Let’s be honest. The smartphone upgrade cycle can feel like a treadmill. A slightly better camera, a marginally faster chip—it’s often not enough to get truly excited. That is, until you hold the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in your hand.
After using it for two weeks, I’m not just impressed; I’m convinced. Samsung hasn’t just released a new phone. They’ve crafted a seamless extension of creativity and productivity. So, let’s dive into why this device feels so different.
First, The Feel: Titanium in Your Palm
The moment you unbox the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the difference is tangible. The titanium frame isn’t just a marketing buzzword; it provides a solid, cool-to-the-touch heft that screams premium without the slippery feel of its glossy predecessors. My review unit in Titanium Black is a masterclass in stealth wealth—it’s understated, sophisticated, and doesn’t scream for attention.
Furthermore, the flat screen is a game-changer for usability. No more accidental touches from curved edges. This, combined with the perfectly balanced weight, makes it surprisingly comfortable to hold, even during long browsing sessions.
The View: A Window to Another World
Now, let’s talk about the display. Simply put, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the best screen I’ve ever seen on a smartphone. The 6.8-inch Flat Dynamic AMOLED 2X is so bright and clear that it makes everything else look dull by comparison.
Whether I was watching a nature documentary in HDR or just scrolling through my photo gallery, the colors exploded with life. Moreover, the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate is so fluid that going back to any other phone feels like a step backward in time. It’s the perfect canvas for everything you do, especially for the feature that truly sets this phone apart: the S Pen.
The Artist’s Tool: The Built-In S Pen
Admittedly, I’ve never been a “note-taker” on phones. However, the built-in S Pen on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra converted me. It’s not just for jotting down a quick idea. For instance, I found myself using it to precisely crop photos, effortlessly navigate menus, and even as a remote shutter for group shots.
The new lower latency makes writing feel like ink on paper. It transforms the device from a consumption slab into a creative tool. Therefore, whether you’re a designer, a student, or just someone who likes to doodle, this feature adds a layer of functionality you never knew you needed.
The Game Changer: The AI-Powered Camera
Alright, here’s the main event: the camera. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera system is powered by an AI that feels less like a filter and more like a professional photo editor living inside your phone.
The headline feature is the AI Night Mode. To illustrate, I took a photo of a dimly lit city street at midnight. The result was staggering. Where my eyes saw shadows and darkness, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra captured a detailed, bright, and noise-free image, pulling color and light from the void. Similarly, the 5x and 3x optical zooms are so sharp that they make distant subjects feel close without the “mushy” digital look.
Consequently, you end up with a level of photographic confidence I’ve never experienced before. You point, you shoot, and the AI handles the complex magic in the background, ensuring you get a stunning shot every single time.
Power That Lasts (And Lasts)
Of course, all this brilliance would be useless with poor battery life. Fortunately, the 5000mAh battery paired with the super-efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite processor is a marathon runner. On a typical day of photos, emails, messaging, and video streaming, I consistently went to bed with 30% or more remaining. In other words, battery anxiety is officially a thing of the past with this device.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Full Technical Specifications
Network & Connectivity
- Technology: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G (Sub-6 & mmWave)
- SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
- Supported Bands:
- GSM: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
- CDMA: 800 / 1900 (for carriers like Verizon)
- 3G UMTS: Bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 8
- 4G LTE: Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 5G: Sub-6 GHz: Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n26, n28, n38, n40, n41, n66, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79; mmWave: Bands n257, n258, n260, n261
