Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy S25 Ultra, bringing a refreshed design and enhanced software experience to its flagship lineup. This year’s model moves further from its Note series heritage, adopting flat edges and rounded corners that align more closely with the Galaxy S series aesthetic.
At a starting price of $1,299 — unchanged from last year’s model — the S25 Ultra is a subtle evolution rather than a complete overhaul. Its standout features include Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a larger 6.9-inch display with slimmer bezels, and seven years of promised OS and security updates.
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A Refined Design with Familiar Features
The shift to flat sides gives the S25 Ultra a chunkier appearance in photos, but it’s actually slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Despite the tweaks, the phone retains its signature S Pen, though it’s now a simpler tool. Bluetooth connectivity and air gesture controls have been removed, reducing it to a basic stylus for note-taking and drawing.
Camera Updates and AI Innovations
The hardware upgrades are modest but significant. The S25 Ultra swaps its 12-megapixel ultrawide lens for a new 50-megapixel module, promising better detail in wide-angle shots. On the video front, Samsung introduces a Galaxy Log profile for more advanced video editing, paired with custom LUT options for creators.
The real highlights, however, are the software enhancements in One UI 7.0, which put AI front and center. Features like cross-app AI integration allow users to complete tasks more efficiently. For instance, you can snap a picture of a flyer, and the system will automatically add dates to your calendar, send an email, and more.
Another notable addition is suggested routines. The phone can detect patterns in your daily activities and propose automations, such as turning Bluetooth on when you start driving or adjusting settings based on specific times of the day.
Beyond the Ultra
These AI-driven features aren’t exclusive to the S25 Ultra. Samsung plans to roll them out to older Galaxy devices wherever possible, although updates for legacy devices may come with limitations or additional costs.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra and its siblings are set to ship on February 7, offering a combination of sleek design, improved software, and a few camera upgrades for those ready to invest in Samsung’s flagship experience.
