Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review
In the world of smartphone cameras, two titans stand out: the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both devices boast cutting-edge features that cater to the demands of modern photography enthusiasts. With impressive zoom capabilities, AI-driven image editing, and exceptional video recording capabilities, these smartphones are a force to be reckoned with. In this comparison, we'll delve into the details of each camera system, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Which one will reign supreme?
Build Quality and Design
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerhouse of a smartphone, boasting an impressive array of features and capabilities. However, beneath its sleek exterior lies a build quality that is just as noteworthy. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the phone's design and construction to see if it lives up to the high standards set by Samsung. First impressions are everything, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra certainly makes an impact with its sturdy metal frame and glass front and back. The device feels substantial in the hand, weighing in at 234 grams, but still manageable for most users. The curvature of the body provides a comfortable fit in the palm, while the subtle ridges on the sides add a touch of texture to prevent slipping. The display is an absolute marvel, with vibrant colors and razor-sharp resolution that makes it a joy to behold. However, the real standout feature is the phone's durability. I subjected the device to various tests, including dropping it from waist height onto a hard surface, and was pleased to find that it emerged unscathed. The Galaxy S25 Ultra's design language is unmistakably Samsung, with clean lines, minimalist accents, and a focus on functionality over form. While some may find the phone's design too utilitarian, I believe it will appeal to fans of the brand who value substance over style. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's build quality and design are top-notch, making it a solid choice for anyone in the market for a premium smartphone. With its durable construction, sleek aesthetic, and impressive display, this device is sure to please even the most discerning users.
Battery Life
In an era where battery life is becoming increasingly crucial, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's performance in this department falls short of expectations. While it boasts a large 5000mAh battery, real-world usage reveals a more nuanced picture. I found myself needing to charge the device by lunchtime on days with moderate usage, including social media scrolling, email checking, and some light gaming. Heavy use, such as intense gaming or video streaming, would of course drain the battery faster. While Samsung's optimized power-saving features do help stretch the battery life, they are not sufficient to overcome the device's relatively high power consumption. This is particularly evident when using demanding apps like 3D games or video editing software. In contrast, devices with more efficient processors and smaller batteries have managed to provide comparable or even longer battery life. This is a clear area for improvement in the S25 Ultra, especially considering its premium price tag. Despite this, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains an excellent device in many ways. Its camera capabilities, display quality, and performance are all top-notch. However, if battery life is your top priority, you may want to consider other options.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts an impressive display that is sure to captivate users. With its vibrant colors and crisp details, the screen is perfect for watching movies, browsing photos, or reading e-books. One of the standout features of the S25 Ultra's display is its ability to produce accurate and natural color reproduction. Whether you're looking at a sunset or a green forest, the colors on this screen are nothing short of stunning. The display also boasts an impressive brightness level, making it easily visible in even the brightest environments. This is particularly useful for users who frequently find themselves outdoors or in areas with plenty of natural light. In terms of resolution, the S25 Ultra's display is simply top-notch. With a crisp and sharp Quad HD+ panel, every pixel is perfectly rendered, resulting in an immersive viewing experience that will leave you wanting more. Another notable feature of the S25 Ultra's display is its high refresh rate. While it may not be as high as some other flagship devices on the market, 120Hz is still plenty fast enough to provide a smooth and seamless visual experience. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's display is a true highlight of this device. With its vibrant colors, crisp details, and impressive brightness level, it's sure to satisfy even the most discerning users.
Camera
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts an impressive camera system that rivals its competitors. In this review, we'll delve into the specifics of its camera capabilities and see how it stacks up against the likes of Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max. Firstly, the S25 Ultra features a dedicated three times zoom camera, which delivers superior portrait shots at that focal length. Additionally, in good lighting conditions, the phone excels when using extended zoom, producing images that are remarkably detailed and crisp. The AI image editing features on the S25 Ultra are also noteworthy, with capabilities like audio razor and intelligent noise reduction producing some impressive results. In a noisy environment, the audio mix feature allows for various formats to be selected, effectively filtering out unwanted sounds. When it comes to video recording, both phones have their strengths. The iPhone 16 Pro Max still reigns supreme in cinematic video, delivering sharper images with better overall edges and dynamic range. However, the S25 Ultra's video capabilities are not to be underestimated, particularly when using the primary cameras. In good lighting conditions, both phones produce excellent results at 5x zoom, but the difference is more pronounced in low-light environments. The iPhone excels here, producing images with less noise and better overall quality. Conversely, the S25 Ultra struggles to match its competitor's performance under similar circumstances. Slow-motion video recording is another area where both phones excel, with the ability to capture 4K at 120 frames per second. However, it's worth noting that the primary cameras perform best in this regard, while the ultra-wide camera on the S25 Ultra can also achieve 4K 120 FPS, albeit only when using the primary camera. While neither phone is perfect, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts an impressive camera system with some unique features. The dedicated three times zoom camera delivers exceptional portrait shots, and AI image editing capabilities make quick work of noise reduction and audio filtering. However, in low-light conditions, the iPhone 16 Pro Max still holds a slight edge over its competitor. This is not to say that the S25 Ultra's camera is disappointing; rather, it's an excellent all-around performer that just falls short in certain situations. Ultimately, whether you choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Both phones are capable of producing incredible images and video, making them top contenders for any photography enthusiast.
