Does the S25 Ultra have better battery life than older models?

Users report a massive improvement in battery life over older phones like the S22 Ultra.

How does the S25 Ultra camera perform in low light?

Results are mixed. While the 5x telephoto is an improvement, some users find low light photos disappointing, noting they can look worse than shots from an iPhone 13.

Why are users upset about the S25 Ultra S Pen?

Samsung removed the bluetooth functionality from the S Pen, which was considered a game changer for productivity by users who relied on it.

Are there software issues with the S25 Ultra?

Some users have experienced significant problems after updating, including notification bugs, youtube playback issues, and unreliable earbud connections.

Upgrading to the S25 Ultra: Battery and Speed Gains vs Tradeoffs

Moving to the S25 Ultra from an older phone brings major battery and speed improvements, with users calling the device stupid fast and noting massive battery life gains over older models like the S22 Ultra.

The physical design feels more comfortable in the hand due to rounded edges and a titanium frame, though some feel it loses the premium look of older models.

Camera results and s pen changes are mixed. Low light photos can disappoint compared to older phones or the iphone 13, and the s pen lost its bluetooth functions, frustrating users who relied on it for productivity.

Software updates have also caused issues for some, including notification glitches and remote connectivity problems, leading a few to regret the update entirely.

Upgrading to the S25 Ultra: Battery and Speed Gains vs Tradeoffs — infographic

Upgrading to the S25 Ultra from an older model often yields significant improvements in battery life and overall speed, making it a worthwhile upgrade for many users. However, some Users report mixed experiences with camera performance and the S Pen, and a few express regrets due to software updates causing issues.

Positive Upgrade Experiences

Improved Battery Life: Users upgrading from older models, like the S22 Ultra, consistently report a "massive improvement" in battery life with the S25 Ultra. ("The battery life has been a massive improvement.")

Enhanced Speed and Smoothness: The S25 Ultra is described as "stupid fast" with apps opening almost instantly, providing a "buttery smooth" experience compared to older models. ("Apps open almost instantly and everything is just buttery smooth.")

Physical Design Improvements: Many appreciate the S25 Ultra's "slightly more rounded edges" and "titanium frame," which make it feel more comfortable to hold. ("The phone feels a lot more comfortable to hold thanks to its slightly more rounded edges, although it doesn't look as unique or premium compared to the previous models.")

Mixed or Negative Upgrade Experiences

Camera Performance Concerns: While some find the S25 Ultra's camera an upgrade, particularly the 5x telephoto in low light, others are disappointed, noting that low-light photos can be a "letdown" compared to older iPhones or even the S23 Ultra's 10x zoom. ("low-light photos looked disappointing—my friend's iPhone 13 actually took better shots.")

S Pen Functionality Changes: A notable drawback for some users is the removal of the Bluetooth function on the S Pen, which was a "game changer" for productivity. ("I hate that they got rid of the Bluetooth function on the S Pen.")

Software Update Issues: A few Users experienced significant problems after updating their S25 Ultra, including notification issues, YouTube playback problems, and unreliable earbud connections. ("I just regret updating...")

Considerations Before Upgrading

Personal Use Case: Users who heavily rely on the S Pen for notes or need specific camera features should carefully consider if the S25 Ultra meets their expectations, as experiences vary. ("I don't use SPEN ever, just sometimes to fiddle around in a pocket.")

Update Strategy: Some suggest that skipping too many updates and then doing a large cumulative update might lead to issues, recommending regular monthly updates instead. ("Yeah, problems can appear when you ignore updates for a year.")

Phone Size Preference: While the Ultra offers top-tier features, some users ultimately prefer the "size of the regular S25" for easier one-handed operation. ("I've had both for 2 months and I just prefer the size of the regular S25, so easy to operate one handed")

Are you considering upgrading to the S25 Ultra primarily for battery life and speed improvements?

Best for: People upgrading from much older models who prioritize battery life and speed over camera perfection and s pen productivity.