Tag: Galaxy S25 Ultra

February 12, 2025
Galaxy S25 Ultra Achieves Highest iFixit Score in a Decade
Key Takeaways
1. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features significant design improvements compared to its predecessors, despite resembling the iPhone.
2. The battery release mechanism has been enhanced, but the S Pen lost Bluetooth functionality from the S24 Ultra.
3. The 6.9-inch OLED display is challenging to remove, making repairs difficult unless the display is already damaged.
4. iFixit rated the S25 Ultra as “the most repair-friendly Samsung device we’ve seen in a decade.”
5. The phone received a preliminary repair score of 5 out of 10 due to limited spare parts and restrictions on accessing user data.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra might be seen as just another phone that resembles the iPhone more than any of its predecessors. However, according to vloggers like iFixit’s Shahram Mokhtari, the improvements in its design are more significant than that.
Battery Mechanism and S Pen Changes
The team now agrees with others, such as PhoneRepairGuru, that the “battery release mechanism” has seen considerable enhancements, even though they share JerryRigEverything’s opinion that the S Pen has become less functional due to the loss of Bluetooth features found in the S24 Ultra, which is currently priced at around $890 on Amazon.
Display Challenges and Repairability
On the flip side, the S25 Ultra’s 6.9-inch OLED display with Corning Gorilla Armor 2, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, is said to be quite a “nightmare” to take off. iFixit suggests that unless the display is already damaged, it’s best not to attempt removal. Interestingly, this seems to be the only way to access the phone’s larger vapor chamber.
iFixit has now labeled the latest One UI 7 flagship as “the most repair-friendly Samsung device we’ve seen in a decade.”
Repair Score and Durability Issues
Nonetheless, it only received a preliminary score of 5 out of 10 because of the company’s “aggressive anti-repair tactics.” These include a limited availability of spare parts and restrictions on services to access user data.
So far, the S25 Ultra has received a mix of reviews concerning its durability and performance.
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Tags: Galaxy S25 Ultra, iFixit, smartphone repair
January 29, 2025
Galaxy S25 Ultra S Pen Released, Fans Disappointed by Bluetooth Removal
Samsung has introduced its new flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphone at a global launch event held on January 23. One of the standout features of this device is the S Pen, a traditional element of the Ultra series. However, this time, Samsung has made some significant alterations to both its design and functionality, leading to mixed feedback from fans.
New S Pen Features and Pricing
The updated S Pen for the Galaxy S25 Ultra is now available on Samsung’s official website for $49.99. It comes in three colors: Black, Light Grey, and Light Silver. This stylus boasts a 1.5mm tip and an impressive 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, making it great for writing and drawing. It also keeps the Air Command function, which many users appreciate.
Nevertheless, Samsung’s decision to classify the S Pen as a “passive specification” has caused some concern. Unlike previous models, the S Pen for the S25 Ultra lacks Bluetooth support, which means it no longer has features like Air Actions, remote camera control, and other hover-related functions. This represents a substantial change from older versions, which offered advanced features that many Note series fans relied on. The removal of Bluetooth also eliminates the need for charging the S Pen, fitting with Samsung’s efforts to simplify design and reduce costs.
Confusion Over Compatibility
Adding to the confusion, an initial blog post from Samsung hinted that Bluetooth-enabled S Pens, like the S Pen Pro, would be compatible with the S25 Ultra. This raised hopes among fans looking for a way to regain Bluetooth capabilities. However, Samsung later corrected this information, stating to Android Authority that the Galaxy S25 Ultra does not support any Bluetooth S Pens. This clarification left many users feeling let down, especially those who valued the advanced features found in previous models.
The backlash from fans regarding the removal of Bluetooth connectivity has been noticeable. Social media and online forums are filled with complaints from users who depended on features such as remote camera control and air gestures. Many are questioning the reasoning behind Samsung’s choice, especially since these functionalities were popular among loyal Note and Ultra users.