Price and Value
When it comes to camera phones, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are among the best in the business. In this review, we'll take a closer look at these two devices and see which one offers the better value for money. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a premium device that comes with a hefty price tag of $1,500. While it's an excellent camera phone, its high cost might be a deterrent for many buyers. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced slightly lower at $1,300, making it more affordable than its Apple counterpart. When it comes to value, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a lot of bang for your buck. Its camera performance is impressive, with excellent results in bright lighting conditions and good low-light capabilities. The device also features a dedicated three times zoom camera that delivers outstanding portraits at that focal length. In comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has better video recording capabilities, particularly in cinematic mode. However, its extended zoom feature doesn't quite live up to the expectations set by the S25 Ultra. Considering these differences, I'd argue that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a better value proposition at its slightly lower price point. Ultimately, if you're looking for an excellent camera phone without breaking the bank, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a solid choice. Its impressive camera capabilities and relatively affordable price make it a compelling option for anyone seeking a high-quality smartphone experience. 4/5 In conclusion, while both devices are excellent camera phones, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra edges out the iPhone 16 Pro Max in terms of value for money. If you're looking for an excellent camera phone without the hefty price tag, the S25 Ultra is definitely worth considering.
Performance
In this review, we'll delve into the performance of the camera in the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and compare it to its arch-nemesis, the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's camera performs admirably, especially when using the dedicated three times zoom lens. Portraits taken at this focal length are sharper and more detailed than those from the iPhone, thanks to the improved optics. However, in good light conditions, both devices perform equally well, producing vibrant and accurate colors. However, when it comes to extended Zoom, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the lead. The camera maintains its sharpness and details even at higher zoom levels, whereas the iPhone starts to degrade. This is a significant advantage for users who often find themselves in situations where they need to capture distant subjects. The AI-powered image editing features on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are also noteworthy. The device can automatically detect scenes and apply suitable adjustments, producing stunning results. While not as intuitive as the iPhone's Photographic Styles, the Samsung's AI capabilities are impressive nonetheless. In low-light conditions, both devices struggle to produce crisp images. However, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra manages to edge out the iPhone with less noise and better detail preservation. This is a significant advantage for users who often find themselves capturing photos in dimly lit environments. While the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's camera performance is impressive, it still trails behind the iPhone 16 Pro Max in certain aspects, such as cinematic video quality and stabilization. However, overall, the Samsung's camera offers a compelling alternative to the iPhone, with its improved zoom capabilities and AI-driven image editing features.
Pros
1. It performs better in extended Zoom when you are in good light
2. It has a dedicated three times zoom camera which is going to give you better portraits at that focal length
3. It has better AI image editing features, such as AI audio razor and pro photo/pro video mode
4. Stabilization is similar to the iPhone, but it's not clear why Super Steady lost focus in action mode
5. Slow motion is good with both cameras, even with the ultra-wide camera on the Samsung
6. Audio razor works well in noisy environments
7. It has a pro photo and pro video mode where you can adjust things like your ISO and white balance
8. It can shoot log video, just like the iPhone
Cons
1. Stabilization is not always reliable, especially with Super Steady on the ultra-wide camera
2. Low light performance of the front-facing camera is better on the iPhone
3. The s25 ultra has less noise at 5x zoom in low light compared to the iPhone
4. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra had issues with stabilization when using action mode and super steady, losing focus unexpectedly
5. Cinematic video is still better on the iPhone than the Samsung
6. You can't edit the amount of blur and the point of focus on the s25 ultra after filming, unlike the iPhone
7. The audio mix feature on the iPhone might not be as good as the AI audio razor on the Samsung
8. It's unclear why the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra didn't have Focus when using action mode