100 Hours with Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Comprehensive Review
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stands tall as Samsung’s latest flagship, promising unparalleled performance, top-tier camera capabilities, and the continuation of the beloved S Pen. After spending over 100 hours exploring every nook and cranny of this device, we present an exhaustive review of what makes the S25 Ultra stand out and where it falls short.

Design and Build Quality: Familiar Yet Refined
At first glance, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s design feels familiar, strikingly resembling its predecessor, the S24 Ultra. However, subtle refinements make it more user-friendly. Gone are the days when holding the Ultra felt like gripping a sharp-edged slab. The new design is smoother, more ergonomic, and undeniably premium.
The device retains its signature aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus protection, ensuring durability. Available in a range of elegant colors, the S25 Ultra caters to both minimalists and those who prefer bolder aesthetics. However, Samsung’s refusal to experiment further with design might leave some yearning for a more radical departure from previous models.
Display: A Visual Masterpiece
Samsung’s reputation for producing stellar displays continues with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The 6.8-inch AMOLED screen offers 1440 x 3200 resolution, delivering crisp, vibrant visuals. Colors are rich yet balanced, and the peak brightness ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.

The adaptive refresh rate, ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, ensures smooth scrolling and optimized battery life. Whether you’re gaming, watching HDR10+ content, or simply browsing, the display experience is immersive and satisfying. Samsung’s advancements in PWM dimming technology have reduced eye strain significantly, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods.
Performance: Power Meets Precision
Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the Exynos 2500 (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, depending on your region), paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The combination ensures blazing-fast performance. From demanding 3D games to multitasking with numerous apps, the device handles it all without breaking a sweat.

The improved cooling system ensures consistent performance even during intensive tasks. Gamers will appreciate the smooth frame rates, while professionals can rely on the Ultra for productivity apps and resource-heavy processes.
Software: One UI 7 Shines
Samsung’s One UI 7 builds upon an already solid foundation, bringing subtle yet impactful improvements. Packed with AI-driven features, it’s designed to make your life easier. From predictive text to smart suggestions for daily routines, the software feels intuitive.
However, many of these features, while useful, may not feel revolutionary. Owners of older Galaxy devices might not find enough justification for an upgrade based on software alone. That said, the interface remains one of the most user-friendly in the Android ecosystem.
S Pen: A Mixed Bag
The S Pen continues to be a hallmark feature of the Ultra series. Concealed in its designated slot, the stylus is as functional as ever for tasks like taking notes, sketching, or signing documents. The precision and ease it offers are unmatched, making it indispensable for certain users.
However, Samsung’s decision to remove Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen has stirred controversy. Features like air gestures and remote photo capture are now missing, leaving some long-time fans disappointed. While these capabilities might not have been universally loved, their removal feels like a step backward.
Camera System: Evolution Over Revolution
The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a quad-camera setup:
- 200MP primary sensor
- 50MP ultra-wide sensor (upgraded from the previous generation)
- 10MP telephoto lens (3x optical zoom)
- 50MP telephoto lens (5x optical zoom)
The primary sensor delivers excellent results, producing sharp, vibrant images with balanced tones. Samsung’s preference for eye-pleasing colors over natural tones remains evident. While photos are visually appealing, they may not always represent true-to-life colors.
Night mode continues to impress, minimizing saturation and enhancing details in low-light conditions. However, noise in darker areas persists, especially in ambient lighting.
The ultra-wide sensor is a notable upgrade, offering high-resolution shots that maintain consistent tones with the primary camera. It’s ideal for dramatic landscapes and up-close shots. On the downside, occasional graininess in low-light environments reminds users that perfection is still a work in progress.
Zoom capabilities are where the S25 Ultra truly shines. The 5x optical zoom provides clear, detailed shots, while the 100x Space Zoom remains a fun feature for experimentation. For practical purposes, sticking to 20x or 30x zoom yields the best results.
Video recording has seen minor improvements. You can capture 8K footage at 30fps or 4K at up to 60fps, now with HDR10+ support. Pro video mode allows for capturing log footage, enabling professional-grade color grading. Stabilization is excellent, even at higher resolutions, ensuring smooth videos.
Audio and Microphone: Clear and Reliable
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s built-in microphones deliver impressive clarity, whether for voice calls or video recording. The new audio eraser tool filters out background noise, enhancing the quality of recorded sound. Combined with excellent stereo speakers, the audio experience is satisfying for both media consumption and communication.
Battery Life: Room for Improvement
The 5,000mAh battery ensures decent longevity, comfortably lasting a day with moderate to heavy use. However, rivals like the OnePlus 13 Pro, with its more efficient power management, outshine the S25 Ultra in battery performance.
Charging speeds remain a sore point. The 45W wired charging feels sluggish compared to competitors offering faster solutions. While wireless charging is supported, it’s not significantly quicker than before.
The Verdict: A Worthy Contender?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is undoubtedly a powerhouse, excelling in design, display, performance, and camera capabilities. For Samsung loyalists or those upgrading from older devices, it’s a compelling choice. However, the lack of groundbreaking innovation and the removal of features like Bluetooth support for the S Pen may give potential buyers pause.
Competitors like the OnePlus 13 Pro offer stiff competition, particularly in areas like battery life and design. As Samsung continues to refine its Ultra series, it’ll need to address these shortcomings to maintain its position as the king of Android flagships.
If you’ve been eyeing the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it’s worth considering your priorities. For those seeking the ultimate Samsung experience, this device delivers in spades. But alternatives may prove more satisfying if battery life and value for money are higher on your list.
For more detailed insights into the Galaxy S25 Ultra, stay tuned for our upcoming in-depth comparison with rival flagship devices. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below – have you pre-ordered, or are you waiting for something better? Let us know!