Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Jet Black, 512GB) — A Premium Marvel or Overpriced Luxury?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of the most hyped flagships of 2025. After pre-ordering the Jet Black 512GB variant and using it for a week, I can confidently say this phone is a masterpiece in some areas and a letdown in others. Here’s my full breakdown.
Design – 9/10
The S25 Ultra is one of the most beautiful smartphones I’ve ever held. Its flat edges and premium build evoke memories of the iPhone 5s—minimalist yet elegant. The weight distribution is near perfect, making it feel surprisingly light for its size. Button placement, including the volume rocker and power key, feels natural and comfortable.
However, there are a few things I wish Samsung had done differently:
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The fingerprint sensor would have been better on the side. The in-display sensor is accurate but not as convenient while holding the phone.
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There’s no true Face ID-like feature comparable to Apple’s system, which would have been a welcome addition.
Display – 9/10
Initially, the display felt dull out of the box, which had me worried. But after switching to QHD resolution, customizing wallpapers, and letting adaptive brightness learn my habits, the screen became absolutely stunning.
Even under direct sunlight—with a screen protector applied—the display shines bright and clear. Samsung’s mastery in display technology is still unmatched.
Battery – 8/10
The battery life is phenomenal. I easily get about 1.5 days of use with 3.8 hours of screen-on time, while running dual SIMs, data + Wi-Fi always on, adaptive refresh rate, 80% brightness, and QHD resolution. That’s impressive endurance.
However, I’m docking points for two reasons:
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No charger in the box—a disappointing industry trend.
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Slow charging compared to rivals. It takes around 30 minutes to hit 70%, while my old phone reached 45% in just 10 minutes and 100% in 35 minutes. Once you’ve used true fast charging, it’s hard to go back.
Performance – 9/10
The S25 Ultra runs buttery smooth, thanks to its Snapdragon chip and refined OneUI. Apps open quickly and animations are fluid. The only hiccup I noticed is that Chrome stutters occasionally, while Samsung Internet runs flawlessly.
For my usage (no gaming or heavy multitasking), performance is top-tier. The real surprise, however, is Galaxy AI—it genuinely feels futuristic. From instant translation to the cleanup tool, it impressed even my iPhone-using colleagues.
Camera – 10/10
I’m not a hardcore photographer, but the camera quality is simply excellent. Every shot I took turned out crisp and vibrant without any manual tweaking. The 100x zoom is more of a party trick than a necessity, but still fun to use.
What I appreciate most is how effortless it feels—just point, shoot, and you get great results.
Pricing – 7/10
Here’s where things get tricky. The price tag feels steep, and it naturally makes you question if it’s worth it. In 2025, Chinese brands like OnePlus, Vivo, and Oppo are catching up fast, offering near-flagship quality at half the cost.
The S25 Ultra today feels less like a “tech marvel” and more like a luxury statement—a Gucci bag of the smartphone world. Sure, a cheaper bag might have more compartments, but people buy Gucci for prestige, not practicality.
Each year, Samsung seems to remove features—10x zoom, S Pen Bluetooth controls, included chargers—and yet the price climbs higher. It’s clear the Ultra and iPhone Pro lines are now moving toward luxury branding, not just cutting-edge innovation.
Verdict – 9/10
In day-to-day use, nothing about the S25 Ultra’s hardware feels mind-blowing, but its software—OneUI 7 and Galaxy AI—sets it apart. Still, I’ve already found myself getting a bit bored of it.
If you want something exciting or futuristic, foldables might be a better pick. If you prioritize value for money, look toward OnePlus, Vivo, or Oppo.
But if you crave a complete, polished flagship experience, the S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max remain the gold standards.
The key takeaway: Ultra and Pro devices aren’t about affordability anymore—they’re about refinement, prestige, and premium experience.
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