Why I’m Skipping the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – And You Might Too
Samsung’s Galaxy S Ultra lineup has long been the gold standard for premium Android smartphones, offering cutting-edge technology, superior cameras, and top-tier performance. However, despite the hype surrounding the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, I won’t be making the upgrade this time. Here’s why—and why you might want to reconsider as well.
1. Minimal Hardware Upgrades
Leaks and early reports suggest that while the Galaxy S25 Ultra will bring some refinements, the hardware improvements over the S24 Ultra may not be significant enough to justify an upgrade. If you already own the S24 Ultra or even the S23 Ultra, the differences might feel incremental rather than revolutionary.
Processor: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will likely power the device, but if the S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is already fast and efficient, is the upgrade necessary?
Camera: Samsung might introduce a slightly improved 200MP sensor, but without a major leap in image processing or new camera features, most users won’t notice a huge difference in everyday photography.
Battery Life: Expect the same 5,000mAh battery, meaning similar endurance with only minor efficiency gains.
2. Software and AI Features Aren’t Exclusive
Samsung has been pushing Galaxy AI features heavily, but many of these functionalities—such as real-time translation, generative photo editing, and enhanced Bixby voice assistance—will also roll out to older models via software updates. If you can get the latest AI-driven features on your S24 Ultra or even the S23 Ultra, why spend over $1,300 on a new device?
3. High Price Tag
The Galaxy S25 Ultra will likely launch at the same $1,299+ price point as its predecessor, making it one of the most expensive mainstream smartphones. If Samsung doesn’t introduce groundbreaking innovations, that price becomes harder to justify—especially when great alternatives exist at lower price points.
Foldable Phones: The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and other foldables offer unique form factors and versatility.
Competitors: Devices like the Google Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max might provide better overall value depending on your needs.
Previous Ultra Models: If you want a high-end Samsung experience, the S24 Ultra will likely see price cuts, making it a smarter buy.
4. Samsung’s Slow Charging Still Lags Behind
While brands like OnePlus and Xiaomi are offering 100W+ fast charging, Samsung remains stuck at 45W wired charging. This means your Galaxy S25 Ultra won’t charge significantly faster than previous generations, which is a missed opportunity given how fast-charging technology has evolved.
5. No Radical Design Changes
Recent leaks suggest that the S25 Ultra’s design will closely resemble that of its predecessor, with the same boxy shape, titanium frame, and minimal bezels. If you were hoping for a radical design shift, a foldable device or a new form factor might be a better choice instead of another slab-style flagship.
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re using an older phone like the S21 Ultra or earlier, upgrading to the S25 Ultra might be worthwhile. However, for those with an S23 Ultra or S24 Ultra, the changes may not be compelling enough to warrant the expense. Samsung remains at the top of the Android market, but iterative updates and high prices might push more users to hold onto their devices longer.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will undoubtedly be a powerful and polished flagship, but without major innovations, the upgrade may not be worth it—especially for those who already own a high-end device. For now, I’ll be skipping this generation, and you might want to think twice before upgrading too.