Need a Phone That Does Everything? Galaxy S25 Ultra Tested
- Epic Tech Tips
- Dec 29, 2025
- 6 min read
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Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium 2025 flagship with a powerful Snapdragon processor, stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED display, long battery life, and a top-tier 200MP camera system designed for power users.
It’s ideal for photography, gaming, and productivity, though its high price and reduced S Pen features may not suit everyone.
Why You'll Love This Phone
After 5 days of intense testing, the Galaxy S25 Ultra impressed with its smooth performance, stunning display, and reliable battery that easily lasts a full day of heavy use. Everything feels fast, clean, and well-polished.
The camera stands out with sharp photos in any light, while the large screen and smart features make daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Key Specifications
Display | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
Resolution | QHD+ |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
RAM | 12GB |
Storage Options | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
Rear Cameras | 200MP Main + 50MP Ultra-Wide + 50MP Telephoto + 10MP Telephoto |
Front Camera | 12MP |
Battery | 5000mAh |
Charging | Fast Wired & Wireless |
S Pen | Included |
Water Resistance | IP68 |
Operating System | Android 15 with One UI |
Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Design and Premium Build
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra uses a strong titanium frame and a tough glass screen that resists scratches and drops. The phone feels solid in the hand but has a lighter weight compared to some earlier models, which makes long hours of use easier.
Its design fits well with the rest of the Galaxy S25 series, giving it a modern and refined look. The edges are smooth, and the built-in S Pen stays handy for note-taking, drawing, and quick commands. The S Pen has fewer advanced functions than before, but it still adds value for everyday tasks.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra also holds up well against splashes and rain thanks to its IP68 water resistance rating. This adds peace of mind for users who live busy, on-the-go lives.
Stunning Display for Movies and Games
One of the first things you notice on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is its huge screen. The phone features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with bright and vivid colors. Whether you are watching videos, browsing photos, or scrolling through apps, the visuals stay crisp and detailed.
The screen supports an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, meaning motion looks smooth and clear when you scroll or play games. This makes the S25 Ultra feel fast and responsive, even for demanding tasks. It also gets bright enough to see clearly in outdoor sunlight.
This display is great for long videos, gaming sessions, and reading. With its large size and vibrant colors, the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers one of the best screens you can find on a smartphone today.
Performance That Keeps Up With You
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor. This chip is one of the fastest available in 2025. It delivers strong performance whether you’re playing heavy games, editing photos, or juggling multiple apps.
The phone typically comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB up to 1TB. This large storage space gives room for thousands of photos, videos, and apps without slowing down.
In real-world use, the Galaxy S25 Ultra feels smooth and snappy. Apps open quickly, and switching between tasks feels natural and effortless. Whether you’re a power user or an everyday user, this level of performance handles most scenarios with ease.
Camera Powerhouse for Photo Lovers
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S25 Ultra with a quad-camera setup that delivers sharp and detailed photos in nearly every scenario. The camera system includes:
A 200MP main camera for super high-resolution shots.
A 50MP ultra-wide lens for capturing more in every scene.
A 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x Optical Zoom and 10x Optical Quality Zoom.
A 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
A 12MP front camera for selfies.
This combination of cameras gives you flexibility whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or close-ups. The improved ultra-wide lens makes a noticeable difference in how much you can fit into a photo, which matters for travel and group shots.
Samsung’s camera software also packs smart modes and AI tools to improve your pictures. Night photos are bright and full of detail, and videos stay steady even when you’re on the move.
Overall, the camera performance on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is among the best you can find on a smartphone right now.
Battery Life That Lasts All Day
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 5000mAh battery, which is large enough to power you through a full day of heavy use (Up to 31 hrs of video playback). Whether you’re streaming videos, browsing social media, or using productivity apps, the S25 Ultra rarely needs a midday charge.
Samsung supports fast charging, and wireless charging is also available. These features make it convenient to top-up your phone quickly without being tied to a cable. Short charging times and long battery life go hand-in-hand here.
For travelers or busy users, the battery performance is a big plus. You can go longer between charges, giving you confidence in your device’s uptime.
Smart Galaxy AI Tools
Samsung brings powerful AI tools to the S25 Ultra. These features are designed to help with everyday tasks, like editing photos faster, transcribing speech, or interacting with your phone using natural language.
The AI tools work within Samsung’s One UI and Android 15 software, making the system feel more helpful and flexible. Some users say the AI adds value, while others find it useful only for specific tasks. However, the AI experience continues to grow with software updates.
These intelligent features aim to make the Galaxy S25 Ultra more than a phone—they try to make it a digital assistant for your daily life.
Real World Use – Everyday Experience
Using the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra feels fast and smooth during daily tasks. Browsing social media, messaging, and handling work apps are all easy with this device. The large screen makes reading and watching content more enjoyable.
Gaming is another strong point. The display, combined with a powerful GPU, produces crisp graphics and smooth gameplay. Heavy games run well without stutter.
For productivity, the built-in S Pen adds an edge. You can take quick notes, draw diagrams, or mark important parts of a document. It’s not as advanced as past models for gestures, but it still gives you fine control for creative work.
Pros and Cons
Like any phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick look:
Pros
Excellent camera setup with versatile lenses.
Powerful performance for demanding use.
Bright and smooth 6.9-inch display.
Long battery life with fast charging.
Cons
High price point for most users.
S Pen has fewer features than before.
AI features may be less helpful for some users.
Overall, the strengths outweigh the negatives for most buyers looking for a premium Android phone.
How It Compares
Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Google Pixel 10 Pro XL |
Display Size | 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED | 6.9-inch OLED | 6.8-inch QHD+ OLED |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz |
Main Camera | 200MP + multi-lens | 48MP triple | 50MP triple |
Selfie Camera | 12MP | ~18MP | ~42MP |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Apple A19 Pro | Tensor G5 |
RAM | 12GB | 12GB | 16GB |
Battery | 5000mAh | ~5088mAh | ~5200mAh |
Storage Options | 256GB–1TB | 256GB–2TB | 256GB–1TB |
Charging | Fast wired & wireless | Fast wired & wireless | Wireless & Qi2.2 |
OS | Android 15 | iOS 26 | Android 16 |
Strengths | Highest camera resolution & versatile zoom | Wide ecosystem & battery life | Strong AI photo tools & software |
Who Should Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is best for people who want:
A top-class camera for photos and videos.
A big and bright screen for media, games, and work.
Long-lasting battery with fast charging.
Excellent performance for heavy use.
If your budget allows and you want one of the best Android phones available in 2026, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a strong flagship phone with powerful hardware, an impressive camera system, and long battery life. It feels refined and polished in daily use. While its AI tools and stylus could be better, this phone provides excellent value at the top of the smartphone market.
Whether you’re a photographer, gamer, or power user, the S25 Ultra delivers performance and features that make it one of the leading Android phones of 2026.