The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Best New Features – From Galaxy AI to a 200MP Powerhouse

Troy Reeder

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has arrived on the market, bringing significant upgrades to Samsung’s flagship smartphone lineup. This new device features a titanium frame, enhanced AI capabilities that work across multiple apps, and camera improvements that reportedly outperform iPhone models. The Galaxy S25 Ultra combines advanced hardware with Android 15-based One UI 7 software to deliver seamless performance for users seeking cutting-edge mobile technology.

Early reviews of the S25 Ultra highlight its impressive technical specifications, including a new 50MP periscope zoom camera with laser autofocus for superior photography. The device also comes with a built-in S Pen, custom-made processor, and long-lasting battery life, making it a comprehensive package for power users. After two months of real-world usage, reviewers note that the device maintains consistent performance without slowdowns.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series
Samsung Galaxy S25 Series

Everything You Need to Know About the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Game-Changing Features

Samsung isn’t playing it safe in 2025. With the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it’s delivering a bold statement about where smartphones are heading—and it starts with smarter software, sharper cameras, and serious performance power. Here’s a closer look at the most important upgrades that set the S25 Ultra apart.


Galaxy AI: Your New Digital Sidekick

One of the headline features this year is Galaxy AI, a new suite of tools powered by Samsung’s collaboration with Google’s Gemini. This isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a real leap forward in how your phone helps you navigate daily life.

With Galaxy AI, you can:

  • Summarize meetings or lectures in real time
  • Auto-compose texts, emails, and even captions
  • Translate phone calls live in over a dozen languages
  • Generate custom images or edit photos with AI touch-up
  • Use natural language to search and take actions across multiple apps

Samsung’s implementation is fast, surprisingly accurate, and—most importantly—deeply integrated. It’s like having a built-in assistant that actually understands context.


A Camera System Built for 2025 Photography

Samsung has retooled its camera array with meaningful upgrades—not just tweaks. Here’s the breakdown:

  • 200MP main camera: Same resolution as last year, but with better AI tuning, faster autofocus, and improved image processing in low light.
  • 50MP ultra-wide lens: A big jump from the previous 12MP, now capturing more detail with a wider dynamic range.
  • 50MP periscope telephoto: Capable of stunning 5x optical zoom with sharper results at long distances.
  • 10MP standard telephoto: Offers fast 3x optical zoom for portrait and mid-range shots.

New AI features include focal length smoothing when recording video—no more jarring zoom shifts—and Audio Eraser, which cleans up background noise automatically. The result is pro-level clarity whether you’re vlogging, filming concerts, or just recording your dog being cute.


Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite: Raw Power With Cool Efficiency

Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is running the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite, a next-gen chipset built on TSMC’s 3nm process. Compared to the S24 Ultra, here’s what you’re getting:

  • 30% faster CPU
  • 37% more powerful GPU
  • 40% faster NPU for AI tasks
  • Better battery optimization
  • Lower sustained heat output thanks to a 40% larger vapor chamber

Whether you’re gaming, editing 4K video, or juggling apps like a madman, this phone stays snappy—and cooler under pressure.


Display: Brighter, Bigger, and Smoother Than Ever

The S25 Ultra keeps the same 6.9-inch footprint but refines every inch of the panel:

  • LTPO AMOLED 2X with adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate
  • Peak brightness of 2,600 nits (yes, it destroys sunlight glare)
  • QHD+ resolution for ultra-crisp visuals
  • Gorilla Armor Glass 2 for better scratch and shatter resistance

Samsung also tightened the bezels even more, giving you a near full-front display experience. And yes, it still comes with an embedded S Pen for the stylus faithful.


All-Day Battery Life with Speed to Match

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rated for up to 31 hours of video playback, making it one of the longest-lasting premium phones you can buy today. It’s backed by a 5,000mAh battery and supports:

  • 45W wired fast charging
  • 15W wireless charging
  • Wireless PowerShare for juicing up your earbuds or another phone

And thanks to more efficient hardware and smarter background task management, standby time is noticeably improved over previous models.


