Here we are again. Another year and another Galaxy. This time, we have the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in house. Thank you to AT&T for sending out a review unit of this device. You can get super spectacular deals on smartphones at AT&T and you can get the Samsung Galaxy S 25 Ultra for free with eligible trade-ins. You will have to get on it, though, as these deals are sure to expire soon. Upgrading from an old smartphone is straightforward with AT&T. Check out all of your options for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra at AT&T HERE.
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
Samsung has been trying to make its flagship smartphone the best it can be every year. Generally, year over year, smartphones tend to remain mostly the same. That observation is mostly true this year as well. While there are some refined lines in the hardware and One UI 7, is better than ever. You may want to wait to upgrade if you’re on a Galaxy that’s a year or two old. But. With the deals AT&T is offering, you might want to upgrade anyway. Let’s get into this review.
The Quick Take
This quick take was easy for me and straightforward. There really is no reason to upgrade to the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from the S24 or S23. There just isn’t enough meat here to justify it. If you’re using the S22 and older, then yes. Or, if you feel like the AT&T deals being offered are good enough for you, then for sure yes, upgrade.
Score and The Bottom Line
AT&T Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Prices Vary & Deals Available
Nailed it
- Fantastic design with a new boxy look and feel
- Feels nice in the hand, very comfortable
- Premium materials and they even made it lighter
- As usual, a fantastic Samsung AMOLED display
- One UI 7 is fast and fluid and great to use
- Great sounding speakers
- Fantastic battery life
Needs work
- Cameras are great but no real upgrade from last year
- May not be worth upgrading from an S24 or S23
Overall, the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a fantastic smartphone, no surprise there. My first thoughts about the design were not that impressed. But after using the Galaxy S25 Ultra for a few weeks, I changed my mind. This is easily the nicest S-Ultra design ever made. I love the way it sits in my hand, and it is very comfortable to hold. The display is outstanding and One UI 7 is a massive improvement over previous versions. I would say that it is worth upgrading if you want to spend the money. But if you don’t want to spend the money, you will be just fine with the S23 or S24. If you own the S22 and older, it is worth the upgrade.
Galaxy S25 Ultra Specifications
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the following features and specifications:
- Dimensions: 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm (6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in)
- Weight: 218 g (7.69 oz)
- Build: Glass front (Corning Gorilla Armor 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), titanium frame (grade 5)
- SIM: Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) – INT Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) – USA Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM – CN
- Dust & Water Protection: IP68 dust tight and water-resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
- External Input Device: Samsung S-Pen
- Display
- Type: Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak)
- Size: 6.9 inches, 116.9 cm2 (~92.5% screen-to-body ratio)
- Resolution: 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~498 ppi density)
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Armor 2 and DX anti-reflective coating
- OS: Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (2×4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6×3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
- GPU: Adreno 830
- Internal Memory Options: 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM UFS 4.0
- Main Camera:
- Quad 200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.3″, 0.6µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
- 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto), 1/3.52″, 1.12µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
- 50 MP, f/3.4, 111mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.52″, 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
- 50 MP, f/1.9, 120˚ (ultrawide), 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video
- Features: Laser AF, Best Face, LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
- Video: 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
- Selfie Camera:
- Single 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2″, 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF
- Features: HDR, HDR10+
- Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
- Sound: stereo speakers, 32-bit/384kHz audio, Tuned by AKG
- Sensors: Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
- Battery Type: Li-Ion 5000 mAh
- Charging:
- 45W wired, PD3.0, 65% in 30 min
- 15W wireless (Qi2 Ready)
- 4.5W reverse wireless
What’s In The Box
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- SIM Ejection Tool
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Manuals and Documentation
Design
Normally, I would say that not much has changed in the design of most flagship smartphones. That is partially true of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, but it is also not entirely true. While there are a handful of similarities to the S24, there are enough differences to really make this a substantial design change. That wasn’t my initial opinion, until I actually held the Galaxy S25 Ultra in my hand.