Samsung’s Justification and Future Implications
Samsung defends this decision by citing low usage rates for the removed features, along with the increased complexity and costs they brought. However, this move might indicate a larger shift in Samsung’s approach, possibly leading to a complete phase-out of the S Pen in future releases. Longtime users of the stylus are concerned that this downgrade could signal the gradual disappearance of one of the notable characteristics of the Galaxy Ultra series.
For individuals who mainly use the S Pen for simple tasks like note-taking, these changes might not be a deal-breaker. However, for power users who relied on Bluetooth features, the S Pen for the Galaxy S25 Ultra feels like a significant downgrade. Whether Samsung’s strategy will be successful is yet to be determined, but it is evident that this decision has left a considerable portion of the fan community unhappy.
Tags: Galaxy S25 Ultra, S Pen, Samsung
January 28, 2025
Samsung Confirms Galaxy S25 Ultra Lacks Bluetooth S Pen Support
A few days ago, there was news that Samsung intended to provide a Bluetooth-capable S Pen for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, as stated on the company’s blog. However, Samsung has since confirmed that this was a mistake and that the functionality will not be implemented.
Clarification from Samsung
According to a report by Android Authority, the reference to a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen for the Galaxy S25 Ultra (which can be pre-ordered on Amazon for $1,299.99) has been identified as an error. Samsung informed them that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will not have support for S Pen Bluetooth controls, no matter which S Pen is used with the device.
This indicates that Samsung will not be integrating Bluetooth controls into the S Pen menu of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. With this decision, there is no reason to release a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen for the phone, nor will users be able to buy a Bluetooth S Pen like the S Pen Pro to utilize with it.
Samsung’s Next Steps
Samsung has told Android Authority that it plans to amend the blog post to eliminate the inaccurate information. Upon checking, it was found that the entire section about the Bluetooth features of the S Pen has been deleted, along with the mention that a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen for the Galaxy S25 Ultra would be available separately.
The decision to exclude Bluetooth features from the S Pen for the Galaxy S25 Ultra brings up new concerns. Will the Galaxy S Ultra reverse course and eliminate the built-in S Pen, or could it potentially remove the S Pen functionality altogether? Since Samsung revealed to Android Authority that features like Air Actions with the S Pen are not very popular, it’s possible they also conducted research to see if users desire S Pen support for the Ultra series.
Future Implications
Another question that arises is whether the exclusion of Bluetooth capabilities for the S Pen will impact the Galaxy Tab models that support the S Pen. This seems likely, especially since the S Pen Creator Edition released in late 2023 does not include Bluetooth capabilities. In time, we will learn more about these concerns and what they mean for users.
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Tags: Galaxy S25 Ultra, S Pen, Samsung
January 27, 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Beats iPhone 16 Pro Max in GPU Test
At the debut of the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung highlighted the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy’s ability to deliver improved gaming experiences. While the company didn’t specify figures at that time, now that the flagship devices are launched, numerous new benchmark tests are emerging.
Benchmark Showdown
One such test compares the Galaxy S25 Ultra to the iPhone 16 Pro Max using the 3DMark Steel Nomad Light benchmark. If you’re not familiar, this benchmark evaluates the GPU’s performance under non-raytraced workloads and is widely seen as a reliable measure for how well a smartphone can manage rasterization tasks.
Performance Insights
Referring back to this benchmark comparison, the image shared by @Techinfosocials on X indicates that the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy outperforms the Apple A18 Pro by about 36%. Specifically, the S25 Ultra achieved a score of 2,617, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Max scored 1,922 points.
In terms of average frames per second (FPS), the Galaxy S25 Ultra recorded an average of 19.39 FPS during the test, compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 14.2 FPS. It appears that the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite is giving the Samsung flagship a slight advantage over other devices that use the standard version of the chip.
Cooling and Performance
For instance, the Xiaomi 15 equipped with the regular Snapdragon 8 Elite achieved around 2,530 points, with an average FPS of approximately 18.74. It’s also likely that the enhanced cooling system in the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra contributed to its performance in this benchmark test.
