The release of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra has generated a buzz in the tech world as enthusiasts and casual users alike look to understand how it compares to its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra builds upon the strengths of the S24 Ultra while introducing meaningful upgrades and a few compromises. Its advanced display technology, powerful AI integration, and improved camera performance position it as one of the best smartphones in its class.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S25 Ultra retains much of the sleek design language of the S24 Ultra but with subtle refinements. Samsung has introduced a lighter and more durable titanium alloy frame in the S25 Ultra, replacing the aluminium frame found in the S24 Ultra. This not only improves durability but also reduces the overall weight, making it more comfortable to handle.
One noticeable change is the slightly smaller camera bump on the S25 Ultra, achieved through advancements in sensor technology. The reduction in bulk enhances the device’s aesthetics and makes it more pocket-friendly. Additionally, Samsung has increased the screen-to-body ratio by further slimming down the bezels, delivering a more immersive display experience.
Display
Samsung’s displays have always been industry leaders, and the S25 Ultra steps it up a notch. The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display remains, but the S25 Ultra introduces a new LTPO 3.0 technology. This allows for a more adaptive refresh rate, ranging from 1Hz to 144Hz, compared to the 1Hz to 120Hz range in the S24 Ultra. The result is smoother animations and improved battery efficiency, especially during low-power tasks like reading.
Brightness levels have also been enhanced, with the S25 Ultra boasting a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, compared to the 2,200 nits of its predecessor. This makes the screen more readable in direct sunlight, a feature users in bright environments will appreciate.
Camera Upgrades
The camera system sees significant improvements in the S25 Ultra. While the 200 MP main sensor from the S24 Ultra carries over, Samsung has introduced a new generation of computational photography that improves low-light performance, colour accuracy, and dynamic range. The Nightography mode, in particular, has been enhanced to capture more detail in near-total darkness.
The telephoto capabilities have also been upgraded. The 10x optical zoom lens now offers a hybrid zoom of up to 15x, with clearer image quality at higher magnifications. This change is especially appealing to photography enthusiasts who frequently use their smartphones for capturing distant subjects.
However, Samsung has removed the 2x optical zoom lens, opting instead for a digital crop from the main sensor. While this simplifies the hardware, some users may notice a slight reduction in quality when zooming at this level.
Performance and Software
The Galaxy S25 Ultra debuts Samsung’s new Exynos 2500 chip in select regions, while others receive the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Both chipsets are built on a 3nm process, promising better power efficiency and a noticeable boost in performance compared to the S24 Ultra’s processors.
AI integration is a focal point in the S25 Ultra, with a dedicated AI co-processor that handles tasks like voice recognition, real-time language translation, and enhanced image processing. This makes the phone feel faster and more intuitive during everyday use.
On the software front, the S25 Ultra ships with One UI 6.5 based on Android 15. This brings new personalisation options, refined multitasking capabilities, and improved privacy features. Samsung has also extended its software update policy, guaranteeing five years of major OS updates and six years of security patches, ensuring the device remains relevant for longer.
Battery Life and Charging
The S25 Ultra comes with the same battery, a 5,000 mAh battery in the S24 Ultra. Coupled with the more efficient 3nm chipset and LTPO 3.0 display, the battery life sees a modest but noticeable improvement.
Charging speeds remain unchanged, with 45W wired and 25W wireless charging. However, Samsung has removed the charging brick from the box, continuing its commitment to reducing e-waste. While this aligns with industry trends, it may inconvenience users who do not already own a compatible charger.
Connectivity and Features
The Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces support for Wi-Fi 7, offering faster and more reliable wireless connectivity compared to the Wi-Fi 6E standard in the S24 Ultra. This is a welcome addition for users who frequently transfer large files or stream high-definition content over Wi-Fi.
Samsung has also improved the S Pen experience by reducing latency and adding new software features for note-taking and drawing. However, some users may be disappointed to learn that the S25 Ultra no longer includes an integrated slot for the S Pen, a design choice likely made to prioritise internal space for other components. The S Pen is now sold as a separate accessory, which may not sit well with long-time fans of the Ultra series.
Features That Were Removed
- Integrated S Pen Slot: As mentioned earlier, the removal of the S Pen slot marks a significant shift. While the S Pen is still supported, the lack of a dedicated slot may deter users who value this convenience.
- 2x Optical Zoom Lens: The omission of this lens simplifies the camera setup but may affect mid-range zoom quality.
- Charger: The continued exclusion of the charger may inconvenience first-time Samsung buyers or those without compatible chargers.
Features That Were Added
- Titanium Frame: Improves durability and reduces weight.
- LTPO 3.0 Display Technology: Enhances refresh rate adaptability and power efficiency.
- Wi-Fi 7 Support: Offers faster and more stable wireless connections.
- AI Co-Processor: Boosts performance in tasks reliant on artificial intelligence.
- Enhanced Nightography and Hybrid Zoom: Elevates the photography experience, particularly in low-light scenarios and at high zoom levels.
The changes introduced in the Galaxy S25 Ultra reflect Samsung’s focus on refining the user experience rather than overhauling it. The lighter and more durable build, improved display, and enhanced camera capabilities make it a compelling choice for users seeking a premium smartphone experience.
However, the removal of features like the integrated S Pen slot and 2x optical zoom lens may polarise opinions. Long-time fans of the Ultra series might view these omissions as a step backwards, while others may appreciate the trade-offs for improved design and performance.
Verdict
If you already own the Galaxy S24 Ultra, upgrading to the S25 Ultra may not be a necessity unless the new features align closely with your priorities. However, for those coming from older devices or looking for the latest and greatest, the S25 Ultra is undoubtedly worth considering.
