I don't know who should buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra!

This year, more than ever, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ is going to be the best choice for most people who want to buy a Samsung device. The Ultra is slowly being watered down, and I now believe people who say the S Pen will be gone entirely soon, returning for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. I don't really know who the Galaxy S25 Ultra is meant for.
Android Police article - www.androidpol...
#samsunggalaxy #samsunggalaxys25ultra #galaxys25ultra
/ stevealicioustech

[@StevealiciousTech]

It can still be a good phone, and I can still not understand who should buy it...both things can be true!

[@saintarcherxiii2196]

I've always used mid range A series phones. And for once I wanted to try a flagship. My provider had a 300 euro off on it + a free galaxy watch 7.

[@bankaimaster999]

@@saintarcherxiii2196 only buy it if you get good deals for it ... I'm on a low end phone as well but deals for this one is priority #1 over anything else, no deal no buy.

[@snowyfall753]

What choices are there if you want an Android phone, with the best processor and battery life, and do not want a Chinese phone due to security or political reasons?

[@marquinho999]

Could be decent for half of it's retail price.

[@rohanjosem]

its so cheap in australia i feel bad for the people getting scammed in other countries. traded in an s21 FE lowest storage base. and we got the 25 ultra for 926 USD (580~USD) with buds 3 pro. hahah . also picked up the base s25 (our lowest storage is 256) for 426 AUD (265 USD) with buds 3 pro included with a base s22 128gb trade in. these prices are so funny. for a laugh i tested what it would cost to upgrade from a base s24 to s25 and it was 200 AUD with the same buds 3 pro so after you sell those you basically get a free phone LMAOOO.

[@JimboJammy]

It's for people who have a phone that's a few years old now like s22u and below. For me, coming from an exynos s22u, this is a huge upgrade. I got my 512gb s25u for £800. No other flagship can be had for that due to the preorder deals. The days of upgrading yearly are long gone now though.

[@swissChris5]

Also for people keeping their phone for more than 3 years, Samsungs and Googles 7 year security and os update policys are advantageous. Most Chinese brands with higher specs only offer 3 to 4 years. Resell value might be affected accordingly.

[@SoulBrother-V8]

S24 Ultra owners are sleeping well at night 😂😂😂😂

[@StevealiciousTech]

Lol like a baby.

[@SoulBrother-V8]

Love the channel and thoughtful reviews​@@StevealiciousTech

[@SoulBrother-V8]

Will the S26 Ultra be the leaps forward we are looking for or have flagships peaked?

[@longshot291981]

@@SoulBrother-V8 what more can they do? They can't put bigger better cameras in it because now everybody wants thin. There's nothing you can really do with a candy bar phone anymore. Even this new processor, on paper and in benchmark test it's phenomenal. Real world use, you would not notice any difference with a Snapdragon Gen 2 phone. As for cameras, lowlight is about all they have left to improve upon, we got $300 phones that can take fantastic pictures in daylight now. It's pretty much over for the cell phone game, even foldables are getting boring. Now they're talking about tri-folding phones.

[@estebancerra1]

Right on, And I think the S24 Ultra is aesthetically more pleasing in side by side comparisons due to the shiny metalic camera rings. They add a touch of class and affluence which the S25 Ultra camera lenses do not.

[@estebancerra1]

The fact that there is even a debate on whether to upgrade is a clear signal you should'nt. You upgrade when the current phone is a clear winner over it's predecessor.

[@LetsPullTheTarp]

I'll upgrade to s26u or s27u when the battery lasts atleast 3 days my s24u lasts only 1 day and a half

[@swissChris5]

Instead of "clear winner over its predecessor" you should have put "clear winner over your current model". That's the only good reason to upgrade, ever! The rest is personal preference

[@bankaimaster999]

First Nvidia and Now Samsung ... RTX 5090 = RTX 4090 Ti S25U = S24U+ / S24U Max Apple must be proud they both followed in its footsteps ~

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

Looks like the S24 was the last ultra.

[@snowyfall753]

Because what?

[@TristanWegner-mw3id]

​@snowyfall753 because samsung sold out I for example have a one year old samsung s20+ I can barely Charge the battery if its off it goes up but very slowly if umi use and Charge at the same time it stand still or declines even when having brightness down to max... My 3 year old vivo phone charges with the same setup without issues even when I max out the settings like brightness or hotspot... Small example how samsung is the worst when it comes to quality and value for the customer and this new 25 ultra is just a continuation of this trajectory. Next stop oneplus

[@snowyfall753]

@TristanWegner-mw3id sample size of one. You do understand that you do not know the failure rate of either brand.

[@TristanWegner-mw3id]

@@snowyfall753 no I don't but samsung is clearly off the right path when they can't give u new battery tech while others can not even with their ultra models and even charging more than those who give u new tech that has more to offer... Oneplus offers u for 1k faster charging 80/100w,more capacity, new battery tech double the cycle endurance,16gb ram,aqua/glove touch Samsung for 1.4k 45w,no new battery tech the same since years,12gb ram Alone from this we see Samsung doesn't care about their tech and the customer otherwise they would not sell the same inferior stuff for years they are big enough to do research and implement some next gen stuff that improves performance in these areas but they don't

[@mooseratt]

​@TristanWegner-mw3id buy a oneplus and stop crying then. The fact you're using a *5 year old* non flagship, you were never in the market for this phone. S23U & S24U both would have been great upgrades for you. What was your complaint then, when the battery tech was considered fine, the air gestures that nobody knew about was intact, and critics were applauding the phones? Purchase the phone you actually want, and stop whining about phones you were clearly never interested in.