The first thing I noticed was the much boxier frame. It is noticeable, especially if you have a previous version. The next thing I noticed was the weight, slightly less heavy than the S24, not by much, but it is noticeable. The last thing I noticed was the flatter display and smaller bezels. I love how flat this display is. It makes for less accidental touches on the sides of the display, and you can use better screen protectors.
The basic design is the same on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Cameras and flash on the back with Samsung branding, volume and power buttons on the right side, USB-C port and S-Pen on the bottom, mics and antennas around the other sides and top.
Of course, the entire phone is made of premium materials, which feel very nice in the hand. This is the most comfortable Galaxy device I’ve ever held. I really love it over the S24 Ultra in almost every way. But even so, just the design alone isn’t enough to tell you to upgrade. Only upgrade if you aren’t expecting a huge leap in performance and cameras.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is an amazingly designed phone. I know many don’t like the new boxy design, but I love it. So make sure to read other reviews before you take all my opinions to heart.
Display
The 6.9″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak) display on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is spectacular. The display is slightly bigger than the one from last year, and that I love. It won’t be long until we get displays in the 7-inch plus range.
Samsung specializes in displays and even makes displays for its competition. So it is, again, no surprise that this display is fantastic. Probably one of the best, if not the best, display out there.
I love that the rounded edges are gone on this device. I prefer this boxy and flat display over the previous more rounded and curved displays.
Overall, the colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep and inky, and the whites are clean and crisp. This is a Samsung display and it shows. Really nothing to be surprised by, you will love it.
Software
Before I actually got my hands on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, I was already not that impressed. Sure, there are some design changes, but mostly, it remains the same. But One UI 7 is a massive change in the right direction. There are many aesthetic changes throughout the interface, which makes the look more appealing.
But mostly, it’s the fluidity of the new UI that makes this the best version yet. Animations and navigation through the interface has been drastically improved. Just the overall way One UI 7 is set up is better than all previous versions. This was a significant update to Samsung’s interface. Here are just a few new features.
- Dynamic Themes:
- Samsung has expanded its support for Material You themes, allowing color palettes to adjust based on your wallpaper. Now, you can even apply different color schemes to individual apps for deeper customization.
- Split Quick Settings Panel:
- Swiping down from the left opens notifications.
- Swiping down from the right reveals quick settings, offering cleaner navigation.
- Refreshed App Icons and Visuals:
- Icons are now rounder and more vibrant, with a semi-3D appearance. Animations have also been improved, making transitions and app launches smoother.
- Lock Screen Editor:
- You can now fully customize your lock screen. Change clock styles, rearrange widgets, and even add interactive widgets like media controls or smart home toggles without unlocking your phone.
- Vertical App Drawer:
- Apps now scroll vertically instead of horizontally, which feels more intuitive for one-handed use. The app drawer also includes smart shortcuts to directly open app-specific tasks (e.g., “Open new tab” for Chrome).
- Always-On Display (AOD) Updates:
- AOD now supports more widgets and live animations, offering interactive controls like music playback or checking your schedule at a glance.
- For a full and comprehensive list of new features, check out this page here.
Overall, the new One UI 7 is spectacular, and it is going to come to other Galaxy devices soon. So if you have an S23 or S24, you should eventually get it. Android is still the same and works great. One UI 7 really does change the feel of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Performance
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rocking the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and this version is specifically tuned for Samsung. The GPU is the Adreno 830 and everything is tied together with an ample 12GB of RAM. I mean, this is the flagship Samsung phone, so you are getting the best of the best here, and that matters.
There’s really not much to say other than, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a beast in the performance department. You will have zero issues handling the basic day-to-day tasks and then when you’re ready to do some gaming, the S25 Ultra will eat that up too.
This really is, again, no surprise. Flagship devices are made to perform, and the S25 Ultra does that just fine. As with any other phone, if you’re doing something intensive, like gaming, the phone will get a little warm. No issues with too much heat, though, it handles it well. Overall, this is Samsung’s big boy and it delivers big boy performance.
