REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung’s flagship lineup has evolved over the years, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra, despite its impressive specs, feels like a conservative step forward. There’s no doubt it’s a powerful, well-rounded device, but is it enough to set Samsung apart in an increasingly competitive Android market? With brands like HONOR, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and OPPO ramping up their offerings, the pressure’s on Samsung to deliver more than just incremental upgrades. After spending a few weeks with the S25 Ultra, here’s my take on how it fares.

Design & Build Quality

If you’ve seen the Galaxy S22, S23, or S24 Ultra, then the design of the S25 Ultra will feel strikingly familiar. The squared-off edges have been slightly rounded off for a more comfortable grip, which is an improvement over the sharper corners of previous models. However, the overall design remains largely unchanged, and frankly, it’s starting to feel a little uninspired. The lack of bold colour choices doesn’t help either. Sure, there’s a Titanium Silverblue model (which I tested), but it’s the only colour option that offers something different. The rest – Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Black, and Titanium Grey – are safe and a bit dull, especially when compared to the more adventurous hues from competitors.

That said, one area where the S25 Ultra really stands out is its AMOLED display. Samsung has always been known for top-notch screens, and this is no exception. The panel is bright, vibrant, and sharp, but the real star is the new Gorilla Armor 2 glass. The anti-reflective coating makes a noticeable difference when using the phone in direct sunlight, and it’s a much-needed upgrade. The display is not only easier to view in harsh lighting conditions, but it’s also more resistant to scratches. While the overall design may not be ground-breaking, the screen is undeniably impressive.

Software Features

The software experience on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by One UI 7, which is undoubtedly the highlight of the device. It’s smooth, fast, and intuitive, with some notable changes that improve day-to-day usability. The vertical app drawer, multitasking enhancements, and split notification/quick settings panel are all welcome additions. One UI 7 feels cleaner and less cluttered than its predecessors, and the updates to the icons and animations offer a fresh feel without overwhelming the user.

Where the S25 Ultra really shines is in its integration of Galaxy AI. This system powers several features that enhance the overall experience. Call Assist, for example, is a handy tool that leverages AI to help with answering and managing calls. Then there’s the generative AI for photo editing, which Samsung has really taken to the next level. It’s now on par with Google’s Pixel offerings, and in some cases, it might even have the edge. From object removal to portrait sketches, the AI editing tools are surprisingly accurate and offer plenty of creative options.

That said, the ‘Now Bar’ is an interesting feature that’s somewhat underutilised. It sits at the bottom of the display and provides quick access to information from your favourite apps, such as weather updates or music controls. In theory, it’s a great idea, but it doesn’t feel like it’s been fully realised yet. If Samsung can refine this feature, it could be something really useful.

Performance

The S25 Ultra is powered by the custom Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, which delivers an impressive performance boost. In everyday use, the phone feels fast and responsive, with apps launching quickly and multitasking a breeze. When it comes to gaming, the S25 Ultra has no trouble handling AAA titles with ease, and the added efficiency of the new chip means better overall battery life despite the demanding tasks.

The improved efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite also contributes to the phone’s longevity. It’s not just about raw power – Samsung has managed to strike a balance between performance and battery efficiency, ensuring that the S25 Ultra can handle heavy workloads while keeping the battery drain to a minimum. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working, the S25 Ultra’s performance is more than capable of keeping up.

Cameras

When it comes to cameras, the S25 Ultra continues to lead the pack in one key area: long-distance zoom. The device still offers some of the best telephoto performance on the market, and if you’re someone who needs to take high-quality zoomed-in shots, this is the phone for you. The 50MP ultrawide sensor has also seen improvements, offering sharper, more detailed images compared to its predecessor.

However, the camera system is not without its flaws. In low-light conditions, the S25 Ultra still struggles to deliver the consistent quality that’s expected from a flagship device. There’s noticeable fuzziness, especially when shooting moving subjects, and the processing can sometimes feel a bit off. That said, in good lighting, the camera performs admirably, with vibrant colours and plenty of detail.

On the video front, the S25 Ultra adds support for Galaxy Log, which should appeal to aspiring videographers looking to add more control and flexibility to their footage. Additionally, Virtual Aperture offers the ability to simulate different lens effects, which is a nice touch for those who like to experiment with their shots.

Battery Life

The S25 Ultra retains the same 5,000mAh battery size as its predecessors, and in my testing, it delivers solid battery life. On a typical day, I managed 3-5 hours of screen time, which is enough to get me through the day with some juice left over. However, battery life does take a hit when on cellular data, especially in areas with poor signal. While it’s certainly not bad, it’s not exceptional either, and competitors like the OnePlus 13, with its larger battery, are starting to outpace Samsung in this department.

The S25 Ultra does support 45W charging, which is decent, but I would have liked to see faster speeds – perhaps 65W – to keep up with the competition. Given the growing demand for faster charging, it’s an area Samsung could definitely improve on in future models.

Conclusion

After spending a few weeks with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it’s clear that Samsung has delivered a solid device. The display is stunning, the software is polished, and the performance is top-notch. The camera remains one of the best for long-distance zoom, and the battery life, while not ground-breaking, is sufficient for most users.

However, there’s a feeling that Samsung is playing it safe with this release. The design is familiar, the camera improvements are incremental, and while the focus on AI is interesting, it doesn’t feel like a game-changer. With competitors like HONOR, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and OPPO continuing to innovate and capture market share, Samsung needs to push the envelope in the next iteration to maintain its edge.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Pricing & Availability

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in Ireland, with an RRP of €1469 for the 12GB RAM/256GB storage variant. The device is available in four colours: Titanium Silverblue (the model I tested), Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Black, and Titanium Grey.