Samsung has just unveiled its flagship phones for 2025, and I was lucky enough to take the brand-new Galaxy S25 Ultra for a quick spin ahead of the Unpacked launch to bring you some hands-on impressions.
The brand’s top phone has a number of new features, but the most immediately obvious change is the new shape. The sharp squared-off corners are gone, replaced with soft curves that are much more friendly to your palms. While some may miss the iconic boxy shape, the S25 Ultra still stands out with its slightly more angular design.
The phone’s cameras now feature chunky black bezels around the back, reminiscent of the Galaxy Z Fold 6. The device has shed some weight, is now around 15g lighter, and boasts a slightly slimmer body at 8.2mm. With color options like Silverblue, Whitesilver, Grey, and Black, the phone exudes a sleek and modern appeal.
In terms of hardware upgrades, the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, customized for Galaxy devices with enhanced performance. The vapor chamber for cooling has been enlarged by 40% compared to its predecessor, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
The new ultrawide camera with 50Mp resolution and macro focusing capabilities promises significant improvements over the previous model. Additionally, the phone sports a larger 6.9-inch screen with slimmer bezels and updated anti-reflective Gorilla Armor glass for enhanced durability.
Samsung has integrated MagSafe/Qi2 compatible charging into the S25 Ultra, although the phone itself lacks built-in magnets for this feature. The device maintains a 5000mAh battery that charges at 45W with a wire and 15W wirelessly, offering convenience but falling slightly behind competitors in charging speed.
Moving on to software features, Samsung has heavily emphasized AI capabilities to enhance user experience. The Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces a “human-like AI agent” that can perform actions across different apps, offering a seamless and intuitive interaction with the device.
The AI assistant generates Morning, Midday, and Evening Briefs for quick access to relevant information on the lock screen, making daily tasks more convenient. Moreover, the AI-driven select tool suggests actions based on context, streamlining user interaction with the device.
Samsung has also introduced a Log profile in the camera app for video enthusiasts, allowing for professional color matching and cinematic effects. The ExpertRAW feature now includes a virtual aperture control tool for photographers to enhance RAW images with artificial depth.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra presents notable software advancements with its AI-driven features, offering a glimpse into a more intuitive and interactive user experience. While hardware upgrades are limited, the device’s emphasis on software innovation sets it apart in the market.
Stay tuned for our full review to delve deeper into the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s performance and functionality. In the meantime, consider exploring pre-order options to experience firsthand the latest advancements in Samsung’s flagship smartphone lineup.