Galaxy S25 Ultra after One Week: I'm sorry, Samsung!

I don't blame anyone for liking the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, because it's a good phone. There is nothing wrong with it, aside from the Galaxy AI being a little wonky right now and needing a polish. Other than that, you'll be well-served by this device. That's not my problem with it. It's not an Ultra. Period.
#samsunggalaxy #galaxys25ultra #s25ultra
/ stevealicioustech

[@StevealiciousTech]

I really need to get a SoundCloud for when I don't have a link to post...

[@nomadicrunner888]

Exactly!

[@MrXrisd01]

Been a Samsung user for 5 yrs. Seriously hope s25 sales plummet, S25 was a middle finger to us Samsung Lovers.

[@wagfinpis]

I'm right there with you. Note 5 was the 1st time I could afford a premium Samsung phone and I haven't had anything else since. I am an extremely pro-s pen user but OnePlus is looking like the good guy's right now. *Asus did a major screw-their-loyal-customers-over-move recently, with cheap parts being sold as premium hardware, terrible customer service advising customers to perform repairs that voided customer warranties and then told the customers it was all the customers' responsibility $$$$$... and even that doesn't sound as bad to me as what Samsung is doing because Asus had a smaller niche with slightly more tech-savy customers, where Samsung is a whale.

[@Area-gaming-gg]

Scamsung

[@tamwilfred]

I think we might already know the answer. If they extended the sale, it means people aren’t buying their half-ass attempt at a phone this year. Also, hearing that reviewers and forum users were getting their phones early suggests there isn’t high demand for the device. Last year, I preordered and didn’t receive my phone until March. If this situation is like the removal of the SD card in the S6 and Note 5, Samsung might backtrack and improve. Maybe Samsung got an ego boost because the S24 Ultra made it back onto the list of the top ten best-selling phones in 2024-the first time since 2019.

[@MrXrisd01]

@tamwilfred This is the best news I've heard so far.

[@galaxy-xp5nn]

Here's the mathematics: S24 Ultra: you paid 1200$ S25 Ultra: you trade in and pay 400$ extra Result: You paid 1600$ but still you own the same phone. Plus, you lost the Bluetooth S-pen.

[@michael_c2]

yeah and people do this every year. And act like original investment doesn't count. "I basically got it for $400." No, you tradedin a phone that has resale value of $800 or so and paid $400 in addition. Every year. Its like throwing away a few hundred bucks a year.

[@bradleyswaney6100]

Yep. 😂

[@galaxy-xp5nn]

​@@michael_c2 exactly. You never get out of that loop. Every year you're wasting money on something you don't actually need

[@Brian-Vader4633]

Yea they won't be giving $400 more for the s25u next year than the s24u.

[@MK-Turtles]

Very honest review!!! Thanks!

[@Gary0557]

We talk about the Apple sheep, the Samsung Ultra sheep aren't far behind now.

[@StevealiciousTech]

Not that far at all!

[@nope6471]

I would imagine Samsung would be glad to hear this. Their actions make it seems like they want to be like Apple, which they seem to be succeeding at.

[@toddpace4588]

No, us Samsung knights are definitely criticizing this phone.

[@michael_c2]

its been this way for a long time. I think its largely an "American consumer" thing.

[@TechOdyssey]

Gary... Why are you cheating on me watching and commenting on other peoples videos?

[@Tristin471]

I agree. For a phone that's $1300, and has ULTRA in its name, it should have the very best, no corners cut!

[@Goenie2005]

LOL, they literally did cut the corners 😂😂

[@Tristin471]

@ Haha, I see what you did there 🤣

[@bradcruise6291]

They rounded the corners though

[@Tristin471]

@ That’s not what I meant lol

[@ItsBinhRepaired]

They didn't cut the corners, they rounded them.

[@frankellis9627]

People need to stop making excuses for Samsung 😠

[@imbalancedstatus8824]

I think phones should come back down below the 1k US dollars mark. OnePlus 13 is evidence that you shouldn't spend over 1000 dollars on a phone

[@joemammatube]

Yes! A a phone should not be the price of a mid to low end laptop.

