Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: A Reality-Bending Experience in 48 Hours

[Shekinah Brama]

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: A Reality-Bending Experience in 48 Hours

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is finally here, and after spending my first 48 hours with it, I can confidently say—this phone is something else. Packed with AI-powered features, an upgraded camera system, and subtle yet meaningful refinements, the S25 Ultra aims to push the limits of what a smartphone can do. But does it live up to the hype?

An Ultrafied Camera Experience

For years, Samsung’s ultrawide camera has been my go-to for dramatic shots, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra takes that love affair to another level. Equipped with a 50-megapixel ultrawide sensor, this camera captures an impressive amount of detail while maintaining an eye-catching dynamic range.

Take a look at this shot of Peebles, my cat. Despite him darting to his window bed, the S25 Ultra preserved every strand of fur and whisker, even in challenging lighting conditions. Sunlight streams in from the left, illuminating an otherwise dark room, yet the ultrawide camera managed to maintain a balanced exposure. Sure, there’s some noise in the shadows, but the lens’ signature dramatic distortion more than makes up for it.

Then there’s the macro photography boost, thanks to that high-res sensor. A close-up shot of a Godzilla toy showcased intricate details, from its turquoise eyes to its cream-coloured teeth (Godzilla might need a dentist). Impressively, the S25 Ultra also handled the complex lighting from the bright sky outside without overexposing the scene.

That being said, the ultrawide camera isn’t perfect—especially when compared to the main sensor. In a nighttime street shot, the main camera delivered better shadow details, superior dynamic range, and less noise reduction, making the bricks in the buildings appear more natural. The ultrawide still produced a striking image, but there’s a noticeable step down in quality.

Design: A More Polished Ultra

Samsung’s Ultra phones have always been known for their boxy, Note-inspired design, but the S25 Ultra shakes things up with rounded corners and flat edges. It’s subtle, but it makes the phone noticeably easier to hold while maintaining its premium feel. Plus, it weighs less than last year’s model, making it more comfortable for extended use.

The display bezels are thinner, making videos, games, and even social media scrolling more immersive. Add in the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 12GB of RAM, a 5,000mAh battery, and dual telephoto cameras, and you’ve got a powerhouse in your hands. But if you’re coming from the S24 Ultra, the experience feels more like refinement than reinvention.

AI: The Galaxy’s Newest Superpower

Samsung’s push into AI is one of the S25 Ultra’s biggest talking points, and it’s clear they’ve doubled down on their partnership with Google. Pressing and holding the power button activates Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, which can handle complex multi-step requests.

For example, I asked it when the next Warriors game was and to add it to my calendar. While it worked flawlessly, it defaulted to Samsung’s calendar app instead of Google Calendar, which was frustrating since I’ve been using the latter for years. It’s a small issue, but it highlights the ongoing challenge of navigating between Samsung’s ecosystem and Google’s services.

Then there’s the Now Bar, Samsung’s take on live updates for background apps on the lock screen. While it shows promise, it’s currently limited in functionality—especially when compared to iPhone’s Live Activities. Hopefully, Samsung can encourage third-party developers to expand its potential.

Final Thoughts: Ultra Impressive, but Not a Game-Changer

After just 48 hours, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has left me impressed. The camera upgrades—especially the ultrawide and macro improvements—stand out, and the refined design makes it easier to handle. Meanwhile, AI integration is promising but needs polish, particularly in how it interacts with third-party apps.

For S24 Ultra users, the changes might feel incremental, but for those upgrading from older models, the S25 Ultra offers a truly premium experience. With more testing ahead, I’m curious to see how Samsung’s AI-driven features evolve—but so far, I’m feeling ultra good about it.

[Blessing]

Now i want a new phone!

[Author]

Posts