[@arcaine101]

Aside from enthusiasts, the S25 if for those with s21 and older looking to upgrade next year after the price cuts when the S26 releases.

[@andreferguson3376]

I have the Note 10plus and I will upgrade to the s24 ultra instead

[@green9227]

Got to have the latest and greatest in my pocket.

[@andreferguson3376]

@green9227 these days the latest is not the greatest

[@albin2232]

Meet the new thing. Same as the old thing. With a crippled S Pen.

[@marquinho999]

Unpacked event was woeful to me.

[@mikeachoy]

Great points in this video. It doesn't cost Samsung anything for software/AI "upgrades" I don't see this as a new "feature" or reason to not upgrade hardware, especially when you consider what other manufacturers are doing. Here in Canada the new s25 ultra is about $100 more than the s24 ultra which is absolutely ridiculous. What's the justification for that? An upgraded ultrawide lens that I would use maybe once a year? Scamsung can sell that BS elsewhere. I used to look to the Ultra models by default when it was time to upgrade, but not for my next phone. For their price tags, I expect innovation which has been absent for years now. Hopefully Samsung sees massive loss in sales so it gives them a swift kick in the ass to get them back in the game

[@subhamroy8817]

that is not actually true, even though there isn't a recurring cost for the AI features for every phone that is manufactured, there is an one time engineering cost which can be huge (salaries + extra development cost), still i think its a dick move from samsung to just solely push AI instead of any actual development.

[@ro4lol]

We are getting reamed in Canada every which way from Sunday. I went moto

[@SuperYankeechick]

​@subhamroy8817 these idiots don't think it cost money for the teams of software engineers that work on these phones.

[@SuperYankeechick]

What the heck are you taking about, it doesn't cost them anything for the software Ai "upgrades". You think the 1000's of software engineers that work for Samsung are doing it for free.

[@TristanWegner-mw3id]

Samsung is part of a complex being the puppet of America meaning South korea has consequences... I get the impression samsung is part of a agenda that doesn't care about the customer but implementing ai and extracting resources in a toxic way from customers that's why we see no innovation but lots of useless ai features they even want u to pay even more for 20$ a month so 2k or more if u take their whole deal for 2-3 years The best strategy starve them of money this sort of product should be boycotted

[@whysoserious9635]

Dear Author, the Z series is not an alternative for enthusiasts because of mediocre cameras.

[@TheStacieSays]

I'm coming from an S22 Ultra, and I think that is the "youngest" version that should be traded for the S25 Ultra. I got $800 trade plus ~$125 discount and free Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, so I couldn't pass up that deal. If you have an S23 or S24, no need to upgrade.

[@JeromeReese-l6k]

I absolutely appreciate the honesty here, because when I hear reviews, so often they are ALWAYS saying about the next new phone, "these are the best!!!" when they really just mean, "keep sending me free stuff phone makers."😂 Yhis guy loves his Samsung phones. I've heard so many of his videos and feel like they are true to his preferences and his uses of the phones and it is really helpful to me that he is straightforward and includes when he doesn't like something or think something is worth it. That honesty is NOT negative whatsoever to me, but it is totally refreshing. One thing I will say about the S Pen is that I haven't talked to Samsung user who doesn't use their S-Pen for taking pictures at least. I'm wondering if it's 1% of people who use it or if it's more like more people use it only 1% of the time. I can tell you that I don't use s-pen to take pictures super frequently, but it is so special to me to be able to do when I want to do that click from several feet away. Store sales people are being taught to say how easy it is to just wave your hand in front of the screen, but you can't do that when you're far away from your phone. I'm going to upgrade to a 24-Ultra to keep that capability. And I really wish that 25 Ultra had just kept that s-pen. Bummer dude. But I'm already going to get a couple years upgrade just better battery life and ultra.

[@StevealiciousTech]

Thank you, and I appreciate the context. Anyone who has been here or listens understands I'm MORE than favorable towards Samsung phones, but enough is enough sometimes.

[@galaxy-xp5nn]

Do you buy new laptops every year? Do you buy new TV every year? Do you buy new gaming console every year? Do you buy new car every year? If the answer is NO, why should we buy new smart phones every year? Phone companies will do their best to sell their product. But we as a consumer should not fall for their traps. A flagship that cost over 1000$ SHOULD last for at least 5 years. And only idiots upgrade their phone every year.

[@lorddoma6637]

Well said 👏

[@bankaimaster999]

Glad to see you agree with Samsung lmao, because this phone wasn't made or marketed to target S24 users at all ... hence the improvement to trade-in deals and barely has many upgrades over the S24.

[@boyeatsworld-vr9ci]

No. Of course not. But I don't have an irreplaceable battery in those devices (don't have a laptop). If they made the battery swappable then your comment would make sense

[@crtxl]

Nobody except KZbin tech channels are telling us to buy a new phone.

