Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Black Friday Deal Is Unbeatable
▼ Summary
– The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium flagship phone with a starting price of $1,299, featuring a more durable display, upgraded camera lens, and the latest Qualcomm processor.
– Key improvements include new Galaxy AI features, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for enhanced AI performance, and a 50MP ultrawide lens for better photo detail.
– The design includes Corning Gorilla Armor 2 for improved drop and scratch resistance, and the device is lighter and thinner than previous models.
– Samsung positions itself as the AI leader in smartphones, with features like a Gemini-Bixby hybrid agent and on-device AI tools that operate quickly and efficiently.
– The phone is best suited for users upgrading from older devices, as the upgrades are iterative, but it may underwhelm early adopters due to modest hardware changes and removed features like Bluetooth S Pen controls.
Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, represents the pinnacle of mobile technology for users demanding uncompromising performance and cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities. Currently available at an exceptional $899 price point, this premium device maintains Samsung’s position at the forefront of the smartphone market while offering substantial savings for discerning buyers.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra continues Samsung’s tradition of producing comprehensive flagship devices without dramatically altering the fundamental formula. Priced identically to its predecessor at $1,299 retail, this handset incorporates meaningful refinements including a more resilient display, enhanced camera optics with sophisticated editing capabilities, and Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The company’s continued emphasis on AI integration permeates nearly every aspect of the user experience.
Having thoroughly tested the device over several weeks, the S25 Ultra presents both impressive advancements and familiar limitations. For owners of three-to-four-year-old smartphones, the upgrade represents a significant leap forward. However, those expecting revolutionary changes from recent models may find the improvements more evolutionary than groundbreaking.
The physical design maintains the Ultra series’ substantial footprint, requiring two-handed operation for most users. Initial impressions reveal a device with refined aesthetics and improved ergonomics, feeling notably less top-heavy than previous iterations despite the prominent camera array. At 16 grams lighter than its predecessor, the S25 Ultra earns distinction as the thinnest Galaxy Ultra model to date.
Corning’s Gorilla Armor 2 protection enhances the display durability while preserving the anti-reflective properties that distinguished last year’s model. Practical testing demonstrates remarkable scratch resistance compared to earlier versions, maintaining pristine condition even without additional screen protection. The available color options, however, remain conservative, likely reflecting market preferences for neutral tones over bolder alternatives.
Performance receives a substantial boost from the customized Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, specifically optimized for Galaxy devices. The chipset’s 40% neural processing unit improvement translates to noticeably faster AI operations with reduced power consumption. Real-world testing confirms rapid subject removal in photographs and nearly instantaneous Gemini search results, outperforming competing devices in responsive AI interactions.
The integration of Google’s Gemini as the default assistant, accessible through a long press of the power button, represents a welcome departure from previous software limitations. The hybrid AI agent combining Gemini and Bixby capabilities handles complex, conversational command chains across supported applications, though effectiveness depends heavily on precise phrasing.
Samsung’s position as the current leader in AI-enabled smartphones appears well-earned, building upon previous innovations while introducing new tools like AI Select for context-aware screen interaction and Now Brief for personalized daily summaries. The latter feature’s limited customization options, however, prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Photography capabilities remain a cornerstone of the Ultra experience, with the upgraded 50-megapixel ultrawide lens capturing significantly enhanced detail compared to previous generations. While the primary 200-megapixel wide lens and telephoto configurations remain unchanged, improved image signal processing delivers more accurate color reproduction and superior low-light performance.
Software enhancements include default 10-bit HDR video recording, sophisticated audio editing tools for isolating specific sound elements, and Galaxy Log mode for professional-grade video color grading. These features complement the hardware improvements to create a comprehensive imaging system.
The overall assessment reveals a device excelling in display quality, camera versatility, and AI implementation, though the incremental nature of this year’s upgrades may disappoint technology enthusiasts. The removal of Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen and the external implementation of Qi2 wireless charging rather than built-in magnets represent notable compromises.
For consumers upgrading from older devices, particularly those from 2021 or earlier, the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers across virtually all performance categories. The current promotional pricing makes this an exceptionally compelling opportunity, though prospective buyers should verify carrier trade-in options to maximize value. Given the temporary nature of such significant discounts, immediate action is recommended to secure these savings before inventory depletion or offer expiration.
(Source: ZDNET)
