The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra arrives with the usual fanfare, boasting impressive camera upgrades and a sleek design. However, a critical omission and a stagnant price point leave a lingering sense of disappointment, making one wonder if Samsung is losing sight of its own innovative spirit. While the S25 Ultra undoubtedly offers a premium Android experience, the removal of the Bluetooth S Pen and the unchanged price tag feel like a significant misstep, tarnishing what could have been a truly exceptional device. Historically, the S Pen has been a defining feature of the Ultra line, setting it apart from the competition. Its integration with the software, along with its Bluetooth capabilities for remote control and air gestures, provided a unique level of functionality. Removing this feature feels like a baffling decision, significantly impacting productivity and creative workflows. The basic stylus functionality that remains feels like a hollow imitation of what it once was, a stark reminder of what’s been lost. For users who relied on the S Pen, this change is a major downgrade, and it's hard to justify the Ultra moniker without its signature tool. Adding insult to injury, the price of the S25 Ultra remains stubbornly high, mirroring its predecessor. In previous iterations, the inclusion of the advanced S Pen justified the premium cost. Now, with a key feature stripped away, the price feels inflated. Consumers are essentially paying the same for less, which is a difficult pill to swallow. One expects innovation and added value with each new generation, not the removal of a beloved feature while maintaining the same premium price. Beyond the S Pen debacle, the S25 Ultra does offer some improvements. The camera system, as always, is a highlight, promising enhanced image quality and improved zoom capabilities. Performance is snappy, thanks to the latest processor, and the display remains vibrant and beautiful. However, these improvements feel incremental rather than revolutionary. They are expected advancements, not groundbreaking innovations that would justify the high price and the loss of the S Pen’s Bluetooth functionality. It feels as though Samsung is resting on its laurels with the S25 Ultra. While the core hardware is solid, the removal of the Bluetooth S Pen and the unchanged price point betray a lack of understanding of what made the Ultra line so compelling. This decision feels like a step backward, leaving loyal Samsung users questioning the brand's direction. In a market saturated with premium smartphones, Samsung needs to do more than simply iterate; they need to innovate and provide genuine value. With the S25 Ultra, they’ve sadly missed the mark. Verdict: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerful phone with a great camera and display. However, the removal of the Bluetooth S Pen and the unchanged price make it a disappointing offering. Users who valued the S Pen's advanced features should look elsewhere, and even those considering their first Ultra phone might find better value elsewhere. Samsung needs to rediscover its innovative edge if it wants to maintain its position at the top of the Android market.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
1
Response from Samsung USBy R&R Team, February 21, 2025
Hello there, thank you for sharing your thoughts about your Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with us. We are happy tohear you are pleased with the improvements that have been made to this device including the camera and display quality. We have provided a link to an article to help you with the redesigned S Pen capabilities, and integrating them in to your usage. We have also provided links to the full device manual and the Samsung Support Team to help discover the hand gestures and voice commands that can be used with your device, and answer any questions you may have about any of your Samsung products. We appreciate you being a Samsung customer. -Elizabeth Use the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s S Pen https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10004602/ Product Manuals https://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/ Samsung Support smsng.us/Samsung-Support Samsung Community smsng.us/Samsung-Community Facebook smsng.us/Facebook-Messenger X https://smsng.us/X-Messages
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Sleek design a lots of features best ph, i have tried iphones in the past but I'll keep my samsungs forever.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Samsung S25 Ultra is an absolute powerhouse! With its cutting-edge camera system, stunning display, and top-tier performance, it truly sets a new standard for flagship smartphones. The battery life is impressive, and the AI enhancements make everyday tasks smoother than ever. Samsung has once again delivered a premium device that stands out in every way!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The S25 Ultra is a must have. It operates smoothly and seamlessly. The robust AI features are the future.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Seamless action from app to app, extremely powerful. Did not realize it was going to be as fast as it was, had the s22 ultra and it was already impressed. They did take the battery out of the pen but that's the only irritating part about the entire phone. Definitely worth every penny plus some.