ZDNET’s comprehensive analysis concludes that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the epitome of a modern flagship device, engineered for users who demand every ounce of performance, power, and sophistication from their smartphone. Priced at $899 in select configurations, this premium model positions itself as the ultimate choice for those seeking cutting-edge innovation without compromise. Among the device’s most notable advancements are its sophisticated Galaxy AI suite, the next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and an upgraded 50-megapixel ultrawide lens — each addition designed to elevate both functionality and creative potential. However, despite these remarkable enhancements, Samsung’s decision to maintain the existing camera hardware framework, the same battery capacity, and familiar charging speeds leaves room for refinement, suggesting an evolution rather than a revolution.
Samsung’s latest Ultra model arrives in a market already accustomed to yearly cycles of incremental upgrades, yet it still manages to assert its dominance as the company’s all-encompassing smartphone. The Galaxy S25 Ultra continues Samsung’s tradition of integrating premium materials, refined craftsmanship, and robust processing power. While its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 series, inaugurated the Galaxy AI era, the S25 Ultra solidifies Samsung’s leadership in the smartphone industry. It positions itself not merely as a competitor to Apple or Google but, in many respects, as their equal or superior when it comes to the seamless blend of performance, durability, and intelligent features powered by on-device AI.
During an extended testing period lasting one month, the reviewer found the S25 Ultra to inspire both admiration and a sense of déjà vu. After five generations of Ultra models, innovation now appears more iterative — subtle but purposeful. Yet for users upgrading from older devices such as the Galaxy S21 or Pixel 6, the improvements in display clarity, AI-powered optimization, and overall system responsiveness are substantial. This iteration strikes a balance between familiarity and future-forward design, offering seasoned enthusiasts both comfort and excitement.
In terms of look and feel, the S25 Ultra remains unapologetically large — a bold, two-handed device meant to dominate attention. Its aesthetic presence evokes a precision-crafted instrument more than a standard handset. The use of titanium in its frame yields an appealing mix of lightness and strength, trimming 16 grams from last year’s model while achieving the slimmest Ultra profile yet. Subtle curvature around its edges enhances ergonomics, making prolonged use more comfortable despite the phone’s substantial screen real estate. Samsung’s newly incorporated Corning Gorilla Armor 2 provides superior durability, combining enhanced drop and scratch resistance with an anti-reflective coating that preserves vivid color visibility even under harsh lighting. Early impressions validate these protective claims — where the S24 Ultra accumulated micro scratches quickly, the S25 Ultra’s display remains pristine after extensive testing without a screen protector.
Design enthusiasts may find the available color palette somewhat subdued, with Samsung leaning heavily toward neutral titanium-inspired shades of black, silver, and white. While these tones exude professionalism, some users may yearn for the expressive flair once offered by the brand’s iconic Aura Glow finish. A well-chosen protective case thus becomes an opportunity for personalization amid the minimalist finish.
Beneath its refined exterior lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip for Galaxy — an enhanced, slightly overclocked version of the processor found in rival flagship devices. Its greatest achievement is an impressive 40% uplift in NPU (Neural Processing Unit) performance, providing the computational muscle needed for real-time AI processing and energy-efficient multitasking. In practical use, this means Galaxy AI features operate more responsively than ever. Tasks such as removing unwanted subjects from photos, editing with generative fill, or executing fast contextual searches complete almost instantaneously, reinforced by Samsung’s deep AI integration across apps.
Samsung’s collaboration with Google has also yielded a smoother experience through the new Gemini-Bixby hybrid assistant. A long press of the power button now activates Gemini directly, replacing the need for cumbersome voice assistant switching. This hybrid AI can orchestrate a series of contextual commands across both Google and Samsung ecosystems—such as checking event calendars, generating summaries, or curating playlists through supported third-party platforms like Spotify. Still, effective prompting remains essential: phrasing commands naturally but precisely yields the most seamless results. When misinterpreted queries occur, a simple rephrasing often produces success, highlighting how intelligent but still learning these systems are.
Samsung continues to push the camera system’s limits, though its efforts this year focus more on refining quality than reinventing structure. The addition of a 50MP ultrawide sensor marks the key hardware adjustment, dramatically increasing detail capture over its predecessor’s 12MP lens. Complemented by improved image processing and low-light optimization, shots now exhibit greater fidelity and natural tone reproduction, particularly for portraits and macro scenes. The remaining lenses — 200MP wide, 50MP 5x telephoto, and 10MP 3x telephoto — remain familiar but benefit from the Snapdragon chip’s enhanced ISP (Image Signal Processor), producing clearer, more color-accurate visuals across lighting conditions.
Where Samsung makes the boldest progress is in software-driven creativity. Features such as default 10-bit HDR video capture preserve dramatic color depth, while the new Audio Eraser option empowers videographers to isolate or suppress unwanted ambient sounds. Galaxy Log mode, likewise, provides granular control over dynamic range and exposure levels, enabling enthusiasts to fine-tune footage during and after recording using LUTs for professional-grade editing results.
Despite these technological triumphs, a few regressions merit critique. Samsung has quietly removed Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen, limiting its remote control uses for presentations or photography. Meanwhile, the transition to Qi2-ready accessories — rather than integrating magnetic charging natively — feels like a step backward, especially when compared with Apple’s magnetic attachment solution that maintains slimness and convenience. These conservative decisions dilute the ‘Ultra’ brand’s promise of uncompromising excellence.
Ultimately, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains one of the most capable Android smartphones available, though its appeal depends on what a buyer values most. Early adopters seeking radical reinvention may perceive this model as an incremental refinement rather than a dramatic leap. Yet users upgrading from older devices will likely experience a transformation — faster operation, longer endurance, superior photo accuracy, and far more intelligent software support. For those considering the plunge, Samsung’s trade-in promotions and limited-time discounts make this an opportune moment. Deals may expire quickly, but ZDNET’s recommendation is clear: for anyone seeking a powerful, feature-rich phone that embodies Samsung’s technological artistry, the Galaxy S25 Ultra easily justifies its flagship status and Black Friday price advantage.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-the-samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-at-its-black-friday-price-is-basically-unbeatable/