[@RedZ1900]

With Samsung's trade in deals, it could be very worth it. Do the math every year to see if it's worth trading in. The battery life of a 5 year old phone will not be as good as a brand new one.

[@iAfroTech]

I've never really like S24 Ultra design. I own an iPhone 13 Pro and a Nothing Phone(1) so S25 Ultra design is perfect for me. S24 Ultra is not an option for me. S25 Ultra is a phone to buy at Black Friday, like every year, unless you can't wait and have money to spend. Living in France, Oppo Find X8 Pro is the one i'm the most interested in.

[@imbalancedstatus8824]

You are right . They would prefer we all bought the z fold. ...it's just not practical for most people

[@Simsationxl]

Day and date updates would be nice between generations.

[@boyeatsworld-vr9ci]

Folding phones are a solution looking for a problem.

[@darthkujo]

I agree with you on what samsungs vision is. Just like what they did with the note series the fold will become their productivity device, before it was the note series as it made sense in an era where screen sizes where 4" average, now the "note" size would be the fold screen as the regular average screen size is 6"above now.

[@johnwhitehead238]

Hi Steve I have been following several of the big name tech reviewers here on KZbin for about 3 years now. From all the recent Samsung & Apple reviews I would say that Google & One Plus have equaled them & in some ways passed them. I bought the Pixel 9 last week & am absolutely loving it! Great phone. Keep up the good work sir.

[@cordovanhobbyist895]

Here's what strange to me. The S20 Ultra (not the Note) and S21 Ultra came with 16GB of ram. Giving the S25 Ultra 16GB of ram really could've flexed that Snapdragon 8 Elite for people willing to keep the phone for years.

[@green9227]

There is 16gb ram model in asia.

[@cordovanhobbyist895]

@green9227 Yeah, I didn't mention that because it's exclusive in Asia. It's not worth mentioning if it's not available globally.

[@fullfrontalgrace]

Agreed. They've been whittling away the features of the ultra for many years. It's on its way out as we've known it. There's better out there for less, and much better future proofed and innovative.

[@687donny]

Don't think I want to go foldable again just knowing i can drop a fork on the inner screen and permanently damage it or the screen protector peeling and knowing you can't replace it without Samsungs help I just went back to regular slab phones I don't think foldables are for everybody and they shouldn't force it on people

[@bradleyswaney6100]

There's no way i buy one. I was going to take the plunge and upgrade my S21 ultra. But there is no way i pay 1300 for this phone. 24 months through T-Moble, not gonna happen. 😊 I wish the OP13 was with carriers. I just going to buy an S23 ultra and pay cash, i guess or just use my S21 ultra 1 more year. BTW. I am so happy at least your channel calls this like it is. You sound like me on this phone. TY. Truth ❤

[@StevealiciousTech]

Yeah, OnePlus needs to get back into carrier stores.

[@bradleyswaney6100]

​@@StevealiciousTech Absolutely 💯 I would get one today. 😊

[@katinasoutherland7693]

I was thinking of getting it just to see how much of an upgrade it is from my s22U? T Mobile is doing some awesome deals right now. Even with the deals IDK I'm simply not inspired by this phone as much as I want to be.

[@TristanWegner-mw3id]

Or get oneplus and go the esim route

[@carlbrenda6518]

People are missing the mark. If you are complaining that you can't afford $400-$600 with trade-ins in for a OnePlus phone, then you in reality can't afford a new Samsung or iPhone @ $30-$50 a month with a carrier. You are paying either way. Paying the lower amount just means you are a paycheck or two away from disaster...... I know, I've been there. And your are stuck for 36 months. Remember when it used to be 24?

[@behtashg]

Returned s25 ultra after one day. Using s22 ultra and it's still going strong, while s25 ultra doesn't add much. S21 and s22 where such huge leaps forward, and then Samsung became lazy like Apple. There is no signature features left on s25 ultra anymore and it's getting more and more similar to iphone. seems like Samsung is trying hard to imitate iPhone.

[@behtashg]

Not worth the money

[@michaelferguson364]

I appreciate your honest review

[@molotovcocktail7645]

Well, assuming samsung is listening, I do hope that the people that matter make good decisions regarding the next fold. As a fold 6 owner, if the next fold disappoints relative to the fold 6, I'm definitely looking at alternatives. One plus and vivo have promising products.

[@GLXYNXS]

i planned on upgrading this yesr. I usually do every other year, but this particular time didn't feel worth it. The S-Pen situation feels like having to go from the S9 that had a headphone jack to an S20 plus with no headphone jack.

[@swissChris5]

I thought the same thing about the headphone jack comming from an S10+. Now I never use wired headphones anymore.. things change and sometimes we are not ready for them at the time. The actual reduction of features of the S-Pen don't make me more exited about the phone, but they won't stop me from upgrading either. I would have not used most of these features ever in real life. How many actually use the air gestures..(if you do, that's fine and you should definitely not upgrade then) most other things like the camera shutter can easily be replaced with normal hand gestures or voice commands, or if you want to spend more money by the watch or ring.

