Professionals
- Finest display on any cellphone
- Versatile cameras
- Strongest cellphone I’ve examined
- Good battery life
Cons
- $1,300 worth
- Design is sort of too minimal
- AI options are hit-or-miss
- S25/S25 Plus have comparable options and value much less
With the brand new Galaxy S25 Ultra in my hand, I stand within the foyer of the LinkedIn constructing in San Francisco, which occurs to be a POPOS: a privately owned public open area. It is a beautiful corridor, with lengthy working panels of blonde wooden on the ceiling and again wall. I take advantage of Samsung’s new ultrawide camera to seize a dramatic photograph of the foyer, and I am happy with the way it seems. The ultrawide’s lens makes the area’s lengthy strains seem like they go on for eternity, and I may even make out particulars within the wooden grain. To maintain the optimistic vibes flowing, I determine so as to add the photograph to the S25 Extremely’s new Gemini AI assistant, and check the “Discuss Dwell about this” characteristic. That is when issues go sideways.
With the arrogance of a 6-year-old telling a lie, Gemini explains that my photograph is of the Miner Auditorium on the de Younger Museum. Enjoyable truth: The de Younger Museum would not have a Miner Auditorium. Much more enjoyable truth: There is a Miner Auditorium at SFJazz, however my photograph was taken in LinkedIn’s foyer. To cite Charlie Brown, “Good grief!”
That is our AI future.
This is an ultrawide picture I took with the Galaxy S25 Extremely indoors in a public area within the LinkedIn constructing in San Francisco.
At a time when corporations push AI as the principle enchantment of their merchandise, Samsung launches the $1,300 Galaxy S25 Ultra and touts the hell out of its AI features, the most effective of that are attention-grabbing and the worst of which, nicely, see above. Fortunately, Samsung will get a variety of different issues proper on the S25 Extremely, which has a brand new processor, high-resolution ultrawide digital camera, and a few candy professional video instruments that rival the iPhone 16 Pro. Samsung properly saved all the most effective elements of final yr’s Galaxy S24 Ultra (mainly your complete cellphone) however a few of its worst elements, too, just like the $1,300 price ticket.
Notably, the S25 Extremely marks one other step away from the Galaxy Be aware influenced design that Samsung has embraced because the S22 Extremely. Samsung’s refinements to the Galaxy S25 Extremely really feel a bit like Pete Davidson getting all his tattoos eliminated: I miss these chaotic, wild days from them each a couple of years in the past. The place’s the Samsung that really printed “Area Zoom 100x” on the S20 Ultra’s camera bump? Or the Samsung that made a virtually three-minute video explaining how black the Phantom Black Galaxy S21 Extremely was?
The result’s that the S25 Extremely is lighter and extra comfy to carry, but in addition about as thrilling to have a look at as somebody carrying a pair of Dockers and a polo shirt. The Galaxy S25 Extremely is undoubtedly a beautiful cellphone — its efficiency is jaw-dropping and it provides probably the most versatile cellphone digital camera you will discover in the present day. However before you purchase one, think about why you’d need to.
Galaxy S25 Extremely: Must you purchase it?
If you wish to get the S25 Extremely for its AI options, do not. Whereas Samsung and Google’s AI does give you squint-your-eyes glimpses at what could possibly be, they don’t seem to be the explanation you purchase an Extremely – a minimum of this yr.
The Galaxy S25 Extremely’s enchantment is muddied by its $1,300, £1,249 and AU$2,149 worth. The common Galaxy S25 has the identical performance, energy and longevity, and it prices $500 much less. Desire a greater display? Contemplate the Galaxy S25 Plus. For almost all of individuals, the common Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus might be a greater match.
The rationale to get the Extremely over its S25 siblings is its display, which is truly the best I’ve seen on any cellphone, and the cameras, that are a step above what the S25 and S25 Plus have. Added video options like capability to report in Log format will get the Extremely as shut because it’s ever been to the iPhone when it comes to skilled video seize.
