Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: A Flagship Smartphone that Exceeds Expectations

Image: Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the latest flagship smartphone from the South Korean tech giant, and it has left a lasting impression on this reviewer. Despite its uninspired design, the device has a lot to offer, including a stunning display, improved camera, and a user-friendly interface. But is it worth the hefty price tag of $1,300?

Design and Hardware

The Galaxy S25 Ultra's design is reminiscent of its predecessors, with a few minor tweaks. The device features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, which is both vibrant and sharp. The phone's build quality is solid, with a durable glass back and a metal frame. However, the design is not particularly innovative, and the lack of color options is a letdown. The phone is available in black, gray, and a grayish-blue hue, which may not appeal to users who prefer more vibrant colors.

One of the notable changes in the design is the curved corners, which provide a more comfortable grip. The phone also features a lighter weight, making it easier to handle. The display is protected by Gorilla Armor 2, a new glass cover that offers improved scratch resistance and anti-reflective properties.

Software

The Galaxy S25 Ultra runs on One UI 7, Samsung's latest software iteration. The interface is smooth, fast, and intuitive, with several notable features, including a vertically scrolling app drawer, a new multitasking page, and a split notification and quick settings panel. The software also includes Live Notifications, a feature that provides timely information and updates.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is its AI-powered capabilities. The device includes Galaxy AI, a suite of tools that aim to bridge the gap between what AI is capable of and what users can actually use it for. The phone also features Gemini, a powerful AI assistant that can perform tasks such as converting images to usable data and summarizing videos.

Camera

The Galaxy S25 Ultra's camera has seen significant improvements, with a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP front camera, and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. The camera app is intuitive, and the image quality is excellent, with good detail and color accuracy. However, the camera struggles in low-light conditions, producing fuzzy and poorly processed images.

Battery Life

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery, which provides decent battery life. The device can easily last a day with moderate use, but heavy users may need to recharge it mid-day. The phone supports 45W fast charging, which is relatively slow compared to other flagship devices.

S Pen

The Galaxy S25 Ultra includes the S Pen, a stylus that offers a unique experience. The S Pen is precise and responsive, making it ideal for note-taking and creative tasks. However, Samsung has removed the remote, Bluetooth-powered features from the S Pen, which may disappoint some users.

Conclusion

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a solid flagship smartphone that exceeds expectations. While it may not be the most innovative device, it offers a great display, improved camera, and a user-friendly interface. The phone's AI-powered capabilities and S Pen features make it a compelling choice for users who value productivity and creativity.

However, the device's price tag of $1,300 may be a deterrent for some users. The phone's design is not particularly innovative, and the lack of color options may not appeal to users who prefer more vibrant colors. Additionally, the camera struggles in low-light conditions, and the battery life could be better.

Ultimately, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a great choice for users who value a solid, reliable smartphone with a great display and improved camera. While it may not be the most exciting device, it is a great option for users who want a phone that can keep up with their daily needs.

Rating: 4.5/5

Recommendation:

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a great choice for users who value a solid, reliable smartphone with a great display and improved camera.

Samsung Announces One UI 7 Release Timeline Ahead of Galaxy Unpacked Event

 Samsung has officially confirmed the rollout timeline of its One UI 7 software update, which is based on Android 15, for eligible smartphones. The company has announced that the upcoming Galaxy S series, expected to be launched on January 22, will be the first phones to launch with the stable version of One UI 7.

One UI 7 Update to be Released by March

According to Samsung, the stable version of One UI 7 will be sequentially rolled out to other existing Galaxy devices, including smartphones and tablets, by Q1 2025, which means that the update is expected to be completed by the end of March. The update will include user feedback obtained through the beta programs, the company said.

Eligible Devices to Receive One UI 7 Update

The Galaxy S24 series is expected to be the first handsets to be updated to One UI 7, based on previous years' trends. The One UI 7 Beta 3 version was rolled out for select Samsung Galaxy smartphone users earlier this month, introducing faster fingerprint recognition for Galaxy S24 series users.

Pre-Reservations for Galaxy S Series Now Open

Pre-reservations for the anticipated Galaxy S series handsets are currently open in Indi

a, with customers eligible for considerable discounts and other benefits. The Galaxy S25 lineup is expected to come with Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets paired with 12GB of RAM.

Key Features of One UI 7

The One UI 7 update is based on Android 15 and is expected to bring a redesigned interface and several new features to eligible Samsung devices. The update is expected to improve performance, enhance security, and provide a more intuitive user experience.

Conclusion

Samsung's announcement of the One UI 7 release timeline ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked event has generated significant interest among Samsung fans and tech enthusiasts. With the update expected to be completed by the end of March, users can look forward to experiencing the latest features and improvements on their Samsung devices.

