Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, has hit the market with a blend of cutting-edge features and surprising design compromises. Despite boasting impressive hardware and AI capabilities, recent durability tests have exposed several shortcomings, raising questions about its premium status.
Hardware and Design: A Mixed Bag
The Galaxy S25 Ultra showcases an updated Gorilla Armor 2 protective layer, promising enhanced drop resistance. However, a durability test by YouTube channel JerryRigEverything revealed that the screen scratches more easily compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The phone’s back also features a misaligned Samsung logo, which raises concerns about quality control.
Camera Design Flaws
One of the most significant issues highlighted is the design of the camera rings. These metallic rings, intended to enhance aesthetics, are merely glued in place. While not prone to falling off on their own, they could easily detach, potentially allowing dust to accumulate and affecting the phone’s long-term cleanliness and appearance.
AI Features: A Double-Edged Sword
The Galaxy S25 Ultra integrates advanced AI capabilities through Samsung’s Galaxy AI and Google’s Gemini assistant. These features promise to streamline daily tasks, from organizing calendars to enhancing photo editing. However, users have reported mixed results, with AI occasionally providing inaccurate or incomplete information, raising concerns about its reliability for critical tasks.
Software and AI Integration
The phone runs on Samsung’s One UI 7.0, incorporating various AI-driven functions. While some users appreciate the seamless integration of AI across apps like Gmail and Calendar, others find the AI-generated content, such as news summaries, intrusive and irrelevant. The potential introduction of a subscription fee for these AI features by the end of 2025 adds another layer of complexity for users.
Performance and Sustainability
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the S25 Ultra offers robust performance, with significant improvements in NPU, CPU, and GPU . Battery life remains satisfactory, though not groundbreaking, with the device typically lasting a day with moderate use. On the sustainability front, Samsung has incorporated recycled materials, such as using 50% recycled cobalt in the battery, aligning with its commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Concluding Thoughts
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains a powerhouse in the smartphone market, boasting an excellent screen and formidable camera capabilities, its design flaws and inconsistent AI performance may deter some potential buyers. As Samsung continues to innovate, the challenge will be balancing cutting-edge features with the quality and reliability expected from a flagship device. The tech world will be watching how the company addresses these concerns in future iterations, as the Ultra series has historically set the benchmark for premium smartphones.
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