship smartphone we’ve recently reviewed, it sets a new standard for what users can expect from a high-end flagship device. Let’s get into the various aspects that make the Galaxy S25 Ultra stand out, as well as some areas where it could improve.
Build and Design
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra packs impressive specs and features, its build and structure have raised some concerns among reviewers. The design, while sleek and modern, does not seem to have undergone significant changes from its predecessors. This seemingly lack of innovation in design might be a point of contention for some users, especially considering the premium price tag. However, the use of enhanced Gorilla Armor for better scratch and drop resistance is a welcome addition, providing users with a more durable device.
One of the notable omissions in the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the removal of Bluetooth capabilities from the S-Pen. This decision has been met with disappointment from fans of the Galaxy Note and S series, who have grown accustomed to the convenience and functionality that Bluetooth-enabled S-Pens provided. For users who rely heavily on the S-Pen for tasks like remote camera control or presentations, this downgrade might be a significant drawback. Despite this, for those who primarily use palm gestures or other methods for taking selfies, the impact might be less pronounced.
Display
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is certainly impressive. However, some users might feel that it doesn’t surpass expectations compared to previous models. When compared to competitors like the OnePlus 13, which offers a similarly high-quality display at a lower price point, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display technology might seem inferior. This is particularly concerning given the significant price difference between these devices.
Samsung has also integrated advanced display technologies like ProScaler and mDNIe (mobile Digital Natural Image engine) into the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset. ProScaler enhances image scaling quality by 40% compared to previous generations, making images clearer and more vibrant. Meanwhile, mDNIe improves display power efficiency while optimizing color reproduction and outdoor visibility. Despite these advancements, the display still feels somewhat underwhelming compared to the overall package.
Hardware
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy, which is the result of Samsung’s collaboration with Qualcomm. This chipset offers a significant performance boost, with improvements of 40% in NPU, 37% in CPU, and 30% in GPU compared to the previous generation. The prime Oryon CPU cores run at an impressive 4.47 GHz, making it the fastest mobile platform available. This level of processing power ensures efficient and responsive on-device AI experiences, enhancing the overall user experience.
In terms of memory and storage, the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB. This configuration provides ample resources for multitasking and storing large files, making it suitable for demanding users.
Benchmark
Our benchmark tests have shown that the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerhouse. It achieved an impressive AnTuTu score of 2,328,783, significantly surpassing last year’s flagships. The Geekbench 6 scores were equally impressive, with a single-core score of 3,039 and a multi-core score of 9,556. These results indicate exceptional performance for both single-threaded tasks like web browsing and multi-threaded tasks such as gaming and video editing.
In the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme test, the S25 Ultra scored 6,375, demonstrating its capability to handle the most graphically intensive mobile games. The PCMark 3.0 score of 21,153 further highlights its real-world performance in everyday tasks, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
Software and Other Software Features
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is its advanced AI capabilities, powered by the latest One UI 7 software. The AI features are significantly superior to those found in One UI 6.1, offering more intelligent learning of usage patterns and translating into more useful data and information. The integration of AI agents like Gemini allows for seamless interactions across apps, enabling users to perform complex tasks with ease. For instance, users can locate flight tickets in their email and add them to their calendar with a simple voice command. Samsung is continuously enhancing this feature, and more Google applications will be integrated into the “Now Brief” ecosystem.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra also supports natural language search, allowing users to find settings or photos using intuitive commands. This makes navigating the device more user-friendly and efficient. Additionally, features like Circle to Search can identify songs based on audio inputs, further enhancing the user experience.
Camera
The camera system on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of its most celebrated features. It includes a 200MP wide-angle lens, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 50MP 5x telephoto lens, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens. The ability to shoot in LOG format is particularly noteworthy, allowing for more precise color correction directly from the phone. This feature is a significant advantage for videographers and photographers who value flexibility in post-production.
However, if this feature becomes available to the Galaxy S24 Ultra with the release of One UI 7, it might reduce the incentive to upgrade to the S25 Ultra for some users. Nonetheless, the enhanced camera capabilities, including better low-light performance and detailed wide-angle shots, make the Galaxy S25 Ultra a top choice for those who prioritize camera quality.
Audio
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra does not introduce revolutionary changes in audio technology, it maintains Samsung’s standard for delivering clear and immersive sound. The device supports various audio formats and features, ensuring a satisfying listening experience whether through headphones or the built-in speakers.
Battery
The battery life of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is surprisingly great, lasting up to 15 hours and 29 minutes with medium usage. This is a significant improvement over previous models and provides users with peace of mind, knowing they can rely on their device throughout the day. The inclusion of 45W fast charging further enhances the user experience, allowing for quick top-ups when needed.
Verdict
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is undoubtedly a powerhouse in the smartphone world, offering unparalleled performance and advanced AI capabilities. Its camera system, particularly the ability to shoot in LOG format, is a major highlight. However, concerns about the build quality and the decision to remove Bluetooth capabilities from the S-Pen might deter some potential buyers.
The display, while excellent, feels somewhat underwhelming compared to competitors like the OnePlus 13, especially given the price difference. Despite these drawbacks, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains a top choice for those seeking the best performance and AI-driven features available in a smartphone today.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to innovation and user experience. While it may not excel in every aspect, its strengths in performance, camera capabilities, and AI features make it a compelling option for those willing to invest in a premium device. As the smartphone landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Galaxy S25 Ultra compares to upcoming flagships, but for now, it sets a high bar for what users can expect from a flagship smartphone.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