[@zingaferd23]

The only reason I upgrade to the 25, was because my s22 just broke and insurance company made me swap it instead of fixing mine. And like always the refurbished phone is buggy. But i was able to exsgage it and paying less than if I bought an older model, and the 25 gets 7 major updates, and since it's coming out at the start of the year instead towards the end as usual so you get even longer and so I'm hoping for longevity. I wet for the ultra because I've had the note or equivalent since the note 4 so I have developed a reliance on the spen and hate they took the Bluetooth away. As I went into exploring the upgrades made for the 25 has made me tzhink this is the end of the the s series, as it's felt stagnant since the has been no real hardware or changes in appearance, I don't care for the z fold, I bet some outher company will come out wiThe only reason I upgraded to the S25 was because my S22 just broke, and the insurance company made me swap it instead of fixing mine. And, like always, the refurbished phone is buggy. But I was able to exchange it and pay less than if I bought an older model. The S25 gets seven major updates, and since it's coming out at the start of the year instead of towards the end as usual, you get even longer, so I'm hoping for longevity. I opted for the Ultra because I've had the Note or equivalent since the Note 4, so I have developed a reliance on the S Pen and hate that they took the Bluetooth away. As I explored the upgrades made for the S25, it has made me think this is the end of the S series, as it's felt stagnant since there have been no real hardware or appearance changes. I don't care for the Z Fold. I bet some other company will come out with a phone that dethrones Samsung as the top powerhouse phone in the next few years. A l ))l) )th a phone.that dethrones samsung as the top power house phone in the next few years

[@R.Sole.]

I'm upgrading from a s20 ultra with 16gig of ram I was happy with it but it was getting old, to me the better chipset and latest model for me meant 25 over 24. So, I ordered the s25 ultra 1 terabyte 16gig of ram can't comment on it yet but looking forward to it

[@StevealiciousTech]

Which is available to people overseas but not here.

[@R.Sole.]

@@StevealiciousTech yeah nah I am in Australia not available here either, I ordered it through Ebay. Look for a reputable seller I did it with my s20 ultra back then you couldn't get snapdragon here in Australia only exynos.

[@RYOTT22]

they can keep it

[@bradleyswaney6100]

Absolutely 💯

[@TristanWegner-mw3id]

I go to oneplus they seem to care about advancing smartphones with solid features boycott samsung!

[@CallLeeFree]

It would be suicide for samsung to get rid of the ultra and try to push the foldable. No one wants a $2k phone with a fragile screen with a big crease down the middle.

[@Nick-iz9zo]

Lol, I'm still holding onto my Pixel 4a 5g. I'm thinking this is finally the year I upgrade. Looking at regular S25, pixel 9 pro, or holding out to see if the flip phones make any meaningful upgrades this year or what the 9a looks like

[@bigredwhale1]

"if anything its doing less" lol this guy is the goat

[@christophersecor]

Looking to switch from iPhone 13 ProMax to the s25 Ultra. The video is a downer. Do you think it would be worth it to switch platforms for this phone ?

[@Bob_Squared23]

All depends on the cost of switching and how entrenched you are in the Apple Ecosystem. If you're comfortable with switching to an Android/Samsung Ecosystem and the cost isn't too much I'd say the S25 Ultra would be a good buy. I say that as someone with the S24 Ultra and who isn't upgrading this year. The backlash you're seeing is from longtime Samsung customers and tech enthusiasts (been with Samsung since the S2 back in 2011) who've seen Samsung shift from a feature packed innovator first and foremost to a profit obsessed company now. Is it due to corporate greed or the Korean youth becoming infatuated with iPhones? Maybe both.That being said, there's nothing wrong with the S25 Ultra in-of-itself. It's a solid phone. Good cameras, good battery life, good heat management, faster charging than iPhone, and better software (in my opinion). If you can, try going to a Best Buy or a carrier store to mess around with it before buying it. Also be aware Samsung phones don't come with cases or chargers on the box so you'd need to get those separately same with earbuds. Their watches and health apps are good too.

[@christophersecor]

@ thank you Bob. While I want to upgrade from my IP 13 Pro Max, I want to make sure switching to Android is fairly seamless. I do have an old Apple Watch which I want to replace with something new (maybe a Galaxy Watch Ultra) and I have a iMac. I’ve been an Apple user for a while but not extremely entrenched. My main hesitation is many of my friends and family are Apple users, not sure if I want to be the odd man out. lol I do think that the s25 Ultra and Galaxy Watch Ultra would work. I guess the choice is do I stay with Apple and upgrade to the 16 Pro or start fresh with the Galaxy Ultra.

[@Bob_Squared23]

You're welcome. As for moving everything over I think you can connect an iPhone to an Android via a cord to transfer files and such. However you're coming from an older iPhone so you'll need an adapter to connect them because the 13 Pro Max used lightning cables not generic USB-C. I wouldn't worry about the peer pressure from others. You get the phone you want. You enjoy what you like and there's nothing wrong with that. However I know that's easier said than done especially if you rely on things like Apple's iMessage, FaceTime, and AirDrop. Using alternatives like WhatsApp or Messenger or Discord and what not migriates some of the hassle there. I think there was update too a while back making it easier to use Google Messages with iMessage and Google Meet is a good enough replacement for FaceTime I think. As for moving files from an Android to an iMac, I'm not sure how seemless that could be because I haven't used one. I'd recommend doing some research on that. You don't necessarily need to get the Galaxy Watch Ultra. If you can snag it for a good price then it would be awesome. If you don't want to use the LTE feature of it you can ignore/decline it during the set-up as well. I use the 44mm GW7 (Bluetooth only variant) and it's more than enough for me. Samsung Health is definitely more comprehensive than Apple Health.

