Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Ultra’s Come Down!

The AI Assistant That Can’t Even

I was trying to figure out when my husband’s flight was landing, and I didn’t have the flight number. I know, I know, it’s not the most complicated task, but I’m a busy person. So, I long-pressed the power button on my Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and asked Google’s Gemini assistant to find the information for me. But, surprise, surprise, it couldn’t. I was left with no choice but to shout, "Just Google it!" (plus a few choice words).

Now, I know what you’re thinking – why didn’t the AI assistant just do its job? Well, it’s because AI assistants, like Google’s Gemini, are only as good as the data they’re trained on. And, let’s be real, there’s only so much data out there.

The Specialness of the Galaxy S25 Ultra

But, back to the phone. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is still one of the best phones you can buy. The screen is excellent, the cameras are top-notch, and it’s a beast when it comes to processing power. But, here’s the thing – it’s not just about the specs. It’s about the experience. And, to be honest, the S25 Ultra feels a little less special than its predecessors.

I mean, where’s the magic? Where’s the wow factor? The S24 Ultra had a 10x telephoto camera and a stylus that felt like a magic wand. The S23 Ultra looked strikingly different from the rest of the S series. But, the S25 Ultra? It’s just another big phone.

The Agreements You Need to Agree To

And, speaking of big phones, have you ever stopped to think about all the agreements you need to agree to just to use one? I mean, we’re talking about Samsung’s Terms and Conditions, Google’s Terms of Service, Google Play’s Terms of Service… the list goes on and on. And, don’t even get me started on the optional agreements. It’s like, I get it, you need to collect some data to make the phone work better, but come on, can’t we just have a simple "I agree" button instead of a laundry list of permissions?

The Verdict

So, is the Galaxy S25 Ultra still worth it? Yeah, probably. It’s still a great phone, and the screen is amazing. But, if you’re looking for something that feels truly special, you might want to look elsewhere. And, if you’re concerned about all the agreements you need to agree to, well, that’s a whole other story.

Agree to Continue: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

• Samsung’s Terms and Conditions
• Samsung’s Privacy Policy
• Google’s Terms of Service (including Privacy Policy)
• Google Play’s Terms of Service
• Automatic installs (including from Google, Samsung, and your carrier)
• Optional agreements:
  • Sending diagnostic data to Samsung
  • Samsung services, including auto blocker, customization service, continuity service, nearby device scanning, personal data intelligence, and smart suggestions
  • Google Drive backup, location services, Wi-Fi scanning, diagnostic data
  • Bixby privacy policy (required to use Bixby), plus optional for Bixby options like personalized content, data access, and audio recording review

Final Tally: 5 Mandatory Agreements and at Least 10 Optional Ones

I hope you found this article informative and entertaining. Let me know what you think in the comments below!