Is it Worth Upgrading to the Galaxy S25 Ultra from the Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Samsung has unveiled its latest flagship device, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and many Galaxy S23 Ultra owners are pondering whether the upgrade is worth it. Let’s delve into the key differences between these two devices to help you make an informed decision.
Design
The Galaxy S25 Ultra retains Samsung’s iconic boxy design but introduces subtle enhancements. The slightly rounded corners offer a more comfortable grip compared to the sharp edges of the S23 Ultra. While this might not drastically change user experience, it does enhance long-term usability.
Samsung has also managed to trim the weight of the S25 Ultra by approximately 15g, providing a slightly lighter feel. Moreover, the exclusive titanium alloy frame maintains the device’s premium quality.
Display
Although the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 6.9-inch AMOLED display may seem similar to its predecessor’s, Samsung has made significant improvements. The larger screen with a 15% slimmer bezel delivers a more immersive viewing experience, especially noticeable during multimedia consumption.
The adoption of Gorilla Armor 2 on the S25 Ultra enhances both scratch resistance and anti-reflective properties, ensuring better visibility in bright conditions. While the S23 Ultra features Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the upgraded glass on the S25 Ultra offers improved performance.
Cameras
In the camera department, the Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a standard 200Mp camera, a 10Mp telephoto with 3X optical zoom, and a 50Mp periscope with 5X optical zoom. The S23 Ultra, on the other hand, features a 200Mp camera, a 10Mp 3X telephoto, a 10Mp periscope with a 10X optical zoom, and a 12Mp ultrawide camera.
The S25 Ultra introduces a new 50Mp ultrawide sensor and a 50Mp periscope with 5X optical zoom, providing more detail in shots. The addition of features like ProVisual Engine and Log format recording enhances image quality, particularly for professionals.
Other Differences
Besides these upgrades, the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset and 12GB of RAM, offering a performance boost over the S23 Ultra. The larger vapour chamber for cooling ensures sustained high performance during demanding tasks.
Additionally, the S25 Ultra introduces AI-powered software enhancements like the revamped Gemini assistant and AI-powered search. While these features are beneficial, they may eventually become available on the S23 Ultra through software updates.
Price & Availability
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced at £1,249/$1,299 for the 256GB model, £1,349/$1,419 for the 512GB version, and £1,549/$1,659 for the 1TB variant. It’s available on Samsung’s official websites, with attractive deals available from other retailers.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, now discontinued, can still be purchased at discounted prices from various retailers. If you are considering an upgrade, exploring the best deals is crucial to ensure value for money.
Verdict
For current Galaxy S23 Ultra users, the decision to upgrade to the S25 Ultra may not be compelling due to the incremental improvements and expected software updates for the older model. However, if you are using an older device like the S22 Ultra, the S25 Ultra offers substantial enhancements in design, display, and camera capabilities.
In conclusion, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a remarkable device, but the decision to upgrade ultimately depends on your current device and your specific needs. Evaluate the enhancements offered by the S25 Ultra against the features of your current device to determine if the upgrade is worth it.