[@Bob_Squared23]

If you stick with Apple, either the 15 Pro Max or 16 Pro Max would be good. I'm not an Apple guy, but the newer gens will get Apple intelligence and have USB-C

[@christophersecor]

@@Bob_Squared23 excellent explanations and advice. I think I’ll be changing my cell carrier next week and they may have a great promotion on the Gs25 Ultra. I’m excited to make the change, I’ll also get a Galaxy Watch of some sort.

[@GalaxyFur]

It will be really disappointing if they make only the foldable phone the enthusiast option. I do not like foldable phones; they are notoriously unreliable and too delicate. Additionally, I prefer the brick-style phones we have always used; they function much better and offer a superior experience. I want my high-end specifications in a Note-style phone with Samsung One UI. The vast majority of people do not want a folding phone because they don't meet our needs. /)_

[@garygargan2598]

Very true points good video

[@StevealiciousTech]

Thanks!

[@khanyilemgwebi2575]

That colour's rant took me out to be honest 😂😂

[@ro4lol]

Keep calling em out Steve. Love it.

[@StevealiciousTech]

I appreciate it!

[@ukpapi]

Samsung does not want S24U owners to update to the S25U but the ones still using Note 20 Ultras like me.

[@andreferguson3376]

I am upgrading from the Note 10plus to the s24 ultra instead. Seems like the s24 ultra is the last 'Ultra'

[@ukpapi]

@@andreferguson3376 I preordered the S25U 1TB! I still got my Note 10 Plus! The best Note!

[@ukpapi]

@@andreferguson3376 I preordered the S25U 1TB. I still got my Note 10+, the best Note!

[@jasonsstratton]

It's a 30 to 40 percent spec bump over a very good phone. If you have a S22U you should definitely buy this. If you have a S23U, you should probably it.

[@radfordra]

I have the S24U. The only temptation to upgrade to it is to get out of my locked phone from a 3 year contract with att ($1000 any year any condition S, N, or Z series or $35 minimum trade in value deal. I traded in a $90 A14 5G from Walmart) and have an unlocked phone.

[@donniethesportsguy893]

Samsung S25U: Latest but not really the greatest

[@bankaimaster999]

It no longer stands on top but now among the rest of the high-end phones ... such a shame ...

[@donniethesportsguy893]

@ yeah above average but not ultra. I think I just bought my last Samsung phone until they actually innovate again.

[@JubileeRM]

I sold my 1TB, S24 Ultra for close to $1200 then I saw the S25 Ultra. I just grabbed a 512 S24 Ultra in mint condition for $700 used and called it a day.

[@StevealiciousTech]

Well done!

[@JubileeRM]

@@StevealiciousTech thanks buddy 😁👍🏾

[@1MuchButteR1]

Don't like how S25U feels irl. The light weight and downsize is targeting women demographic. Will be wasting no time and using the return window to keep my S23U.

[@Ryan.Mon24]

Love your videos man. If you have the Z Fold 6 would you upgrade? The s25 ultra looks enticing just because of the camera and battery.

[@StevealiciousTech]

No way, hang onto that thing.

[@TristanWegner-mw3id]

The battery is not new just the new snapdragon that helps with the screen on time but not much in general samsung should be avoided

[@bronxtaskforce01]

I decided to go for the 1TB S25 Ultra. I take lots of videos and photos and download movies as well. As for the S-pen, yeah it's a bummer however I don't use it much. Only used it 4 or 5 times.

[@tamwilfred]

Thanks Samsung.If you keep taking things away things and making incremental improvements in future years, then I can keep my s24 Ultra for years without feeling I'm missing out. My bank account thanks you.

[@StevealiciousTech]

I just hope it's not a situation where the Z Fold 7 is the only device to get the S Pen...but I fear we're headed that way.

[@tamwilfred]

@@StevealiciousTech It might be the situation. They removed the s-pen with the s21 Ultra. My guess is that so many people wanted the Note that they merged both lines into the Ultra in the S22. I don't know how well the S22 Ultra or the s23 Ultra sold but it looks like the s24 Ultra sold, last year it took two months to get my Ultra.

[@bankaimaster999]

@@StevealiciousTech ... it won't be because that would be a marketing disaster for samsung ... case-in-point, the S25U was to test the waters and now they got massive backlash, it would truly prove that heads at samsung are completely incompetent if they saw this feedback and still nuked the Ultra/Note line-up in favor of Foldable phones with an S-Pen. It's more likely that both will have an S-Pen and Samsung will bring back the bluetooth with the S26U as well as include the silicon-carbon battery since it was already reported that they were already considering it during the S25 developement but chickened out.

