Samsung has finally unveiled its new Galaxy S25 series, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra at the top of the range – the most powerful and sophisticated model in the series. With an improved Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a new 50MP ultra-wide camera and additional AI capabilities, this phone is a real treat for tech enthusiasts.
Samsung has introduced its new series Samsung Galaxy S25, where the Galaxy S25 Ultra reigns supreme. This model is the largest, most powerful, and best-equipped of the three newcomers. It's powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a long-awaited 3nm processor (a first for a Samsung device) that promises improved performance and power efficiency. It also includes a new 50MP ultra-wide camera and upgraded AI features that should deliver even better photos and videos.
Specifications and design
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stays true to its signature style, but with a few notable changes. The sides are now completely flat and coated in titanium, creating a premium feel. With only slightly rounded corners, the phone is more comfortable to hold, bringing it closer to the S25 and S25+ in design.
The device is also thinner and lighter than its predecessor (218g vs. 233g), the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The new design includes a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that reaches an incredible brightness of up to 2600 nits. The front and back of the phone are protected by Gorilla Armor glass with an advanced anti-reflective coating.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is made of durable titanium and the first-ever Corning® Gorilla® Armor 2. The Galaxy S25 series uses recycled materials, including aluminum and cobalt from old batteries. With seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates, the Galaxy S25 series is designed to last.
Camera: improved wide-angle performance
While the basic camera specs remain the same (200MP main camera, 10MP with 3x optical zoom, and 50MP with 5x optical zoom), the Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces a new 50MP ultra-wide sensor. Samsung promises better low-light performance and improved night video. In addition, a new feature allows you to edit photos by changing filters afterwards, which is sure to please mobile photography enthusiasts.
Performance and software
The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy brings 30 % faster CPU, 37 % faster GPU, and 40 % faster NPU compared to the previous generation. At the same time, the phone is equipped with a larger cooling chamber to maintain high performance for longer. The Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with Android 15 and One UI 7, which includes new features such as Live Notifications and AI Select.
Battery and charging
The Galaxy S25 Ultra remains faithful to the proven 5000 mAh battery, which easily provides all-day autonomy. It supports 45W fast charging and the new Qi2 standard for wireless charging, but magnets are still absent due to compatibility with the S Pen digital stylus.
Galaxy AI: more than just an assistant
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S25 Ultra with exceptional AI capabilities that go beyond just voice commands or basic suggestions. Using the new Gemini AI Samsung's system offers multi-layered interaction that includes text, speech, image and video recognition for a seamless user experience.
Multimodal artificial intelligence for an intuitive user experience
The new One UI 7 delivers fully contextual experiences with privacy at every turn. The Galaxy S25 interprets text, speech, images and videos to enable natural interactions. Circle to Search quickly recognizes phone numbers, email addresses and URLs on the screen, allowing you to call, send an email or visit a website with a single tap.
The next-generation AI also enables natural language understanding, simplifying everyday interactions, such as searching for a specific photo or adjusting settings. By long-pressing the side button, users activate Gemini, which enables connected functionality between Samsung and Google apps, as well as third-party apps like Spotify.
Personalization and privacy at a new level
The Galaxy S25 uses the Personal Data Engine to analyze on-device data to create personalized experiences, with data securely stored in the Knox Vault. It also features post-quantum cryptography to protect personal data from future threats of quantum computing.
Key functions of artificial intelligence:
- Generative photo corrections: Galaxy AI analyzes your shots and offers suggestions for improvements. Now you can expand the background of an image or add elements that were not previously in the photo.
- Galaxy Zoom AI: This feature uses artificial intelligence to enhance details during digital zoom, allowing for clearer images of distant objects.
- Multimodal AI agents: The ability to understand text, images, videos, and audio enables seamless transitions between applications and contextually tailored search results.
- Writing Assistant (Writing Assist): A feature that automatically formats and summarizes content from multiple apps saves you time when writing emails or taking notes.
- Audio Eraser: A new audio processing feature lets you isolate specific sounds, such as voices, natural noises, or music, giving you complete control over your audio quality.
- Galaxy Log: Advanced color grading and adjustments for professional video production right on your smartphone.
Photography and video: artificial intelligence in the spotlight
Samsung has once again highlighted photography as a key area where Galaxy AI shines. In addition to the improved 50MP ultra-wide sensor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra includes the following new features:
- 10-bit HDR by default: Provides four times the color depth of 8-bit HDR.
- Advanced low-light noise reduction: Artificial intelligence reduces noise and sharpens details in low-light videos.
- Virtual aperture: Simulates the effects of DSLR cameras and allows greater control over depth of field, now integrated into the Expert RAW app.
- Analog filters: Photography enthusiasts can add a retro look with analog effects that mimic the aesthetics of film cameras.
Artificial intelligence for greater efficiency
Groundbreaking innovations for everyday use:
- Automatic content recognition: Galaxy AI recognizes phone numbers, email addresses, and URL links directly from images or text, enabling instant action.
- Contextual searches: The feature suggests next steps, such as sharing GIFs or saving events, without having to close apps.
- Natural language understanding: Users can search for photos, change settings, or send messages with simple commands.
Galaxy S25 series prices
The Galaxy S25 series brings advanced technology at competitive prices. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, the flagship of the series, is available at a starting price of €1,449 for the 256GB storage model. The 512GB version will set you back €1,569, while the top-of-the-line 1TB version costs €1,809. The Galaxy S25+ is a more affordable option, with its base 256GB model costing €1,149, while the 512GB version costs €1,269. The Galaxy S25, the base model of the series, is available at €899 for the 128GB model and €959 for the 256GB model. These prices reflect the high performance and innovative features that Samsung brings to each device.
Conclusion: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra brings some improvements, it remains largely similar to its predecessor. If you already have a Galaxy S24 Ultra, a upgrade may not be necessary. For those coming from older devices, however, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers an appealing combination of top-notch performance, a premium display, and advanced camera features.