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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is still a formidable Android phone, but its position has changed. Samsung launched the newer Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026, and the S25 Ultra is now an older flagship rather than the company’s current top model. Samsung’s U.S. March 2026 MSRP list marks the 256GB and 512GB versions as end-of-life, with listed MSRPs of $1,299.99 and $1,419.99, although retailer pricing may be much lower.
That makes the S25 Ultra most interesting when discounted. It combines an excellent 6.9-inch display, long battery life, a flexible camera system, built-in S Pen support, and seven years of updates. Its drawbacks are just as specific: the phone remains large, wired charging is only 45W, the S Pen has lost Bluetooth functions, and Samsung’s AI features depend on accounts, permissions, software versions, and region.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specifications at a glance
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz |
| Weight and dimensions | 218g; 162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2mm |
| Rear cameras | 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP 5x telephoto, 10MP 3x telephoto |
| Front camera | 12MP |
| Video | Up to 8K at 30fps; 4K at 120fps |
| Battery | 5,000mAh |
| Wired charging | 45W |
| Software at launch | Android 15 with One UI 7.0 |
| Update promise | Seven years of OS and security updates |
Pros of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
1. The display is excellent
The 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen is one of the S25 Ultra’s strongest reasons to buy it. Text, photos, games, and video look sharp, while the adaptive refresh rate can reach 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animation.
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- [Shockproof]Passed Military Drop Tested up to 12FT, it has a tough PC brushed back and soft flexible rubber bumpers that provide strong cushioning for everyday drops. Built-in 360°all-around powerful impact-dispersing airbag and 4-corner impact-resistant corner technology. The tiny design of 1.5 mm lips over the camera and 1.5 mm bezels over the screen prevent the screen and camera from dust and scratches.
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The trade-off is size. A 6.9-inch display needs a large body, so this is not a compact phone that happens to have a good screen. It is a large phone deliberately designed around that screen.
2. It is lighter and easier to hold than the S24 Ultra
The S25 Ultra weighs 218g and measures 162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2mm. That is still substantial, but it is lighter than the S24 Ultra, and the rounded corners make the shape more comfortable in the hand than Samsung’s previous sharply squared design.
This is an improvement rather than a solution. Reaching the top of the display with one hand is difficult, and the phone can feel tiring during long periods of one-handed use. A case adds more bulk, especially if it includes a magnetic ring or S Pen protection.
3. The camera system is unusually versatile
The S25 Ultra gives you four useful rear cameras rather than relying on one main sensor and heavy digital cropping:
- A 200MP main camera
- A 50MP ultrawide camera
- A 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom
- A 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom
That combination covers everyday photos, landscapes, group shots, portraits, and distant subjects. It also records 8K video at 30fps and 4K video at 120fps, giving experienced users more flexibility for slow-motion footage and higher-end video work.
The ultrawide camera is the significant hardware change from the S24 Ultra: it rises from 12MP to 50MP. Reviews generally found better detail, although the macro results are not consistently class-leading. The camera system is versatile, but buyers should not interpret the 200MP headline number as a guarantee of perfect results in every lighting condition.
4. Battery endurance is a real strength
The 5,000mAh battery gives the S25 Ultra strong endurance. In Tom’s Guide’s continuous 5G web-browsing test, it lasted 17 hours and 14 minutes with the display set to 150 nits. Switching the display to 60Hz increased the result to 18 hours and 35 minutes.
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5. Samsung promises seven years of updates
The phone launched with Android 15 and One UI 7.0, and Samsung promises seven years of operating-system and security updates. That is valuable if you intend to keep the phone for several years or buy one at a reduced price after launch.
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- 💪 [360 Full Body Protection] New Shockproof Designed for S25 Ultra Case is certified to exceed Military Grade Drop Test standards and survive drops up to (3.6m). Unique double layer shock-absorbing design, 4 anti-collision corners effectively absorb and disperse 99% of the impact force. Besides, the phone case is fully sealed to wrap your phone at 360 degrees without dead ends, comprehensive protection. No need to worry about scratches, drops, bumps, stains, or any other daily damages
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The S25 Ultra has already received Android 16 and One UI 8 updates, and Samsung began rolling out One UI 8.5 to the S25 series in 2026. The exact availability depends on country, carrier, and model. For example, Samsung’s U.S. update history for model SM-S938U lists regional build differences, so there is no single update status that applies to every S25 Ultra.
6. Pro users get useful video controls
Log video is available in Pro Video mode. Log footage is intended for people who plan to color-grade their recordings rather than use the phone’s standard processed output.
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To enable it, open:
Camera → Quick controls (four dots) → Settings → Advanced video options → Log
To record with it, use:
Camera → More → Pro Video → Log
This is a useful feature for creators who want more control in post-production. It is less important if you mostly record clips to share immediately, because Log footage normally needs additional editing to look its best.
Cons of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
1. The included S Pen no longer has Bluetooth features
The S Pen remains useful for handwriting, drawing, Air Command, and Quick notes. However, Samsung removed Bluetooth Low Energy from the S25 Ultra S Pen. It cannot pair with the phone, charge inside it, perform Air actions, unlock the phone, or act as a remote camera shutter.