[@bradleyswaney6100]

Absolutely 💯 Samsung is playing all of us as fools. 900 for a flagship not 1300

[@lorenzowashington5546]

The phones cost over 400 to make. How can they give it cheaper

[@lalorodriguez3716]

Plenty of promotions and not even including trade in.

[@imbalancedstatus8824]

@ 100% will make is 800.... there it is

[@deserter___]

the worst part about it all is they are being rewarded for it. The galaxy s25 series set a record in south korea for pre-orders. 1.3 million orders, a 7.4% increase from the s24 series.

[@andyH_England]

Samsung, like Apple, now have an established hardcore fanbase that will buy whatever Samsung throws at them. A license to print money and not have to do much to destroy the smaller OEMs. We see the Samsung fanbase in the comments egged on by paid influencers and affiliated YT channels. Samsung spends billions on marketing, and it works.

[@knifeknerdreviews4609]

Because not everybody had an Ultra before. For some of us this is the first time we are going with the Ultra over a lower tier galaxy phone.

[@GLXYNXS]

Probably because it isn't Exynos this year.

[@ero_0yaji]

I remember buying my Galaxy note 4 back in 2014 and walk around the market with confidence that I have the absolute best phone money can buy. There was no competition. But now I want to buy a 25 ultra but I know there will be ppl around me having 25 or plus or 1+13 for 300$ less with similar capabilities if not better. I want to buy the absolute best phone money can buy😭

[@RiThaKilla]

The Galaxy note 4 is my favorite phone of all time. Great display, s pen, nice build quality/design, removable battery, IR blaster, headphone jack. 😔It was a master piece.

[@eclectic_gamer]

I truly believe you're one of the few tech reviewers who provides unbiased, objective insights, and I really appreciate that. I'm not a fan of the direction Samsung is heading with their products, especially the secrecy surrounding their plans for A.I. and pricing. It's incredibly frustrating that we have no clear understanding of which features might eventually end up behind a paywall. Worse yet, we don't even know if more features-like the Bluetooth S Pen, 10x optical zoom camera, or charging adapter-will be removed altogether or just locked behind a subscription. Samsung is fully aware that most people don’t upgrade their phones every year, so to release a product now that will reportedly be *significantly* different in just 6-12 months, without any transparency, feels incredibly shady. It’s as if they’re luring people in, knowing full well what’s coming down the road. Add to that the outrageous price tags and the lack of meaningful upgrades compared to devices from just a few years ago-especially when competitors are offering more RAM, bigger batteries, and the latest CPUs at a fraction of the cost-it really puts Samsung’s behavior into a negative light. Honestly, I’m growing more disillusioned with Samsung each year. They’ve earned the nickname "Scamscum" in my book, and I’m not alone in feeling this way.

[@johnjohn6808]

I agree 100% ! As someone who updated every year with the latest ultra device, this is the first time that I skipped. I actually pre ordered the same day it was announced but then canceled after watching tons of videos and samsung slacking this year . For those who say " then don't buy it " ... well, imagine 100k people or more thinking the same and canceling their orders or not even buying the device?? That's a big LOSS for samsung . They are falling behind.

[@ro4lol]

​@@johnjohn6808competition is great. Look at china market. 6 competitors all with about 15% of the market

[@luisacevedo8699]

Returning mine Monday. Staying with my Fold6 and waiting for fold 7 now.

[@bradleyswaney6100]

Good move. ❤

[@vick7042]

Buy the one plus fold 2 instead

[@Joe-cf7hx]

me too!

[@gtrhetgstr6gr6yg]

I agree 100%, Ultra means ULTRA. I have a RedMagic 10 Pro and getting that super fast charger, case in the box and a screen protector pre-applied is an amazing experience. The base RM 10 Pro is just under $700 and has more physical features than the S25 Ultra and it just makes me wish I could use One UI 7.0 and my S-Pen on my Red Magic phone it would be the perfect phone!

[@mooseratt]

The Ultra has never had best in class charging, battery, cameras has it?

[@ro4lol]

One of the Chinese companies will get a good stylus working and then Samsung will be finished

[@fullfrontalgrace]

Totally agree! And it is in their playbook going forward and has been for years. Just look at he deletion of features from the flagship over the years. BRUTAL! And we are all just taking it. Not me. Its stops here and now. Great job!

