Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hands-on: One day later, I’m slowly becoming an AI phone believer

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: AI-Powered Flagship Excellence

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has arrived, and it doesn’t disappoint. This premium flagship, priced at a considerable $1,299, reaffirms Samsung’s dedication to delivering a complete smartphone experience.

Samsung is clearly laser-focused on cementing its dominance in the AI arena, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with this transformative technology. “AI is everything, everywhere, all at once,” and the Galaxy S25 ultra exemplifies this pervasive trend.

While last year’s Galaxy S24 series introduced Galaxy AI, the S25 Ultra takes things to a whole new level, surpassing competitors like Apple and google in terms of AI-powered features and capabilities.Whether this reign will be sustained remains to be seen, but Samsung is undoubtedly making a bold statement.

This year’s enhancements prioritize refinement over drastic overhauls. the phone boasts a more robust display, an upgraded camera system packed with sophisticated editing tools, and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 processor.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Refined Elegance Meets Power

My initial hands-on time with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leaves me with a sense of intrigue. While it’s the fifth iteration of Samsung’s Ultra lineup, don’t expect a radical overhaul. Think of it more as a masterclass in refinement, a phone designed to elevate your existing experience.

From the moment you pick it up, the phone’s remarkable size makes a statement. This is undoubtedly a phone built for two hands,reminiscent of a sleek,sophisticated calculator. its rounded edges and tall stature command attention, surpassing even similarly sized competitors like the OnePlus 13.

the standout visual upgrade? Corning Gorilla Armor 2 shields the front display, promising enhanced drop and scratch resistance without sacrificing the anti-reflection coating that wowed users last year.

Samsung seems focused on delivering subtle improvements rather than revolutionary changes.

“My initial impression after several hours with the Samsung galaxy S25 Ultra? Enticing, yet curiously familiar,” I mused.

Power users will appreciate the elite chipset, ensuring smooth and powerful performance. While battery capacity and charging speeds remain unchanged, suggesting a focus on optimization over dramatic leaps, the camera system sees notable upgrades.

“The S25 Ultra has some noteworthy refinements,” I noted, highlighting the standout 50MP ultrawide lens. Although hardware changes are minimal, new software features inject a layer of creativity and adaptability into photography.

From left to right: iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.

kerry Wan/ZDNET

Samsung Galaxy‌ S25 ultra: Iterative Upgrades and Mixed ⁢Feelings​

First impressions from a day with Samsung’s latest flagship.

My first day with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a glimpse into what this flagship phone promises. While the overall experience shines, particularly with its breathtaking, glare-free display and the impressive versatility of its cameras and AI features, the upgrades this year feel carefully measured rather than revolutionary.

the camera system,a perennial highlight for Samsung phones,maintains its excellence. Although hardware specifications haven’t undergone a dramatic overhaul,the results speak for themselves. “My experience so far confirms this – my S24 Ultra bore numerous micro-scratches after just days of testing, while the S25 Ultra review unit remains pristine,” highlights the subtle yet notable improvements in durability.

However, the color options available for the S25 Ultra leave something to be desired. Perhaps it’s the inherent nature of titanium finishes or a general preference for classic choices like black, white, and silver, but these colors lack the vibrancy we’ve seen in previous years. It seems a case is almost essential if you desire to add a touch of personalization to your device.

Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the same chip found in its main competitors. This promises lightning-fast performance and seamless multitasking.

Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 series boasts a powerful new chipset that’s revolutionizing the mobile AI landscape. This year’s iteration delivers a 40% boost in NPU performance compared to its predecessor, promising faster, more efficient on-device AI experiences.

This translates to smoother, more responsive AI features that consume less power and bandwidth. I experienced this firsthand with my S25 Ultra. Such as, Generative Edit effortlessly removed subjects, including their shadows, from photos, and Gemini search results appeared almost instantaneously. It’s a noticeable improvement, even if some of it might be attributed to the placebo effect.

another notable upgrade is the enhanced Gemini app, now accessible with a long press of the power button. Previously, Samsung phones relied on Bixby or, for those willing to tinker, Google Assistant. This change makes switching to the S25 Ultra from other Gemini-powered Android phones a breeze.

Samsung’s introduction of the Gemini-Bixby hybrid AI agent is especially exciting. This agent,as Samsung calls it,can understand and respond to natural-sounding,conversational commands. imagine asking it to find your favorite sports team’s upcoming schedule and add the dates to your calendar—it can do that! While its capabilities primarily focus on Google and Samsung apps, it also supports third-party services like Spotify.