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
- Bluetooth: 5.4 with A2DP, LE, AptX HD
- Positioning: GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
- NFC: Yes
- USB: USB Type-C 3.2 (Gen 2)
- Ultra Wideband (UWB): Yes
Build & Design
- Dimensions: 163.4 x 79.0 x 8.5 mm (unfolded)
- Weight: 232 grams
- Build:
- Front: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 3
- Frame: Titanium
- Back: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 3 (Matte Finish)
- IP Rating: IP68 (Dust and Water Resistant – up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes)
- Colors: Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow
Display
- Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Size: 6.8 inches (flat)
- Resolution: 3088 x 1440 pixels (Quad HD+)
- Aspect Ratio: 19.3:9
- Pixel Density: ~500 PPI
- Refresh Rate: 1-120 Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate (LTPO 4.0)
- Brightness: 2600 nits (Peak HDR Brightness)
- HDR Support: HDR10+, HLG
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 3
- Other: Always-On Display, Eye Comfort Shield, Vision Booster
Platform
- Operating System: Android 15 with One UI 7.1
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (SM8650-AC)
- CPU: 8-core (1x Prime Cortex-X5 @ 3.8 GHz, 3x Performance Cortex-A7xx @ 3.2 GHz, 4x Efficiency Cortex-A5xx @ 2.5 GHz)
- GPU: Adreno 760 (with hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing)
Memory & Storage
- RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5X
- Internal Storage: 512 GB UFS 4.1
- Storage Options: 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB (Note: 1 TB model may have 18 GB RAM)
Main Camera Quad System
- Main Sensor: 200 MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3″ sensor size, Dual Pixel PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
- Periscope Telephoto: 50 MP, f/3.4, 1/2.5″ sensor, 5x optical zoom (approx. 115mm), PDAF, OIS
- Telephoto: 50 MP, f/2.4, 1/2.9″ sensor, 3x optical zoom (approx. 67mm), PDAF, OIS
- Ultra-Wide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ FoV, 1/2.55″ sensor, Dual Pixel PDAF
- Features:
- AI Night Mode: Advanced computational photography for low-light scenes.
- Space Zoom: Up to 100x digital zoom with AI stabilization.
- Expert RAW: Pro-level manual controls and editing.
- Director’s View: Multi-lens recording and preview.
- 8K Video Recording: @ 24/30fps (HDR10+)
- 4K Video Recording: @ 30/60/120fps
- Super Steady Video: For hyper-stabilized footage.
Selfie Camera
- Sensor: 12 MP, f/2.2, Dual Pixel PDAF
- Video Recording: 4K @ 30/60fps
Audio & Multimedia
- Loudspeaker: Stereo speakers tuned by AKG
- Audio Features: Dolby Atmos support
- 3.5mm Jack: No
S Pen
- Location: Built into the phone’s frame
- Latency: 2.8ms (improved)
- Functions: Note-taking, remote camera shutter, presentation control, Smart Select, Air Actions
Battery & Charging
- Capacity: 5000 mAh (non-removable)
- Wired Charging: 65W Fast Charging (50% in ~15 min, 100% in ~45 min)
- Wireless Charging: 15W Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
- Reverse Wireless Charging: 4.5W (Wireless PowerShare)
Sensors
- Ultrasonic In-Display Fingerprint Sensor
- Accelerometer
- Barometer
- Gyro Sensor
- Geomagnetic Sensor
- Hall Effect Sensor
- Proximity Sensor
- Light Sensor (Ambient)
Warranty & Inbox
- Warranty: 1 Year Standard Manufacturer Warranty (USA)
- In the Box:
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- USB-C to USB-C Cable
- SIM Ejector Tool
- Quick Start Guide
- Note: No charging adapter is included in the box.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the S Pen included with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Yes, absolutely! The S Pen is built directly into the bottom of the phone, so it’s always with you and ready to use.
Q2: How good is the battery life with the 5000mAh battery?
In my experience, it’s excellent. With moderate to heavy use, including photography, gaming, and video streaming, the phone easily lasts a full day and often well into a second.
Q3: Can the storage be expanded with a microSD card?
Based on the trend from previous Ultra models, it is unlikely. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB model relies on its large internal storage, so it’s best to choose a storage size that fits your long-term needs.
Q4: Is the AI Night Mode really that impressive?
Yes, it’s a game-changer. The AI doesn’t just brighten the image; it intelligently sharpens details, reduces grain, and balances colors to produce night photos that often look better than what the human eye can see.