It’s important to mention that the 3DMark Steel Nomad Light does not put any strain on the CPU. However, this benchmark analysis hints that the Galaxy S25 Ultra could be a more favorable choice for mobile gaming.
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Tags: Galaxy S25 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Snapdragon 8 Elite
January 25, 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Teardown: Bigger Vapor Chamber Revealed
Samsung has just released its newest flagship smartphones featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. This model is an enhanced version, showcasing a Prime CPU cores clocked 150MHz faster, along with a GPU boost of 100MHz. Such enhancements in clock speeds are noteworthy when compared to the regular variant.
Enhanced Performance and Cooling
This overclocking is expected to lead to superior performance compared to the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite. To ensure this upgraded SoC remains cool, Samsung has reportedly included a cooling system that is 40% larger in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. A recent teardown has confirmed that this top-tier flagship device indeed has a significantly bigger vapor cooling chamber compared to its predecessor.
Thinner Yet Impressive
It remains uncertain if the cooling systems for the standard Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus have received a similar upgrade. Still, it’s commendable that Samsung has managed to fit a larger vapor cooling chamber into the thinner design of the S25 Ultra compared to the last model.
Performance Expectations
As for the effectiveness of the new cooling system, it’s premature to draw any conclusions. Initial benchmark tests indicate that the overclocked performance scores are not particularly impressive. However, this could change once the Galaxy S25 series begins shipping (you can pre-order the S25 Ultra on Amazon), as Samsung may not have completely optimized the software for performance yet.
If the combination of the larger vapor cooling chamber and the overclocked SoC proves effective, it would be fantastic news for gamers. Previous gaming evaluations have demonstrated that the Snapdragon 8 Elite is quite a potent SoC, performing admirably even in the emulation of Windows games.
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Tags: Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung, Snapdragon 8 Elite
January 24, 2025
Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera: Virtual Aperture, RAW Editing, AI Upgrades
Samsung has rolled out the Galaxy S25 Ultra, along with the S25 and S25+, emphasizing enhancements in photography and video creation. Recently, Samsung detailed the various improvements made to the camera system and software of the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the other models in a blog.
Enhanced Camera Features
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is equipped with a 50MP ultra-wide sensor that is four times larger than its predecessor. This upgrade allows for capturing intricate details in close-up images and ensures clear pictures of distant subjects. It’s also optimized for fast-moving scenes, making sure that even rapid moments are captured sharply.
For video enthusiasts, the Galaxy S25 supports 8K resolution at 30fps, with a 0.6x ultra-wide angle option. Transitioning between zoom levels is now smoother thanks to an instant slow-motion engine, and the Pro Video Mode’s new Zoom Rocker UI offers easy zoom speed adjustments.
New Video Capabilities
The camera is now packed with six new film-like filters that give your visuals a nostalgic feel reminiscent of vintage film cameras. You can adjust contrast, saturation, and color temperature to match your vision. For serious videographers, the Log Video feature offers an expanded dynamic range for more versatile editing. Users can also download LUTs (Look-Up Tables) from Samsung for use in editing software like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere Pro.
The standard 10-bit HDR feature enhances video quality with richer colors and greater depth. Users can also extract snapshots from HDR videos, which are processed to improve color and detail accuracy.
Creative Photography and Depth Management
The Expert RAW app comes with a virtual aperture function that allows you to dictate how much of your image is in focus, adjustable from F1.4 to F16, providing DSLR-like depth of field control. It also includes digital ND filters, enabling long exposure photography even in bright conditions.
The Motion Photo feature has been upgraded to capture 1.5 seconds of video before and after taking a picture, with an option to extend this to three seconds. You can combine these clips into a video, and the AI enhances faces for improved results when capturing groups.
Smarter Photo Management and Editing Tools
The Gallery app has been revamped for easier photo retrieval. With enhanced natural language processing and expanded recognition categories, you can swiftly search for images of objects, events, people, or pets.
User-Friendly Photo Enhancement
Photo editing has become simpler, thanks to the Photo Remaster feature that employs AI to sharpen blurry images, brighten dim areas, and eliminate noise for clearer visuals. For video, the new audio eraser tool can get rid of unwanted sounds like wind or background noise. The auto-trim feature identifies the key moments in your video, streamlining the editing process.