However $1,300 is so much, and this cellphone would not even fold in half.
When you’ve got a Galaxy S22 Ultra or older, the S25 Extremely will seem to be a big improve. It is tougher to make that case for S23 Ultra homeowners, who, except their cellphone’s battery is ailing or they’ll rating an unbelievable low cost, ought to in any other case sit this one out. And for you S24 Ultra homeowners, you do not want this cellphone. Save your cash and deal with your self to a pleasant steak dinner and a film.
S25 Extremely software program and Galaxy AI
Once I wake the cellphone, I am greeted with the brand new Now Bar on the backside of the lock display. I just like the carousel interface, which exhibits a shortcut to my Now Temporary and knowledge from different background apps like instructions from Google Maps or the stay rating of an NBA recreation. However not like the iPhone and its Dwell Actions, the Now Bar is restricted and might’t observe a rideshare.
Now Temporary is a brand new interface/widget that lives on the house display and is all about you. It makes use of information out of your cellphone together with your calendar, electronic mail and photographs, in addition to linked units like a Galaxy Watch, to offer you a snapshot firstly of your day or as your day progresses. In principle, it ought to get to know you higher over time, however after two weeks of testing, it largely simply exhibits me the climate, my calendar, photographs I took and a random information story which as a rule is tied to politics. I do not need to examine Mike Lindell once I first get up – or ever, actually.
However it’s the Extremely’s cross-app performance by Gemini that has probably the most potential. I can ask Gemini in a single immediate to seek for upcoming Air Jordan 1 sneaker drops and add them to a be aware, and it really works. I had Gemini search my electronic mail for an inventory of upcoming soccer practices and add every observe to my calendar. Once more, no problemo.
All three Galaxy S25 fashions have the identical AI options. That is one space the place Samsung might have helped the Extremely stand out from its siblings by having a novel AI characteristic that the others do not. Facet be aware: You are able to do a variety of this on different Android phones by simply utilizing Gemini and Google apps. However the problem, like with a variety of AI, is when issues go haywire.
I requested Gemini to discover a GIF of Homer Simpson strolling backward into bushes and ship it to a buddy. It discovered a hyperlink to the GIF on-line and despatched it to my buddy, but it surely forgot to incorporate the precise hyperlink. So my buddy acquired a message that learn, “Here’s a hyperlink to a GIF on-line of Homer Simpson strolling again into bushes.”
Past reliability, one other impediment to this hybrid on-line/on-device assistant is us. We’re used to the one-step-at-a-time actuality that our telephones have had for practically 20 years. So having a digital assistant that is able to extra complicated queries goes to take some rewiring in our brains earlier than we are able to totally reap the benefits of it.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely design
The S Pen is again, however with out Bluetooth connectivity.
The S25 Extremely now has flat sides, which makes me really feel extra assured that it will not slip out of my hand. Samsung decreased the general mass in comparison with earlier variations, too. The cellphone is 15 grams lighter than the S24 Extremely, which makes the S25 Extremely appear much less like I am carrying a tech-infused brick round with me.
Samsung elevated the display actual property an additional tenth of an inch to six.9 inches, due to thinner bezels. This, together with an antireflective coating, make the S25 Extremely’s display my favourite on any cellphone. Content material appears immersive even with one thing as mundane as a information or social feed. Utilizing it open air to take an image is incredible as a result of it is vivid, and the shortage of glare would not intervene with seeing what the photographs I am taking are going to seem like, even in direct daylight.
The S Pen not has Bluetooth connectivity, and as a consequence would not have the Air Actions discovered on earlier S Pens for the Extremely and Be aware collection. If you do not know what Air Actions are, you are not alone, as apparently lower than 1% of Extremely homeowners ever used them. The dearth of Bluetooth implies that the S Pen can’t be used as a distant digital camera shutter both.
Galaxy S25 Extremely: New ultrawide digital camera, who dis?
