By Peter Nalika and Tim Muinga
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G is a testament to the idea that if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. As with recent iterations, Samsung isn’t reinventing the wheel, it’s perfecting it. At first glance, the S25 Ultra closely resembles its S24 predecessor, but subtle refinements make all the difference. While the leap from the S24 Ultra may seem incremental, the cumulative impact of hardware tweaks, smarter software, and seamless ecosystem integration makes this phone a quiet powerhouse. However, for those still holding onto an S22 Ultra or earlier, the S25 Ultra is a game-changer. Let’s explore why the little things matter.
Design & Hardware: Subtle Tweaks, Big Comfort
The S25 Ultra’s design is a masterclass in refinement. Samsung has shaved 0.3mm off the bezels, giving the 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display an almost borderless look. The titanium frame now features a matte finish, reducing fingerprints, while the slightly curved back glass enhances grip, making it feel more natural in hand.
Of course, the first thing many users will do is slap a case on it. If you do, consider one with clear accents to showcase the phone’s beautiful color options.
The redesigned S Pen slot now sits flush with the chassis, eliminating wobble when tapping the screen. However, Samsung has controversially removed Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen, meaning you can no longer use it as a remote shutter button. While this change marginally improves battery life, it removes a feature many found useful.
For S22 Ultra users, the weight reduction [218g vs. 228g] is noticeable, thanks to a rebalanced internal layout for improved cooling. From the S22 to the S25, Samsung has iteratively refined the design ditching the curved screen of the S22, adjusting the back curvature of the S24, and introducing subtly curved edges on the S25. The result? A device that feels better balanced and more ergonomic.
While the battery capacity remains unchanged, internal optimizations extend its lifespan, providing better endurance than previous models. The camera upgrade from 108MP to 200MP further reinforces Samsung’s focus on incremental but meaningful improvements.
Wearables Integration: A Smarter Ecosystem
The Galaxy Buds 3 offer a snug fit for most users, though the lack of silicon tips may cause slight initial discomfort. Their Adaptive ANC intelligently adjusts to block background noise during calls and focus sessions. Despite their open design, the audio quality is impressive.
Pairing with Samsung devices is effortless. If your Buds 3 are already connected to your S25, you can seamlessly switch to an S24 nearby without manually re-pairing. This extends to other Bluetooth audio devices, making it easier to share speakers or headphones among family and friends.
Software & User Experience: AI That Anticipates
One UI 6.1 is polished, but it’s the S25 Ultra’s Gemini-powered AI tools and deep ecosystem integration that steal the show:
Pro-Level Photo Editing: Gemini AI does more than erase photobombers; it intelligently reconstructs backgrounds. It also learns from your editing habits, making enhancements like fixing red-eye, reducing blur, and adjusting harsh shadows more intuitive than ever.
SmartThings Routines: Your phone becomes a smart home maestro. Arrive home, and lights turn on, turns on your microwave and your TV queues a playlist. When driving and your phone picks it up, it can turn on the Bluetooth + navigation apps auto-launch and even queue a Spotify playlist. One of the more useful routines is when it picks up you are asleep, it sets the phone to power saving mode. This can then be paired with turning down the lights as well and watch sleep tracking kicks in. It even tracks snoring patterns via the phones microphone, recording specific times and sleep activity and blood oxygen levels.
Battery & Charging: Less Time Plugged In
The Watch 7 boasts a two-day battery life with a 30-minute full charge, reducing the need for frequent recharges. When paired with the S25 Ultra’s battery-efficient optimizations, this duo easily powers through two full days of use. Charging speeds are notably faster than previous models, minimizing downtime.
Camera Quality: Small Enhancements, Big Impact
The 200MP main sensor isn’t new, but Samsung has significantly improved its night photography and AI-powered edits, making it an imaging powerhouse.
Vlog Assist: The Buds 3 function as a directional mic, automatically adjusting audio focus based on where you’re looking. This ensures clear voice capture, even in noisy outdoor settings.
AI Group Shot: The Watch 7 doubles as a remote viewfinder, using its accelerometer to detect when everyone is in the frame. Machine learning further enhances images by reducing motion blur and optimizing lighting in real time.
Low-light photography sees a significant improvement over the S24 Ultra. Even for S24 Ultra owners, the difference in night shots is striking, Samsung’s software refinements make a real impact.
Verdict: Small Steps, Giant Leaps
The S25 Ultra isn’t a radical departure, it’s a symphony of refinements. For S24 Ultra users, enhancements like Gemini AI photo editing and Watch 7 sleep tracking may feel like minor upgrades. However, for anyone on an S22 Ultra or older, this phone is a transformative leap. The titanium build, intelligent automation, and seamless wearable integration make for an experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Buy it here.
