A flagship Android built to go the distance

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB in Titanium Black is very much a top-tier flagship, designed for people who want the best Android experience Samsung currently offers. With its large Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, premium titanium frame and S Pen support, it feels every bit a high-end device.

Under the bonnet you get Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip and 12GB of RAM, so it is built for heavy multitaskers, mobile creatives and serious gamers. A huge 200MP rear camera system and 8K video recording firmly position it as a phone for photography enthusiasts too.

Owner feedback is extremely strong, with a 4.9 out of 5 rating from over 11,000 reviews. That kind of consistency suggests Samsung has nailed the formula here, even if you are paying a premium price for it.

Table of Contents

Key features

  • 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display
  • 200MP quad rear camera captures jaw-dropping pictures
  • 12MP front-facing camera for great selfies
  • Galaxy AI makes everyday tasks even easier
  • Super-fast Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor

Who this smartphone is best for

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is ideal if you want a no-compromise Android flagship and are happy to pay for it. The combination of Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of fast internal storage makes it a smart choice for heavy users who keep lots of apps open, download plenty of media and game on the go.

It’s particularly well suited to mobile photographers and content creators. The quad rear camera system tops out at a huge 200MP sensor, backed up by 50MP, 12MP and 10MP lenses, optical zoom up to 5x and 8K video support. If you regularly shoot travel, family events or social content and want detailed, stabilised footage without carrying a separate camera, this phone makes a lot of sense.

The large 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and S Pen support also make it appealing for professionals and students who take notes, annotate documents or sketch on the move. Galaxy AI and Samsung DeX compatibility add extra productivity, turning the phone into more of a pocket computer.

If you’re on a tight budget or just want a simple handset for calls, messaging and a few apps, this is likely to be overkill. But for anyone looking to invest in a long-lasting, fully featured flagship, it’s a very strong candidate.

What we like

The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3120) and 505ppi delivers sharp, punchy visuals that really flatter films, games and photos. Corning Gorilla Armor 2 and an anti-glare finish should also help it stay clearer and more resilient in daily use.

Camera hardware is a major highlight. You get four rear lenses including a 200MP sensor, optical 3x and 5x zoom, wide-angle coverage, HDR photo and video, plus optical image stabilisation on the rear. For most people, that means crisp daylight shots, far better zoomed images than a basic phone and stable footage when you’re walking or panning.

Performance is top-drawer, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor with eight cores and up to 3.39GHz speeds, paired with 12GB of RAM. Expect smooth multitasking, fast app launches and headroom for demanding games and editing apps.

The 5000mAh battery, fast charging, wireless charging and Reverse Wireless Charging all add up to strong all-day practicality. Being able to top up earbuds or another phone using Wireless PowerShare is more useful than you might think.

Finally, this model is stacked with modern conveniences: IP68 water resistance, an in-screen fingerprint reader, face recognition, S Pen support, Dolby Atmos sound, Wireless Projecting and DeX, plus Google Pay and Samsung Pay for contactless payments.

Where it could be better

There’s no microSD card slot, so you’re locked to the built-in 256GB storage. For many people that’s ample, but if you shoot a lot of 8K video or store large game libraries, you’ll need to manage space carefully or lean on cloud services.

Like most modern flagships, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack and no USB-C to 3.5mm adaptor in the box, so wired headphone users will need to buy an adaptor or switch to Bluetooth.

The charger is not included – you only get a USB-C cable – which means you may have to factor in the cost of a compatible fast charger if you don’t already own one.

With its big 6.7-inch display and premium materials, this isn’t a compact or especially light handset. Those with smaller hands or who prefer one-handed use may find it a bit bulky.

Finally, while there is a 2-year manufacturer warranty, which is reasonable, some buyers might expect a longer cover period at this price point.

Everyday use

Day to day, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is geared towards a smooth, polished experience. The “all screen” front, 3D Touch support and true-tone style display adjustments make everything from browsing to watching boxsets feel responsive and premium.

Android 15, overlaid with Samsung’s own features, brings Galaxy AI tools, secure folders and Knox Security, plus handy extras like Screen Mirroring, DeX compatibility and Wireless Projecting. If you regularly present from your phone or like using it as a desktop replacement with a monitor and keyboard, it’s set up to do that.

Security is flexible and quick. You have face recognition, an in-display fingerprint reader, and traditional PIN and pattern options, so unlocking feels natural whichever method you prefer.

The IP68 rating and water resistance up to 1.5m for 30 minutes add peace of mind if you get caught in the rain or spill a drink. The titanium frame should also help it feel reassuringly solid, though you’ll still want a case to protect that large display.