The Galaxy S25 Extremely has 4 lenses on the again: a large, an ultrawide, a 3X telephoto and a 5X telephoto. On the entrance is a 12-megapixel selfie digital camera. All the cameras, besides the ultrawide, are the identical as what the S24 Extremely has and take simply as wonderful photographs.
I need to deal with what’s new, and on the prime of that checklist is the S25 Extremely’s 50-megapixel ultrawide digital camera. It is merely wonderful for a cellphone. The lens hits that candy spot between distorting issues in-frame sufficient to look dramatic with out giving photographs that warped-edge fisheye look. The upper decision sensor captures a variety of element. The dynamic vary is nice, however nonetheless a step down from the 200-megapixel fundamental digital camera.
Listed below are a couple of of my favourite ultrawide snaps:
I took this on the tail finish of blue hour, and am impressed how the ultrawide digital camera dealt with the shadows on this dim scene (you’ll be able to distinguish the tree from the darkish constructing on the left).
This can be a difficult scene for any cellphone digital camera to deal with. However the S25 Extremely does a great job balancing the publicity, folks shifting and shifting and the assorted textures inside this cafe.
As a result of the ultrawide digital camera will get the next decision sensor, macro photographs, like of this succulent plant, have much more element and textures.
This photograph was taken with the S25 Extremely’s ultrawide digital camera.
Check out the photograph beneath of Peebles the cat that I took with the ultrawide. Regardless of Peebles dashing to his window mattress, the cellphone caught a ton of element in his fur and whiskers. This picture has some difficult lighting, with sunshine pouring by the window on the left into an in any other case darkish room. Discover the picture noise within the shadows on the fitting facet. Excellent? No, however the element and lens dramatic distortion make up for it.
The S25 Extremely’s ultrawide offers Peebles the cat a dramatic look as he strikes to see out the window.
Under is a picture I took with the ultrawide of a water sculpture early within the morning. The flowing water appears like glass contrasted towards the stone. This picture is over-sharpened, however I like how the solar flare appears within the prime proper nook.
Whereas the ultrawide digital camera is not clinically excellent (and remains to be a step down in comparison with the principle digital camera) it may produce beautiful photographs like this of water flowing down the stone steps.
The S25 Extremely’s ultrawide doubles as a macro lens, permitting it to get near a topic whereas retaining issues in focus – it even crops the picture’s body to match that of the principle digital camera. Within the photograph beneath of a Godzilla toy on a window sill, the monster’s plastic texture exhibits up nicely. Additionally the S25 Extremely balanced exposing the picture of Godzilla with out blowing out the highlights of the sky and cityscape within the window.
Macro images will get a pleasant increase, due to that new 50-megapixel sensor.
Galaxy S25 Extremely video recording, Log help
On the left is the S25 Extremely and its new zoom controls for video. On the fitting is the S24 Extremely and its outdated zoom dial for video recording.
Samsung nailed the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s video options. There is a new zoom slider constructed for video recording, which makes doing a protracted regular zoom really feel extra managed than the earlier zoom dial.
There’s the Audio Eraser instrument that helps you reduce background noise, like music or wind, and makes your topic’s voice stand out extra. I attempted this instrument at a number of totally different locations and was impressed with the outcomes each time. However do not get me unsuitable, this would possibly not take away all background noises. I imply, it may, however that normally ends in the topic’s voice sounding odd and digitized.
Samsung improved evening time video seize on the S25 Extremely, and it is noticeable, particularly in comparison with the S24 Extremely. Although cellphone video recorded in low-light on any cellphone remains to be OK at finest.
The S25 Extremely can report video in Log format – that is geared toward filmmakers and artistic varieties, and most of the people will seemingly skip attempting it out. Log video appears flat and desaturated but it surely retains extra picture info for highlights and shadows, permitting for better flexibility to edit colours and retain dynamic vary after recording.
