Galaxy S25 Vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy S25
Galaxy S25
Starting at

Refurbished price:482.00

Versus €910.00 new

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Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:735.00

Versus €1,408.78 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S25 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, both released in February 2025, represent the latest generation of Samsung's flagship Android smartphones. While they share the same core operating system and a powerful processor, they cater to different user preferences primarily through variations in display size, camera capabilities, and overall design. Both devices run on Android 15 with One UI 7, offering a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its build quality, software support, and the availability of repairs. Both the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra are designed for extended use, benefiting from Samsung's commitment to long-term software updates.

  • Software Support: Both models were released with Android 15 and One UI 7, and Samsung has committed to providing seven years of OS and security updates, extending support until 2032. This ensures a prolonged period of access to the latest features and security patches.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S25 features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, paired with an aluminum frame. The S25 Ultra elevates this with Corning Gorilla Armor 2 on both sides and a titanium frame, offering enhanced resistance to drops and scratches.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: Both devices carry an IP68 rating, indicating robust protection against dust and immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

Year of Release

2025

2025

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra are equipped with the same advanced processor, ensuring high-level performance across the board. The differences in performance largely stem from their thermal management and RAM configurations.

  • Processing Power: Both models utilize a current-generation processor built on a 3nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU. This hardware enables smooth handling of demanding applications, efficient multitasking, and responsive gaming experiences.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S25 comes with 12GB of RAM and starts with 128GB of internal storage. The S25 Ultra also features 12GB of RAM, with some regional 1TB models offering 16GB, and starts with a larger 256GB storage capacity. This provides the Ultra with a slight edge for users who frequently manage many applications or require extensive local storage.
  • Sustained Performance: The S25 Ultra incorporates a significantly larger vapor chamber for cooling compared to the S25, which helps maintain peak performance during extended periods of heavy use, such as intense gaming or video editing.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on both devices is vibrant and fluid, though the Ultra model offers a larger canvas and a slightly higher resolution for a more expansive viewing area.

  • Display Technology and Brightness: Both the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra feature Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and vivid colors. They both achieve a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Size and Resolution: The Galaxy S25 has a 6.2-inch display with a 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 416 ppi. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a larger 6.9-inch display with a sharper 3120 x 1440 pixel resolution, yielding around 498 ppi, which translates to a slightly more detailed visual experience.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the S25 Ultra is well-suited for media consumption, productivity tasks, and immersive gaming, while the S25 provides a more compact and manageable form factor for one-handed use.

Resolution

1080x2340

1080 x 2340 pixels

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a key differentiator, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra offering a more versatile and advanced setup for photography enthusiasts and professionals.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S25 features a triple-camera setup with a 50 MP wide-angle main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S25 Ultra boasts a quad-camera system, including a 200 MP wide-angle main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and an additional 50 MP periscope telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom.
  • Zoom Capabilities: The S25 Ultra's dual telephoto lenses provide greater flexibility for capturing distant subjects with clarity, offering both 3x and 5x optical zoom options, whereas the S25 is limited to 3x optical zoom.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 8K video at 30fps and feature a 12 MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls, supporting 4K video recording at 60fps.

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two Galaxy models.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for fast wireless connections. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, along with the S25+, also includes Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, which can enhance location tracking and digital key functionalities. Both models feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometrics and Stylus: Both devices incorporate an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. A notable exclusive feature of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is its integrated S Pen stylus, which offers enhanced precision for note-taking, drawing, and navigation.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S25 is the more compact option, measuring 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm and weighing 162 grams. The S25 Ultra is larger and heavier at 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm and 218 grams, which can impact one-handed usability and pocketability.

Weight

162 g

2 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.9

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra cater to distinct user needs, despite their shared foundation of a powerful processor and extensive software support. User feedback often highlights the S25 as an ideal choice for those who prefer a more compact device that still delivers strong performance and reliable all-day battery life.

The S25 Ultra, conversely, is frequently praised by users for its comprehensive feature set, including its expansive display, advanced camera system with superior zoom capabilities, and the integrated S Pen. However, some users note that the Ultra's larger size can be a consideration for daily handling. Criticisms for both models are often centered on the iterative nature of yearly upgrades rather than significant breakthroughs, with some Ultra users wishing for further display advancements or faster charging speeds.

Ultimately, users prioritizing a more manageable form factor and solid everyday performance will find the Galaxy S25 well-suited to their needs. Those who desire the largest possible screen, the most versatile camera array, and the productivity benefits of a stylus will likely gravitate towards the Galaxy S25 Ultra. For consumers looking for an eco-friendly alternative, considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide access to these advanced features while supporting sustainable choices.

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