**Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: Should You Upgrade?**

Smartphone manufacturers might need to reconsider their yearly launch schedules if the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra reflects the future of the industry. Although annual updates have traditionally been a hallmark of the smartphone domain, the variations between newer models are becoming so slight that even tech aficionados are beginning to doubt their importance.

For many years, tech enthusiasts could identify at least one or two significant enhancements in newly released models, even if the updates felt minor to the average user. Yet, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung seems to have reached a point where even avid tech journalists find it hard to rationalize the choice to upgrade from a relatively modern Android device. The distinctions between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the previous Galaxy S24 Ultra are so subtle that they are nearly inconsequential.

Indeed, the S25 Ultra boasts a somewhat larger screen and a novel processor that yields remarkable benchmark results. Nonetheless, much of the newfound processing capability is allocated to AI functionalities that range from somewhat helpful to outright superfluous. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra stands as a commendable flagship phone, pinning down a strong reason to endorse it for most consumers is quite challenging.

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### **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Cost and Features**

Beginning at $1,299—the same price point as last year’s Ultra version—the Galaxy S25 Ultra presents the following specifications:

– **6.9-inch AMOLED display** with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and 3120×1440 resolution
– **Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor**
– **256GB/512GB/1TB storage configurations**
– **12GB RAM**
– **5,000mAh battery**

In comparison, the display is merely 0.1 inches larger than that of the S24 Ultra, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is the forefront of high-performance mobile processors. Aside from these two modifications, the Galaxy S25 Ultra almost mirrors its predecessor. The display resolution, storage and RAM options, as well as battery performance, remain consistent with last year’s model. Even Samsung’s own **comparison page** emphasizes just how alike the two devices are.

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### **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Aesthetic Appeal**

A more prominent change this year is the device’s design. Samsung has marginally reduced the bulk of the S25 Ultra, enhancing its comfort during use despite the larger display. The sharp, 90-degree edges of the S24 Ultra have been exchanged for smoother curves, which greatly enhance the device’s ergonomics. Additionally, the S25 Ultra is 15 grams lighter, tipping the scales at 218 grams. While this isn’t a drastic alteration, it’s certainly a positive modification.

The device comes in various color choices, such as:

– Titanium Grey
– Titanium Whitesilver
– Titanium Silverblue
– Titanium Black
– Titanium Pinkgold
– Titanium Jadegreen
– Titanium Jetblack

As with prior Ultra editions, the S Pen stylus is incorporated and stored conveniently within the phone. While the stylus is a beneficial feature for users who enjoy it, it’s easy to overlook its presence if you’re not particularly inclined towards styluses.

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### **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Performance Capabilities**

The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor provides the expected smooth and quick performance typical of premium flagships. Routine tasks and standard phone functions are executed seamlessly, and the AI features associated with the new chip operate promptly and without issues.

Benchmarking performances are remarkable, with the S25 Ultra achieving 10,049 in Geekbench 6’s multi-core assessment, compared to the S24 Ultra’s 6,675. While this indicates a notable score increase, the actual performance difference in daily use for most individuals is likely to be trivial. As flagship devices advance, diminishing returns in processing power are unavoidable.

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### **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Battery Performance**

The S25 Ultra’s 5,000mAh battery is rated for 31 hours of video playback, and while actual performance can differ, the battery life is commendably steady. In practical testing, the device lasted about 24 hours of general use on a single charge. In a continuous 1080p video playback scenario, the S25 Ultra performed for 26 hours and 56 minutes before depleting the battery. In general, the battery reliability is solid and unlikely to let users down.

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### **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: AI Innovations**

Samsung, much like rivals Apple and Google, is placing a strong focus on AI functionalities in its latest models. However, the AI features of the S25 Ultra are unlikely to entice users with relatively new devices.

Numerous touted AI capabilities, such as Google’s Circle to Search and Audio Eraser, aren’t particularly novel. These functions have been present in Pixel phones and earlier Galaxy iterations for quite some time.

The standout new AI feature is **Now Brief**, a home screen widget that compiles weather updates, calendar activities, and news into a