This is a meaningful downgrade for S Pen owners upgrading from a model whose pen supported remote controls. The stylus is now primarily a passive input tool, not a Bluetooth accessory.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFor Quick notes, go to Settings → Advanced features → S Pen → Quick notes. Then press and hold the S Pen button while double-tapping the screen.
2. The large design will not suit everyone
The rounded corners improve comfort, but they do not change the basic character of the phone. At 218g with a 6.9-inch screen, the S25 Ultra is best for people who actively want a large display.
One-handed typing and navigation can be awkward. It may also be uncomfortable in a small pocket, and using it while lying down requires more care than using a smaller phone. If you prefer light, compact phones, the S25 Ultra’s screen and camera capabilities may not compensate for its physical size.
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3. Charging is merely adequate at 45W
The S25 Ultra supports 45W wired charging. Samsung says a 45W adapter can charge it to approximately 65% in around 30 minutes. That is useful, but it is not especially fast compared with phones that support higher charging rates.
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The phone also lacks built-in Qi2 magnetic alignment. Magnetic accessories require a compatible case or accessory, so a magnetic charging setup is not as straightforward as it is on phones with integrated magnets.
4. Galaxy AI has conditions and limitations
Galaxy AI can be useful, but it should not be treated as a completely self-contained feature set. Samsung says the full experience requires Samsung and Google account sign-ins. Availability can vary by device, operating-system version, and region, while some enhanced or third-party features may have separate terms or fees.
Depending on the software version, Galaxy AI settings may be found at:
Settings → Galaxy AI
or:
Settings → Advanced features → Intelligent features
Gemini actions also do not always complete automatically. Cross-app commands may need additional permissions or a final confirmation, such as tapping Send when composing a message. To launch Gemini, press and hold the Side button. Google can be selected as the default digital assistant through:
Settings → Apps → Choose default apps → Digital assistant app
These requirements do not make the AI tools useless, but they do make the experience less universal than marketing demonstrations may suggest.
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5. Its launch price was high, and current stock needs checking
The S25 Ultra launched as a premium phone, and its large-screen hardware came with a premium price. Samsung’s March 2026 U.S. MSRP list marks the 256GB and 512GB models as EOL at $1,299.99 and $1,419.99, respectively. Samsung’s list does not show a 1TB S25 Ultra entry.
End-of-life status does not mean the phone suddenly stops working. It means buyers should pay attention to remaining stock, warranty terms, retailer condition, and software support. Since the Galaxy S26 series is now available, the S25 Ultra makes the most sense when its price is clearly below the newer model’s price or when its specific features suit you better.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The S25 Ultra is a good fit if you want a large, bright display; long battery life; a flexible zoom camera system; built-in stylus support; and a phone you can keep for years. It is especially appealing to people who use split-screen apps, take handwritten notes, record advanced video, or want a phone that can replace some tablet and notebook tasks.
It is less suitable if you want a compact design, very fast charging, built-in magnetic accessory support, or a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. It is also harder to recommend at an undisturbed launch-era price now that the Galaxy S26 series has replaced it at the top of Samsung’s range.
What to check before buying
- Compare the price with the Galaxy S26 series. The S25 Ultra should normally have a substantial discount to make its older status worthwhile.
- Confirm the storage version and seller. Remaining EOL stock can vary, and retailer condition or warranty coverage matters.
- Check regional software support. Update timing differs between unlocked, carrier, and international models.
- Budget for accessories. A compatible charger may not be included, and magnetic charging requires a compatible case or accessory.
- Test the S Pen expectations. Writing and Quick notes work, but Air actions and remote-control features do not.
FAQ
Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, if you find it at a meaningful discount. It still offers an excellent display, strong battery life, versatile cameras, an S Pen, and seven years of updates. It is no longer Samsung’s current flagship, however, so compare its price with the newer Galaxy S26 series.
Does the Galaxy S25 Ultra S Pen support Bluetooth or Air actions?
No. The included S Pen does not support Bluetooth Low Energy, pairing, charging, Air actions, S Pen unlock, or remote-control functions. It still supports writing, Air Command, and Quick notes.
How fast does the Galaxy S25 Ultra charge?
It supports 45W wired charging. Samsung says a 45W adapter can charge the phone to approximately 65% in around 30 minutes. The adapter may not be included, depending on the market or bundle.
Does the Galaxy S25 Ultra have built-in Qi2 magnets?
No. The phone does not provide built-in Qi2 magnetic alignment. You need a compatible case or accessory for magnetic charging and magnetic mounts.
The Bottom Line
The Galaxy S25 Ultra remains an excellent large Android phone, particularly for its screen, battery endurance, camera range, S Pen input, and long update promise. Its weaknesses are not hidden: it is still bulky, charging is limited to 45W, the S Pen lost Bluetooth features, and Galaxy AI depends on accounts and regional software support.
In 2026, the buying decision is mainly about price. If the S25 Ultra is heavily discounted, it remains a capable long-term purchase. If it costs close to the newer Galaxy S26 series, the newer model deserves priority unless you specifically prefer the S25 Ultra’s design, camera setup, or available deals.
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