[@247soli]

i really want to switch from an iphone 16 pro to a high end android, but as someone who lives in the US the lack of availability of incredible phones like Vivo and Oppo leaves me looking at Samsung. where it seems like half the people are satisfied, the other half is upset. considering i have a flagship already, i'm not sure what's the best plan.

[@donniethesportsguy893]

I heard sales are going horrible 😂

[@craigsavchenko5117]

I agree, i think they are going to push foldable phones and eliminate the current ultra.

[@mjjones1045]

Will never work. Those phones break way too often

[@boyeatsworld-vr9ci]

@mjjones1045 everyone i know with a fold complains about the crease and the durability

[@zzsquatchzz5079]

As a person that doesn't upgrade every year going from a 20 to the 25 is going to be a decent upgrade the 25 will last for another 4 years.

[@Bob_Squared23]

I've been watching your recent videos and agree with you. Samsung fumbled the ball this year. Samsung is stagnating: going the Apple way. Focusing on profit over innovation. What Samsung forgot was you can have it both ways, but its cheaper to barely make changes and take features away while charging the same (if not more) for fheir products. Who is the S25 Ultra for? iPhone users switching from Apple to Android and S21/S22 users looking to upgrade (with Samsung). I'm not trading in my S24 Ultra for it tho. The S25 Ultra is a solid option for older Samsung users looking to upgrade but folks with the S24 Ultra and even S23 Ultra shouldn't upgrade (even if the trade-in is tempting). Its just not really an upgrade at this point. I don't think Samsung is going to do anything substantial for the Fold 7 tho (besides maybe bumping up the charging speeds). Samsung might try updating the S-Pen Pro they released for the S21 Ultra/Fold 3 for it too. If Samsung does this they'll push it for S25 Ultra users as well. Honestly I think the S26 Ultra will have a Bluetooth S-Pen and Samsung will use that to justify another price increase. As for the Note shape, I think that time has passed (for better or worse). As for One UI 7, I'm looking forward to seeing it on my S24 Ultra, but I could see Samsung delaying it out of spite if the S25 series doesnt sell well initially. Hopefully we in the US get it sooner than later (especially if us unlocked users). Samsung can continue tweaking One UI, but they need to invest in new battery tech, speed up the charging, up the RAM, and actually upgrade the camera hardware to be on par with Chinese brands like Vivo, Oppo, and OnePlus. They're good now, but they can be so much better if Samsung did this.

[@bankaimaster999]

BASED

[@urbangearman]

My blackberry key2 just broke after being with blackberry my whole life. Should I switch to this phone?

[@StevealiciousTech]

Lol, I mean...you need a keyboard!

[@urbangearman]

@StevealiciousTech can't image life without a keyboard. I'm curious how good a portable one would be on the phone

[@AzureRT456]

There's Clicks for iPhone but I'm not sure how good it is.

[@StevealiciousTech]

Makes the phone too tall and bulky, in my opinion.

[@urbangearman]

@@AzureRT456 you made me reseach the clicks keyboard and it made me spit my drink out, funniest looking phone ever. You get weird looks when tryna use it in public

[@grayaquatics852]

I have a busted S21 Ultra and a Note 20 Ultra, and I still won't buy an S25 Ultra. If I "upgrade," I'll get an S22 Ultra or S23 Ultra.

[@lorddoma6637]

Same. If I upgrade, I will get the S 24 Ultra

[@josephdg1429]

Well spoken and said

[@jandino711]

As an s24 ultra user you give everyone confidence to stay with there decives 🎉

[@Young_Dab]

They say chipsets truly improve over each 18 months, so if anyone wants a real upgrade in their processor it be best to upgrade every 3 years.

[@LONEWOLF_FYCN]

Me! Is is the s24+ with the s24 ultra middle child with great upgrades. It make me happy. It would be perfect with magsafe.

[@TobiHamed]

my confussion is simple, why are there so many youtubers and commenters so quiick to praise this phone and make excuses for samsung, they didnt do us a favor here, they made a device and we get to give them our money in exchange, there is nothing special about the ultra device since S22 ultra, all we are asking for is Ultra to mean something

[@StevealiciousTech]

I don't think we're asking too much!

[@bankaimaster999]

Wait a minute here there are way more of them calling the phone underwhelming and not worth upgrading from an S24U/S23U over them praising samsung ... Not sure if you're looking for them to slander samsung's name or something but its very evident with all news articles/reviewers/content creators, including StevealiciousTech, that the phone isn't a good upgrade option unless you're a Samsung fan and prefer it over other brands, get really great deals on it via preorder, want a device with a SD8 Elite over any other processor and don't have an issue with the S-Pen change. If you don't meet ALL of those criterias then its not worth it and it might be time to try another brand out this year.

[@JamesBond007Nejc]

I don't think they'll stop making Ultra. I don't even think pen is going away. I think they're just making Ultra look more like their other phones. But we'll see who's right in a year.

[@chubbyjohnson5480]

I wasn't going to buy this phone but T-Mobile is practically paying me to take it. $1000 tradein with an old $50 S10 I got on eBay. I'll sell it in two years a.d make $200-300 on it. Gotta love trade ins!