Advanced Generative Editing Features
Generative AI editing has been introduced, offering tools to remove shadows from objects so they blend seamlessly with backgrounds. The sketch conversion feature lets you develop multiple sketch variations from one photo.
Professional RAW Editing Options
For those who prefer working with RAW images, the Galaxy S25’s RAW Image Editor has been enhanced to include eight adjustment options for detailed edits. It retains all the original file details, granting users substantial flexibility. Once finished with RAW edits, you can switch to the standard photo editor for additional modifications.
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Tags: camera features, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Video Editing
January 23, 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Series: Pricing, Pre-Orders, Sale Date in India
Samsung has recently introduced the Galaxy S25 series, consisting of the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra, in various markets around the globe. The pricing for these devices in the US is set at $799, $999, and $1,299, respectively. Here’s a special post that focuses on the pricing and deals in the Indian market.
Pricing for the Galaxy S25 Series in India
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S25 series have commenced at all major online and offline retailers, including on Samsung Live through this link. The devices will be available for purchase starting on February 7. The Galaxy S25 series comes in the following configurations and colors:
Galaxy S25
– Variants and Price:
– 12GB + 256GB: Rs 80,999
– 12GB + 512GB: Rs 92,999
– Colours: Icyblue, Silver Shadow, Navy, Mint
– Exclusive Colours (available via Samsung.com): Blueblack, Coralred, Pinkgold
Details on Galaxy S25+ and S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25+
– Variants and Price:
– 12GB + 256GB: Rs 99,999
– 12GB + 512GB: Rs 1,11,999
– Colours: Navy, Silver Shadow
– Exclusive Colours (available via Samsung.com): Blueblack, Coralred, Pinkgold
Galaxy S25 Ultra
– Variants and Price:
– 12GB + 256GB: Rs 1,29,999
– 12GB + 512GB: Rs 1,41,999
– 12GB + 1TB: Rs 1,65,999
– Colours: Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Gray, Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Black
– Exclusive Colours (available via Samsung.com): Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Jetblack, Titanium Pinkgold
Pre-order Offers
Samsung is offering some thrilling pre-order incentives for the Galaxy S25 series. For those who pre-order the Galaxy S25 Ultra, there are benefits valued at Rs 21,000. This includes a storage upgrade worth Rs 12,000, letting customers buy the 12GB + 512GB variant at the cost of the 12GB + 256GB variant, plus an upgrade bonus of Rs 9,000. Alternatively, customers may claim Rs 7,000 cashback when they purchase with a 9-month no-cost EMI plan.
For the Galaxy S25+, buyers will receive perks worth Rs 12,000, which includes a storage upgrade that allows the 12GB + 512GB variant to be purchased at the price of the 12GB + 256GB variant. Meanwhile, those pre-ordering the Galaxy S25 can expect benefits worth Rs 11,000 as an upgrade bonus. There’s also an option for Rs 7,000 cashback when purchasing the Galaxy S25 with a 9-month no-cost EMI plan.
In addition, Samsung provides a 24-month no-cost EMI plan for both the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ through all major NBFCs.
Pre-order your Samsung Galaxy devices now and enjoy up to $1,250 off, along with a chance to win $5,000 credit (available in the US only) – https://howl.link/erlejlgnge89i
Tags: Galaxy S25 Ultra, Pre-order Offers, Samsung Galaxy S25
January 23, 2025
Galaxy S25 Ultra: Corning Gorilla Armor 2 for Durability & Reflection
Samsung has recently unveiled its new Galaxy S25 series smartphones, with the spotlight on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This model is noted for being the first to incorporate Corning Gorilla Armor 2, a groundbreaking material that offers scratch resistance and anti-reflective properties for mobile devices.