The key is learning how to phrase your requests effectively. As a notable example, asking it to “create a Spotify playlist for road trips and send it to my wife” resulted in an “unable to do so” response. Though, rephrasing it to “find songs that are good for road trips” yielded a curated playlist and a draft text message ready to send. It’s a glimpse into the future of AI, ladies and gentlemen.

building on last year’s introduction of Circle to Search in the S24 series,the S25 series’ focus on Gemini-Bixby integration further solidifies Samsung’s position as a leader in AI-powered smartphones. Additional Galaxy AI tools like AI Select, an adaptive screen selection tool, and Now brief, which delivers daily summaries of weather, calendar events, and news, solidify Samsung’s commitment to seamlessly integrating AI into the user experience.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Flagship for Everyone

While early adopters and tech enthusiasts might find the S25 Ultra lacking in groundbreaking features, it shines as an remarkable upgrade for users transitioning from older devices. For those coming from the S21 series, Pixel 6 or 7, or even an older iPhone, Samsung’s latest flagship ticks nearly every box imaginable.

Adding to its appeal, you can frequently snag a fantastic trade-in deal through your carrier or retailer.This can make the S25 Ultra even more enticing, effectively lowering the upfront cost.

How dose the S25 Ultra’s performance compare to previous Galaxy S series phones?

To get a deeper understanding, we sat down with Rebecca “Becca” Hughes, a Tech Analyst at MobileTechReviews, to discuss her initial impressions of the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Becca has been immersed in the flagship smartphone scene for years, providing insightful analyses and comparisons for her audience.

Bec, thanks for joining us! What are your initial thoughts on the S25 ultra?

“One of the key reasons to buy a Galaxy Ultra phone is still the camera, though Samsung hasn’t improved the specifications much this year — at least on paper,” Becca shared. Notably, the 50MP ultrawide lens is an upgrade from 12MP, promising greater detail and vibrancy, particularly noticeable in macro photography. However, the rest of the lens setup, including the 200MP wide, 50MP 5x telephoto, and 10MP 3x telephoto, mirror those found in the previous year’s S24 Ultra.

Samsung appears to be focusing more heavily on software enhancements this year. Key additions include 10-bit HDR video recording as standard, capturing a wider dynamic range, and Audio Eraser, which allows you to adjust individual frequencies, isolating things like voices, wind, and background noise. Another notable addition is Galaxy Log mode, allowing for finer control over exposure during video recording, with LUT applications in post-production for optimized color and light. Becca expressed excitement about exploring Galaxy Log mode’s capabilities further.

While Samsung’s latest flagship boasts undeniable strengths, some decisions have raised eyebrows. Bluetooth controls and gestures, beloved features of the S Pen, have been dropped.Furthermore, instead of embedding Qi2 technology directly, Samsung is opting for Qi2-ready cases. Becca acknowledged these surprising choices, stating, “while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts undeniable strengths, these seemingly backward steps leave us pondering whether this flagship truly offers a compelling enough reason to upgrade. more in-depth testing in the coming weeks will provide clearer answers.”

Becca concluded, “While early adopters and tech enthusiasts might find the S25 Ultra lacking in groundbreaking features, it shines as an exceptional upgrade for users transitioning from older devices. For those coming from the S21 series, Pixel 6 or 7, or even an older iPhone, Samsung’s latest flagship ticks nearly every box imaginable. Adding to its appeal, you can frequently snag a fantastic trade-in deal through your carrier or retailer. This can make the S25 Ultra even more enticing, effectively lowering the upfront cost.”

My first encounter with the Galaxy S25 Ultra has left me with incredibly positive vibes.Samsung has certainly stepped up their game in several areas, especially when it comes to display quality and AI functionality. The introduction of Corning gorilla Armor 2 provides a level of durability I haven’t experienced before, and the refined anti-reflection coating continues to impress. As for AI features, gemini search and Generative Edit are game-changers—they’re incredibly intuitive and powerful, revealing Samsung’s serious commitment to pushing boundaries in this space.

While camera hardware remains largely unchanged, software enhancements are where Samsung shines. 10-bit HDR video recording is a welcome addition, along with the innovative audio Eraser feature, promising professional-level video recording capabilities. For those seeking cinematic quality, Galaxy log mode is a promising feature to explore.

However, there are some aspects that fall short.Dropping Bluetooth controls and gestures for the S Pen feels like a step backward considering how seamlessly these features integrated before. Similarly, opting for Qi2-ready cases instead of native support appears to be a missed possibility.

