Samsung has once again raised the bar with its latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. As the most premium offering in the Galaxy S25 series, it boasts cutting-edge hardware, refined software, and a suite of AI-powered enhancements. But how does it perform in real-world usage after 72 hours? In this blog, we dive deep into the unboxing experience, first impressions, and a hands-on review of the Galaxy S25 Ultra to see if it lives up to the hype.
Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
What's Inside the Box?
Samsung has continued its trend of minimalistic and eco-friendly packaging, keeping things simple. Inside the slim retail box, you get:
- Galaxy S25 Ultra (wrapped in a protective sleeve)
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- SIM ejector tool
- Quick start guide and warranty information
Samsung does not include a charging brick, a move that aligns with its sustainability initiative. If you don’t already own a fast charger, you’ll need to purchase one separately to take full advantage of 45W fast charging.
First Impressions: Design & Build
The Galaxy S25 Ultra feels incredibly premium right out of the box. Samsung has made subtle yet significant refinements in the design, making it sleeker, lighter, and more comfortable to hold compared to its predecessor.
Key Design Highlights:
- Titanium Frame: A first for the Galaxy S series, replacing aluminum for added durability.
- Matte Glass Back: Reduces fingerprints and smudges while providing a premium feel.
- Curved Edges with Flat Display Integration: Offers a perfect balance between aesthetics and usability.
- S Pen Slot: Continues to be a defining feature of the Ultra series, seamlessly integrated into the frame.
- Color Options: Available in Phantom Black, Titanium Silver, Titanium Blue, and an exclusive online-only Burgundy.
Overall, the S25 Ultra feels solid and well-balanced, with IP68 water and dust resistance ensuring durability.
Display: Best-in-Class Visuals
The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is brighter, sharper, and smoother than ever. Samsung has further improved the LTPO panel, making the adaptive refresh rate even more efficient.
Display Specs & Features:
- Resolution: 3200 x 1440 pixels (Quad HD+)
- Refresh Rate: Adaptive 1Hz – 120Hz
- Peak Brightness: 2800 nits (perfect for outdoor visibility)
- HDR10+ Support: Enhanced contrast and vibrant colors
- Corning Gorilla Glass Armor: Scratch and drop protection
Watching videos, gaming, and general usage feel fluid and immersive thanks to the high refresh rate and vibrant colors. The AI-powered Vision Booster optimizes brightness based on ambient lighting for better outdoor readability.
Performance: Powerhouse with Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy (global variant), offering unmatched performance and efficiency. Samsung has further optimized One UI 7 with AI-driven enhancements for a smoother and smarter experience.
Performance Benchmarks & Daily Usage:
- Geekbench Score: ~2300 (Single Core), ~7300 (Multi-Core)
- Storage Options: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
- RAM: 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X
- AI Processing Boost: Faster and more efficient on-device AI tasks
Gaming Performance:
- PUBG Mobile / Call of Duty: Ultra settings with 120Hz gameplay
- Genshin Impact: Runs smoothly at max settings without overheating
- Ray Tracing Support: More realistic lighting effects in supported games
After 72 hours, the S25 Ultra runs exceptionally well, handling multitasking, gaming, and AI-powered tasks effortlessly.
AI-Powered Features: The Real Game Changer
Samsung has integrated Galaxy AI deeper into One UI 7, offering smarter features that enhance productivity and creativity.
Best AI Features of Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Live Translate: Real-time translation for voice calls in different languages.
- AI Photo Editing: Remove unwanted objects from images seamlessly.
- AI Summarizer: Converts long documents or messages into key points.
- Note Assist: Smart suggestions and summaries for Samsung Notes.
- Battery Optimization AI: Learns your usage patterns to extend battery life.
The AI-powered Galaxy experience truly sets the S25 Ultra apart, making everyday tasks smarter and more intuitive.
Camera: The Best Yet from Samsung?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a quad-camera setup, further improving zoom, low-light photography, and AI-enhanced image processing.
Camera Specifications:
- 200MP Primary Sensor (OIS, f/1.7) – Enhanced detail & clarity
- 50MP Periscope Zoom (5x Optical, 100x Digital) – Upgraded sensor for clearer zoom shots
- 10MP Telephoto (3x Optical Zoom) – Perfect for portrait shots
- 12MP Ultra-Wide (120° Field of View) – Ideal for landscape photography
- Selfie Camera: 12MP with AI enhancements
Camera Performance & First Impressions:
- Daylight Photos: Excellent dynamic range and sharpness
- Night Mode: Significantly improved low-light performance
- Zoom Capability: 5x and 10x zoom are incredibly clear with minimal noise
- AI Scene Recognition: Automatically optimizes settings based on surroundings
After 72 hours of testing, the S25 Ultra’s camera system is truly a powerhouse, delivering exceptional photos and videos in all lighting conditions.
Battery & Charging: Lasting Power
The S25 Ultra packs a 5,500mAh battery, optimized with AI-driven power management for all-day usage.
Battery Test Results (After 72 Hours):
- Screen-On Time: ~8-9 hours on a full charge
- Streaming Video: ~15 hours of continuous playback
- Gaming (COD Mobile): ~7 hours at 120Hz
- Standby Drain: ~2% overnight
Charging Speed:
- Wired: 45W Super Fast Charging (0-50% in 22 minutes, full charge in ~55 minutes)
- Wireless: 25W Fast Wireless Charging
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Supports charging accessories like Galaxy Buds & Watch
The battery life is excellent, and AI-driven optimizations help improve efficiency based on usage patterns.
Final Verdict: Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra Worth It?
Pros:
✅ Premium Titanium Design with a comfortable grip
✅ Best-in-Class Display with 2800 nits peak brightness
✅ Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
✅ AI-powered One UI 7 features enhance usability
✅ Powerful Camera System with improved zoom and low-light photography
✅ Excellent Battery Life with AI-driven optimizations
Cons:
❌ No Charger in the Box
❌ Expensive (Premium Pricing)
❌ AI Features Require Cloud Processing for Some Functions
Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for the ultimate flagship smartphone experience, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best Android device in 2025. It brings refinements in design, hardware, AI-powered software, and camera performance, making it the most powerful Galaxy smartphone yet.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Are you planning to buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra? Share your thoughts in the comments!