Enhanced Durability
Gorilla Armor 2 is crafted to endure tough conditions while ensuring a clear display. Kwangjin Bae, who is the EVP and Head of the Mechanical R&D Team at Samsung Electronics, mentioned, “The Galaxy S25 Ultra marks a step forward in creating a more resilient mobile experience for users. Our collaboration with Corning is helping to enhance display performance to satisfy consumer demands.”
Improved Performance
In comparison to its predecessor, Gorilla Armor 2 boasts improved durability and scratch resistance. Testing revealed that it can survive drops from heights of up to 2.2 meters onto surfaces designed to mimic concrete, while competing materials failed after drops from just one meter. Moreover, it offers over four times the scratch resistance of other lithium-aluminosilicate glasses with anti-reflective coatings.
The anti-reflective characteristics of this new material minimize surface reflections in various lighting conditions, enhancing display contrast and usability both indoors and outdoors. David Velasquez, Vice President and General Manager of Corning Gorilla Glass, stated, “With Gorilla Armor 2, we are introducing a tough, optically advanced glass ceramic cover material on a Galaxy device for the first time.”
Key Specifications
Moving on to the specifications of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it showcases a 6.9-inch Quad HD+ Infinity-O-Edge Dynamic AMOLED display that has a refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and features 12GB of RAM with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB, running on Android 15 with One UI 7.
The rear camera system consists of a 200MP primary sensor featuring OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom and 100x Space Zoom capabilities. The phone supports 4K and 8K video recording, and on the front, it is equipped with a 12MP camera for high-quality selfies. The device carries an IP68 rating, and for connectivity, it includes 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. It is powered by a 5000mAh battery, supporting 45W fast charging along with wireless charging.
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Tags: Corning Gorilla Armor 2, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Snapdragon 8 Elite
January 23, 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Unveiled: Ultra-Thin Design Details
Samsung has just concluded its first Galaxy Unpacked event for 2025. The company highlighted the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and One UI 7, but they also had another surprise. In a classic ‘One more thing’ style, Samsung hinted at the upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge, which was earlier referred to as the Galaxy S25 Slim.
Changes in Camera Setup
Recent leaked images of the device turned out to be wrong, at least when it comes to the back. A usually trusted leaker shared that the Galaxy S25 Edge was supposed to be a thinner version of the Galaxy S25 Plus (currently priced at $999.99 on Amazon) and would feature three cameras on its back.
However, Samsung has opted for a dual-camera arrangement in the Galaxy S25 Edge, placed in a pill-shaped housing. This design gives the phone a look similar to an Xperia 5 V from the back, but it retains the front style of a Galaxy S25 or Galaxy S25 Plus. Currently, other specifications about the Galaxy S25 Edge remain unclear, especially regarding when Samsung will announce more details about it.
Anticipation for the Future
Fans are excited for what else Samsung might reveal about the Galaxy S25 Edge. With the shift to a dual-camera system, it will be interesting to see what features and capabilities the new device brings. As more leaks and official announcements come out, users will be eager to see how this device compares to its siblings in the Galaxy S25 lineup.
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Tags: Galaxy S25 Edge, Galaxy S25 Ultra, One UI 7
January 20, 2025
Galaxy S25 Ultra: 16 GB RAM May Not Launch Worldwide
Multiple sources have indicated that Samsung is set to release the Galaxy S25 Ultra featuring up to 16 GB of RAM. However, the standard Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus will not receive this enhancement. A leaker known as @chunvn8888 has shared some disappointing news for those looking to purchase the Galaxy S25 Ultra in certain regions.
Market Limitations
It seems that the 16 GB RAM variant will only be available in select Asian countries like China, South Korea, India, and Vietnam. This means that consumers in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world will only have access to the 12 GB RAM option for their Galaxy S25 Ultra, similar to what was offered in earlier models.
Storage and RAM Combinations
Moreover, both the 512 GB and 1 TB versions of the Galaxy S25 will come with 16 GB of RAM, so you won’t need to pay extra for the highest-spec model. As always, this information is currently speculative and should be viewed as such until Samsung gives official word. However, we won’t have to wait much longer, as the Galaxy S25 series is set to launch in just two days.
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Tags: 16 GB RAM, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung