S25 Ultra impression after 2 days

[Tallman]

Hi members,

I bet there are lots of reviews on internet about S25 Ultra and comparison with different devices. So, I am not going to do the comparison.

I just swap my phone yesterday and really use the phone today this morning. There are some feelings would like to share about this phone.

About this phone

First of all, I gave up Samsung original screen coating, which is Anti-reflection. My S24U was protected by tempered glass and luckily with it. Accident always happened no matter how careful I am. I hit somewhere and the tempered glass was broken. Therefore, I still give up the Anti-reflection on S25U screen. I still installed the tempered glass on the screen, even though it is reflective. But I can adjust the angle of the phone to avoid the reflection.

When holding S25U on hand, I feel lighter than S24U 🤔. Also, the phone shape feels so good.

Order and delivery

I ordered JetBlack from Samsung Online store. I also ordered the 45W charger for my new phone. Using Spigen Ultra Hybrid case, which is softshell and fit it perfectly. Samsung Canada logistic team did a good job this year. Fast and smooth👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. Unlike last year, my S24U has been delayed almost a month. But I received S25U earlier than expected. Thank you Samsung Canada😊😊😊.

Camera and picture

Camera - I did not take many photos yet. But tried to setup S23U, S24U and S25U to take a picture in order to see the differences.

The photo is taken in Auto mode and 3x zoom. Focus set to middle red heart. S23U is brighter and more red. S24U is more warmer tone. S25U is more natural but higher contrast.

If you want more colorful and brighter photo, S23U is way to go. But somehow I like S25U with more natural feel and high contrast. For closes colour tone, S24U is the closest match to real life colour.

What's new / what's removed

Anyone who has S25U, we all know what's new and what has been changed. I will try to list what are the differeces for members who has no S25U.

- Samsung Message app has been removed. Forced to use Google Message app

- SPen removed Bluetooth so that no more remote shutter for camera and air gestures.

- DeX for Windows app is not working on OneUI 7. However, wireless DeX still working. Samsung only stop develop Windows app for DeX.

- For OneUI 7, icons make a fresh new look to me. Notification sound is more softer, I like it thou. That is personal 😉. I noticed that Notification has changed. Swipe down from left is notifications. Is swipe down from right is device controls. Hmmm...it looks like iProduct 🙂‍↕️. But I can switch back to the old format 👍🏼.

- Mobile Hotspot tile. Many members were asking how to add it back to quick menu. Used to use ADB command to add it. Now, it is on the quick menu now in OneUi 7.

- Another feature that very common in Samsung forum, which is call recording. Now available on OneUI 7 as well.

- Briefing, is an app that shows you everying in one page. Not sure how useful it is. But for sure some members would like it.

Also, there are new features that already intoduced in Galaxy Unpacked event, like Audio Eraser, Gemini advanced...etc.

Performance

When open apps, switch apps, the phone is so smooth. Face unlock and finger print unlock, very fast. Way better than S23U and S24U. I can just descibe it, fast and accurate. I tried sending files from S23U and S24U to S25U using QuickShare, it was fast. I mean transfer 5 photos in 2 seconds.

Battery

Since I just use the phone for 2 days, my phone still in "Learning usage pattern" status. I think is almost the same like my S24U. But too soon to say. Will see...

Data transfer

The only complain is no SD card. The backup took forever😴. I love to make backup. Therefore, I use Samsung SmartSwitch to backup my S24U data to laptop. Then restore data to S25U. No data lost. All settings and apps restore completely. But because I have lot of photos and videos, I took 2 hours on backup and 2 hours on restore. I am hoping Samsung can put the SD card back in the future. Swapping the SD card only take me few minutes😔.

Although some features have been removed. But the phone in general is excellent. I like the new look and performance.

Thank you for reading. Hope my post can help some members know more about the S25 Ultra phone and OneUI 7.

[RedDogRabbit]

That is a good, unbiased assessment! I especially agree about the micro sd card.. I don't use the Spen, but from a purely observational point of view.. why does Samsung continually remove things, in this case, Bluetooth for the Spen?? Ultra, seems to mean a little less than it used to. 

[Tallman]

I guess less people using the features, Samsung just remove it. I know still a lot of users using SPen, but outside this forum, I saw many people said they don't even know SPen can do camera remote shutter. Some even say they never use the SPen.

[RobertZ]

They removed the SD card so that if you want more storage you're forced to buy a model with more native storage. It's about being able to charge you more and has nothing to do with a technical concern or what customers want.

[KOTS21]

Nice little review and congrats on your new phone .

[Tallman]

Thank you 😊

[mickinetsystems]

I enjoyed reading your review even though I have watched several videos about the S25U.

I feel like upgrading to the S25U right now. 😊

[Helenna]

Hi Tallman,

Thank you for sharing your detailed experience with the Galaxy S25 Ultra! Your insights will definitely help other members who are considering the upgrade or looking for real-world feedback.

It’s great to hear that your ordering and delivery experience was smooth this time, and that you’re enjoying the lighter feel and design of the device. The camera comparisons are also valuable seeing how the S25 Ultra leans towards a more natural, high-contrast look is helpful for those debating the upgrade.

Regarding removed features, we understand that changes like the removal of the Samsung Messages app, S Pen Bluetooth, and DeX for Windows support may take some getting used to. However, One UI 7’s improvements in UI design, notifications, and added features like Audio Eraser and enhanced call recording bring fresh enhancements to the experience.

Your feedback about performance and unlocking speeds is promising, and we appreciate your patience with battery life optimizations as the phone continues to learn your usage patterns. While lack of SD card support remains a common request, Samsung Smart Switch does provide a solid backup and restore option even if it takes a bit longer.

Overall, we’re glad to hear you’re enjoying the performance, smoothness, and improvements on your new S25 Ultra.

Thanks again for your insights, and feel free to share any updates as you continue using the device!

[Tallman]

I only have about 170GB multimedia data, which too me 4 hours on backup and restore. Imagine if I have 500GB data, how much time I need? A day? This is not feasible in real life scenario. I hope Samsung could have a better solution or consider adding SD Card back to phone. 😊

[Tampakk]

I can not find the panel settings for separate or together that you have shown a screenshot for. I search many keywords. Can you tell me where to find that setting? I like the old format as well. Great review!