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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra represents the pinnacle of smartphone technology, combining cutting-edge features with refined design. This latest iteration in Samsung’s flagship series pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in a mobile device, offering users an unparalleled experience.

Key Features and Innovations

The Galaxy S25 Ultra brings many new features that make it different from older models and other phones. It uses advanced Galaxy AI to improve everyday use.

One new tool is “Now Brief.” It uses AI to summarize and organize information. This helps you stay updated. Another tool, “Audio Eraser,” removes unwanted background noise from videos and recordings so that audio is clear.

The phone has a powerful new processor, the Snapdragon® 8 Elite for Galaxy. It is the first 3nm chip made specifically for Galaxy phones. This chip offers very fast performance and supports ray tracing and Vulkan optimization for better mobile gaming.

Photography lovers will enjoy the improved camera system. A new Ultra Wide 50MP camera takes high-resolution photos. The Object-Aware Engine adjusts to different lighting, resulting in lifelike portraits and clearer low-light video (Nightography).

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Design and Build Quality

Performance and Software

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra sets a new standard for smartphone performance and software integration. This device combines cutting-edge hardware with sophisticated software optimizations to deliver an unparalleled user experience.

Processor and Speed

At the heart of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra lies a state-of-the-art processor that pushes the boundaries of mobile computing. The device is powered by the latest Exynos chip, custom-designed by Samsung to maximize performance while maintaining energy efficiency.

This processor features a multi-core architecture with dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) for AI tasks. The result is lightning-fast app launches, seamless multitasking, and smooth performance even when running demanding applications or games.

To illustrate the power of this processor, consider the following benchmark results:

Geekbench 6 Scores:
Single-Core: 2,100
Multi-Core: 6,800

These scores represent a significant improvement over previous generations, showcasing the S25 Ultra’s ability to handle complex tasks with ease.

The device also boasts an advanced cooling system that prevents thermal throttling, ensuring sustained performance during extended use. This is particularly beneficial for mobile gamers and power users who demand consistent high performance.

User Interface and Experience

Samsung refined its One UI software to match the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s powerful hardware. The new One UI 6.5 offers a clean, intuitive interface that looks great and works well.

Key features include:

• Adaptive Refresh Rate: The S25 Ultra’s display adjusts its refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz based on the content. This change boosts visual quality and saves battery.
• Enhanced Customization: You can personalize your device like never before. Change the lock screen, always-on display, and system-wide colors to suit your style.
• Improved Multitasking: The upgraded Multi-Active Window lets you run up to three apps side by side. This feature makes full use of the S25 Ultra’s large screen.
• AI-Powered Assistance: Samsung deepened the integration of its AI assistant. It now offers context-aware suggestions and automates routine tasks.
• Adaptive UI: This new feature uses machine learning to adjust the interface based on your behavior. It may suggest apps or actions based on the time of day or your location.

The powerful hardware and refined software work together to deliver a responsive, intuitive smartphone experience. Whether you manage complex workflows or simply enjoy media and games, the S25 Ultra’s performance and software capabilities aim to exceed your expectations.

Camera and Imaging Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra sets a new standard in smartphone photography, offering a suite of advanced features that cater to both amateur enthusiasts and professional photographers alike. Let’s dive into the camera system and explore how it pushes the boundaries of mobile imaging.

Advanced Camera Features

Versatile Lens Array

The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts an impressive camera setup that covers a wide range of photographic scenarios:

• A 200MP main sensor for incredibly detailed shots
• A 50MP ultra-wide camera with the ISOCELL GNJ sensor for expansive landscapes
• A 50MP telephoto camera for high-quality zoom shots
• A 60MP front-facing camera for stunning selfies

This versatile array allows users to capture everything from macro close-ups to sweeping vistas without compromising on quality.

Enhanced Low-Light Performance

Samsung has significantly improved the S25 Ultra’s low-light capabilities. The phone now features:

• Advanced noise reduction algorithms
• Larger pixel sizes for better light capture
• Improved night mode processing

These enhancements result in clearer, brighter night shots with minimal grain, even in challenging lighting conditions.

ProVisual Engine

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces the ProVisual Engine, an advanced image processing system that enhances color accuracy and detail preservation. This feature ensures that photos are vivid and true-to-life across various shooting conditions.

10-bit HDR Video

Videography enthusiasts will appreciate the improved 10-bit HDR video capabilities. This feature allows for a wider range of colors and better contrast in video footage, resulting in more cinematic and professional-looking results.

AI Integration in Photography

Artificial Intelligence plays a crucial role in the S25 Ultra’s camera system, enhancing various aspects of the photography experience.

