The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra represents the absolute peak of Android smartphone engineering in 2025, powered by the exclusive Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor (clocked at 4.47GHz, 3% faster than standard) with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage at £1,349. Independent testing shows it delivers 30% faster CPU, 37% faster GPU, and 40% faster NPU performance compared to the S24 Ultra, alongside a refined camera system with a new 50MP ultrawide (up from 12MP) and 200MP main sensor. Tom’s Guide praised it as “the closest Samsung has come to convincing me to ditch my iPhone,” noting silky-smooth performance when flipping between over a dozen open apps. However, sustained performance shows concerning thermal throttling—GPU performance tanks by 20% after just one minute of stress testing, and at £1,249-£1,549 depending on storage, it’s “incredibly expensive” with AI features that aren’t compelling enough for most S24 Ultra owners to upgrade. For those with ageing Androids ready for the best, this delivers—but current flagship owners should wait.
Rating: 4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance, Camera, and Daily Experience
The Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers chart-topping benchmark results with CPU scores surpassing all competitors, though sustained performance sees 41% CPU loss and 50% GPU drop during extended stress tests. In real-world use, the phone opens apps instantly, scrolls fluidly, and handles gaming with rock-solid frame rates even with intense on-screen action. The camera system features a 200MP main camera, 50MP telephoto (5x zoom), 50MP ultrawide (upgraded from 12MP), and 12MP selfie camera, with new Audio Eraser functionality removing distracting background noise from videos. Photos come out vibrant with excellent detail retention, though images can appear more overly sharpened and “processed” than Google Pixel 9 Pro’s natural results. Battery life easily lasts a full day with the 5,000mAh capacity, though 45W charging and 15W wireless (Qi2 with case) remain unchanged from predecessors. The 6.9-inch AMOLED display with 2600 nits brightness and excellent anti-reflective coating makes outdoor visibility superb, while rounded corners finally match the softer iPhone-like design many users prefer.
Standout Strengths:
- Seven-year software support guarantee – Samsung promises Android updates and security patches through 2032, making this a true long-term investment that will receive features for years to come
- S Pen integration remains unmatched – The built-in stylus continues to be the Galaxy Ultra’s killer feature for note-taking, photo editing, and precise selections, though it sadly lost Bluetooth functionality for remote camera shutter control
Critical Weaknesses:
- Thermal management disappoints – Performance throttles significantly faster than competitors like OnePlus 13 (which only dips 5% vs S25 Ultra’s 20% after one minute), suggesting Samsung’s cooling system struggles with the powerful processor
- Minimal upgrade for recent owners – An S22/S23/S24 Ultra owner notes “most development seems invested in AI features which are, on the whole, superfluous,” recommending current owners stay with their phones if they have no battery or screen issues
Value Assessment and Buying Guidance
| Spec | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (512GB) | £1,349 | £1,299 | £999 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) | A18 Pro (3nm) | Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Main camera | 200MP | 48MP | 50MP |
| Display | 6.9″ AMOLED | 6.9″ OLED | 6.8″ OLED |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 4,685mAh | 5,060mAh |
| Stylus | Yes (S Pen included) | No | No |
| Software support | 7 years | 5 years | 7 years |
Who should buy this: UK buyers found deals at £890 for the 512GB version (down from £1,349 RRP), making it exceptional value when discounted. Users upgrading from phones older than the S22 Ultra—particularly iPhone switchers wanting the S Pen’s precision, photographers needing the 200MP camera’s versatility, or Android enthusiasts wanting guaranteed seven-year support—will appreciate the refinement. Business users who rely on stylus input for signatures, annotations, and detailed work have no comparable alternative. Good Housekeeping concludes: “If you’re after the very best Android phone that money can buy, it’s worth considering,” noting the super-fast performance, versatile camera system, all-day battery, and massive anti-reflective display.
Who should avoid this: Current S23 or S24 Ultra owners gain little from upgrading—the performance improvements are incremental, the camera changes are modest (ultrawide sensor bump being the main hardware difference), and the AI features don’t justify £1,000+ expenditure. The phone is “a bit too large and heavy for day-to-day use” at 7.69 ounces, making it uncomfortable for extended one-handed use or smaller hands. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the standard S25 (£799) or S25+ (£999), which share the same processor and most features but sacrifice the S Pen, 200MP camera, and premium build. Those prioritizing natural photo processing over Samsung’s more vivid, sharpened style should examine Google Pixel 9 Pro XL instead.
Is this the Android flagship that finally challenges iPhone dominance? The S25 Ultra delivers professional-grade tools in a refined package. What features matter most in your flagship phone—camera versatility, stylus support, or raw performance?
