Galaxy S25 Vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy S25
Galaxy S25
Starting at

Refurbished price:£435.00

Versus £766.13 new

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Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£649.00

Versus £1,249.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S25 (2025) and Galaxy S25 Ultra (2025) represent the latest generation of Samsung's flagship smartphone line. While both devices offer a premium Android experience with advanced features, the S25 Ultra distinguishes itself with a larger display, a more versatile camera system, and integrated S Pen functionality. Both models launched with Android 15 and Samsung's One UI 7, offering a consistent software experience across the series.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra offer substantial software support and robust build quality.

  • Software Support: Both models were released with Android 15 and One UI 7, and Samsung has committed to providing seven years of operating system and security updates for the S25 series. This extended support ensures that both devices will remain current and secure for a considerable period, with support expected to continue until 2032.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S25 features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, paired with an aluminum frame, providing solid protection against everyday wear and tear. The Galaxy S25 Ultra elevates this with Corning Gorilla Armor 2 on both the front and back, along with a titanium frame, offering enhanced resistance to scratches and drops. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
  • Expected Lifespan: Given the extensive software support and durable materials, users can expect a practical lifespan of several years from either device. The S25 Ultra's slightly more advanced protective materials and titanium frame may offer a marginal edge in long-term physical resilience for users who prioritize maximum durability.

Year of Release

2025

2025

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra are equipped with powerful internal components designed for demanding tasks and smooth daily operation.

  • Processing Power: Both smartphones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a custom-optimized processor for Galaxy devices. This chipset is manufactured using a 3nm process and features an octa-core CPU, delivering strong performance for applications, multitasking, and gaming. Users can expect rapid app loading, fluid transitions, and efficient handling of resource-intensive applications on either model.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra come with 12GB of RAM as standard, facilitating seamless multitasking and efficient app management. The S25 offers storage options up to 512GB, while the S25 Ultra extends this to 1TB, catering to users with larger storage needs. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S25 features a 4000 mAh battery, while the S25 Ultra includes a larger 5000 mAh battery. In typical usage, the S25 can comfortably last a full day for many users, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging. The S25 Ultra, with its larger capacity, generally offers extended battery life, often lasting beyond a single day even with intensive use. Charging speeds differ, with the S25 supporting 25W wired charging and the S25 Ultra supporting faster 45W wired charging, though both support 15W wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a central feature for both the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra, offering vibrant visuals and smooth interactions, though with key differences in size and resolution.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both phones feature a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and responsive touch. The Galaxy S25 has a 6.2-inch display, offering a compact viewing experience. The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a larger 6.9-inch display, providing more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S25 features a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), resulting in sharp images and text. The S25 Ultra steps up to a Quad HD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), offering even finer detail and clarity, particularly noticeable on its larger screen. Both displays achieve a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: The S25 Ultra's display also includes an anti-glare coating, which can reduce reflections and improve outdoor viewing. While both offer excellent color reproduction and contrast typical of AMOLED panels, the Ultra's larger size, higher resolution, and anti-glare properties contribute to a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience for extended periods.

Resolution

1080x2340

1440x3120

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, with the Ultra model offering more advanced capabilities.

  • Main Camera System: The Galaxy S25 features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main wide-angle sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration is capable of producing detailed photos with good color accuracy in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, on the other hand, comes with a quad-camera system, including a 200MP main wide-angle sensor, a new 50MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. The Ultra's higher megapixel count on its main and ultrawide sensors, combined with the additional periscope zoom, provides greater flexibility and detail, especially at longer distances.
  • Photography Features: Both phones offer features like optical image stabilization (OIS) on their main sensors, dual pixel PDAF, and various AI-powered enhancements for photography. The S25 Ultra's larger sensors and advanced zoom capabilities generally lead to superior low-light performance and more detailed zoomed-in shots. Both can record video up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second.
  • Audio and Selfie Cameras: Both devices are equipped with a 12MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls, capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second. For audio, both models feature stereo speakers, providing a rich sound experience for media consumption.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra, impacting daily usability and specific user needs.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast and reliable wireless communication. Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, relying on USB-C for wired audio or wireless solutions.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: Both the S25 and S25 Ultra feature an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. They also include a suite of other sensors for various functionalities.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S25 is designed to be more compact and lighter, weighing 162g with dimensions of 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm, making it comfortable for one-handed use. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a larger and heavier device at 218g and 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm, reflecting its expansive display and larger battery. The Ultra model also integrates an S Pen stylus, offering enhanced productivity for note-taking and precise interactions.
  • Build Materials: The S25 uses an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the S25 Ultra features a more robust titanium frame with Corning Gorilla Armor 2, contributing to its overall durability.

Weight

162 g

233 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.9

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy S25 often highlights its comfortable, compact form factor and strong performance for its size. Many appreciate its vibrant display and the comprehensive software support promised by Samsung. However, some users note that its battery life, while generally sufficient for a day, may not match larger devices under heavy use, and its camera system, while capable, doesn't offer the same versatility as the Ultra model.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is frequently praised for its expansive and bright display, exceptional camera system with advanced zoom capabilities, and the integrated S Pen, which enhances productivity. Users often consider it a complete package for those seeking the most advanced Android experience. Criticisms sometimes point to its larger size and weight, which can make one-handed use challenging, and some feel that while powerful, the upgrades from previous Ultra models are incremental.

Users prioritizing a more compact and lightweight device that still delivers flagship performance and a good camera for everyday use may find the Galaxy S25 well-suited to their needs. Its smaller footprint makes it easier to handle and carry. Conversely, users who require the largest possible screen, the most advanced camera system with extensive zoom, and the productivity features of an integrated stylus will likely prefer the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It caters to power users, content creators, and those who value a premium, feature-rich experience. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for consumers looking to make an informed decision.

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