The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Giant Leap Backward?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts top-of-the-line specs, making it a tempting flagship. I purchased one, excited by the promises of a superior Android experience. However, after a two-week trial, I returned it for a smaller model. Here's why.

Why I Ditched the Ultra

The S25 Ultra delivers on its promises: a massive screen, blazing-fast performance, all-day battery life, the latest Android OS with AI features, and excellent cameras – plus the S Pen. My four-year-old Galaxy S21 Ultra finally prompted an upgrade. While the S21 Ultra remains a capable phone, it was showing its age (limited storage, no major software updates). But the S25 Ultra wasn't the solution I expected.

Samsung Galaxy Update Policy: A Quick Note

Most Samsung phones and tablets receive at least four years of OS updates.

The S25 Ultra's Size: A Dealbreaker

Initial leaks suggested improved ergonomics with rounded corners. While true, the S25 Ultra remains excessively large. One-handed use is nearly impossible, and extended use is uncomfortable. The rounded edges are insufficient to match the comfort of the S25 Plus or even the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It's a bulky, heavy device – a characteristic I found undesirable.

The S25 Plus: My Perfect Fit

I exchanged the Ultra for the S25 Plus, a decision I highly recommend considering. While Samsung's lack of design innovation is frustrating (the S25 Plus closely resembles its predecessors), its specs are significantly closer to the Ultra than previous Plus models. This makes it a compelling alternative.

Key Differences: S25 Plus vs. Ultra

The Ultra's larger screen and slightly bigger battery are negligible improvements. The real difference lies in the camera system, but even the S21 Ultra's impressive zoom capabilities proved more novelty than necessity. While the S25 Ultra's zoom is improved, image quality degrades significantly at higher zoom levels. Both phones share the same 12MP selfie camera.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: A Premium Choice

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus offers a premium experience with a large display, smooth performance, excellent cameras, and all-day battery life, all in a more manageable and affordable package. For me, it's the perfect balance.

My Verdict

The S25 Ultra's size proved insurmountable. The S25 Plus, while less innovative in design, provides a superior user experience. It's fast, takes great photos, and is perfectly adequate until Samsung delivers a design refresh. Now, if only returning the Ultra to AT&T were as straightforward...

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