S25 Extremely battery and efficiency
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely in a magnetic charging stand with a Galaxy Watch Extremely.
On the coronary heart of the Galaxy S25 Extremely is a customized model of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB of RAM. In on a regular basis use, animations look clean, video video games look unbelievable and AI runs shortly. Samsung really made enhancements to its photograph AI instruments by having them run on-device, as an alternative of within the cloud and the elevated velocity is unquestionably noticeable.
However when it comes to absolute energy, the S25 Extremely, its customized chip and its bigger cooling system result in some completely wild efficiency. Within the Geekbench 6 benchmark check for the CPU, the S25 Extremely scored greater than any cellphone we have ever examined, together with the OnePlus 13 and iPhone 16 Professional. The identical is true with regards to the 3DMark Wild Life Excessive benchmark check for graphics.
Geekbench v.6.0
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely 3,053 9,707Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely 2,202 6,721OnePlus 13 3,091 9,362Apple iPhone 16 Professional 3,507 8,750
3DMark Wild Life Excessive
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely 6,950Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely 4,415OnePlus 13 6,762Apple iPhone 16 Professional 4,672
3DMark Wild Life Excessive — body charge
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely 41.62Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely 26.4OnePlus 13 40.5Apple iPhone 16 Professional 28
Take into accout, you will not reap the benefits of all of this energy proper now. However as extra AI options roll out or as new variations of OneUI/Android are launched, this cellphone ought to have the ability to deal with something you’ll be able to throw at it for years.
So with an even bigger display, extra AI and a sooner processor, you would possibly surprise how the Extremely’s 5,000-mAh battery holds up. Over the 2 weeks I had the cellphone, it reliably made it by a full day on a single cost – usually with 30% of its cost left. There have been even a couple of days the place the cellphone lasted nicely right into a second day earlier than needing to be topped off. I’m nonetheless working CNET’s battery assessments and can replace this assessment with the outcomes.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely inside a magnetic case, with a pockets accent hooked up.
When it comes to charging, the Galaxy S25 Extremely helps 45W wired charging (wall plug not included within the field) and 15W wi-fi charging, the identical because the Qi2 standard. However the cellphone lacks Qi2’s built-in magnetic profile required to make use of a slew of magnetic equipment — sort of.
Samsung is promoting circumstances for the Extremely which have magnets constructed into them. So you’ll be able to add a magnetic pockets to the again. Or have the Extremely charging on a magnetic energy stand (if solely the Extremely had the iPhone’s Standby Mode).
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely: Last ideas
The Extremely within the cellphone’s title implies that the S25 Extremely is meant to be extremely at the whole lot when it comes to specs: Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 12GB of RAM, 5,000-mAh battery, two telephoto cameras, a stylus and, the true star of the cellphone, that display. However the identical could be mentioned of final yr’s S24 Ultra, and a variety of what I simply listed could be discovered on the common S25 and S25 Plus.
If you would like the most effective display you will discover on any cellphone, get the S25 Extremely. If you would like probably the most versatile cellphone cameras, get the S25 Extremely. If you would like a stylus, get the S25 Extremely. But when your wants cut back on any of these fronts, the extra inexpensive S25 choices, and even final yr’s S24 Extremely, could also be value contemplating.
