The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has been on the market for over a month. Is it a simple update to the Galaxy S24 Ultra or a true revolution? Here’s a detailed review after a month of use.
A Refined Design but Too Sharp Edges
The Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out with its sleek design. Unlike some competitors, it doesn’t have a prominent camera bump, allowing it to lie almost flat on a table. This minimalism is appreciated by many Android users.
However, one point is worth mentioning: the edges are too sharp. Some might find this uncomfortable in hand. Fortunately, a simple case is enough to mitigate this inconvenience.
Stable Battery Life but No Real Improvement
Battery life was a highly anticipated feature with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite. Yet, despite optimized battery management, the difference from the S24 Ultra is almost non-existent. It still lasts a day and a half depending on usage, but without a real leap forward. Some users even report battery life issues via the Samsung Members app.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Always a Top-Notch Screen
Samsung excels in screen manufacturing, and this Galaxy S25 Ultra is no exception. The screen is slightly larger and more immersive than its predecessor. It remains ultra-bright, even in direct sunlight. Whether for multimedia or gaming, the visual experience is impeccable.
One UI 7: The Real Novelty?
One of the main evolutions lies in One UI 7. This software overlay enhances the user experience with more accessible and intuitive features. However, some options remain limited. For example, the “Morning Brief” or “Evening Brief” mode seems of little use to many users. Additionally, the integration of the “NoBar” option remains restricted to Samsung apps and a few Google apps.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite offers impressive performance. The phone handles heavy apps and demanding games without overheating. Compared to other high-end models, performance scores are similar, if not slightly higher according to benchmarks.
Photo and Video: Still Well-Balanced
The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers an excellent balance in photo and video. The shots are contrasted, well-colored, and very close to reality, unlike older Samsung models that tended to oversaturate colors.
The zoom remains a strong point with usable quality up to x30. Even the selfie camera is performant, although it doesn’t revolutionize the experience compared to the S24 Ultra.
In video, Samsung offers an interesting “T-Vlog” option for content creators. The improved progressive zoom provides a more professional rendering, a valuable asset for those who film regularly.
Should You Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
If you already own a Galaxy S24 Ultra, upgrading to the S25 Ultra is not essential. The improvements are minimal and don’t necessarily justify a new purchase. On the other hand, if you have an S23 Ultra or an older model, or even a competing smartphone, this S25 Ultra represents a nice upgrade.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra remains an excellent smartphone, but without a true revolution. Its main asset lies in its screen and One UI 7, which improves the user experience. However, those who were hoping for a much superior battery life may be disappointed.
