I’m giving the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra one star specifically because of the camera behavior, which is fundamentally broken for anyone who knows how to take a photo.
When I tap to focus on a subject, the phone does not consistently respect that input. It will often switch lenses or refocus at the moment the photo is taken, resulting in a completely different image than the one I composed. This leads to blurry or misfocused photos, even when I’ve clearly selected my subject.
This is not user error, it’s the software overriding deliberate input. A camera should treat focus selection as a command, not a suggestion. I'm sure somebody's patent themselves on the back for this but you shouldn't. It is user hostile.
The aggressive auto lens switching and focus “optimization” actively interfere with both casual and intentional photography. Even point-and-shoot users are affected, because the device can change focus mid-capture.
The only reliable workaround is to use Pro mode or manually lock focus, which defeats the purpose of having an advanced automatic camera system.
This is a design flaw, not a feature. Until Samsung allows users to fully disable automatic lens switching and forces the camera to respect focus lock, the camera experience is inconsistent and frustrating. A flagship device should not require manual override just to take a basic, in-focus photo.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Features
1
Performance
2
Design
1
Value
1
Response from Samsung USBy R&R Team, April 7, 2026
Hey Annie, we appreciate you taking time out of your day to share your experience of your Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with us. We completely understand how frustrating it can be when your device is not meeting your expectations in quality, and causes frustration during usage. We have provided links to resources to help you capture the best possible photos and videos with your camera. We have also provided a link to the complete manual to help you disable any features you believe may be causing interruption to your experience with your camera. We have lastly shared a link to the Samsung Support Team to assist you further if you continue to experience frustrations with your device. Thank you for being a Samsung customer. -Elizabeth Use camera features on your Galaxy S25, S25+, or S25 Ultra https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10004601/ Galaxy phone or tablet photos and videos are blurry or dark https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01001424/ Galaxy phone or tablet camera does not focus on the subject https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01001297/ 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.] I have loved all the Galaxy Notes and S Series phones. I love the customization you can make it your own! Never had any issues with the phones.
Great flagship phone this is why I am loyal to sam
on April 4, 2026
Posted by: Love4samsung
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Samsung just keeps getting it right with this flagship phone the ultra interegrates ai nicely with quick response times and I love the s pen to draw with Galxy Ai. Great display with vibrant colors. Good for work or games. Camera is always superior for great photos on Samsung series but it's now even better with galaxy ai
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] To be honest everything Samsung has been great. I have always been a addict since well it has started. Crypto trading and trading platforms has been and experience. But with the S25 and s24 and s23 has been amazing and doing this remotely well I give a hands down hats off to you all at Samsung. Thank you.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Best phone I have ever owned! I use my phone for everything. The camera and editing features are awesome. I always get rave reviews of the photos I take with this phone. It is amazing how I can bank, shop, create photos, listen to music, watch entertainment, and of course... keep in close contact through text, video, and phone. Galaxy AI is really fun to play with!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have been so happy with my S25 Ultra I do not want to give it up! There have been some amazing offers sent my way for the S26 Ultra it is difficult to pass up and I know the trade in value is only going to go down from now. The thing is I have fallen in love with this S25 and of course Galaxy AI, the features, use ability, & the ease of use are well above any phone Samsung has released in the last few years in my opinion.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I've been using the S25 Ultra for over a year now, and I’m genuinely impressed. I upgraded from the S22 and Tmthe first thing I notice is the screen—the anti-reflective coating is a total game-changer. I can use it in direct sunlight without seeing my own reflection, and the colors are stunningly natural. What I love most is how it feels. They finally rounded the corners just enough so it doesn't dig into my palm, and it’s noticeably lighter than previous Ultras. Whether I'm multitasking for work or just scrolling, everything is butter-smooth. It handles 4K video editing like a pro and the battery a full day with juice to spare. The new 50MP Ultrawide lens is a massive jump—macro shots and wide landscapes actually have the detail they deserve now. I’ve also noticed the color processing is much more "real" and less oversaturated than older Samsung phones. I also enjoy the AI feature. Very helpful with picture editing, and researching. I use my phone for everything. I give it 10/10.