We’ve been reviewing Samsung’s Galaxy range of smartphones for as long as I can remember, and I still vividly recall using the very first in the line, the Galaxy S, what feels like a lifetime ago.
Fast forward to 2025 — Ausdroid has been around for 15 years — and much like us, Samsung’s Galaxy lineup has evolved significantly. This year’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is a world apart from the chunky Galaxy S I hazily remember. Packed with AI-powered features, an outstanding camera, and a buttery smooth operating system, it’s a device that—cost aside—you’d undoubtedly love to own.
It’s lighter, brighter, and thinner, offering a comfortable and silky feel in hand. Performance is incredibly smooth, and the upgraded AI-driven camera sets a new standard, outperforming most competitors.
At the time of writing, we haven’t had extensive hands-on time with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but here’s what we think so far:
What’s great?
The standout feature? Seven years of software updates. While the initial investment is significant, this ensures longevity, meaning the Galaxy S25 Ultra will continue receiving Android updates, security patches, and new AI-powered features for years to come.
Speaking of AI, the Artificial Intelligence capabilities are both fun and practical. AI-powered photo editing isn’t new—Google, Apple, and even Samsung have implemented it before—but the execution here is seamless. The included S-Pen makes removing unwanted objects from photos incredibly intuitive, and Samsung’s implementation feels smoother compared to Google’s Pixel, which restricts AI edits unless your photos are backed up.
Samsung seems to have cherry-picked the best of both Apple and Android ecosystems, creating an experience that feels refined and user-friendly. After years of skepticism, I have to admit—Samsung’s One UI is now a welcome improvement over stock Android. It makes the device approachable for new users while retaining powerful customization options. Plus, the integration of Google’s Gemini AI enhances functionality, allowing for real-time transcriptions, creative drawings, YouTube summaries, and more.
Samsung’s AI-driven caricature feature is a fun addition. While it did a decent job of capturing my daughter’s likeness, I’m not entirely convinced that my son’s sketch was quite as accurate.
Another interesting AI feature? Snap a picture, tap the Gemini button, and ask it to identify what’s in the image—whether it’s a plant, a dish, or a dog breed, it usually gets it right. Similarly, the device can recognize songs by simply humming a tune or even identify music playing in videos—great for tracking down that catchy background song.
A common question (or concern really) is battery life and it’s refreshing to see that for a slim phone, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra has it in spades. The 5,000 mAh battery is a decent size among smartphones, but there’s some definite magic under the hood – the phone’s hardware sips away at the battery power, giving you either multiple days off a single charge, or a full day if you’re hammering the phone, with plenty left by the time you’re back on charge at night. I’m quietly impressed.
Camera performance – it’s great!
Samsung’s camera technology has long been a strong point, and while this year’s upgrades aren’t as dramatic as last year’s, the camera remains exceptional. The 50MP ultra-wide lens delivers stunning shots at both close and far distances, and its zoom capabilities remain unmatched. While 100x zoom inevitably introduces some graininess, it’s still remarkably effective.
These images were taken at zero zoom, 10x zoom, and 35x zoom, clearly revealing a drink bottle under a park bench—impressive detail at such distances.
Low-light photography is equally impressive. Apple’s iPhone may still have a slight edge in brightness and light capture, but Samsung’s night shots are not far behind, delivering sharp and vibrant results. One that’s true across the board is that the Galaxy S25 Ultra captures a lot of light and detail in dark conditions, making for clear shots night or day.
Even as a macro shooter, there’s a lot of detail, light and a beautiful background blur without any special filters, skills or talents required. I’m really impressed by what Samsung has done here, and it shows why the brand produces the most popular smartphones in Android land.
As a phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra excels—audio clarity is top-notch, and its dual speakers ensure a loud and immersive experience. Whether watching videos or gaming, the display remains a visual treat.
Where’s the letdown?
The biggest drawback? The price. The model we reviewed is priced around $2,100, while the top-tier 1TB variant reaches an eye-watering $2,700. That’s a hefty price tag for a smartphone, especially in today’s economic climate.
Last year’s Galaxy S24, now available for roughly $1,500, will still receive many of the S25’s AI-driven features—albeit not all of them. Is the extra $600+ worth it? That’s a personal decision, but I have my doubts.
Beyond the cost, there’s little to criticize. Samsung dominates the Android market, ensuring a robust accessory ecosystem, from first-party cases and chargers to a vast selection of third-party options. In contrast, even Google’s Pixel lineup struggles with accessory availability.
In conclusion…
The consensus among reviewers is clear—if you have the budget, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of the best smartphones available today.
Simply put, it looks, feels, and performs exceptionally well. It’s large but pocketable, and it’s packed with more features than most users will ever need.
The Galaxy S25 series is available for pre-order now, with retail availability starting February 14. Prices start at $1,399 for the S25, $1,699 for the S25+, and $2,149 for the flagship S25 Ultra. Major carriers like Telstra and Optus are also offering enticing pre-order deals.
If you’re after the best of the best and willing to splurge, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium investment that delivers.