Build Quality & Design: Tougher Than Titanium

This year, Samsung swapped aluminum for a titanium frame, which is both stronger and more scratch-resistant. It still keeps a sleek, matte finish and comes in a range of understated colors like Titanium Gray, Black, Violet, and Silver.

Other key build features:

  • IP68 water and dust resistance
  • Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under display
  • Slimmer profile and lighter feel despite the bigger camera module

It’s a premium phone that finally feels like it’s built to last—not just look good on a table.


Smart Software Touches You’ll Actually Use

One UI 7 on Android 15 brings a bunch of small but meaningful quality-of-life upgrades:

  • Auto-complete routines for tasks like driving, workouts, or bedtime
  • More granular lock screen customization
  • Better privacy controls with visual permission indicators
  • AI wallpapers that react to time, location, and even the weather

That said, users should be aware of one ongoing issue: a Secure Folder bug in early One UI 7 builds, which can expose private photos in auto-generated gallery stories. Samsung has paused the update rollout to fix it, but it’s something to keep an eye on.


Pricing and Trade-In Deals

Samsung priced the Galaxy S25 Ultra starting at $1,299, but early deals make it a bit more tempting:

  • $200 instant discount from Samsung.com
  • Up to $630 off with qualifying trade-ins
  • Carrier deals offer further reductions with contract lock-ins

Considering the number of upgrades, especially on the AI and camera fronts, the S25 Ultra is actually better value than the S24 Ultra at launch—particularly if you’re trading in.

Key Takeaways

  • The Galaxy S25 Ultra features titanium construction, advanced AI features, and significant camera improvements including a new 50MP periscope zoom camera.
  • Samsung’s flagship runs on Android 15 with One UI 7 software, offering seamless performance with 12GB of RAM.
  • The S25 Ultra includes a built-in S Pen, custom processor, and long-lasting battery making it a complete package for power users.

Design and Display Features

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra showcases significant improvements in both design elements and display capabilities. Samsung has refined the device’s aesthetic while enhancing screen technology for a more immersive user experience.

Revolutionary Design

The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a premium titanium frame that provides exceptional durability while reducing the overall weight compared to previous models. Available in several striking finishes, including the eye-catching Titanium Silverblue, the device maintains a sophisticated aesthetic appeal.

The corners of the S25 Ultra are slightly more rounded than its predecessor, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. This subtle design change doesn’t compromise the distinctive squared-off look that Galaxy Ultra users have come to appreciate.

The device’s construction incorporates high-quality materials throughout, with careful attention to detail in every aspect from the button placement to the integrated S Pen silo. This thoughtful design approach balances form and function effectively.

Advanced Display Technology

The S25 Ultra boasts an impressive 6.9-inch display, slightly larger than the previous generation thanks to thinner bezels that maximize screen real estate. The display incorporates Corning Gorilla Armor 2, providing superior scratch and damage resistance.

The screen features anti-reflective technology that significantly improves outdoor visibility, making content easier to see even in bright sunlight. This enhancement addresses a common pain point for smartphone users who frequently use their devices outdoors.

With an adaptive refresh rate that adjusts based on content, the display delivers buttery-smooth scrolling and transitions while conserving battery when displaying static content. The color accuracy and vibrancy are exceptional, making photos, videos, and games look stunning.

The peak brightness has been increased for better HDR performance, allowing for more detail in shadows and highlights when viewing compatible content.

Technology and Performance Enhancements

The Galaxy S25 Ultra represents Samsung’s most advanced technological leap forward, combining powerful hardware with sophisticated AI integration. The device showcases significant improvements across its processing capabilities, photography features, and power management systems.

Cutting-edge AI Capabilities

The S25 Ultra features Samsung’s enhanced Galaxy AI, which powers numerous intelligent functions throughout the device. This AI system works with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor to deliver responsive performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications alike.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset includes six cores running at 3.53GHz plus two additional cores, making it substantially faster than previous generations. This processor enables more complex AI operations while maintaining efficient power usage.