[@nomadicrunner888]

Thank you! When I saw the design of S25 Ultra I was like yes, this will be my first Ultra/Note. But when I saw what they did, no bluetooth S-Pen and same charging speeds? Plus too much emphasis on AI, I'm like hold on. Now I'll wait, considering buying a renewed S24 Ultra or a One Plus 13 down the line. Sammie is using the same Apple playbook? And again resting on their laurels 🤦

[@mooseratt]

So you can't afford a new s24u or OP13, but you were considering buying this?

[@ro4lol]

​@@mooserattsome people just don't get sucked in to marketing

[@mooseratt]

@@ro4lol read what they said. If they have to buy a refurbished s24u, or wait to buy the much cheaper OP13, how exactly were they considering a $1300 phone.

[@seanfuller2603]

That's what future updates are for. In future updates, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn’t bring back the Bluetooth features on the S-pen before half the year comes, or before the year ends, somehow.

[@djarthurlooby]

Apple has been doing this forever. Just the minimum every year.

[@StevealiciousTech]

Less than that for Apple lol

[@djarthurlooby]

@StevealiciousTech true but saying that apple perfectly fine gets away with that.

[@deemyers26]

I agree but apple isn't taking away capabilities. No reason to take Bluetooth from the s pen.

[@djarthurlooby]

@@deemyers26 they actually did the first ones to take away removable batteries headphones jack. Chargers.

[@deemyers26]

​@@djarthurloobyfacts and unfortunately Samsung did too. I always loved note phones because they surpassed everything else.

[@VeedoCapone]

If sales suggest, they'll change their model next year. They are just attempting to fleece customers with a greedier than normal business plan this year. They're typically pretty good at it because carriers will convince many to upgrade or offer deals. Most customers know very little about their phones and don't watch videos on it.

[@galaxy-xp5nn]

Thank you for being honest and making consumers aware. Otherwise I would have fallen for Samsung's trap. I am happy with my S23 Ultra

[@amany5383]

Shut up girl

[@bradleyswaney6100]

I am buying one as soon as the price hits 500 or less. It's time to upgrade from my S21u.

[@thomassollberger2607]

I have the same one! I was really pumped up to get the latest and greatest with the s25U but on second thought, I think I'll wait one more year.

[@galaxy-xp5nn]

@thomassollberger2607 the removal of Bluetooth from S pen was the deal breaker. I did not get motivated enough to throw like 600$ and get the S25 Ultra by trading in s23.

[@thomassollberger2607]

@galaxy-xp5nn tbh I dont even use that feature that much, but the problem is that it still kinda feels like a scam. You pay premium prices for an subpremium product.

[@TheOG-Dov]

I'm coming from a Note 20 Ultra, I wasn't gonna upgrade but I'm starting to have problems. I am also still really fucking pissed about headphone jack nit being there. Awesome video.

[@Happybaras]

One of the things that pushed me to get the S24 Ultra instead of the Plus was the Bluetooth S pen, since using it as a remote shutter is amazing and actually feels like an "Ultra" feature. If I only wanted a dumb pen, I'll get a case with a pen

[@Sam___Sky]

I was using Samsung Galaxy s22 ultra. 💯 Had no plans to upgrade because I love curved screen factor. Out of curiosity started looking at Galaxy S25 ultra simple things design specs. And then out of blue 2 days after Galaxy s25 ultra release date my Galaxy s22 ultra went on a repeat boot loop mode. Hmmm any connection ? between looking up at the new phone then my s22 ultra going bad. But anyways ordered Galaxy s25 ultra 1 TB jet black. And the only reason is because my s22 ultra died on me. I was looking forward to upgrade to Galaxy S23 ultra but couldn't find any one terabyte version on the market. And thanks for keeping it real most of KZbin tech channels they paid by Samsung and they won't keep it real and say anything bad.

[@eclectic_gamer]

I'm seriously debating whether to update my S22 Ultra to One UI 7.1 and Android 15. With every update, it feels like a massive gamble. There are numerous reports on Reddit of S22 Ultra motherboards failing spontaneously after updates, and I can't shake the feeling that this isn't just bad luck. Given Samsung’s history of questionable practices, it wouldn’t surprise me if this was intentional-bricking devices and controlling the price of replacements to make repairs uneconomical. It all seems a little too convenient to be just a coincidence.