Apple iPhone SE 4 May Launch in 'Plus' Variant with Larger Display

A new rumor has surfaced suggesting that Apple may release a 'Plus' variant of the iPhone SE 4, in addition to the standard model. This information comes from Japanese blog, Macotakara, which has a history of providing accurate information about upcoming Apple devices.

According to the report, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to use the iPhone 14 design as a template, with a single camera on the back. However, the 'Plus' variant, if it materializes, may feature a larger 6.7-inch display, similar to the iPhone 14 Plus. This is speculation at this point, as the final design and dimensions of the iPhone SE 4 have not yet been decided, according to the report.

The standard iPhone SE 4 is expected to have the same dimensions as the iPhone 14, measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8mm. The location of the TrueDepth front camera is also expected to be the same as on the iPhone 14. The arrangement of the microphone and stereo speakers is also expected to be identical to the iPhone 14. Additionally, the iPhone SE 4 will be the first Apple device to include the company's own 5G modem.

It's worth noting that the iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch in Q1 next year, although no official confirmation has been made by Apple. The release of a 'Plus' variant would mark a departure from the previous iPhone SE models, which have only been available in a single variant.

While there is no concrete evidence to support the rumor, it's possible that Apple may be considering a larger variant of the iPhone SE 4 to cater to customers who prefer a bigger display. However, until we receive official confirmation from Apple, this remains speculation.

Google Launches Android 15, Rolling Out Now to Pixel Devices

 

Google has officially released Android 15, the latest iteration of its popular mobile operating system, which is now rolling out to Pixel devices. This update brings several new features and enhancements, including improved security, redesigned interface elements, and enhanced user experience.

Security Enhancements

Android 15 introduces a new feature called Private space, which allows users to create a separate, secure environment for sensitive apps. This feature can be accessed through the app drawer or by searching for "Private space." Private space includes apps such as Camera, Chrome, Contacts, and Photos, and users can customize the lock settings to secure their data.

Additionally, Android 15 enhances the security of Find My Device and other sensitive settings by requiring PIN, password, or biometric authentication. The operating system also includes enhanced factory reset protection, making it more difficult for thieves to reset devices without the owner's Google Account password.

Predictive Back and Haptic Feedback

Android 15 introduces predictive back, a feature that shows a preview of the home screen when closing an app. This feature aims to prevent accidental app closures. The operating system also includes haptic feedback when adjusting brightness and volume, providing a more immersive user experience.

Redesigned Volume Panel and Adaptive Vibration

The volume panel has been redesigned with large Material You sliders for media, call, ring, notification, and alarm volumes. The Pixel Launcher now allows users to show long app names, avoiding truncation. The Widgets picker has also been updated with a carousel of essentials, news, and suggested widgets.

Other Changes and Enhancements

Other notable changes in Android 15 include a new Color contrast page in Wallpaper & style, a redesigned wallpaper picker, and several updates to the Settings app. The operating system also includes a new "Hearing" Quick Settings tile and a more prominent Circle to Search on/off switch.

Android 15 Pixel Launch

Android 15 is launching and rolling out starting today for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. 

Users can check for the update in Settings > System > System update.

Adobe Invites Users to Embrace Technology with Firefly's New Video Generator

 

Adobe, a leading innovator in digital media and marketing solutions, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its Firefly suite—a cutting-edge video generator. This new tool is designed to revolutionize the way users create and share video content, offering a seamless and efficient experience that leverages the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

The video generator, integrated within the Firefly platform, enables users to produce high-quality videos with minimal effort. By harnessing the power of AI, the tool can automatically generate video content based on user-provided text, images, and audio inputs. This functionality not only streamlines the video creation process but also democratizes access to professional-grade video production, making it accessible to a broader audience.

One of the standout features of the video generator is its ability to adapt to various user needs. Whether one is creating a promotional video for a business, a personal vlog, or an educational tutorial, the tool offers a range of customization options. Users can select from a library of pre-designed templates, adjust color schemes, and incorporate branding elements to ensure their videos align with their unique vision and style.

Moreover, the video generator is equipped with advanced editing capabilities, allowing users to fine-tune their creations with precision. From adding transitions and effects to synchronizing audio and visual elements, the tool provides a comprehensive suite of editing features that cater to both novice and experienced users.

Adobe's commitment to innovation is evident in the development of this new tool. The company has long been at the forefront of digital creativity, and the introduction of the video generator further solidifies its position as a pioneer in the field. By continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI and machine learning, Adobe empowers its users to explore new creative frontiers and achieve their artistic goals.

In conclusion, Adobe's latest addition to the Firefly suite, the video generator, represents a significant leap forward in video production technology. With its intuitive interface, robust customization options, and advanced editing capabilities, the tool is poised to transform the way users create and share video content. As Adobe continues to innovate, it invites users to embrace the future of digital creativity and explore the limitless possibilities that technology offers.