[@claytonbenjaminpoempaper5497]

ME, that's WHO!

[@AB-hi6ru]

People with older phones to trade in? What kind of question is that?

[@StevealiciousTech]

Watching the video first usually helps with the questions.

[@BIKELIFEANTONIO]

I love my s25 ultra 1tb coming from a note 20 ultra there's a huge difference

[@johnwoodberry3707]

Got my S25U yesterday, after 2 Years with S22U, and I am blown away with it! Also the fact I am paying £5 less per month, for same inlimited package as S22U, makes it even sweeter!

[@Dahsar-ne1xm]

I only did for a huge deal. Practically no payment this time and nothing up front. I have the s23 ultra if it wasn't for the perks i would keep it up until the s26.

[@1MuchButteR1]

@@Dahsar-ne1xm I am returning S25u and keeping S23u.

[@Mehpew]

Its for people who got 60%+ off with trade ins and offers

[@Young_Dab]

Let's say Samsung does make hardware improvements next year, do you think they'll increase the prices or keep them the same?

[@bankaimaster999]

increase ... but they will maintain good pre-order deals to get more people to buy into it first and to "reward" people with the S25 phones. Chipset will still be expensive, along with new batteries, camera modules, increase RAM options for the Ultra series and bringing back bluetooth to S-Pen = Samsung's reasoning to increase the price by $50-$100 maybe.

[@TristanWegner-mw3id]

The way they handle their phones is just toxic less ram and inferior battery for more money if u got self respect u don't participate in such scams

[@greenzgoblin3138]

If you have a 23 ultra or below it's worth it. If you have a 24 ultra why are you even thinking of a trade in anyway. I have both 23U and 25U it's a big difference.

[@nier9010]

I'm also disappointed by the loss of the bluetooth spen but 5 rant videos in a row... Damn its like samsung unalived this dudes family.

[@wakecoalition3834]

S24 ultra display is a serious problem.. I'm still using S23 ultra.

[@christopherheady2044]

This doesn't affect all of them. My display is flawless. Guess I'm lucky👍

[@NEILANIL1]

If they had the navy blue on the ultra, I'd traded in my fold 6.

[@StevealiciousTech]

It's a really nice color.

[@TristanWegner-mw3id]

This take is needed so thx and thx to oneplus offering a great alternative

[@wbckblki8411]

I think you have it all wrong, the s25 Ultra is a spec bump from the s24 Ultra, not plus sheesh! Where on earth do you get the idea of even comparing it to the plus. It is Ultra, to Ultra, not Ultra to plus.

[@TechieXP]

Its for me. I was still using my N20U.

[@ericpbriley3124]

I bought it. $402 after tax. It's good. Feels better for sure. Lighter than my pixel 9 pro.

[@KC-lg8qf]

Yup the fold is now their hardware showcase device. It needs ro get their best cameras, and internally stored spen. 🤞🏾Samsung has been disappointing lately ..

[@taorion]

Not everyone is an "enthusiast" that buys a new phone every year. That's quite a waste of money. Many people, I dare say most people, keep their phone a few years. I'm trading in my S21 for the S25 Plus, with a promo I am getting it free. The IT guys that I know don't even buy a new phone every year.

[@corndawgz]

there's a better phone out there? that's a bold statement, I think the note now the S ultra will stay and think you're absolutely wrong.

[@dilfcurrie]

I mostly use the S pen mostly to magnify things, that IS a generational thing!

[@StevealiciousTech]

Lol, I'm with you!

[@jejunamja]

Good video when you maybe you’re right they’re gonna get rid of the ultra. I do wish they would upgrade the cameras on the plus model that’s my one hope for next year.

[@darkvader125]

also no spen bluetooth support

[@RohNader]

If I were a s24 ultra owner I wouldn't upgrade unless you could do it just paying tax

[@kpehe100]

Samsung trade in is the best on the market, give us your old Samsung phone with little cash and we give you the new one. When you trade in with Google you have to pay full price for the phone with taxes, but you only pay to Samsung what is left after your trade in value which reduces your taxes.

[@jamiepeterson1981]

People need to lose the mentality that you need to upgrade your phone every year. Or even every second year. Theyre just like other electonics like TVs or laptops now. When you need a new one you just get the latest model. This phone isnt made for S24 Ultra owners. Personally, as I always keep my phone mint and after selling it for a great price and with all of Sumsungs pre-order deals for a couple of hundred I got the S25 u with double the storage and a pair of Buds 3 Pro.

[@bankaimaster999]

I wish more people highlighted conversations like this instead of "Latest phone not good enough, Apple and Samsung evil/bad." A minority of people upgrade their phones every year ... the companies are trying to target people that are holding onto their phones for years. There are tons of people still on the damn S20/S21 and have no reason to update, even to the S24. That's why Samsung has awesome trade-in deals to get those people to upgrade and that who this phone is for. Not S24U or even S23U, its for anyone from any brand on older devices from the years of S22 and below.

[@StevealiciousTech]

Right, but again, it's two different arguments, the S25U doesn't exist by itself. There are phones like the OnePlus 13 and other overseas brands innovating in a way Samsung refuses to, because it knows it can get away with it in the US market. So while I understand you're point, and it's true, that still doesn't excuse Samsung for not giving us what it should for that kind of money. The S25U is in this weird limbo, where yes, it's an upgrade for people coming from an S22U, but it's a intentionally held back upgrade by Samsung.

