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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Phone Overloaded with AI, but Lacking the Wow Factor
I’ve got to say, I’m a bit underwhelmed with the latest Galaxy Unpacked event. Samsung’s announcements felt like a repeat of what I’ve seen before, and it’s not exactly what I’m looking for in a new phone. The more I delve into the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s features, the more I’m left wondering: is this really what we need? Is AI the only way to improve our mobile experience?
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve grown accustomed to AI-powered features in my daily life. I use it to generate images and find shopping links to shoes that look cool on people in music videos. But when it comes to my phone, I want a more custom experience than what Samsung currently offers. The predictive Now Brief feature, for example, is hardly revolutionary, even if it seems helpful from a top-down perspective. I hoped that the Galaxy S25 Ultra would offer something more, something my daily carry, the Pixel 9 Pro, doesn’t already provide. Instead, I found plenty of repeats, redone in Samsung’s way. It might work to sway some iPhone users, but I don’t see the same effect on people with Pixels.
Design and Features: A Whole Lot of AI, Not a Lot of Innovation
The Galaxy S25 Ultra sports a sleeker design, with squarer edges, but there’s not a lot to get excited about here. Samsung’s interface has undergone some aesthetic changes, especially in the notification shade, which is now streamlined into its own panel. While this initially annoyed me, I’ve grown accustomed to it. It’s easier on the eyes and the heart, and I’m less overwhelmed by notifications.
The Verdict: Should You Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
In short, there’s no compelling reason to upgrade to the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you’re already on an Ultra within the last two generations. But if you have a trade-in and it’s a fantastic deal, go for it! The new design is nice, and the lighter chassis is a bonus. However, don’t expect game-changing gains beyond the incremental improvements.
Key Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Big, anti-reflective display
- Lighter chassis
- Higher-resolution ultra-wide-angle lens
Cons:
- Not much of a camera upgrade
- Everything else is about AI
- Where’s the magnetic wireless charging?
In the end, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a great device, but it feels like more of the same. AI is the name of the game, and while it’s not all bad, it’s not enough to get me overly excited. Maybe one day, Samsung will surprise us with something truly innovative. Until then, I’ll stick with my Pixel 9 Pro.
