It appears that virtually every prominent tech organization genuinely believes that artificial intelligence is the way forward. They might be correct in their assertions. However, while we await the development of our seemingly unavoidable AGI overlords, we have to endure the gradual evolution of today’s AI-driven functionalities. This predicament particularly affects devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. When the primary highlight of a $1,300 flagship phone revolves around incremental AI advancements, it can easily feel underwhelming. Coupled with hardware that seems to have stagnated over recent years, it creates a sense of unmet expectations.
### Design and Display: Subtle Updates with Gorilla Armor 2
For this year’s Ultra, Samsung aimed to give the phone a more rounded and softer look, enhancing its familial traits alongside less expensive models. The rounded corners of the S25 Ultra signal success in achieving that goal. Additionally, both the front and back glass now feature Corning Gorilla Armor 2, showcasing an updated anti-reflective coating and a visually appealing appearance. The reduction of bezels by 15 percent results in a device with sleek lines and a slightly expanded 6.9-inch display (up from 6.8 inches) without increasing the overall dimensions.
Despite its strong battery performance, the S25 Ultra exceeds 29 hours in local video rundown tests, showcasing impressive longevity, although it may not match the OnePlus 13’s 30:18 time due to its slightly larger battery.
Wired charging capabilities remain at 45 watts. However, when it comes to wireless charging, the device claims compatibility with Qi2 but lacks magnets, rendering it unable to utilize many available Qi2 accessories without additional assistance. Users will have to purchase a Qi2 case to correctly align and attach magnetic components.
### Wrap-Up
The S25 Ultra boasts remarkable versatility; however, this iteration of Samsung’s flagship is difficult to enthusiastically endorse. Although it features an integrated stylus and an impressive 5x telephoto lens, the hardware and overall capabilities have not seen significant updates compared to last year’s model—or even the one preceding it. Nevertheless, Samsung’s displays are unparalleled, and their camera performance remains top-notch. While the battery size hasn’t increased, it continues to offer substantial longevity. The introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip ensures that the phone performs exceptionally across various tasks. However, at a price point of $1,300, users expect it to deliver on even more aspects.
Concerning the phone’s value, its most notable advancements lie in enhanced software and AI features. Tools like AI Select and Now Brief improve usability and intelligence, but one must consider the cost of these features individually. For many potential buyers, the extra expenditure might be minimal, leading to the critical question of why they feel the need to upgrade at all when so much of what the S25 Ultra offers is available in previous versions.