This is a review of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. The central argument is that the phone is a disappointingly minimal and "safe" iteration over its predecessor, a direct result of Samsung's lack of meaningful competition in the US market. The only substantial upgrade is the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which provides excellent performance and efficiency. However, the phone omits other key 2025 flagship features like silicon carbide batteries or next-generation displays, which are available from competitors like OnePlus and Vivo. The review critiques several new software and AI features as mixed in quality, with an unknown future cost. The decision to downgrade the S Pen by removing its Bluetooth functionality is presented as the primary example of Samsung's shift away from catering to enthusiasts and toward mass-market cost-saving, undermining the "Ultra" moniker. As far as I can tell, the phone is considered good, but not the best, and overpriced for what it offers.
Review of the Samsung S25 Ultra: An Underwhelming Flagship
0:00 A Minimalist Update: The S25 Ultra is physically almost identical to the S24 Ultra. The minor changes—boxier edges, a slightly larger 6.9" screen with thinner bezels—are insignificant.
1:17 The Lone Upgrade: The phone's only major new feature is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. It lacks other modern flagship technologies like silicon carbide batteries, ip69 water resistance, or G2 magnets, which competitors are adopting.
2:06 Stagnation from Market Dominance: The reviewer argues that Samsung, like Apple, doesn't innovate aggressively because they face no real competitive pressure in the US carrier-dominated market. Phones from OnePlus and Vivo offer better features for less money but are practically unusable for many Americans due to carrier restrictions (e.g., lack of Wi-Fi calling support).
3:51 Excellent Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is the phone's best attribute. It is extremely fast and efficient, with performance rivaling Apple's chips. A larger vapor chamber keeps it cool. All global versions of the phone will get this chip.
4:45 Mixed Software and AI: The new One UI 7 software has some decent iOS-inspired features like a "Now Bar" and a customizable lock screen. The AI features are a mixed bag: Object Eraser and Natural Language Search are good, while Daily Briefs are useless.
7:01 The Hidden Cost of AI: Samsung's AI features are only "free until the end of 2025." There is no clarity on what they will cost afterward, which is a bad position for the user. Current complex AI tasks are also still too unreliable to be trusted completely.
8:40 Downgraded "Ultra" Philosophy: The S Pen has had its Bluetooth functionality removed, so it can no longer be used as a remote camera shutter. Samsung's justification was low usage (<1%). The reviewer rejects this premise, stating an "Ultra" phone should be for niche power-user features, and this is just a cost-cutting measure. It's the most obvious symptom of the phone's flawed, mass-market-oriented design.
11:34 Good, But Not the Best: Despite its flaws, the phone is still good. The display is excellent (though not the best available), battery life is strong due to the efficient chip, and the upgraded 50MP ultrawide camera is a noticeable improvement. The main cameras are unchanged.
12:29 Final Verdict: The S25 Ultra is a good phone that misses its chance to be the best, which is what its $1,299 price demands. It is no longer the obvious choice it was last year. For most people, the cheaper S25 and S25+ models are a better value.