Samsung S25 Ultra: Familiar design, unfamiliar performance
Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra stands as the brand's flagship device for the year, boasting a sleek, refined design, a massive 6.9-inch display, and powerhouse performance driven by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Its advanced rear camera system further elevates the user experience. Despite maintaining last year's $1,299 price tag, the phone introduces key improvements to the Ultra lineup, addressing previous shortcomings. As expected, it sets the benchmark for smartphones in 2025.
Pros:
- Expansive and vivid 6.9-inch display
- Outstanding performance with minimal heat generation
- Efficient battery optimization providing up to 7 hours of use
- Lightweight, ergonomic build for comfortable handling
- Impressive camera system for high-quality photography
- Seamless AI integration and a smooth user interface
Cons: No Bluetooth support for the S-Pen
Here's a detailed look at the key highlights and areas where it falls short:
Design and Build:
Samsung has given the S25 Ultra a fresh, modern look with fully flattened sides and smoothly rounded corners. The device is thinner and more ergonomic, making it comfortable to hold despite its large size. The lightweight build further enhances usability.
Display:
The phone boasts a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED display with vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and sharp resolution. The large screen makes media consumption and productivity tasks a pleasure.
Performance:
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the S25 Ultra handles demanding tasks effortlessly. Whether gaming or multitasking, the phone remains fast and responsive with minimal heating.
Camera:
The camera system is exceptional, capturing detailed, high-quality photos in various lighting conditions. It offers impressive zoom capabilities and advanced photography features, making it a go-to choice for photography enthusiasts.
Battery Life:
Battery optimization has been well-executed, providing up to 7 hours of screen time. The device manages power efficiently, even during heavy use.
S-Pen Experience:
While the S-Pen remains a valuable productivity tool, its lack of Bluetooth support in this iteration is a noticeable drawback, limiting some remote features.
Software and AI Integration:
Samsung’s One UI, enhanced with practical AI features, offers a fluid and user-friendly experience. Navigation is intuitive, and the integration of smart functionalities improves day-to-day usage.
Exoticase's Verdict:
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra sets a new benchmark for flagship smartphones, offering top-tier performance, a refined design, and a fantastic camera system. While the lack of Bluetooth on the S-Pen is a slight letdown, the overall package makes it a worthy contender for the best smartphone of 2025.