[@davidshearin6900]

Very good point! Thank you for shedding some light on the facts.

[@CKarhu85]

Actually, I was hesitating about the S25 Ultra, but decided to go for it. I've own all the latest Ultra's, and I still think this one is great! The drop test just been done on KZbin, and turns out it survived everything! That's awesome!

[@LCE040490]

Just upgraded to the 25 Ultra from the s23 ultra because of ram size and software. I had a early upgrade option. Upgrading to the 24 ultra would be pointless since the newest software update won't happen soon because S24 and s23 will likely have another beta. Sure i can't use the button on s-pen but I barely use the pen for anything

[@Raafie]

Love my s25u but a 6000+ mah battery and 10x optical zoom would have been nice. Still i think the design of the phone is nicer than op13. I hate those stove top camera bumps on chinese phones.

[@mrkring1526]

Ive just come from a Pixel 8 Pro to an S25 Ultra and im impressed. Really am.

[@ij6708]

Went from pixel 7 to S25+ and it's not all positive, some things I miss already

[@stefenheif]

The big advantage for Samsung is that the ISPs are stocking and allowing monthly pay. You also don't wonder if it's going to work with the provider or not. I am glad OnePlus 13 works with mine. Plenty of signal, in a shielded building even. Coming from a 10T, which was fast for me already, the 13 looks like it will last for quite a while

[@capadon77]

I think it's worth that price. There is no need 2 do huge upgrades year after year. And the One plus is not available everywhere.

[@StevealiciousTech]

What's the year after year huge upgrade? We are on year 4 of this.

[@bradleyswaney6100]

There is no bandwagon here. There is no way i pay 1300 for it. We need other choices at carriers. My S21 ultra has 12 gigs back then. 😂 Samsung has become Apple. I absolutely will not pay for any AI.

[@polandman07]

My S10 has 8GB RAM. My S23+ has 8GB RAM. The S10 has features that I actually care about, such as a microSD slot (with a 1.5TB microSD card) and a headphone jack; and it has One UI 4 which looks miles better than 7 (which is the worst design I've seen) and even 6 (still bad).

[@lalorodriguez3716]

I got 600 off my s25+ for continuing paying phone service for a year.

[@kevinthorne9108]

My main gripe is the fact a few markets are getting a 16GB RAM version but not here in Europe. If I'm paying top money for a flagship model (the Ultra) then I expect the best! I would love to know how much extra it would cost Samsung to provide the extra 4GB. It's a shame they don't even offer a 16GB variant in all markets, even just offering the larger option for a little more money would have been nice.

[@lenacheney]

Their customer service is atrocious too. I canceled my preorder i placed last night and was immediately refunded the 552.35 in my paypal debit account. A few hours later i was at work and got a NEW charge of 434.09. Contacted Samsung who said that that charge was a refund even though i had been refunded and the price wasnt the same and it was a separate transaction. So they told me to take it up with paypal because it shows that as a refund NOT a charge. Paypal confirms it was a completely separate charge and Samsung wont help and Paypal keeps telling me to take it up with Samsung so i just filed a dispute. Ive never experienced something like this before and its ALOT of money to be out

[@katinasoutherland7693]

I am so sorry that's happening to you. I pray this gets resolved soon 🙏

[@lalorodriguez3716]

Play stupid games win stupid prizes.

[@MrAlexanderTheG8]

I don't blame you buddy, I did upgrade to the S25 Ultra, and I like it so far. There's plenty to be annoyed with, but just my user experience in the first few hours' I'm feeling okay with my upgrade, because I came from the S22U. They didn't go big like I would like them to, but the truth is, we have reached peak smartphone, when a company offers 7 years of updates; they are telling you that "don't expect many changes within that 7-year window" I've watched so many videos, and it's a mixed bag of opinions out here, but what I'll say is, if you have the cash and an older device, upgrade, if you have the S23 -s24, don't! Your money your choice.

