Samsung galaxy s25 ultra: still worth it a year later?
A year later: assessing the galaxy s25 ultra
With the Galaxy S25 Ultra now about a year old and the S26 on the horizon, I decided to revisit this flagship and see how it holds up. The burning question: is it still a worthwhile purchase at discounted prices, or is it time to wait for the next generation? As a tech enthusiast constantly evaluating new devices, I've gained plenty of insights into its strengths and weaknesses over the past year.
Durability and design: a winning combination
One of the most impressive aspects of the S25 Ultra is its exceptional durability. Even after a year of regular use, it's remarkably scratch-free, a testament to the effectiveness of the Gorilla Armor screen. It’s significantly better than my experience with the S25 Edge, which quickly accumulated scratches. I appreciate being able to use this phone without a screen protector – a rare comfort in the world of smartphones!
The underrated magic of one ui
Samsung's One UI continues to be a major advantage. It’s arguably the most feature-rich Android skin available, offering a wealth of customization options and genuinely useful enhancements. From beautiful widgets to the powerful GoodLock suite, it’s clear Samsung invests heavily in user experience. Little things, like the two-finger swipe up for split-screen multitasking, make a big difference in daily usability.
Dex and the sailor's secret
The DeX feature is a game-changer for productivity. I heard a fascinating story from a friend – a sailor who abandoned his laptop in favor of the Galaxy S25 Ultra connected to a monitor. It transformed the phone into a portable workstation, proving the versatility of Samsung’s ecosystem. This ability to seamlessly transition between a mobile device and a desktop-like experience is a huge draw.
Camera performance: usability and versatility
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra might not have the absolute best technical image quality compared to competitors like Vivo and Xiaomi, it excels in usability. Its user experience is incredibly intuitive, allowing for post-shot adjustments like background blur. The dual telephoto lenses offer excellent versatility, and the 50MP mode delivers noticeable improvements in detail and depth. For video, the 10-bit recording with manageable file sizes is a huge plus for content creators.
Battery and charging: areas for improvement
The 5,000 mAh battery feels a bit small compared to other flagships. Battery life is decent, averaging around 6 hours of usage, but not exceptional. Charging speeds at 45 watts are also a bit slow; a full charge takes about an hour and ten minutes. The lack of Qi2 connectivity is a missed opportunity, as it would greatly enhance wireless charging capabilities.
Value proposition: a smart choice?
Despite a few shortcomings, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains a compelling option, especially given the current discounts. You can often find it for around $1,000 or even less, a significant savings compared to newer models. The combination of a refined user experience, long software support (seven years of updates!), and a competitive price makes it a smart choice for those seeking a premium smartphone without breaking the bank.