The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched in India in January, stands as a testament to Samsung’s seasoned mastery within this fiercely competitive landscape. Priced from ₹129,999, this device fuses cutting-edge hardware with a suite of intelligent features, reflecting an evolution of the Galaxy S series from its ambitious early days to a confident pinnacle in the premium segment. Where once Samsung experimented boldly to carve its niche—pioneering large screens, stylus integration, and robust multitasking—the S25 Ultra showcases a company now comfortable refining its formula, delivering a titanium-clad build, a breathtaking display, and a camera system that stretches technological boundaries. After thorough evaluation, it excels in nearly every domain—processor, display, camera, battery—though minor quirks persist, a sign of calculated trade-offs rather than faltering steps. For those eyeing a mid-to-high-end flagship with minimal compromises, this review dissects why the S25 Ultra not only competes but underscores Samsung’s ease in dominating the elite tier.
The buzz around AI has saturated tech marketing, but Samsung backs it up with substance rather than gimmicks. Building on a legacy of robust hardware and refined software, the Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces capabilities that could set a new standard for flagships. From its vibrant anti-reflective screen to its Snapdragon 8 Elite-driven performance, it’s a device poised to impress tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. Let’s dive into the specifics of what makes this phone tick—and where it trips.
What’s in the Box?
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB variants)
- USB Type-C cable
- SIM ejector tool
- User guide and warranty info
Unlike some competitors, Samsung omits a charger, aligning with an eco-friendly trend. To leverage the 45W fast charging, a separate purchase is required—an extra step for users upgrading from older models.
Design and Build
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra embraces a flat aesthetic with a premium build, featuring a titanium frame known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance—materials often found in aerospace applications. This is complemented by a frosted glass back panel, delivering a sleek and sturdy construction that measures 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm and weighs 218g. The design aligns with current trends of minimalist refinement, boasting an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, precisely aligned ports, and tactile buttons that enhance usability. The slightly rounded corners mark a visible shift from previous Ultra models, offering a distinctive silhouette that balances a large display with comfortable handling along the sides. The weight balancing is amazing and makes holding the phone really easy, and sometimes it is shocking that the phone feels so light, but in reality, it is 218g.
Despite its premium appeal, the frosted glass back, while smooth to the touch and visually striking, attracts fingerprints and can feel a bit slippery without additional grip—a common trade-off in glass-backed flagships. The distinctive camera rings, a signature element, contribute to the phone’s unique identity and help it stand out from generic designs, though their protrusion has sparked debate on whether it is a necessary addition. Additional features like ultra-thin bezels maximize screen real estate, reinforcing the sophisticated look.
This combination of materials and design choices results in a device that feels both luxurious and durable, capable of withstanding everyday wear while maintaining a bold and sleek presence. The titanium frame ensures longevity, and the IP68 rating adds practical reassurance for use in diverse conditions, making it a standout in build quality—though not a radical departure from Samsung’s established design language.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra sports a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels, delivering a pixel density of 500ppi. This screen ranks among the best on the market, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles, enhanced by an anti-reflective coating that boosts usability in various lighting conditions. With a peak brightness of 2600 nits (though some sources cite 1750 nits), it remains easily visible in bright sunlight, maintaining responsiveness with no lag or ghost touches reported. The display accurately reproduces colors that appear natural and true-to-life, supported by a good contrast ratio and 100% DCI-P3 coverage for a rich visual experience.
The 120Hz refresh rate, optimized by One UI, ensures an incredibly smooth and responsive performance across everyday tasks—whether scrolling through web pages, navigating apps, or gaming. HDR support (HDR10+) elevates the viewing of compatible content, making videos and photos pop with enhanced contrast and detail. Features like the always-on display provide quick access to notifications, while eye comfort modes aim to reduce strain, though some users note these software solutions may fall short of hardware-based flicker reduction alternatives.
This display sets a high standard for flagships, delivering a seamless and fluid experience that adapts dynamically to content. Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 7, it combines durability with stunning visuals, making it a key selling point for the S25 Ultra.
Camera
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s quad-camera system is a solid all-around performer, delivering fantastic results in diverse scenarios without relying on overhyped “magic.” At its core is a 200MP ISOCELL HP5 main sensor, which excels in daylight conditions with excellent image quality and level of detail, capturing scenes with precision. In low-light environments, it performs very well, producing sharp and well-lit photos with minimal noise or blur, thanks to advanced pixel binning technology. Complementing this are a 50MP ultrawide with a 120-degree field of view, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto, offering versatility from wide landscapes to zoomed-in shots.
