Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra camera better than the iPhone 17?

Users find the S25 Ultra camera superior to the base iPhone 17, especially since it includes telephoto lenses. However, they note it falls short of some competitors like Vivo or Oppo.

Is upgrading from the S24 Ultra to the S25 Ultra worth it?

Most users agree the upgrade is not worth it. They feel there are no major changes from the S24 or S23 Ultra to justify the higher price.

How is the battery life on the S25 Ultra?

Battery life is inconsistent. Some find it decent for normal daily tasks, but others report it as a serious weakness, occasionally dropping to near zero by dinner time under heavy use.

Can you change the font on the S25 Ultra?

Yes, but with limitations. Users report you cannot change the font inside certain apps, where it remains stuck on the Samsung default.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review and Upgrades

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerful android phone with a great display and smooth performance, but it offers only a marginal upgrade over older models like the S24 Ultra.

Users like the camera for normal photography and the promise of 7 years of software updates. However, battery life is a frequent complaint, with some reporting it drops significantly after heavy use.

Design changes, like making the phone longer and dropping the blocky shape, make one handed use harder. Some users also note the S Pen lost its bluetooth functionality, and the One UI can feel cluttered.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review and Upgrades — infographic

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerful Android flagship that offers a premium experience but presents a marginal upgrade over its predecessors. While some users praise its camera and overall performance, others express concerns about its battery life and design changes compared to older models.

Key Features and Performance

Camera Capabilities: The S25 Ultra's camera is generally considered good, with many users finding it superior to the iPhone 17 base model, especially for photography. "It's a ultra It's camera will be obviously better than iphone 17 base and you will miss telephoto lenses in 17 base." However, some note that camera performance isn't top-tier compared to some competitors like Vivo or Oppo. "Battery life weak, camera good but not on the same level as Vivo."

Overall Performance: The phone offers smooth performance and a good display. "Smoothness: 10/10" and "Display: 10/10". It is expected to be future-proof with 7 years of software updates. "Camera is decent, I take good shots and everyone I know has praised the camera, to a normal eye it looks fine, performance is good and is future proof with 7 years of updates"

Battery Life: Battery life is a mixed bag for users; some find it decent for normal use, while others report it as a weakness compared to other flagships. "Everything thing is good in s25 ultra except battery life." One user notes that after a day of heavy use, the battery was "clinging to 3% by dinner."

Design and User Experience

Physical Design: The phone's large size can make one-handed use difficult for some, and the camera module design can be uncomfortable. "The phone long, which makes one-handed use difficult." Some users express a preference for the "sharp, blocky box design" of older models over the S25 Ultra's design.

Software and UI: While generally positive, some users find the One UI "busy and cluttered." There are also complaints about limitations in customizing fonts within certain apps. "I was also surprised that I could not change the font inside certain apps like Users, where it remains stuck on Samsung’s default font."

S-Pen Functionality: The S-Pen remains a key feature, with some users valuing its Bluetooth capabilities for remote actions. "The stylus even has the bluetooth control for camera" However, there is a dissenting opinion that Samsung removed the Bluetooth module in newer models, turning it into a "basic inductive plastic pointer."

Comparisons and Value

Upgrade from S24 Ultra: Many Users believe the S25 Ultra is a marginal upgrade from the S24 Ultra, making it not worth the increased price for those already owning an S24 Ultra. "I have a s23u and I was planning to move to s25u and after looking at a couple of reviews figured it's not worth it basically there are no major changes."

Pricing and Availability: The S25 Ultra's price is a significant factor, with some suggesting waiting for sales or considering buying from other regions like Dubai for better deals. "At this point i'm confused , i've been using samsung for almost 6 years now ( not flagships but average samsung phones ) never had any issue with eco system..." "You could ask a friend or relative in the UAE to pick it up for you. My brother bought one last month for 75k from Dubai."

Alternative Considerations: Users often suggest considering other flagship Android phones like OnePlus, Vivo, Oppo, or Xiaomi for specific features like better battery life or camera performance. "If you are really into good camera and battery and really not into a complete software package then you should go for oppo find x 9 pro."

Are you considering upgrading to the S25 Ultra from an older model?

Best for: People moving from a much older phone who want the latest note style hardware and do not mind the battery compromises.