Welcome to this exciting comparison between two of the most powerful smartphones of 2025! On one side, we have the Honor Magic 7 Pro, and on the other, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. These two high-end devices promise cutting-edge features, incredible performance, and outstanding photography capabilities. But which one truly stands out? Let’s dive in and find out!
Pricing and Availability
Both smartphones launched in early 2025. The Honor Magic 7 Pro hit the market in January, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still in pre-order, set for an official release in early February.
When it comes to pricing, these are premium devices. The Honor Magic 7 Pro (12GB RAM and 512GB storage) costs €1,300, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra (12GB RAM and 512GB storage) is priced at €1,600. However, keep in mind that pre-order promotions and discounts may apply.
Design: Which One Feels Better in Hand?
At first glance, both phones have distinct personalities, yet share some similarities. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a sleek and minimalist design with built-in camera lenses, whereas the Honor Magic 7 Pro sports a large circular camera module that makes the phone noticeably thicker. If you place the Magic 7 Pro on a table, the camera bump elevates it slightly.
In terms of color options, Samsung provides more variety. The Honor Magic 7 Pro is available in white, black, and sky blue, whereas the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a broader range, including gray, blue, black, silver, full black, green, and pink.
Regarding ergonomics, the Honor Magic 7 Pro has a more comfortable grip thanks to its subtly curved edges, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra has sharper edges. Although the S25 Ultra doesn’t feel uncomfortable, the Magic 7 Pro provides a smoother and softer feel when held for extended periods.
Display: Brightness and Clarity Battle
Both phones boast impressive displays, but with key differences. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with a 1440 x 3200 resolution, making it incredibly sharp. On the other hand, the Honor Magic 7 Pro comes with a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display at 1281 x 2800 resolution.
Although Samsung’s panel is superior in resolution, Honor’s screen stands out for its extreme brightness and vivid colors. If you love a punchy and eye-catching display, the Magic 7 Pro takes the lead here!
Battery and Charging Speed
Battery life is crucial, and both devices deliver solid endurance. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, while the Honor Magic 7 Pro offers a slightly larger 5,270mAh battery.
In real-world usage, both devices last a full day to a day and a half, but neither excels compared to competitors like the OnePlus 12 or Realme GT 7 Pro, which offer two-day battery life.
One major advantage for Honor is its faster charging. However, keep in mind that to take full advantage of this feature, you’ll need to purchase the appropriate fast charger separately.
Software and User Experience
The Honor Magic 7 Pro runs on MagicOS 9, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra is equipped with One UI 7.
If you prefer a customizable experience with tons of features, Samsung’s One UI 7 is the way to go. It provides AI-powered enhancements and deep personalization options. On the other hand, Honor’s MagicOS 9 offers a more streamlined, simple, and intuitive experience for users who prefer minimal adjustments.
Both devices incorporate AI-based features, but Samsung takes the lead with a more comprehensive ecosystem and deeper integration with other Galaxy devices.
Camera: A Photographer’s Dream
Cameras are a key selling point for these flagship phones. Let’s break down their specs:
Honor Magic 7 Pro Camera System:
- 50MP main sensor
- 50MP ultra-wide sensor
- 200MP telephoto sensor (3x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom)
- 50MP selfie camera
- Advanced AI-enhanced zoom processing
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera System:
- 200MP main sensor
- 50MP ultra-wide sensor
- 50MP periscope telephoto sensor (5x optical zoom)
- Another 50MP telephoto sensor (3x optical zoom)
- 12MP selfie camera
- More accurate and detailed zoom capabilities
While Honor emphasizes AI processing to enhance zoomed photos, sometimes adding details that weren’t originally captured, Samsung’s image processing is known for more natural and realistic colors.
Video Recording: Low Light and Stabilization
Both smartphones are excellent for video recording, supporting 4K at 60fps. In low-light conditions, Samsung generally offers more stable and detailed results, while Honor delivers brighter footage.
Samsung’s selfie camera stands out for video quality, making it a great option for vloggers and content creators.
Which One Should You Choose?
After testing both smartphones, I must say the Honor Magic 7 Pro exceeded my expectations. It’s one of Honor’s first ultra-premium devices, and it holds up remarkably well against Samsung’s best.
However, if I had to choose, my personal preference goes to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Its sleek design, refined One UI 7 software, and seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem make it the more polished choice.
That said, both smartphones offer outstanding performance. No matter which one you choose, you won’t be disappointed!
