Galaxy s25 ultra: still worth it a year later?
A year later: assessing the galaxy s25 ultra
With the Galaxy S25 Ultra nearing its second birthday and the S26 on the horizon, I decided to revisit this flagship. The question on everyone’s mind: is it still a worthwhile buy, especially with discounted prices? I’ve spent considerable time with the S25 Ultra as a secondary device, and recently, it's become my daily driver again, allowing for a proper long-term evaluation. My goal is to provide a balanced perspective for those considering purchasing it now.
Durability and design: a solid foundation
The S25 Ultra’s resilience is immediately apparent. Even after a year of regular use, the phone remains remarkably scratch-free thanks to the Gorilla Armor display. This is a significant advantage over other phones I’ve used, including the S25 Edge. The anti-reflective coating is another standout feature, drastically improving outdoor visibility. I’d choose this over a minor performance boost any day. I also appreciate the understated design and relatively lightweight feel for its size. The rounded corners are a nice touch for comfortable handling.
The s pen: a niche feature?
The S Pen is a bit of a mixed bag for me. I rarely use it, primarily for demonstrating its functionality or quick note-taking. The experience highlights my preference for the on-screen keyboard. While I understand it's a crucial feature for some, it feels like wasted space that could be allocated to a larger battery. However, Samsung clearly believes in its value, and it remains a differentiating factor for certain users.
Software: samsung's one ui advantage
One of the biggest strengths of the S25 Ultra is Samsung’s One UI. It’s arguably the most feature-rich Android skin available, offering a wealth of customization options, beautiful widgets, and powerful tools like GoodLock. Simple gestures like a two-finger swipe up from the bottom to instantly access split-screen multitasking are just brilliant. And let’s not forget DeX, which transforms the phone into a desktop-like experience, a game-changer for travelers like my sailor friend.
Camera capabilities: still competitive
While the S25 Ultra's camera might not boast the absolute best image quality available (Vivo and Xiaomi flagships have pushed the boundaries there), Samsung's user experience remains a significant advantage. Features like being able to add background blur to photos after they’ve been taken are incredibly useful. The dual telephoto lens setup, particularly the 3x zoom, is excellent for portraits in good lighting. I've also found myself using 50MP mode more frequently for significantly more detail.
For video, the 10-bit recording without the massive file sizes of ProRes is a great feature. And the ability to seamlessly switch between rear and front cameras mid-recording is a rarity that I appreciate.
Battery life and value proposition
The 5,000 mAh battery is decent but not exceptional. Typical usage yields around 6 hours of screen-on time. Faster charging would be a welcome improvement; 45-watt charging takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes for a full charge. The lack of Qi2 connectivity is also a disappointment. However, the S25 Ultra’s biggest strength lies in its value. Discounts bring it down to around $1,000 or even less, offering exceptional bang for your buck, especially when compared to the premium pricing of iPhones.
Final verdict
Despite criticisms about yearly updates, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains a formidable flagship. It delivers a refined experience, long-term software support, and a compelling price point. If you're looking for a premium Android phone without breaking the bank, the S25 Ultra is still a fantastic choice. It's a testament to Samsung's ability to create a phone that remains relevant and desirable even a year after its release.