Object-Aware Engine

The Object-Aware Engine uses AI to detect and optimize settings for different subjects in the frame. It can recognize various elements such as people, animals, and landscapes, adjusting parameters like exposure, focus, and color balance accordingly.

AI-Enhanced ProVisual Engine

Building upon the ProVisual Engine, AI algorithms further refine image quality by:

• Analyzing scene content
• Optimizing color and contrast
• Enhancing details in specific areas of the image

This results in photos that are not only technically superior but also more aesthetically pleasing.

Sketch to Image Feature

One of the most innovative AI features is the Sketch to Image tool. This feature allows users to add elements to their photos by simply sketching them. The AI then generates realistic renderings of the sketched objects, seamlessly integrating them into the original image.33

Advanced Zoom Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s AI-powered zoom technology allows for clear, detailed shots even at high magnifications. The system uses:

• Multi-frame processing to reduce noise
• AI-based detail enhancement to preserve sharpness
• Intelligent cropping from the high-resolution sensors

This results in zoom capabilities that rival optical zoom lenses, all within the compact form factor of a smartphone.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera system represents a harmonious blend of hardware prowess and software intelligence. By leveraging advanced sensors, sophisticated AI algorithms, and user-friendly features, Samsung has created a mobile photography powerhouse that caters to a wide range of users and use cases.

Battery Life and Charging

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra sets a new standard for battery performance and charging capabilities in the flagship smartphone market. This section explores the device’s impressive battery life and the various charging options available to users.

Battery Performance

At the heart of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s power system is a robust 5,100 mAh battery. This capacity represents a significant improvement over its predecessors, allowing for extended usage times between charges. The device’s power management is further enhanced by the energy-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, manufactured using a 3nm process.

Users can expect the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to easily last through a full day of heavy usage, including tasks such as:

• Continuous web browsing
• Video streaming
• Gaming sessions
• Camera usage
• Multitasking with multiple apps

The device’s adaptive refresh rate, which can scale from 1Hz to 144Hz depending on the content being displayed, contributes to power conservation. This feature ensures that the stunning 6.9-inch display doesn’t unnecessarily drain the battery when displaying static content.

For those concerned about long-term battery health, Samsung has implemented advanced battery protection features. These include:

- Adaptive Battery: Learns usage patterns to optimize power allocation
- Battery Guardian: Monitors and limits excessive charging to preserve battery lifespan
- Power Saving Mode: Customizable options to extend battery life when needed

Charging Options and Efficiency

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a variety of charging options to suit different user preferences and situations:

1. Super Fast Wired Charging: The device supports 65W wired charging, allowing for rapid power replenishment. With this technology, users can expect to charge from 0% to 50% in approximately 15 minutes.
2. Wireless Charging: For added convenience, the S25 Ultra is compatible with wireless charging up to 45W. This represents a significant upgrade from previous models and allows for faster cordless charging.
3. Reverse Wireless Charging: The device can act as a wireless charging pad for other Qi-compatible devices, such as Galaxy Buds or smartwatches.
4. USB Power Delivery: The S25 Ultra supports the USB Power Delivery standard, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of third-party chargers and power banks.

To maximize charging efficiency and safety, Samsung has incorporated several advanced features:

• Intelligent charging algorithms that adjust power input based on battery temperature and current charge level
• Overheating protection to prevent damage during fast charging
• Compatibility with Samsung’s Wireless PowerShare feature for charging other devices

It’s worth noting that while the S25 Ultra supports these impressive charging speeds, the actual charger is not included in the box. Samsung recommends using only approved chargers and cables to ensure optimal performance and device safety.

The combination of a large battery capacity, efficient power management, and versatile charging options makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra a powerhouse in terms of battery life and charging capabilities. Whether you’re a power user who needs all-day battery life or someone who values the convenience of quick charging, the S25 Ultra is designed to meet and exceed expectations.

Before You Buy:

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, while boasting several advancements, has faced criticism for certain aspects that may influence potential buyers.

S Pen Functionality Reduction

A notable change in the S25 Ultra is the removal of Bluetooth capabilities from the S Pen. This decision means the stylus no longer supports features like remote camera control, presentation navigation, or Air Action gestures.

Samsung justified this move by citing low user engagement with these functions and aimed to reduce costs. However, the starting price remains at $1,299.99, leading to concerns about value for money. Users who previously relied on these features may find this regression disappointing.

Incremental Hardware Improvements

Critics have pointed out that the S25 Ultra offers minimal hardware upgrades compared to its predecessor, the S24 Ultra. The device retains the same 200MP primary camera and similar telephoto lenses, with the most significant change being a new 50MP ultrawide sensor. While software enhancements, particularly in AI, are evident, the lack of substantial hardware innovation may not justify an upgrade for existing S24 Ultra users.