Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Hands-On: Key Upgrades & Pricing
content: Unboxing the Galaxy S25 Ultra
At Jakarta's Galaxy Unpacked event, the Titanium Silver Blue S25 Ultra immediately stands out. Opening the eco-friendly box reveals:
- SIM ejector tool (dual nano-SIM support)
- Quick start guide (Indonesian localized)
- USB-C cable (no charger included)
- The device itself with redesigned curved edges
Compared to the S24 Ultra, the frame feels noticeably lighter and more compact despite the 6.9" display. The camera housing is more angular with upgraded lenses - a key visual differentiator.
Design and Physical Changes
Frame and Button Layout
- Right side: Power + Volume buttons
- Bottom: USB-C port, speaker, microphone, S-Pen slot
- Top: Secondary speaker
- Flatter aluminum frame with subtle antenna lines
The curvature at screen edges has increased, improving grip. Samsung claims 8% weight reduction - verified during hands-on testing.
Color Options
- Ultra models: Titanium Silver Blue, White Silver, Grey, Black (Jet Black/Green/Pink Gold online exclusive)
- S25/S25 Plus: Navi Blue, Mint, Silver Shadow (Blue Black/Coral Red/Pink Gold online)
Camera System Upgrades
Rear Camera Specifications
- 200MP main (f/1.7)
- 50MP periscope telephoto (f/3.4, 10x optical) - major upgrade from 10MP
- 50MP ultrawide (f/1.9) - replaces 12MP sensor
- 10MP telephoto (f/2.4)
Real-World Performance
During evening testing in Jakarta:
- Low-light video (4K/60fps) showed minimal noise
- Seamless transition between lenses - color consistency maintained from ultrawide to periscope
- 8K recording retained detail in shadows
- Front camera handled backlit scenes effectively
Performance and Display
Shared Specifications
All S25 models feature:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy chipset
- 120Hz Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X displays
- Gorilla Glass Armor 2 (Ultra) / Victus 2 (Plus/S25)
Model Comparison
| Feature | S25 Ultra | S25 Plus | S25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.9" QHD+ | 6.7" QHD+ | 6.2" FHD+ |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 4,900mAh | 4,000mAh |
| Telephoto Lens | Dual (10x+3x) | 10MP (3x) | 10MP (3x) |
Galaxy AI Integration
Samsung partnered with Google's Gemini for:
- Audio Eraser: Remove background noises (demonstrated removing motorcycle sounds)
- Enhanced Circle to Search: Contextual object identification
- Photo Assist: Fixes closed eyes in photos using AI
- Samsung Wallet: Digital car keys, boarding passes, and contactless payments (demoed successfully at coffee stand)
Pricing and Availability
- S25: Rp14.999M (256GB)
- S25 Plus: Rp17.999M (256GB)
- S25 Ultra: Rp22.999M (256GB) → Rp28.999M (1TB)
Pre-order benefits include exclusive colors and Samsung Wallet early access. Based on specs-to-price ratio, the S25 Plus offers the best value for most users.
Final Verdict
The S25 Ultra's camera upgrades and refined design justify its flagship status, while the AI integration demonstrates tangible productivity benefits. For photographers and power users, the Ultra's 200MP+50MP combo delivers measurable improvements in low-light versatility.
Which S25 feature would most impact your daily use - the camera system or AI tools? Share your priority below!
