Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Comprehensive 90-Day Review
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: 90-Day Comprehensive Review
Released in January 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra entered the market with high expectations, boasting advanced AI capabilities, a refined design, and incremental hardware improvements. After three months of extensive use, it’s time to delve into how this flagship device has performed in real-world scenarios, evaluating its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build Quality
Samsung has subtly refined the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s design, maintaining its premium aesthetics while introducing practical enhancements. The device features a slightly larger 6.9-inch display with reduced bezels, offering an immersive viewing experience. The use of Gorilla Armor 2 glass enhances durability, and the titanium frame adds a touch of sophistication. Notably, the S25 Ultra has transitioned to rounded corners, improving ergonomics and making it more comfortable to hold despite its substantial size. 
Display Performance
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display is a standout feature. The 6.9-inch LTPO Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen offers a resolution of 3,120 by 1,440 pixels, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. With a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, the display ensures smooth scrolling and excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The anti-reflective coating further enhances outdoor usability, making it a delight for media consumption and gaming. Android
Performance and Hardware
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and equipped with 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy S25 Ultra handles multitasking and demanding applications with ease. Over the past 90 days, the device has consistently delivered smooth performance without noticeable lag or stuttering. Storage options range from 256GB to 1TB, catering to users with varying needs. The enhanced cooling solutions effectively prevent overheating during extended usage, a notable improvement over previous models. 
Camera Capabilities
The camera system on the Galaxy S25 Ultra has seen both praise and criticism. The primary 200MP sensor captures detailed images, and the upgraded 50MP ultrawide lens offers improved versatility. However, some users have noted color inconsistencies and overexposure issues, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The AI-driven features, such as Virtual Aperture and customizable filters, aim to enhance the photography experience but have shown varying degrees of effectiveness. 
AI Features and Software
Samsung’s integration of AI into the Galaxy S25 Ultra is ambitious. Features like real-time voice translation, generative AI photo editing, and intelligent search enhance user convenience. The One UI 7 interface is more streamlined, with dedicated Quick Settings and improved notifications management. However, some AI functionalities have been inconsistent, and their practical utility depends on individual usage patterns.
The S Pen remains a distinctive feature of the Ultra series. In the S25 Ultra, Samsung has removed Bluetooth support, eliminating Air Actions. While this change may not affect users who primarily use the S Pen for note-taking or drawing, it does limit functionality for those who relied on remote control features. The stylus continues to offer precise input with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s battery life is commendable, comfortably lasting a full day under moderate to heavy usage. However, the device retains the same 45W wired and 15W wireless charging speeds as its predecessor, which are now considered modest compared to competitors offering faster charging solutions. The inclusion of Qi2 support is a welcome addition, but it requires a compatible case to utilize magnetic wireless charging fully.
Long-Term Software Support
Samsung’s commitment to providing seven years of software and security updates is a significant advantage, ensuring the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains relevant and secure for an extended period. This long-term support adds value to the device, especially for users who prefer not to upgrade their smartphones frequently. 
User Experience and Daily Usage
In daily use, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a reliable and enjoyable experience. The combination of a high-quality display, robust performance, and versatile camera system caters to a wide range of user needs. The AI features, while promising, require further refinement to reach their full potential. The device’s size and weight may be a consideration for some users, but the improved ergonomics help mitigate these factors.
Comparison with Predecessors and Competitors
When compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the S25 Ultra presents incremental upgrades rather than groundbreaking changes. The enhanced AI features and subtle design refinements are notable but may not justify an upgrade for users of the previous model. Competitors have introduced devices with larger camera sensors and faster charging capabilities, highlighting areas where Samsung could focus future improvements. Android Police
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Excellent display quality with high brightness and refresh rate
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Robust performance and efficient cooling system
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Versatile camera system with high-resolution sensors
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Innovative AI features enhancing user experience
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Long-term software support commitment
Cons:
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Incremental upgrades over the previous model
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Inconsistent AI feature performance
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Removal of Bluetooth support in S Pen limiting functionality PCMAG
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Charging speeds lag behind some competitors
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High price point may deter some buyers