It’s shaping up to be a minor hardware refresh.
Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, was unveiled today, showcasing a refined design and a focus on AI-driven software enhancements. This year’s model distances itself further from its Note series legacy, featuring rounded corners and flat edges that align it more closely with the rest of the Galaxy S series lineup. Priced at $1,299 — unchanged from last year’s model — the S25 Ultra offers a light hardware refresh with a stronger emphasis on software advancements, particularly the new One UI 7.0.
Let’s break down everything that makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra both familiar and new.
A Refined Design That Feels Substantial
The shift from curved edges to flat sides gives the Galaxy S25 Ultra a bold and substantial appearance. In photos, it almost resembles a futuristic gadget — think Cybertruck meets smartphone. However, despite its robust look, the S25 Ultra is slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor. This feat is achieved through slimmer bezels surrounding an expansive 6.9-inch display. The display itself remains one of Samsung’s finest achievements, delivering vibrant colors and exceptional brightness.
Samsung has also packed the S25 Ultra with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, tuned specifically for Galaxy devices. Notably, this chipset powers all S25 series phones across all regions — a welcome change from the previous practice of varying processors by market. Samsung also ups the ante with its commitment to longevity, promising seven years of OS updates and security patches. For those prioritizing long-term usability, this is a standout feature.
What’s Missing: The Curious Absences
While the S25 Ultra includes plenty of familiar features, some notable omissions set it apart from its predecessors. Bixby, Samsung’s virtual assistant, has been demoted from its default role. Instead, Google Gemini takes center stage as the assistant triggered by long-pressing the power button. For loyal Bixby users, it’s still available via its dedicated app, but this change signals a clear shift toward Google’s AI ecosystem.
The beloved S Pen, a staple carried over from the Note era, also sees a downgrade. This year’s stylus no longer supports Bluetooth, meaning air gesture controls are gone. While the S Pen remains a functional tool for note-taking and basic tasks, the removal of its “magic wand” features feels like a step backward for power users.
Camera Upgrades: Incremental Yet Impactful
On the hardware front, the S25 Ultra’s cameras receive only modest updates. The most significant change is a new 50-megapixel ultrawide sensor, replacing the previous 12-megapixel module. Samsung claims that algorithmic improvements in image processing will enhance detail in zoomed photos. For video enthusiasts, the addition of a Galaxy Log profile and support for custom LUTs offer exciting creative possibilities.
While these upgrades may seem minor, the real star of the show is Samsung’s improved AI image processing, which promises sharper, more detailed photos across all shooting conditions. Whether these claims hold up in real-world scenarios remains to be seen, but Samsung’s track record suggests that photography will remain a strong suit for the Ultra series.
The One UI 7.0 Revolution: AI at the Forefront
Samsung’s most significant changes this year lie in the software, with One UI 7.0 bringing a host of AI-powered features. These upgrades aren’t just about flashy demos — they aim to make your daily interactions with your phone more seamless and intuitive.
AI-Powered Actions
One of the standout features is the ability to use AI across apps to take meaningful actions. For instance, you can snap a picture of a flyer, and Samsung’s AI will automatically add event dates to your calendar, draft an email to your spouse, and even set reminders. It’s an exciting addition for anyone juggling a packed schedule, whether it’s keeping track of work meetings, school events, or family commitments.
Initially, this functionality will integrate with Google Workspace, Samsung’s native apps, WhatsApp, and Spotify. The potential for expansion into other apps makes this feature even more promising.
Suggested Routines
Another intriguing feature is suggested routines. The S25 Ultra can analyze your habits, like enabling Bluetooth when you get in the car or activating Do Not Disturb at bedtime, and proactively recommend automations. You’ll have the flexibility to customize these routines, eliminating the need for manual setup while still retaining control. If executed well, this could be a game-changer for streamlining everyday tasks.
AI Features for All
Here’s the kicker: these AI-driven enhancements aren’t exclusive to the S25 Ultra or even the S25 series. Samsung plans to roll out many of these features to older devices where possible. While some updates may come at a cost, it’s reassuring to see the company’s commitment to enhancing its ecosystem for existing users.
Final Thoughts: The Galaxy S25 Ultra in Perspective
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is less about groundbreaking hardware changes and more about refining the experience. Its updated design, subtle hardware tweaks, and powerful new AI features make it a compelling option for those looking for a premium smartphone.
The $1,299 price tag remains steep, but it’s easier to justify given the extended software support and the promise of meaningful AI-driven improvements. While some may lament the loss of advanced S Pen functionality or the diminishing role of Bixby, the S25 Ultra’s overall package feels thoughtfully balanced.
Shipping starts on February 7th, and whether you’re upgrading from an older device or simply curious about Samsung’s AI-powered future, the S25 Ultra is worth keeping on your radar. Will it deliver on the promise of AI revolutionizing the smartphone experience? Time will tell, but it’s clear that Samsung is aiming to lead the charge.