Zoom capabilities are impressive, with the 5x zoom performing really well up to 20x magnification, maintaining good image quality for portraits and distant subjects. Beyond 20x—such as the 100x Space Zoom—clarity drops noticeably, lagging behind competitors like the Vivo X200 Pro or OPPO Find X8 Pro, suggesting the zoom algorithm could benefit from refinement or additional in-sensor technology. Video recording is handled very well, supporting 8K at 30fps and 4K at up to 120fps, with good stabilization ensuring steady footage across resolutions. Special modes like night, portrait, and macro (via the ultrawide, no periscope macro here) all work great, producing high-quality results enhanced by Galaxy AI processing.
General Shots
Color accuracy and dynamic range are well-executed, with photos showcasing natural, true-to-life tones and good detail in both highlights and shadows.
Low Light
The camera system remains a standout feature, offering a reliable and versatile toolkit for photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.
People
Videos
AI Toolbox
The Galaxy S25 Ultra integrates Galaxy AI across its ecosystem, leveraging the onboard NPU to enhance functionality. Integrated in advanced levels with Google Gemini, the S25 series can nearly become an autonomous agent thanks to it gaining the ability to look up videos and maps and even type out mails and SMS. However, the main AI use cases will be in the camera and the gallery.
Especially the “Generative Edit” feature which has taken hold of the tech enthusiast attention by offering the best cleanest and the best editing tool that is currently available on a phone. Kudos to Samsung for that. You also still have the Bixby-powered actions, all executed on-device for privacy and speed, if needed. The much talked about “Now Brief” feature, designed to provide a concise daily summary, is an interesting addition but needs more work, lacking customization options and deeper integration with third-party apps, which limits its current utility.
While not as flashy as some competitors’ AI offerings, these tools are practical and performant, contributing to a clean software experience packed with useful features. The focus here is on enhancing core functionalities rather than novelty, positioning the S25 Ultra as a device that prioritizes efficiency over gimmicks.
Future updates could refine underdeveloped aspects like “Now Brief,” potentially elevating its AI suite to a new level of indispensability.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite—a 4nm chip with a 3.36GHz prime core—the S25 Ultra handles demanding tasks very well, with no complaints about its capabilities. Paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 4.0 storage options (256GB, 512GB, 1TB, non-expandable via microSD), it delivers excellent overall performance and speed in everyday use, opening apps swiftly, browsing the web seamlessly, and multitasking with no lag or slowdown, even with multiple apps active. The dedicated GPU ensures graphics-intensive tasks like gaming perform very well, maintaining high frame rates across demanding titles.
Heat management is executed very well, with the device not getting noticeably hot during intensive tasks like gaming or video recording, thanks to a 40% larger vapor chamber. However, under sustained heavy loads, mild thermal throttling can occur, slightly reducing performance to maintain stability—a trade-off common in high-performance flagships but worth noting for power users. This positions the S25 Ultra as a fast and responsive device that excels across most scenarios. In our experience, the stability of One UI is great. That said, check out the synthetic benchmark scores below.
Software: One UI 7
The S25 Ultra runs One UI 7, based on Android 15, delivering an excellent software experience that’s clean, performant, and packed with useful features—the best iteration yet. It’s user-friendly and intuitive, optimized for the large display with ergonomic navigation, and supported by a commitment to seven years of OS updates and security patches, ensuring longevity. Beyond the “Now Brief” feature, which remains interesting but in need of refinement, the software offers a robust suite of tools enhanced by Galaxy AI. The design has been updated to feature more rounded corners in widgets and notifications, and a new page for the quick settings has been added with a lot of tasteful refinements and editing options.
While pre-installed apps introduce some bloat, most can be uninstalled, preserving the overall polish. This blend of functionality and future-proofing makes One UI 7 a standout, aligning with Samsung’s reputation for delivering software that complements its hardware prowess.
Audio
The audio quality on the S25 Ultra is fantastic, with AKG-tuned stereo speakers delivering clear, loud, and well-balanced sound, enhanced by Dolby Atmos for an immersive experience. Headphone output via USB-C or Bluetooth supports high-quality codecs like LDAC and aptX Adaptive, ensuring excellent performance. However, the absence of a headphone jack requires users to rely on adapters or wireless options—a drawback for those preferring traditional wired audio solutions.
The S25 Ultra is equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, and 5G for cutting-edge connectivity, alongside features like an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, Samsung DeX, IP68 resistance, and an enhanced S Pen—adding layers of practicality and productivity to the experience.
