Samsung’s Unpacked event in January introduces the Galaxy S25 Ultra, featuring a redesigned look with rounded edges and a slimmer profile, making it 15% thinner than its predecessor. The device boasts significant performance enhancements with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and upgraded camera features, including a 50 MP ultra-wide lens and improved video capabilities. Priced starting at €1469, it maintains a consistent pricing strategy while appealing to both new users and existing Samsung fans seeking upgrades.
Every January, Samsung seizes the opportunity of its Unpacked event to unveil a refreshed lineup, and once again, the Ultra model takes center stage. Renowned for being the top seller at launch, this model is cherished by Samsung enthusiasts and stands out as the most feature-rich offering in the Galaxy series.
This year, the flagship device ushers in a new design, showcasing a significant aesthetic alignment with its standard counterparts.
Technical Specifications Comparison
A Thoughtful Design Transformation
Samsung is embarking on a new design journey. The sharp edges that have defined the Ultra series since its inception are now a thing of the past. The S25 Ultra introduces softer, rounded contours, aligning its appearance more closely with the S25 and S25+ models.
While this change may bewilder some long-time fans, it reflects a strategic move towards a more unified design across the range. The edges are flatter, with only a slight protrusion from the S-Pen on the lower edge.
This design evolution also brings a refreshing slimmer profile. Measuring at 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm, the S25 Ultra is 15% thinner than its predecessor.
Users will immediately notice the difference in hand feel, particularly as the weight has decreased from 232 grams to 218 grams. Remarkably, Samsung has managed to fit a larger display (6.9 inches compared to 6.8) into a similarly sized body by utilizing even thinner bezels. The display retains its QHD resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate.
The choice of materials indicates a deliberate upgrade. Following the S24 Ultra, the titanium frame is now paired with Gorilla Glass Armor 2 on the front, featuring an anti-reflective treatment, while the rear is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Power Under Control
The inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Elite in all models in France marks a significant shift. There will no longer be a distinction between Exynos and Snapdragon based on market; every user can now enjoy the same level of performance. And what a performance it is!
Compared to the S24 Ultra, the gains are impressive: a +37% boost in CPU performance, a +32% increase in GPU power, and a +43% enhancement for the NPU. These improvements promise an even smoother experience for everyday tasks, particularly in demanding areas such as photo editing and gaming.
Samsung has also touted advancements in its cooling system, boasting a vapor chamber that is 40% larger. The purpose? To reduce heat, which is beneficial since the Snapdragon 8 Elite is much more efficient than its predecessor.
With 12 GB of RAM in the standard configuration, multitasking is seamless, and storage options range from 256 GB to a whopping 1 TB.
On the connectivity front, Wi-Fi remains at Wi-Fi 7, including support for the 6 GHz band. This ensures you can fully leverage the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology.
One downside, however, is that the battery capacity remains unchanged at 5,000 mAh. It appears that the Galaxy Note 7 incident still influences the Korean manufacturer; meanwhile, competitors are now offering batteries with capacities soaring to 6,500 to 7,000 mAh, often utilizing carbon-silicon technology for smaller, more efficient batteries, a feature Samsung has yet to embrace.
Subtle Yet Significant Photography Enhancements
The advancements in photography may be less apparent but are nonetheless crucial.
The primary 200 MP sensor (f/1.7) and the 10 MP x3 telephoto lens remain intact. However, the ultra-wide angle has seen a significant upgrade to 50 MP with an f/1.9 aperture. Samsung claims a 24% increase in brightness for photos, a much-appreciated enhancement for this type of lens, often challenged in low-light conditions.
The second 50 MP (f/3.4) telephoto lens now provides a native x5 zoom, with the capability to achieve x10 optical zoom through smart cropping. This marks a departure from the S24 Ultra, offering greater flexibility for discerning photographers.
Innovations in video capabilities are equally noteworthy. The introduction of the “spatio-temporal filter” (a marketing term for low-light optimization technology) enhances the management of complex scenes, ensuring proper exposure for both backgrounds and moving subjects. The option to export in LOG will appeal to professional videographers, while HDR 10-bit support becomes standard (up to 4K 60 fps).
Consistent Pricing Strategy
Samsung has chosen to uphold its pricing structure, with the starting price set at €1469 for the 256 GB variant. While this price remains on the higher side, it is justified by the advancements made and the premium positioning of the device.
Classic colors include Titanium Blue, Titanium Black, and Titanium Gray, with exclusive variants available on samsung.com (Absolute Black, Titanium Green, Rose Gold)—a strategy well-established by the manufacturer.
Our Perspective
The Galaxy S25 Ultra successfully reinvents itself while staying true to its roots. This optimistic view holds merit.
The design standardization with the S25 range is a commendable decision that enhances elegance at the expense of some uniqueness. The targeted technical improvements address key areas such as performance, photography, and ergonomics. However, the changes are rather subtle.
This evolution may leave those anticipating a groundbreaking transformation feeling underwhelmed. Yet, it is precisely this measured approach that defines the strength of the S25 Ultra.
Samsung refines its established formula rather than overhauling it, resulting in a device that should satisfy both first-time buyers and current users of older models looking for an upgrade. For those already using the Galaxy S24 Ultra, it may be wise to wait one to two generations before considering a switch… and even then, it may not be essential.