[@polandman07]

I'd say that 2019 was peak Samsung. The S10e is perfect for me, with its size, microSD slot, headphone jack and lack of One UI 6/7 (Samsung is heavily destroying their design now, with WAY TOO MUCH rounded corners EVWRYWHERE). The Note 10/+ also had an amazing design that still looks great to this day. The S25 Ultra looks like a knockoff S23+, while the S/Note 10 were something else entirely with their designs.

[@polandman07]

Also, you are telling me not to upgrade from the S23/S24, which I agree with - I have switched from my 256GB S23+ to a 128GB S10 (with a 1.5TB microSD card), a decision which I don't regret at all. I'm looking for a cheap, good condition S10e to main, as mine is in bad shape and has a broken power button. But when I find one, I will probably use it for years, up until when Android 12 starts to die, and that's when I will custom ROM it.

[@panjabipandit]

First time I've send back a phone. Been using Samsung Galaxy since the s3 and updated every 2-3 years. Keeping my S23U at this point. They (Samsung Customer Support) even tried to pay me to keep the S25U when I requested a return. Something tells me others are doing the same.

[@NEWOAH_ML]

I hope we see a pendulum swing into absurd innnovation

[@henqjuhh]

yep, keeping my S23U for another year, we'll see how the S26 turns out

[@lalorodriguez3716]

So many people sleep on pre order promotions. Not even including trade in.

[@thomasbain319]

When I saw the specs of the S25 Ultra, I cancelled my plan to upgrade. Your vid is spot-on.

[@jralphroman]

I have the OnePlus 13 and the s25 ultra and the newer tech in battery didn't really mean better battery life for me. My s25 ultra gets me better battery life. Newer Tech doesn't mean better.

[@Uncle_Drew0227]

You're a realist as ever, Steve! I'm with you on this.

[@andreferguson3376]

I am upgrading from the Note 10plus to the s24 ultra. It looks more premium love the boxy design and I will still have Spen bluetooth functionality

[@boigoe]

I have returned mine...sticking with my s22 ultra

[@k_u_e_r_i_s_u_e_]

well for me as a former s22+ owner the S25U feels like magic

[@StevealiciousTech]

And it will, and you should enjoy it, that's not what I'm saying.

[@DTPIIXART]

Here's a kicker... I recently bought a Samsung A14 and aside from the fact it has a smaller screen than my S23U, I enjoy using the phone just the same, and I only paid $40 dollars for it on Straight Talk, plus it has a SD card slot. I don't have a clue what Samsung is trying to pull with flagship phones these days.

[@violetskydiver7684]

A boring tiny update I can just barely accept as "refinement", but what they're doing now in deliberately delaying One UI 7 rolling out to older devices to boost S25 sales is pathetic

[@huntergibbs7797]

i think im going to return mine. the overall experience has been great, but i dont think its 1300 worth great

[@angelsanchez9434]

Guys I have a nothing phone 1, should I buy s24u or s25u 🤔🤔🤔

[@nemesisut8793]

I had sych high hopes for 25U... urghh a lesson learned. If 26U becomes another S year... Samsung might be in trouble with their phones

[@donniethesportsguy893]

After a week, still I was having battery life issues when in 5G tmobile here in LA. Wouldnt last all day and dead by 7pm 0% my S24U was around 15% by 7pm same usage patterns. 🤷‍♂️

[@The.chronic.connoisseur]

I was so excited about upgrading this year from my s22 ultra 😭 I ended up waiting, and im pretty glad I did. I'm thinking about the fold7 if not the s26 ultra.

[@Area-gaming-gg]

Scamsung

[@XIMGR34]

Come on, Sammy, dont follow the Applle trend!......We're not having this 🐑 sheep culture that's creeeeeping up on Samsung

[@roderickjohnson8826]

I'm happy with my z fold 6, but you are telling the truth..

[@bigrod997]

Well said. More phone makers need to come to the US market. Competition is always good for the consumer.

[@michaelferguson364]

Preach brother!!! ALL of these $1000 plus smartphones should be giving customers MORE

[@leisurefarm]

Totally agree with you on all aspects except where i am, the trade in value is less than before which leads to deduce that my side has the biggest suckers for samsung phones.

[@robertsaladino]

The new physical dimensions are a product of a better fit while using the phone not a coordinated effort to please the masses. It's just easier to use vs my S24U. Best Ultra IMO.