S Pen
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra includes an S Pen, a hallmark feature that enhances its utility as a flagship device, seamlessly integrated into its premium chassis. This stylus offers a suite of capabilities designed for precision and productivity, such as low-latency writing and drawing, ideal for note-taking or sketching directly on the 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Users can access the Air Command menu by hovering the S Pen and pressing its side button, unlocking shortcuts like Screen Write, Translate, and Smart Select for quick annotations or content extraction. Features like AI Select and Magnify further boost multitasking, while the S Pen supports Samsung Notes for handwritten memos—convertible to text—or doodles enhanced by AI Drawing Assist, available across apps like Gallery and Smart Select in the Edge panel. Unlike some styluses, it requires no charging, slotting neatly into the phone’s body, ensuring constant readiness for creative or professional tasks.
The S Pen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra marks a significant shift from its predecessors, most notably with the removal of Bluetooth connectivity—a feature present in models like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This change eliminates Air Actions, stripping away gesture controls and remote functions such as triggering the camera shutter, switching photo modes, or navigating media playback, which relied on Bluetooth Low Energy. Samsung cites low usage (less than 1% of users engaged with these features) as the rationale, opting instead for a lighter, battery-free design that contributes to the phone’s 15-gram weight reduction. While the core writing and drawing experience remains intact—bolstered by a slightly larger 1.5mm tip akin to the Fold Edition S Pen—the downgrade has sparked debate among enthusiasts who valued the stylus’s multifunctionality, though it aligns the feature set more closely with Samsung’s foldable line up, simplifying production and potentially cutting costs.
Samsung DeX and Beyond
Beyond connectivity, the S25 Ultra offers a robust set of additional features, with Samsung DeX standing out as a powerful tool for productivity. This desktop-like experience transforms the phone into a computing hub when connected to an external monitor via USB-C or wirelessly to compatible smart TVs, allowing users to run apps in resizable windows, manage files, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for a PC-like workflow. The ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor provides secure and rapid unlocking, while the IP68 rating ensures resilience against environmental hazards. These extras, combined with the S Pen, elevate the device’s versatility, catering to users who need more than just a smartphone—from professional multitasking to creative endeavors—making it a comprehensive package in the flagship space.
Battery
The S25 Ultra’s battery life is quite respectable, lasting over a day with 4.5 hours of screen-on time during heavy Wi-Fi usage and stretching to two days with 3.5 hours on mobile data and extensive camera use. It performs well across different scenarios, with no particular usage patterns causing quick drains, thanks to effective battery optimization. The 45W fast charging capability fully replenishes the battery in approximately 1.5 hours, though a charger isn’t included in the box, requiring a separate purchase.
Wireless charging at 15W and reverse wireless charging are supported and work as advertised, adding flexibility to power management. While not the fastest charging speed in the flagship category, it offers a reliable balance of endurance and convenience suitable for a device of this caliber.
Price and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in three configurations: 12GB RAM + 256GB at ₹129,999, 512GB at ₹141,999, and 1TB at ₹165,999. Samsung offsets the premium cost with a ₹9,000 bank discount, an exchange bonus of up to ₹10,000, and additional trade-in discounts reaching ₹31,800.
Pre-orders starting January 23 offered a storage upgrade (512GB at 256GB price, worth ₹12,000) and up to ₹21,000 in benefits. The phone hit shelves on February 7 via Samsung’s official website (featuring exclusive colors like Titanium Jadegreen, Jetblack, and Pinkgold), Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Reliance Digital, and authorized offline retailers across India.
This pricing positions the S25 Ultra against heavyweights like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Vivo X200 Pro in the premium flagship category. It’s currently the latest model in the Galaxy S series, with no newer iteration available, though rumors of an S25 Slim persist. The combination of robust specs and attractive discounts makes it a compelling value proposition in a market where rivals offer similar performance at comparable prices.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra excels in every area—a stunning display, powerful processor, impressive camera system, and long-lasting battery—making it an exceptional smartphone. It offers good value for money compared to market options, outpacing the iPhone 16 Pro Max in display and camera versatility, though trailing vivo X200 Pro in zoom and OPPO Find X8 Pro in charging speed.
Pros:
- Stunning display: vibrant, sharp, smooth
- Powerful processor: fast, responsive
- Impressive camera: fantastic results
- Long battery life: over a day, two with care
Cons:
- No headphone jack: a modern limitation
- “Now Brief” needs improvement: underdeveloped
- Zoom past 20x lacks clarity: algorithm tweak needed
- Mild throttling under load: minor constraint
The S25 Ultra is an excellent choice for users demanding the best possible smartphone experience—powerful, feature-rich, with a great display, camera system, and battery life—ideal for power users, photographers, and gamers.