[@bankaimaster999]

@@StevealiciousTech If you're saying both can be true at the same time I fully agree with you, but the outrage and talking points from several people are not focused on reminding people that upgrading their phone every year is a very dumb thing to do, and having expectations that phones should have 50-100% new hardware and features every year is also a dumb thing to do. Samsung tried to pull an "Apple" move and channels like yours help to keep them in check but its getting muddied by the unbalanced outrage ... -------- On a side note, didn't Samsung chair/whoever publicly apologize for lack of innovation for the Fold 6? How did it still lead to no innovation for the S25U? Was this phone the previous management's last work before they were replaced?

[@callmeNeno]

I am 👍 good. Waiting for my iPhone 17 Pro Max

[@carlbrenda6518]

Good choice! Keep on overpaying for........

[@callmeNeno]

@@carlbrenda6518 Thanks! Time for upgrading coming from my Iphone 13 Pro going on 4 years. can't wait. Upgrade every 4 to 5 years is my model and won't be disappointed no matter what is your choice Android or IOS

[@kramberryfield]

Merely, slight bumped up version of s25+ because s25 ultra is s25+ with s-pen. 😂

[@imranxalamin]

this is worst than going from the 15 pro max to the 16 pro max, this is literally a downgrade if you're coming from the s23u or s24u

[@StevealiciousTech]

Agreed!

[@Raafie]

The only downgrade is the S-pen functionality.

[@imranxalamin]

@@Raafie case in point

[@brycesenff8313]

I'm having a hard time to justify spending about $650(Phone+Tax+Screensaver) overall trading in my S23 Ultra for a S25 Ultra. While I like the slightly rounded corners and speed bump is always nice, losing BT S-pen functionality sealed the envelope for not upgrading. Just not worth the money as my 23 does everything I need it to. Sure as Hell won't go to a foldable and Apple is a no go for me as well. As much as I love Samsung TV's and phones, I may have to try something else when my 23 croaks. Was going to try a 25 Plus but no S-pen support according to online sales support. 😡🤬

[@AzureRT456]

​@@RaafieA downgrade is still a downgrade.

[@t_o_n_k_a_t_a]

The S25 Ultra will be the worst selling phone in terms of pre-orders. The fact that Samsung UK added free Galaxy Buds 3 5 or 6 days after pre-orders started is very indicative of pre-orders. I just don't know what will happen to those who ordered the S25 Ultra at the beginning because at that time they didn't offer free Buds 3....Let's see how Samsung will get out of this mess....😂

[@StevealiciousTech]

Pre-orders are not going well through their site. Carrier sales are what they are probably hoping for at this point.

[@brycesenff8313]

Yup, just bought buds 3 pros and watch 6 classic couple months ago so all the extra bonus bucks don't entice me to trade in my 23U.

[@Catloverplayer]

The problem I have with Folds is their still too fragile,too expensive and the cameras aren't as specked out as the Ultra. I prefer candy bar phones.

[@kknightsoldier8453]

I need a good phone for gaming, my old phone is no good 😅

[@TristanWegner-mw3id]

Look at the oneplus 13 great phone once u see the details and features u get what I mean they put in a lot more care into their product

[@TechieXP]

It isnt for you, if u have an S24u

[@LCE040490]

I already upgraded my 23 ultra to the 25 ultra

[@bankaimaster999]

hope you got a good deal on it

[@ranchdressin-d3b]

The marketing for this phone was AI that no one cares about or uses. AI that will come to older phones, and AI that will be on a paid subscription model (that we dont know the price of yet) by 2026. Hell theyd planned for 2025 but they stopped due to data and backlash, they are fools.

[@saratmeinam6331]

At least this S25 ultra is better than Iphone 16pro Max

[@gman5218]

Why is it £1300 with the specs it has

[@TristanWegner-mw3id]

Because they are greedy and don't care about value from the customers point of view

[@Ilovetech001]

iPhone 16 pro max is where it’s at.

[@Arrozconchopsticks]

I'll buy a S25 Ultra before I buy that, and I'm not buying the S25 Ultra.

[@StevealiciousTech]

They don't get a pass for that lack of innovation either.

[@wakecoalition3834]

I had realme 65W fast charging when i switched to S23 ultra because of the S pen and the stupid telephoto Camera..45W charging is the PITS. One UI is just okay .not very intuitive. Can't wait for OnePlus to add a STYLUS and I'm switching. Trade in price SUCKS TOO SAMSUNG.

[@StevealiciousTech]

Realme has some nice stuff.

[@stefenheif]

"The S21 feels sluggish or I don't like the battery life" is the reason why I am not a fan of Samsung, I feel like they do not age well, no matter the price.

[@bankaimaster999]

What phone are you using now?

[@stefenheif]

I went with the Oneplus 13, which replaced an already overkill oneplus 10T. The main difference is the cameras, otherwise they both have flawless signal and great display. The speed difference is unnoticeable.

[@JLajos]

Phone? You mean an AI holder?