Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review

Our score: 8.6/10 — rated on a 0–10 scale using our published methodology.

Who should buy

• 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120 Hz refresh rate
• Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor and 12 GB RAM
• Quad rear camera with 200 MP main sensor and 5x periscope telephoto

Who should skip

• Large 6.9-inch screen and 7.7-ounce weight make one-handed use less convenient.
• Premium positioning; compare current US prices rather than assuming the older model is automatically a bargain.
• No wall charger is included.

Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra worth it in 2026?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is still worth considering in 2026 if you want a large Android phone with an integrated S Pen, a high-resolution screen and versatile camera hardware. It is less appealing if you prefer a compact phone or a low-cost upgrade: size and premium pricing are its main compromises. This verdict is based on manufacturer specifications and research, not our own hands-on testing.

US price and availability

The current offer is $1,094.95 at Retailer (sold by a third-party seller), as of Nov 8, 11:23 PM ET. Prices and availability may change.

See the purchase box for offer details. Compare the same storage capacity, unlocked or carrier status, condition and any trade-in requirement. You can also browse smartphone deals and the Samsung deals and reviews page; an old price is not a reason to buy.

What stands out

Large display and integrated S Pen

The 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display supports a 120 Hz refresh rate. That specification makes the phone a sensible candidate for reading, document markup and media, while the integrated S Pen supports precise input, notes and drawing. The trade-off is a large device: try its size in person if pocket carry and one-handed use matter more than screen space.

Camera hardware, without invented test results

Samsung specifies a 200 MP main camera, 50 MP ultrawide, 50 MP 5x telephoto and 10 MP 3x telephoto, plus a 12 MP front camera. The separate telephoto lenses offer useful framing options for travel and distant subjects. Megapixel counts alone do not establish image quality; we have not measured low-light results, shutter lag or video stabilization ourselves.

Processor, battery and charging

The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor and 12 GB of RAM are the key performance specifications. Samsung lists a 5,000 mAh battery, 45 W wired charging and 15 W wireless charging. Those are hardware ratings, not measured battery-life or charging-time results. A compatible wall charger is not included in the box.

Build and software

The titanium frame and IP68 rating are relevant for durability, but water resistance is not a guarantee against damage. Galaxy AI includes writing, search and editing tools; availability can depend on the feature, account and software version. Buy for functions you will use, rather than assuming every AI feature will replace an existing workflow.

S25 Ultra vs. S26 Ultra or an older Galaxy

Our Galaxy S26 Ultra review is a starting point for the newer model. We do not have a verified side-by-side test here, so we cannot claim a measured camera, battery or speed advantage for either phone. Compare documented specifications, current US prices and the exact storage variant before choosing.

Samsung identifies the S25 Ultra's 6.9-inch display and 50 MP ultrawide camera as changes relative to the S24 Ultra. That does not make an upgrade necessary for every S24 Ultra owner. If your current phone already handles your tasks, the benefit depends on whether those specific changes solve a real problem. Buyers who do not need the integrated stylus can also read our Galaxy S25 FE review.

Who should buy, and who should skip?

Consider the S25 Ultra if handwritten notes, a roomy display and several camera focal lengths are central to your daily use. Students and people reviewing documents may value the stylus; travelers may value the telephoto options. These are use cases suggested by the hardware, not claims of testing those workflows.

Skip it if you want an easy one-handed phone, do not use a stylus or need the cheapest practical upgrade. Before paying, check the retailer's return policy, US warranty coverage, network compatibility and whether the quoted price requires activation or a trade-in.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, for buyers who specifically want its integrated S Pen, large screen and versatile camera hardware. It is not automatically the best value: compare a freshly verified price with alternatives and consider whether its size suits you.

Compare the same storage and US carrier configuration, documented specifications and current prices. We have no measured side-by-side results, so we do not claim that either phone has better tested battery life or camera performance. Read our linked S26 Ultra review for its separate research context.

As of October 22, 2026, our records do not contain a freshly verified available offer. The dated observation above is not today's best price. The purchase box shows current retailer prices only when they meet the freshness checks.

The S Pen is integrated into the phone. A wall charger is not included; the listed box contents are the phone, USB-C data cable and ejection pin. Do not assume stylus features from older Galaxy models carry over unchanged.

The listed capacities are 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. Choose based on the apps, photos and videos you expect to keep locally, then compare like-for-like offers. A larger capacity is not automatically better value.

Related Reads

• Mid-range smartphone buying guide
• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review
• Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review
• Samsung brand page
• Smartphone buying advice and reviews
• Current smartphone deals

Pros

• 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120 Hz refresh rate
• Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor and 12 GB RAM
• Quad rear camera with 200 MP main sensor and 5x periscope telephoto
• Integrated S Pen for precise input, note-taking and drawing
• 5000 mAh battery with 45 W wired and 15 W wireless charging
• Titanium frame with IP68 water and dust resistance
• Galaxy AI features for writing assistance, search and photo editing

Cons

• Large 6.9-inch screen and 7.7-ounce weight make one-handed use less convenient.
• Premium positioning; compare current US prices rather than assuming the older model is automatically a bargain.
• No wall charger is included.

Verdict

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is worth considering for S Pen note-taking, a large high-resolution screen and versatile camera hardware. It is a less natural fit for compact-phone buyers or shoppers seeking a budget upgrade. We have no freshly verified US offer as of October 22, 2026, so compare current prices before deciding; our verdict is based on specifications and research, not hands-on testing.

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