With 12GB RAM standard, the S25 Ultra handles multitasking effortlessly. The device’s AI capabilities extend to predictive text, real-time translation, and context-aware suggestions that learn from user behavior.

The AI features don’t just improve functionality—they adapt to how you use your phone, becoming more personalized over time without compromising privacy.

Camera and Photography Innovation

The S25 Ultra’s camera system represents a significant upgrade with advanced computational photography powered by AI. The device includes multiple lenses with the telephoto camera receiving particular attention in this generation.

The telephoto lenses offer improved optical zoom capabilities, while the ultra-wide sensor captures more detail in expansive scenes. Virtual aperture technology lets users adjust depth of field after taking photos, giving unprecedented control over the final image.

Optical Image Stabilization has been enhanced to reduce blur even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera’s improved shutter speed captures fast-moving subjects with remarkable clarity.

AI-powered scene recognition automatically adjusts settings for optimal results, while portrait mode uses advanced algorithms to create professional-looking depth effects. Night mode performance has been substantially improved, capturing more light with less noise.

Battery and Storage Solutions

The S25 Ultra features enhanced battery life despite its powerful performance demands. Smart power management, coupled with hardware efficiency improvements, allows the device to last through heavy usage days.

Wireless PowerShare functionality lets users charge other compatible devices using the S25 Ultra as a wireless charging pad. The phone maintains the IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, protecting the battery and internal components from environmental damage.

Storage options remain generous, with expanded cloud storage integration for seamless file access across devices. The phone intelligently manages storage by suggesting files for cloud backup based on usage patterns.

Battery optimization features include AI-powered adaptive power modes that learn from usage habits to maximize efficiency. Fast charging capabilities have been improved, reducing downtime between charges for busy users.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Galaxy S25 Ultra brings several innovations to Samsung’s flagship line. Users have many questions about its features, performance, and availability that we’ll address below.

What are the new features of the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces advanced AI features that enhance both productivity and creativity. These AI tools help with photo editing, translation, and daily tasks.

The display technology has been upgraded for better brightness and color accuracy. Samsung has also improved the S Pen functionality with lower latency.

The processor in the S25 Ultra offers faster performance while using less power than previous models. Security features have been enhanced with improved biometric options.

Can you compare the camera capabilities between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and its predecessor?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra features an improved camera system compared to the previous model. The main camera sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light photography.

Samsung has enhanced the zoom capabilities, allowing for clearer images at longer distances. The ultra-wide lens provides a broader field of view with less distortion at the edges.

Video recording capabilities now include better stabilization and higher frame rates at 4K and 8K resolutions. AI-powered scene recognition helps optimize settings automatically for different shooting conditions.

What improvements have been made to the battery life in the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with a larger capacity battery than its predecessor. More efficient power management extends usage time between charges.

The new processor is designed to use less power while performing intensive tasks. Samsung has implemented adaptive battery features that learn user habits and optimize power accordingly.

Fast charging capabilities have been improved, allowing the phone to charge more quickly. Wireless charging is also more efficient in the new model.

Is there an official release date for the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has already been released as of early 2025. It became available in most markets worldwide in February 2025.

Specific availability may vary by region and carrier. Some color options or storage configurations might have different availability timelines.

How does the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s performance compare to competitive models?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra performs exceptionally well against competitor flagship devices. Benchmark tests show it excels in processing speed and graphics performance.

Multitasking is smooth even with demanding applications running simultaneously. The phone handles gaming with high frame rates and minimal heat generation.

AI processing is faster than most competing devices, allowing for quicker on-device tasks. The optimized software makes everyday use feel responsive and fluid.

Will the Galaxy S25 Ultra support 5G connectivity?

Yes, the Galaxy S25 Ultra fully supports 5G connectivity across multiple bands. It’s compatible with both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks for optimal coverage.

The device includes enhanced antennas for better signal reception. Connection stability has been improved for more reliable high-speed data transfers.