In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Samsung has once again raised the bar with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This device blends cutting-edge hardware with intelligent software to deliver a flagship experience that’s both powerful and polished. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the S25 Ultra refines nearly every aspect of its predecessor, making it one of the most compelling Android phones of the year.
Design and Build: Sleek, Strong, and Subtle
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a flatter frame with rounded corners, providing a more comfortable grip and a modern aesthetic. Samsung has opted for Grade 5 titanium for the frame, making the device lighter (218g) and slimmer (8.2mm) than the S24 Ultra. The back is protected by Gorilla Armor 2, and the phone maintains its IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
The minimalist design is complemented by subtle changes to the camera rings, which now appear to float slightly above the surface, adding a touch of sophistication. Available in a range of elegant colors, the S25 Ultra looks and feels like a premium device from every angle.
Display: A Visual Masterpiece
Samsung’s display game remains unmatched, and the S25 Ultra is no exception. It features a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The bezels are slimmer, and the anti-reflective coating on the screen significantly reduces glare, making it a joy to use even in bright sunlight.
Whether you’re streaming 4K content, gaming, or editing photos, the display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and buttery-smooth visuals. It’s arguably the best screen on any smartphone today.
Performance: Power Meets Intelligence
Under the hood, the S25 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy SoC, a custom-tuned chip that delivers blazing-fast performance and efficient power management. Paired with 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, the phone handles multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven tasks with ease.
Samsung has leaned heavily into AI this year, branding the S25 Ultra as an AI-first smartphone. Features like real-time translation, intelligent photo editing, and contextual suggestions are now deeply integrated into the user experience. While some AI features are still hit-or-miss, others—like the new Gemini assistant—showcase the potential of on-device intelligence.
Camera System: Versatility and Precision
Photography has always been a strong suit for the Ultra series, and the S25 Ultra continues that tradition. It boasts a quad-camera setup, including:
- 200MP main sensor
- 50MP ultrawide lens
- 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom
- 10MP periscope lens with 10x optical zoom
The new 50MP ultrawide camera is a standout, capturing expansive scenes with remarkable detail and minimal distortion. Low-light performance has also improved, thanks to enhanced image processing and AI-assisted night mode.
Video capabilities are equally impressive, with support for 8K recording, Pro Video tools, and AI stabilization. Whether you’re a casual shooter or a content creator, the S25 Ultra offers a versatile and powerful camera system.
Software and Ecosystem: One UI Refined
Running on One UI 7.0 based on Android 15, the S25 Ultra offers a clean, intuitive interface with deep customization options. Samsung’s ecosystem continues to grow, with seamless integration across Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Tab devices.
The S Pen, housed in its usual silo, remains a unique selling point. While it misses out on some features, such as Air Actions, this year, it still offers precise input for note-taking, sketching, and navigating the UI.
Battery Life and Charging
The S25 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery, which provides a whole day of use with moderate to heavy usage. Thanks to the improved power efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and AI-driven battery optimization, screen-on time has increased noticeably.
Charging is handled via 45W wired and 25W wireless options. While not the fastest in the industry, it’s reliable and safe, with support for reverse wireless charging as well.
Pricing and Verdict
The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at ₹1,29,999 for the 256GB variant, with the 512GB and 1TB models priced at ₹1,41,999 and ₹1,65,999 respectively. It’s undeniably a premium device, but for those seeking the best that Android has to offer, it delivers on nearly every front.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra may not be a revolutionary leap, but it’s a masterclass in refinement. From its stunning display and powerful internals to its versatile camera system and thoughtful design, it’s a phone that feels complete. The AI features are still evolving, but they hint at a future where smartphones are not just innovative—but intuitive.
If you’re in the market for a flagship that does it all and does it well, the S25 Ultra deserves a spot at the top of your list.
