In 2025, flagship smartphones from Samsung and Apple seem to have entered a comfort zone. With each passing year, innovation takes a backseat while minor upgrades dominate new releases. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a testament to this trend. Having used the device for over a month alongside the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it's clear that while Samsung has refined certain aspects, it hasn't truly revolutionized the smartphone industry.
Minimal Upgrades: Is Samsung Playing It Safe?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces only a handful of upgrades compared to its predecessor, the S24 Ultra. Much like Apple’s strategy with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung has focused on the following four aspects:
Processor Upgrade – The device runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite chip, providing a slight performance boost.
Camera Enhancement – A 50MP ultra-wide camera replaces the previous model’s 12MP sensor.
Improved Glass Protection – Samsung has implemented Gorilla Glass Armor for enhanced durability.
Software Updates – The introduction of One UI 7 brings new multitasking features and a redesigned control center.
While these changes improve the user experience, they don’t introduce groundbreaking innovations. This strategy works because Samsung and Apple continue to dominate the flagship smartphone market outside China.
Chinese Brands Leading in Innovation
Brands like Vivo, Honor, and Xiaomi are pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology, particularly in camera and battery advancements. The notion that Samsung and Apple offer the best cameras is now a myth. Chinese brands have surpassed them in many aspects. However, these brands still struggle to match Samsung’s user experience and brand value, which remains a key factor in consumer decisions.
One UI 7: A Game Changer?
Samsung’s new One UI 7 is one of the biggest highlights of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It introduces:
A Redesigned Control Center – Borrowing inspiration from iOS but delivering a fresh and functional experience.
Improved Multitasking – Features like the navigation bar enhance ease of use.
Customization & Productivity Enhancements – The Good Lock app offers extensive personalization options.
However, Samsung has delayed rolling out One UI 7 to older Galaxy devices. As of February, only the S25 series has received the update, with other devices expected to get it by April. Additionally, security patches have been slow, with the S25 Ultra still running the December update.
AI & S-Pen Changes: Hits and Misses
Samsung has integrated several AI-driven features in the S25 Ultra, making it stand out in comparison to competitors. However, some limitations include:
AI Summary & Grammar Check – Works only on Samsung’s keyboard and browser, limiting usability.
S-Pen Downgrade – Samsung removed the battery and gyro sensor from the S-Pen, making it impossible to use for air gestures or as a remote camera shutter. The weight difference between the S24 and S25 Ultra S-Pens is negligible, making this decision seem more about cost-cutting than user experience.
Design & Display: Subtle Refinements
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is slightly lighter than its predecessor, improving ergonomics. Samsung has also switched to Grade 5 Titanium for the frame, increasing durability. However, IP68 water and dust resistance remain unchanged, lagging behind Chinese brands offering IP69 ratings.
The display has minor refinements:
Bezel Reduction – Allows for a slightly larger 6.9-inch screen.
Same Brightness & Resolution – Despite competition offering higher peak brightness, Samsung sticks with 1,400 nits.
PWM Dimming Issue – Screen flickering at low brightness persists, which may affect some users.
Performance & Battery: Solid, But Not the Best
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite delivers noticeable improvements in performance and gaming, with better thermal management and frame rate stability. However, Samsung missed an opportunity in the battery department. Sticking with a 5,000mAh battery instead of adopting silicon-carbide batteries means competitors like OnePlus deliver longer screen-on times.
Camera Upgrades: A Marginal Improvement
The S25 Ultra’s only significant camera upgrade is the ultra-wide sensor. The main and telephoto cameras remain unchanged from the S24 Ultra. While image processing has improved, offering better contrast and dynamic range, the hardware lacks innovation.
Camera Pros:
Improved Portraits & Selfies – Better edge detection and color accuracy.
Enhanced Night Photography – Less noise and improved detail.
Smoother Video Recording – Better stabilization and glare control.
Camera Cons:
No Sensor Upgrade for 3x Zoom – Samsung continues using a 10MP lens instead of adopting its own 200MP ISOCELL HP9 sensor, which Chinese brands already leverage.
Ultra-Wide Still Handles Macros – Samsung doesn’t offer a dedicated macro camera, unlike some competitors.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is an excellent device, but it’s only 10-15% better than the S24 Ultra. For those already using the S24 Ultra, upgrading may not be worth it. The S24 Ultra is likely to receive One UI 7 soon, narrowing the performance gap. Additionally, with upcoming Amazon sales, the S24 Ultra will be available at a much lower price, making it a more value-for-money option.
Reviewisse Final Take: If you own an older Samsung device and want the latest features, the S25 Ultra is a solid choice. However, if you’re upgrading from the S24 Ultra, you might want to wait or consider a price drop before making the switch.
For more in-depth comparisons and the latest tech insights, stay tuned to Reviewisse!
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G AI Smartphone 200MP Camera, S Pen Included, Long Battery Life | Buy Now |
Well said. Good processor.
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