All that to say, be sure to want an Extremely before you purchase one, as a result of Samsung has made its different telephones simply nearly as good because the S25 Extremely in just about each different method.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S25, Google Pixel 9 Professional XL, OnePlus 13
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely | Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S25 | Google Pixel 9 Professional XL | OnePlus 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Show measurement, tech, decision, refresh charge | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh charge | 6.7-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh charge | 6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh charge | 6.8-inch LTPO OLED; 2,992×1,344 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh charge | 6.82-inch AMOLED; 3,168×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh charge |
| Pixel density | 501 ppi | 509 ppi | 416 ppi | 486 ppi | 510 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in. | 6.24 x 2.98 x 0.29 in. | 5.78 x 2.78 x 0.28 in. | 6.4 x 3 x 0.3 in. | 6.41×3.01×0.33 in. (arctic daybreak/black eclipse); 6.41×3.01×0.35 in. (midnight ocean) |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm | 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm | 162.9×76.5×8.5mm (arctic daybreak/black eclipse); 162.9×76.5×8.9mm (midnight ocean) |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 218 g (7.69 oz.) | 190 g (6.70 oz.) | 162 g (5.71 oz.) | 221 g (7.8 oz.) | 213g (7.51 oz.) — arctic daybreak/black eclipse; 210g (7.4 oz.) — midnight ocean |
| Cell software program | Android 15 | Android 15 | Android 15 | Android 14 | Android 15 |
| Digital camera | 200-megapixel (large), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (large), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (large), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (large), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 50 megapixel (large), 50 megapixel (3x telephoto), 50 megapixel (ultrawide) |
| Entrance-facing digital camera | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 42-megapixel | 32 megapixel |
| Video seize | 8K | 8K | 8K | 4K | 8K |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM + storage | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB | 16GB + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 12GB + 256GB; 16GB + 512GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None | None | None | No |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,900 mAh | 4,000 mAh | 5,060 mAh | 6,000 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Below show | Below show | Below show | Below show | Below show |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None | None |
| Particular options | Titanium body, 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and safety updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and mud resistance; wi-fi PowerShare to cost different units; built-in S Pen; UWB for locating different units; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Armor cowl glass; ultrawideband | 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and safety updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and mud resistance; wi-fi PowerShare to cost different units; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; ultrawideband | 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and safety updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and mud resistance; wi-fi PowerShare to cost different units; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7 | Satellite tv for pc SOS; 7 years of OS, safety and Pixel characteristic drops; IP68 mud and water resistance; Video Increase with 8K Upscaling; Macro Deal with ultrawide; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cowl glass; 3,000-nit peak brightness; 45W quick charging (charger not included); 15W wi-fi charging with Google Pixel Stand (second gen); 12W wi-fi Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Finest Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor | 80W SuperVooc wired charging, 50W AirVooc wi-fi charging, alert slider, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, IP68 and IP69 licensed, Ceramic Guard, Aqua Contact 2.0, 4 years of software program updates, 6 years of safety updates, LTPO 4.1 show |
| US worth begins at | $1,300 (256GB) | $1,000 (256GB) | $800 (128GB) | $1,099 (128GB) | $900 (12GB + 256GB); $1,000 (16GB + 512GB) |
| UK worth begins at | £1,249 (256GB) | £999 (256GB) | £799 (128GB) | £1,099 (128GB) | £899 (12GB + 256GB); £999 (16GB + 512GB) |
| Australia worth begins at | AU$2,149 (256GB) | AU$1,699 (256GB) | AU$1,399 (256GB) | AU$1,699 (128GB) | N/A |
How we check telephones
Every phone tested by CNET’s reviews team was really utilized in the true world. We check a cellphone’s options, play video games and take photographs. We look at the show to see if it is vivid, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and construct to see how it’s to carry and whether or not it has an IP-rating for water resistance. We push the processor’s efficiency to the extremes utilizing standardized benchmark instruments like GeekBench and 3DMark, together with our personal anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution movies and enjoying graphically intense video games at excessive refresh charges.
All of the cameras are examined in a wide range of situations from vivid daylight to darkish indoor scenes. We check out particular options like evening mode and portrait mode and examine our findings towards equally priced competing telephones. We additionally try the battery life by utilizing it each day in addition to working a collection of battery drain assessments.
We consider further options like help for 5G, satellite tv for pc connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus help, quick charging speeds and foldable shows, amongst others that may be helpful. We stability all of this towards the worth to provide the verdict on whether or not that cellphone, no matter worth it’s, really represents good worth. Whereas these assessments could not at all times be mirrored in CNET’s preliminary assessment, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.
