Samsung introduced the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra at its annual event with a strong focus on AI. The presentation highlighted features like agentic AI, Now Brief similar to Google Now, and improved integration with Gemini out of the box, among others. However, this year’s devices do not offer significant hardware upgrades.
Hardwired
In Hardwired, AC Senior Editor Harish Jonnalagadda delves into all things hardware, including phones, audio products, storage servers, and networking gear.
Last year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra was not significantly different from its predecessor, and the lack of substantial changes discouraged my usage of the device. I had hoped for significant improvements this year, but the S25 Ultra falls short, missing out on innovations that have become standard among its competitors.
The absence of silicon-carbide battery technology is a key oversight. Competitors like Vivo X200 Pro, Find X8 Pro, OnePlus 13, and Honor Magic 7 Pro utilize silicon batteries to provide greater density, enabling larger batteries without increasing size. This technology also offers better performance in extreme cold conditions and improved durability. Many manufacturers are taking advantage of this technology, but the S25 Ultra retains the same 5000mAh battery as last year.
The charging capabilities remain unchanged with the S25 Ultra still using the same 45W standard. While I expected compatibility with Qi2 chargers, the device is only Qi2 ready, requiring a case with magnets to utilize this feature. Samsung has replaced the wide-angle lens with a 50MP module for improved photo quality, but the main and telephoto cameras remain unaltered.
Chinese manufacturers are leading the way in camera technology, offering larger sensors and significant upgrades regularly. Devices like the X200 Pro boast a 200MP telephoto camera for exceptional portraits at 3x zoom, a feature that Samsung lacks.
The S25 Ultra’s main camera, while improved with changes to the ISP, may still fall short compared to the offerings from Vivo, OPPO, and Honor. The emphasis on AI continues with the S25 Ultra, positioning Galaxy AI as a central feature, a strategy that may not be as compelling as Samsung hopes.
The design changes on the S25 Ultra are commendable, with flatter sides, rounded edges, and a thinner, lighter build compared to its predecessor. Reduced bezels allow for a larger 6.9-inch AMOLED panel without increasing the height, improving usability. Gorilla Armor 2 protection enhances durability.
With the adoption of Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, the S25 Ultra should offer improved performance. Samsung’s collaboration with Qualcomm to customize the platform has resulted in noticeable gains over its predecessor. However, the S24 Ultra was already powerful, so whether users will notice a significant difference remains to be seen.
While the S25 Ultra is not a bad phone, Samsung’s conservative approach is disappointing. Despite lacking meaningful competition in North America, the device falls short of its full potential in terms of camera and battery upgrades. The S25 Ultra remains a top choice for those seeking a high-end Android phone due to Samsung’s strong market position and trade-in incentives.