Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: a powerhouse that you will be glad to have purchased.

      **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra**

      **MSRP**: $1,300.00

      “The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the flagship powerhouse smartphone you'll need for years to come.”

      **Pros**

      - Lighter than previous iterations

      - Stunning anti-reflective display

      - New wide-angle camera captures excellent photos

      - High-performance processor

      - Extended software support

      - One UI 7 is the best iteration yet

      **Cons**

      - Absence of Bluetooth on the S Pen

      - Limited appeal of Galaxy AI features

      - Main camera underwhelms

      - Qi2 wireless charging not integrated

      I have been using the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra as my main phone for the past two weeks, and you might be wondering if it's just like its predecessor. While the hardware features are quite similar (with a few notable exceptions), Samsung has advanced significantly with its software, particularly with Galaxy AI. But are these AI features compelling and useful enough to justify a purchase, especially if you already own the last Ultra? I discovered my answer and was surprised by my findings.

      **Specs**

      **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra**

      **Dimensions**: 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm (6.4 x 3.1 x 0.32 inches)

      **Weight**: 218 grams (7.7 ounces)

      **Display**: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3,120 x 1,440 pixels (QHD+), 1-120Hz, HDR10+, 2,600 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Armor 2

      **Operating System**: One UI 7 based on Android 15, with seven years of support

      **Storage Options**: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

      **Processor and RAM**: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite for Galaxy with 12GB RAM

      **Cameras**: Rear - 200MP primary with OIS, 50MP wide-angle, 50MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, 100x Space Zoom; Front - 12MP, f/2.4, fixed focus

      **Durability**: IP68 rating, titanium frame, Gorilla Armor 2 glass

      **Battery and Charging**: 5,000mAh, 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging (Qi2 Ready), reverse wireless charging

      **Colors**: Retail - Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Whitesilver; Online Exclusives - Titanium Jetblack, Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Pinkgold

      **Price**: Starting at $1,300

      **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design**

      The design of the Galaxy S25 Ultra shows noticeable changes from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but most alterations are minor, so discussing them individually isn't very effective. Instead, a broader view of its overall shape and design is more appropriate. The most significant change is its lighter weight, now at 218 grams, making it much more manageable. When comparing the two models, the S25 Ultra feels comfortably sized, despite its specifications suggesting otherwise. It’s clearly an Ultra model in functionality, if not in size and weight anymore. I’ve carried it without issue, akin to the experience with the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.

      Samsung has rounded the corners to enhance grip, and it doesn’t dig into your palm like its predecessor. However, the flat design of the sides, top, and bottom means they meet at a sharper angle rather than tapering, which can feel uncomfortable to hold, somewhat diminishing any improvement from the rounded corners.

      The phone can be quite slippery due to its flat titanium frame, offering limited grip, particularly with clean, oil-free hands. The tighter the grip, the more noticeable the sharp sides become. Samsung claims to have enhanced the titanium for better durability, and the Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass exhibits improved fracture resistance. Additionally, the improved anti-reflection coating and high brightness ensure visibility even in direct sunlight, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, confirming its durability.

      The camera rings on the back have stirred some controversy as they are attached separately rather than being part of the glass back. This design choice lacks elegance or a truly premium feel, but unless intentionally removed, it is unlikely to pose any issues. The S25 Ultra's subtle design, while still recognizable as part of the Galaxy S-series Ultra family, is complemented by the meaningful weight reduction and enhanced durability.

      **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Camera**

      The Galaxy S25 Ultra's 200-megapixel main camera and dual telephoto lenses will be familiar to those who owned the previous Ultra, but the newly introduced 50MP wide-angle camera is an exciting addition. After expressing my frustrations with poor-quality 8MP wide-angle cameras, I appreciate a brand making an effort,