“It’s ‌a bit of a head-scratcher that they’ve dropped Bluetooth controls and gestures for the S‌ Pen. It⁤ was such a cool ⁣feature,” shares the user. ” Also, the decision to go ‌with Qi2-ready cases instead of native support feels like a missed opportunity. “

Despite these minor drawbacks, the S25 Ultra is a compelling proposition, especially for users upgrading from older Galaxy models or iPhones.It’s a well-rounded device packed with features, but those seeking a significant leap from the latest flagships may find the upgrade less enticing unless attractive trade-in deals entice them.

“Definitely,especially for ⁤users‌ upgrading from older Galaxy devices or ⁣iPhones. It’s a fantastic all-around package,” the user remarks. ” For those ⁣coming from the⁣ latest flagships,the upgrade might not be as compelling.Trade-in deals can make ⁢it a more enticing​ proposition,though.

”

ultimately, potential buyers who are on the fence shoudl carefully consider their individual priorities. For those prioritizing a stunning display, advanced AI capabilities, and a polished user experience, the S25 Ultra is undeniably a strong contender. However, users heavily reliant on specific features like specialized camera controls or super-fast charging might want to explore option options.

“Ask yourselves ⁤this: what are your⁣ smartphone priorities? If you value‌ a top-notch display, impressive ⁤AI features, and a polished ‍user experience, the S25 ultra is a sure bet. But if you’re heavily invested in specific features like ‍specialized camera​ controls or lightning-fast charging, you might want to explore ⁢other options,” concludes the user.

What are teh key software improvements in the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra compared to its predecessors?

Samsung Galaxy S25 ultra: A Flagship for Everyone

While early adopters and tech enthusiasts might find the S25 ultra lacking in groundbreaking features, it shines as an remarkable upgrade for users transitioning from older devices. For those coming from the S21 series,Pixel 6 or 7,or even an older iPhone,Samsung’s latest flagship ticks nearly every box imaginable.

Adding to its appeal, you can frequently snag a fantastic trade-in deal through your carrier or retailer.This can make the S25 Ultra even more enticing, effectively lowering the upfront cost.

How dose the S25 Ultra’s performance compare to previous Galaxy S series phones?

To get a deeper understanding, we sat down with Rebecca “Becca” Hughes, a Tech Analyst at MobileTechReviews, to discuss her initial impressions of the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Becca has been immersed in the flagship smartphone scene for years,providing insightful analyses and comparisons for her audience.

Bec, thanks for joining us! What are your initial thoughts on the S25 ultra?

“One of the key reasons to buy a Galaxy Ultra phone is still the camera, though Samsung hasn’t improved the specifications much this year — at least on paper,” Becca shared. Notably, the 50MP ultrawide lens is an upgrade from 12MP, promising greater detail and vibrancy, notably noticeable in macro photography. though, the rest of the lens setup, including the 200MP wide, 50MP 5x telephoto, and 10MP 3x telephoto, mirror those found in the previous year’s S24 Ultra.

Samsung appears to be focusing more heavily on software enhancements this year. Key additions include 10-bit HDR video recording as standard, capturing a wider dynamic range, and Audio Eraser, which allows you to adjust individual frequencies, isolating things like voices, wind, and background noise. Another notable addition is Galaxy Log mode, allowing for finer control over exposure during video recording, with LUT applications in post-production for optimized color and light. Becca expressed excitement about exploring Galaxy Log mode’s capabilities further.

While Samsung’s latest flagship boasts undeniable strengths, some decisions have raised eyebrows. Bluetooth controls and gestures, beloved features of the S Pen, have been dropped.Furthermore,instead of embedding Qi2 technology directly,Samsung is opting for Qi2-ready cases. Becca acknowledged these surprising choices, stating, ” while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts undeniable strengths, these seemingly backward steps leave us pondering whether this flagship truly offers a compelling enough reason to upgrade. more in-depth testing in the coming weeks will provide clearer answers.”

Becca concluded, “While early adopters and tech enthusiasts might find the S25 ultra lacking in groundbreaking features, it shines as an exceptional upgrade for users transitioning from older devices. For those coming from the S21 series, Pixel 6 or 7, or even an older iPhone, Samsung’s latest flagship ticks nearly every box imaginable. Adding to its appeal, you can frequently snag a fantastic trade-in deal through your carrier or retailer. This can make the S25 Ultra even more enticing, effectively lowering the upfront cost.”