With Bluetooth 5.4, Wi‑Fi and 5G on board, connections are bang up to date, and features like Always-On Display and Adaptive Vision Booster make it easy to glance at notifications and keep the screen readable in bright sunlight without fiddling with settings.

Performance and features

Performance is one of the S25 Ultra’s biggest strengths. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, with its eight cores running up to 3.39GHz, coupled with 12GB of RAM, delivers plenty of muscle for image editing, gaming and intensive multitasking. Apps stay in memory longer and switching between them feels snappy.

The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with QHD+ resolution and HDR support serves up deep blacks and vibrant colours that show off high-quality content. Anti-glare treatment and Adaptive Vision Booster help keep the screen legible outdoors and in tricky lighting, while Corning Gorilla Armor 2 provides extra durability.

The camera system is genuinely advanced. On the rear you’ll find four lenses: 200MP, 50MP, 12MP and 10MP, with optical 3x and 5x zoom, wide-angle capabilities and optical image stabilisation. Add in HDR photo and video, 8K recording at 30fps, 4K at up to 60fps and modes like Portrait, Pro, Pro Video, Super Slow-mo and Single Take, and you have a toolset that will satisfy serious mobile photographers and casual point-and-shoot users alike. The 12MP front camera also records up to 4K60, making it a strong option for video calls and vlogging.

Battery performance should comfortably handle a full day of heavy use, thanks to the 5000mAh cell, quoted 56-hour standby and fast charging support. Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging add versatility: drop it on a pad to charge, or use it as a power bank for your earbuds or a friend’s phone.

Beyond raw power, the feature list is extensive. There’s S Pen support for note taking and sketching, Dolby Atmos sound for more immersive audio, Ultra Wide Band technology for precise device location and smart accessories, plus full support for Google Pay and Samsung Pay. IP68 water resistance, Knox Security, secure folder, and a suite of sensors (accelerometer, gyro, proximity and more) round out a very complete flagship package.

Value for money

At £899, the Galaxy S25 Ultra sits firmly in the premium bracket for smartphones. You’re paying a noticeable uplift over mid-range handsets, but in return you get flagship processing power, one of the most capable camera systems on any phone, a high-resolution AMOLED display and a long list of convenience and productivity features.

When you factor in 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, 5G, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, IP68 protection, wireless charging and S Pen support, it’s clear you’re not being short-changed on the spec sheet. For users who will genuinely tap into the camera hardware, Galaxy AI tools, DeX and Wireless Projecting, the price starts to look justified.

The 4.9/5 owner rating from over 11,000 reviews is a strong indicator that buyers feel they’re getting good value despite the high upfront cost. If you simply want a basic smartphone, you can spend far less. But if you’re shopping for a device that can replace several gadgets at once and stay relevant for years, the S25 Ultra offers solid value for what it delivers.

Our verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB is a true flagship, combining a superb QHD+ AMOLED display, top-end Snapdragon performance and one of the most versatile camera setups currently available in a smartphone. Add in IP68 protection, S Pen support, wireless charging and a generous 5000mAh battery, and it’s hard to accuse it of cutting corners.

It isn’t perfect: there’s no microSD expansion, no headphone jack and no charger in the box, and its sizeable footprint won’t suit everyone. The upfront cost is also undeniably high compared to simpler handsets.

However, if you’re looking for a powerful Android phone that can handle serious photography, productivity and entertainment with ease, and you’re willing to invest in a premium device that should stay capable for years, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is an excellent choice.

FAQs

Does the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra have expandable storage?

No. The Galaxy S25 Ultra does not have a microSD card slot, so you are limited to the built-in 256GB of internal storage.
No. You get a USB Type-C cable, an ejection pin and documentation, but no mains power adaptor, so you may need to buy a compatible fast charger separately.
It offers a quad rear camera with optical 3x and 5x zoom, plus 30x digital zoom, optical image stabilisation and video recording up to 8K at 30fps or 4K at 60fps, making it very strong for zoomed shots and high-quality video.
Yes. It has an IP68 rating and is rated water resistant up to 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes, which protects it against accidental splashes and brief submersion.
Yes. It supports wireless charging and Reverse Wireless Charging, so you can also charge other compatible devices from the back of the phone.
Yes. The phone supports Dual SIM with nano SIM cards, allowing you to use two numbers on the same device.
No. It does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack or a USB-C to 3.5mm adaptor in the box, so you will need Bluetooth headphones or a separate adaptor for wired use.
The phone includes a 2-year manufacturer warranty, covering you against defects for a reasonable period after purchase.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB Smartphone in Titanium Black, Black Review

£899.00

Overall score

9.3/10

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