[@violetskydiver7684]

The fact that the only long-term draw to the S25 line, that being the new AI features, will become a paid feature next year is hilariously stupid

[@MaxLingSharp]

Boom👊🏿Mic Drop! What he said... They should have skipped the Ultra branding this year.

[@StevealiciousTech]

I appreciate it! And I agree!

[@katinasoutherland7693]

Btw Steve. I miss the display on my s22U. Matter fact ive been watching movie's on it & not my new s25U.

[@snowps1]

I personally do not like the anti-reflective screen.

[@bradleyswaney6100]

I am buying an S23 ultra soon as the price hit 500 or less.

[@katinasoutherland7693]

I promise i was thinking about doing the same thing. I hate this display. ​@@bradleyswaney6100

[@mohamedmoselhy397]

RAM..BATTERY..CAMERAS..SPEN. SCREEN

[@Young_Dab]

The fact that Samsung doesn't give 16gb of RAM even with the 1TB option for the Ultra is absolutely ludicrous! Honestly for $1300 this phone should come with way more! I always thought charging speeds was satisfiable but for that price charging speeds should also be increased.

[@thechosenonekky1602]

The 16gb variant is exclusive to only the Four Countries, Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong. However if you order these outside of the USA, you will run into warranty issues and potentially lack of hw support for refunding for defects.

[@Quietmedows02]

On the bright side at least I don't have to feel left out using a past gen device since amsung keeps making basically the same phone every year 😂

[@Lazy_snorlax95]

I'll stick to my S21 ultra. Maybe the S26 ultra will be different 😅

[@talrulez]

I'm still on the fence: I have a sluggish s22u, I'm not sure if to get the s24u or op13. I lean toward the op13, but the camera makes me hesitate. I am going on a trip abroad and want good photos. S25 series is immaterial, and I would not get it.

[@polandman07]

My S10 and my S23+ are running well, so why is your S22U sluggish? Maybe try getting rid of some apps that you don't use or even a factory reset if you can backup your data elsewhere (e.g. onto another phone). I personally wouldn't even consider upgrading yet.

[@NoLuv4Hoz]

Your points are well-taken. These corporations need to be held accountable. At the MSRP of $1,300, the S25 Ultra would be a hard pass for me. However, with the aggressive $700 trade-in credit, the effective price becomes much more attractive. While I appreciate my OnePlus 12, it's frustrating that it's excluded from these lucrative trade-in deals, simply because it's not a Samsung or Pixel device. In contrast, even an older Samsung A13 qualifies for the full discount. This clearly demonstrates Samsung's awareness of the competitive landscape.

[@SoulBrother-V8]

What's the hype about AI, can't folks compose and write their own emails and notes 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@demetriccauthen-no1jy]

I didn't upgrade got s24 ultra instead case of no Bluetooth function i think this will be last upgrade with Samsung

[@wackyxx3388]

The 12 gb is criminal. Its like having 12gb graphics card which gonna be a real limitations few years down the line. Yet no one is bothered about what samsung is doing.

[@MrAlexanderTheG8]

Most people aren't paying $1300 bucks, they are paying installments, but I get the point! It cost me $700 to upgrade while getting the buds 3 Pro, which are dam good. Next year if they bring back the S-Pen Bluetooth, I'll upgrade again, if not then I'll just hold because there's enough technology in the S25 to satisfy my tech hunger for now!!

[@lalorodriguez3716]

So many promotions I got my plus with a $600 discount. Some people got their phone for free

[@ctfla1]

I agree that we need maximum value for the money. 👍💰💯

[@josephdg1429]

Wow well said

[@MagashiSaizen]

I have a question, would a future s-pen from a future ultra phone work on this model? I'm not familiar with the ultra line, have the old versions had backwards compatibility with their old pens?

[@StevealiciousTech]

The pens will work but not for Bluetooth function. There aren't charging coils in the phone, so it won't work. The pen will still work for passive actions, though.

[@MagashiSaizen]

@@StevealiciousTech That's unfortunate, I wonder why they took that feature off of it.

