The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra adds a few useful AI features and hardware upgrades. Read the review to learn whether it should be your next Android device.

With the new Galaxy S25 Ultra in my hand, I stand in the lobby of the LinkedIn building in San Francisco, which happens to be a POPOS: a privately owned public open space. It's a gorgeous hall, with long running panels of blonde wood on the ceiling and back wall.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is set to release on Friday, February 7th. As reviews start to roll out, feedback on the handset's AI features is mixed.

Samsung has crafted a pre-order strategy that makes acquiring the Galaxy S25 Ultra almost too good to be true: no joke, you can get it almost for free. When you compare it to competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro (the 512GB version is sold for $1,299), the value proposition becomes very attractive.

At Rs 1,29,999, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of the most expensive non-foldable phones out there. While it’s a great device, it’s hard not to feel like something’s missing. For this price, you’d expect a standout feature or two, but there’s nothing truly new or game-changing to justify the premium, in terms of hardware at least.

The rear camera array represents the only other notable hardware difference between S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra. Namely, the ultrawide lens has been upgraded from 12MP a year ago to 50MP this year. Aside from that, everything else is the same: a 200MP wide lens, 50MP telephoto lens, and 12MP selfie camera.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra normally goes for $650, but right now with the trade-in of up to $400, you can get yours for just $250. Alternatively, trade in nothing and get it for $120 off at a price of just $530.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is an AI phone through and through, for better or worse. At a starting price of $1,300, does it still deserve a spot in your pocket?

It feels like every major tech company is totally convinced that AI is the future. And for all I know, they may be right. But while we’re waiting for someone to develop our seemingly inevitable AGI-based overlords,

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expensive, but it's also good at everything, even if its cameras and battery life can't quite beat some of the best alternatives