Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Preview: The Future of Galaxy AI? 

Published: Jan 18, 2025, 12:20 AM 

Introduction to the Galaxy S25 Ultra

Welcome to 2025! With the new year comes the anticipation of some of the most exciting smartphones set to launch. Samsung has officially announced its Unpacked event for January 22, and all eyes are on the highly anticipated Galaxy S25, S25+, and the S25 Ultra.

Rumors also hint at a possible Galaxy S25 Slim, which could bring a more compact option to the lineup. But for now, let’s focus on the crown jewel: the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a device that promises to push the boundaries of innovation.

This year’s S25 series is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s latest and most powerful processor yet. Built on an advanced 3nm process, this chipset has already garnered praise for its exceptional performance in the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro, and it could rival Apple’s A18 Pro.

So, how will the Galaxy S25 Ultra compare to its already remarkable predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra? Let’s dive into what we know so far.

Design and Display: Refining Excellence

The Ultra models have always been known for their bold, rectangular designs. However, rumors suggest that the Galaxy S25 Ultra may introduce slightly rounded corners for a more comfortable grip, while still maintaining its premium look.

The frame will likely continue to use titanium, offering durability and a textured, grippy finish—a feature much appreciated on the S24 Ultra. Additionally, the S25 Ultra is rumored to be marginally lighter (14 grams) and thinner (0.4mm), changes that might not be immediately noticeable but contribute to a sleeker feel.

Rumored Color Options:

• Titanium Black

• Titanium Gray

• Titanium Jade Green

• Titanium Pink Gold

• Titanium Silver Blue

• Titanium White Silver

As for the display, Samsung will continue to dominate with its Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels, featuring adaptive refresh rates (1–120 Hz) and peak brightness levels that could match the impressive 2,600 nits seen on the S24 Ultra. The popular anti-glare coating introduced last year is also expected to return, ensuring better outdoor visibility.

Performance and AI Innovations

Unleashing Power with Snapdragon 8 Elite

The Snapdragon 8 Elite, combined with an upgraded RAM configuration (up to 16 GB for the 512 GB and 1 TB models), is set to make the S25 Ultra a powerhouse.

Samsung is also doubling down on AI advancements, with rumored features like a Magic Eraser for videos. This tool could allow users to remove objects or people from videos frame by frame, seamlessly regenerating the background—a groundbreaking capability, though likely handled via cloud processing due to its complexity.

Another highlight could be an auto sound eraser, designed to compete with Apple’s studio sound editing features, ensuring cleaner audio in video recordings.

Google Partnership and Perks

Samsung is reportedly collaborating with Google to offer a free Gemini Advanced subscription, providing users with exclusive AI-powered tools. This promotion could last up to a year, further enhancing the Galaxy ecosystem.

Camera: Evolving Precision 

The camera system on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to build on the excellence of its predecessor:

• 200 MP main sensor

• 50 MP telephoto with 5x zoom

• 10 MP telephoto with 3x zoom

• 12 MP ultra-wide, potentially upgraded to 50 MP

These enhancements, paired with the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s improved image processing, could elevate the camera experience further. Samsung may also introduce new software features to rival Photographic Styles from Apple, providing users with greater creative control.

The 12 MP front camera is expected to remain unchanged but will continue to deliver excellent selfies and video call quality.

Battery and Charging: Reliability Over Risk

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to maintain the 5,000 mAh battery capacity, a standard for Android flagships. Thanks to the energy efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, we might see slight improvements in battery life.

Charging speeds are likely to stay at 45W wired and 25W wireless with Qi2 compatibility. However, don’t expect magnetic charging support, as the S Pen technology interferes with such functionality—a limitation that’s unlikely to change.

Software and Longevity

The Galaxy S25 Ultra will launch with Android 15 and One UI 7, which introduces refreshed visuals, dynamic notifications, and transparent elements reminiscent of iOS.

Samsung continues to lead the pack with its promise of 7 years of software updates, ensuring the S25 Ultra remains relevant until 2032. This extended support is a significant advantage for users who prefer to keep their phones for years without losing access to new features and security updates.

Advanced Safety Features

Car crash detection, introduced on the S24 Ultra, is also expected to receive an upgrade. While the current feature relies on sensor data to detect sudden stops, the S25 Ultra may include additional enhancements for accuracy.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra may not be a complete reinvention, but it represents a thoughtful evolution of Samsung’s flagship series. From refined design to cutting-edge AI and software updates, it’s shaping up to be one of the most compelling smartphones of the year.

Stay tuned for our full review after the Unpacked event on January 22!