[@bradcruise6291]

I agree with you completely and raise you 10 more issues

[@ElMartilloBlanco]

It's funny they push AI as a feature so hard, because technically that could also be implemented on the older models too, they just choose to limit it to the new models so you have to buy a new phone. And to be fair, Google, Microsoft, Samsung, and Apple (probably the worst) all do this. I'm just tired of it. Aside from a substantial CPU architecture change (like Apple silicon), there's really no legitimate reason to limit the software to only new hardware. There's nothing that actually breaks compatibility. These are just restrictions created by manufacturers to make you buy new hardware.

[@BigworkWal]

The last 4.5 years I had an Galaxy A50 and loved it, until it got unreliable and had to be forced to upgrade. I sat at the service store and thought about what phone I was gonna get to replace my A50. I decided quickly after they were trying to upsale me to a Google pixel for $1300 dollars and a S24 for $1400 I said hell No I won't go, and settled for an Galaxy A16 5G because I wasn't gonna spend that much for a phone that I considered Obsolete already when the A16 just came out November 2024. I refuse to pay over a certain amount due to cost of living. I remember back in the day when Moto G play, Samsung S5, and my A50 was less then $600 that I though was high enough for a device plus mods for my moto G play 🤔. I don't need that much ram, or storage space I settled for 80gigs after the OS took up its portion of the Ssd. So ya I didn't upgrade much and didn't take the "new plans" either they wouldn't take my old device for a trade in because they were butt hurt but oh well I walked out happy.

[@bradcruise6291]

Im honestly thinking of switching to vivo or xiaomi and ive been trading in both the ultra and fold every year. 2 phones from samsung a year and im freaking pissed. Finally had enough

[@wagfinpis]

Considering Samsung is promoting all the trade in values and guaranteeing 7 years of updates, the 12 gigs of ram not keeping up with AI features in the next 2 years is a fantastic point. I was also thinking about how well is the 5000 mAh battery going to be charging in 2033? 😂

[@mpoveroni]

This is the baddest phone out don't let this guy fool you

[@lalorodriguez3716]

Most don't even know about the pre order promotions. I got my plus for 600 off. Yet almost everyone here is complaining about the price.

[@mpoveroni]

@lalorodriguez3716 you get gift cards too

[@AshieMC95]

the phone is not worth the expensive price tag, we should really be encouraging phones that are well priced, its not an ultra when others do it much better, faster charging, better cameras elsewhere, more ram elsewhere, ONEPLUS does it all better! we dont need to be ripped off with a phone cos of AI.... legit, remove the AI shit and charge me less as a result, i will take that deal any day of the week!

[@TristanWegner-mw3id]

Ai is a tool to extract more from u never will they go back on it just look at the subscription modell... The way they are not disclosing the price looks like they are waiting to see how high they can go in this market environment

[@polandman07]

It's not an ultra when most of the "features" are AI. I would like for all of them to be removed, or at least give me the option to disable them.

[@lalorodriguez3716]

I got my s25+ with $600 off because of promotion.

[@TristanWegner-mw3id]

@lalorodriguez3716 still u got slower fast charging less battery capacity and less ram than in cheaper phones getting this phone just encourages samsung to stay on this low effort path

[@lalorodriguez3716]

@TristanWegner-mw3id I don't need battery I don't go out my house often. If I need ram I have PC.

[@bdie3m73]

I have s20 ultra. I was waiting for s25 Do you recommend buy to s24 ultra or s25 ultra?

[@nikolakasherov1617]

I have S21 Ultra and upgraded to S24 (the small one in the line) a few weeks ago. Really relieved to have a normal size device in hand.

[@Tryt7]

Good work, s25u is not ultra The removal of expand memory in SD slot is a scam, no headphone jack sucks not everyone wants to fry the brain with earbuds the usb type c slot suck using it for headphone my headphones has snapped twice I could rant on and on Samsung has no regard for it customer If it wasn't for the software i would change If i could get a Chinese phone i would

[@polandman07]

I switched from my 256GB S23+ to a 128GB S10 with a 1.5TB microSD card (enough for my ever-growing music library), a decision which I do not regret.

[@lalorodriguez3716]

Wow music fry's your brain? You sound like you learned the hard way.

[@zlatkio]

Pixel for more is better because I can play arround with custom OS..