Speakers/Sound
The speakers on the Galaxy S25 Ultra are, as usual, fabulous. Each year, the speakers get better and better. I’m confident enough in these speakers to say that they are now on par with the iPhone. I used to tale points away because Samsung was ever so slightly behind iPhone in this. Now, they are neck and neck. Fantastic sounding speakers from phone calls to music and video calls to movies. Really great Dolby capable speakers.
Camera
The cameras on the Galaxy S25 Ultra aren’t a leap ahead of the S24 Ultra. There are two differences, that really don’t make a massive difference for the average user. First, you get a 50MP rear ultrawide lens now and second, you get a f2.2 capable front camera. The table below shows the differences between the Galaxy S25 Ultra cameras and the S24 Ultra.
| Cameras | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Rear Cameras | 200MP primary, OIS | 200MP primary, OIS |
| 50MP ultrawide | 12MP ultrawide | |
| 50MP periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom | 50MP periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom | |
| 10MP telephoto, 3x optical zoom | 10MP telephoto, 3x optical zoom | |
| 100x Space Zoom | 100x Space Zoom | |
| Front Cameras | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| 12MP, f/2.2, autofocus | 12MP |
I’m really not going to go into camera performance too much, this is Samsung’s flagship device, and it is unquestionable they make great cameras.
The colors in the photos are fantastic, and you can adjust how much you want to saturate the photos. Sharpness and detail are also excellent, of course, all of this depends on how the user handles the camera as well. White balance looks great and there are also adjustments for that within the camera app.
Photos, taken in optimal daylight conditions, almost always turn out perfect. Photos taken in low light also look fantastic, though it does depend on what level of low-light we’re talking. There are a ton of options to mess with the camera settings, and you can do that. But most people are just going to point and shoot.
Overall, the cameras on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are fantastic. This is not a surprise as the flagship Samsung phone has always had some of the best cameras on any smartphone. Check out the photo samples below.
S25 Ultra Camera Samples
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra houses a 5,000mAh battery, just like the previous version. I was able to get through a day of my normal use without issue. Normal use for me is, browsing the web, social media, YouTube, light gaming, streaming music, texting, and the occasional phone call. I could get through a whole day with more than 50% left in the tank.
I did leave it unplugged over the course of a few uses to see how many hours I could get on one charge. Doing this brought back around 16 hours of battery life. I am sure you can get more out of it, considering I always have the screen at full brightness with the max brightness option ticked. I also have always on display on.
Battery life will be very subjective because we all use our phones differently. I think, most users could easily get 18–20 hours out of this battery with light to moderate use. If you’re gaming, well, God help you. Gaming will drain the battery much faster, as will be taking 4K video and constant use of the camera.
Overall, the battery on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is fantastic. There are other phones with larger batteries that are better, but this is really a great battery.
Price/Value
As with every Ultra version of the S-Series of phones, this will not be cheap. Thankfully, if you’re buying from AT&T, there are deals to be had. You might even be able to get the Galaxy S25 Ultra for free. But that will depend on your trade in and other factors. This phone is worth the price, if you’re upgrading from a phone that’s 2 or more years older. Or if you’re getting some sweet deal from AT&T. Otherwise, if you have an S24 or S23 Ultra already, I don’t think it’s worth the upgrade.
Wrap Up
Overall, the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a fantastic smartphone, no surprise there. My first thoughts about the design were not that impressed. But after using the Galaxy S25 Ultra for a few weeks, I changed my mind. This is easily the nicest S-Ultra design ever made. I love the way it sits in my hand, and it is very comfortable to hold. The display is outstanding and One UI 7 is a massive improvement over previous versions. I would say that it is worth upgrading if you want to spend the money. But if you don’t want to spend the money, you will be just fine with the S23 or S24. If you own the S22 and older, it is worth the upgrade.
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