Smartphones · Ranked #18 of 82 · Best all-round Android flagship

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

86
Highly rated
Average of 8 professional reviews
8 of 8 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 8 reviews landedRange 80–90
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 86.0 · 7 printed, 1 estimated · printed scores only: 86

Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraImage: Samsung

8 professional reviewers tested the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and 8 recommend it. Most praised: picture quality and performance. Most common complaint: price.

Reviewed by The Disconnekt, Tom's Guide, Trusted Reviews and 5 more

The catch: Hardware changes little from the S24 Ultra, and the S Pen lost Bluetooth.

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What 8 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 90
    The DisconnektHands-on review · 2026

    A year on, still a hugely enjoyable flagship with a great display, cameras and long software support, held back by middling battery life, slower charging and a misplaced AI focus.

    Read The Disconnekt review
  2. 90
    Tom's GuideHands-on review · 2025

    An iterative update that still lands big gains in AI, display, cameras and battery, making for a very impressive flagship.

    Read Tom's Guide review
  3. 90
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2025

    A versatile, large-screened flagship with a flexible camera system, though Samsung's AI bets feel half-finished.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  4. 90
    TechRadarHands-on review · 2025

    TechRadar calls it the ultimate Android phone, praising fast, efficient hardware and expansive AI features that feel like a start.

    Read TechRadar review
  5. 85
    Android CentralHands-on review · 2025

    A very capable, well-rounded Android flagship with strong cameras and AI, held back by a few omissions and a high price.

    Read Android Central review
  6. 80
    Tech AdvisorHands-on review · 2025

    Tech Advisor finds an unexciting but excellent phone with no real weak spot.

    Read Tech Advisor review
  7. 80
    Expert ReviewsHands-on review · 2025

    Fast, polished and long-lasting, but the reviewer finds the focus on AI outweighs real hardware progress.

    Read Expert Reviews review
  8. 83est.
    The IndependentNo printed score · Buying guide

    Named the best camera phone for zoom, with a very impressive periscope and AI-assisted long zoom.

    Read The Independent review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Picture quality5 of 8
Performance3 of 8
Battery life2 of 8

What critics dislike most

Price2 of 8

Other smartphones critics rate highly

Oppo Find X9 UltraImage: Oppo
Best overallOppo Find X9 Ultra5 reviews · critics agree94
Apple iPhone 18 Pro MaxImage: Apple
Best for cameras and speedApple iPhone 18 Pro Max6 reviews · critics agree91
Apple iPhone 17Image: Apple
Apple iPhone 1710 reviews · critics agree90
Apple iPhone 17 ProImage: Apple
Runner-upApple iPhone 17 Pro10 reviews · broad agreement90

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra worth it?

Most critics think so: 8 of 8 recommend it. Hardware changes little from the S24 Ultra, and the S Pen lost Bluetooth.

Do critics agree about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

Critics agree: scores range from 80 (Tech Advisor) to 90 (The Disconnekt), a spread of 10 points across 8 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.

What do critics dislike about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

Price (2 of 8 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra (critic score 94), best overall.