[@dannybishop68]

It's actually a great phone if you are coming from like a S22 Ultra. Samsung rely heavily on software and AI for their camera system.

[@bigoddo]

You are one of the ones i can Trust with this information. Thank you for being a sane voice in a sea of samsung knights defending their castle. I love samsung but come on!

[@Windows6.0]

While I think the S25 Ultra isn't a huge improvement from the S24 Ultra, it is definitely an upgrade from the Note 9 I've been using for 6 years.

[@Poloest91]

Just got the s25 ultra (from s24 ultra) and I can honestly say most of this is a rant. Screen is amazing, phone is super fast, and camera is the best yet. S pen situation hurts but not a deal breaker and nobody pays full price. Even carrier's, my brother just traded in a s22 plus and got the s25 ultra 512gb for $3 a month. Are there things you can complain about things of course but I can without a doubt this is the best phone you can get at the moment 💯

[@wagfinpis]

If OnePlus or anyone would have stuck a interactive pen in their flagship phone this year, I would have been all in to try it; or if the "ultra" would have come with a bigger battery, like 6000mAh, I would have been a happy samsung sheep'er. I do not care about the best cameras; I am in the market for a "2-day battery", best chip (Qualcomm), and the pen that lets me immediately draw or write something down and the ability to write on pdf's.

[@Juicebarltd]

I have a p8xle 7a and im considering cancelling my order. I have 14 days to decide...hes right. 25u could go down in peice a lot

[@Shambley1]

If one plus had better trade in value, I probably would have got it. I believe phones will take a jump forward so more than likely I will be upgrading. Some places won’t even take a one plus for trade and the ones that do give you like $50-$100. I just had to get rid of my terrible s24u display.

[@royalladin5276]

Could not agree more.

[@tonyeaster4544]

Get a grip! Its a phone! I love mine and just dont buy it if you feel that way! 🙄Jeez!

[@ezoez7548]

Im gonna keep my s24u and see how the Red dragon 10 pro goes. Even with most of the addons, you get most of the addons for less money than the s25ultra

[@SyedFazlayRobShabok]

All these people defending the S25 Ultra probably have a lot of money laying around to be thinking they don't need the absolute best in the market for $1300.

[@lalorodriguez3716]

Nobody pays full price tho. So many promotions. I got 600 off my s25+.

[@SyedFazlayRobShabok]

@@lalorodriguez3716 That's what it only feels like. You paid for your previous device didn't you? So you did pay full price for it, you just paid part of it before. Even if you deduct the usage price of the device you traded in, it still has value which Samsung accounts for, which means either way they are making a profit. They make more or less the same profit if you get it via paying $1000 or by trade in +$600

[@Omel2323]

I wonder what consumers will do when Samsung starts charging for the core feature of their devices, AI?

[@Omel2323]

At the end of 2025 🤔

[@hhhmmmmmmmm]

I got the S25, 256gb for $650, without trade in. Cant complain.

[@pandabear-k7e]

I think most people are not buying it to replace S24Ultra. I'm looking at it to replace S20FE and I really don't like the design of S24Ultra enough even with a discount to consider it. Round or sharp I don't mind but all sides have to be symmetrical for me lol

[@stan8926]

I was between op 13 and s25+ but that cam monstrosity did it for me, i come from a52 and op gave me the excuse to stay with sam. Camera is the least priority and to have it disfiguring the body was too much. Not a heavy user so battery lasts me more than 2 days and I charge overnight. Of course i could stay with a52 until it died but hey we live once.

[@williss9995]

Bravo Steve, About time Samsung was called out for their lacklustre ultra! Including their terrible plans to charge for AI that no one particularly needs or wants! Maybe next year’s S26 ultra will be worth the price? Unless Samsung charges for Ai or remains on its current trajectory of micro improved upgrades? Then my next Samsung maybe the S30 Ultra?

[@papervidocq]

I'm really enjoying it...not sure what's the hate. I never owned an Ultra before and happy with the 25.

[@CurbSideManor]

8 while heated agree! Talk about a snow job! 🧐😒🧐🌧️

[@stanfrank9517]

Yeah I agree this need to be said about Samsung. Cant be taking away features and not upgrading hardware like the battery in 2025