Samsung is gearing up for the highly anticipated launch of its Galaxy S25 Ultra at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event today, promising new innovations and enhancements over its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Scheduled for 11:30 PM Indian Standard Time, this release is more than just another smartphone reveal; it's a chance for Samsung to reclaim the spotlight in the increasingly competitive high-end smartphone market.
Expectations are high for the S25 Ultra, particularly after the S24 Ultra received mixed reviews. Among the most talked-about improvements are advancements to the camera system, haptics, and overall comfort of use. With competitors like the Honor Magic 7 Pro making waves with their impressive offerings, Samsung needs to bring its A-game.
Three key aspects are on the radar for the S25 Ultra launch:
Haptics: Haptic feedback has never been Samsung's strong suit. While devices like the Google Pixel 9 and iPhones have set the bar high with superior haptic motors, the S24 series was criticized for feeling somewhat hollow. With this new model, Samsung must prioritize stronger and more refined haptic feedback to create a tactile experience on par with the best.
Camera Performance: The S24 Ultra boasted impressive specifications, including a 200 MP main wide-angle lens and various telephoto options. Still, it was outshone by competitors like Oppo's Find X8 Pro. The S25 Ultra is expected to take this criticism to heart and improve its camera performance significantly by introducing cutting-edge features and perhaps even hardware upgrades, maintaining its 200 MP sensor yet offering enhancements across the board.
Ergonomics: The S24 Ultra's boxy design presented challenges for prolonged use due to its sharp corners and weight distribution. Thankfully, rumors suggest the S25 Ultra may showcase rounded corners and tweaks to the overall weight balance, which could lead to improved handling. The phone should be lighter and more comfortable, making it suitable for long-term use.
Current leaks suggest the S25 Ultra will feature upgraded specifications, including a larger 6.9-inch WQHD dynamic AMOLED 2x display with 120Hz refresh rate and powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Users can expect up to 12GB of RAM with multiple storage options: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
Other notable specifications include the anticipated battery capacity of 5,000mAh with 45W wired fast charging support, which aligns with current trends. The ultra-wide and telephoto lens setups, supposedly receiving improvements, may help the S25 Ultra leapfrog its predecessor.
According to recent insider reports, assisted by pre-order campaigns, potential pricing for the S25 Ultra may start at ₹1,34,999 for the base model, drawing interest from early adopters and tech enthusiasts. This aligns lower than the launch price of the S24 Ultra, which debuted at ₹1,29,999 for similar specs. Such aggressive pricing strategies alongside improved features may sway potential buyers who are on the fence.
Interestingly, customers able to pre-order the S25 Ultra may benefit from various promotions, including free storage upgrades, which, albeit helpful, might not be the incentive consumers are hoping for. With comments from users like, "They needed to improve much of the hardware if they wanted me to upgrade from my S23 Ultra," Samsung faces mounting pressure to deliver far more than just quantity over quality.
This year's launch is notable not only for Samsung's hardware changes but also its software. The S25 Ultra is expected to ship with OneUI 7 based on Android 15, featuring significant upgrades to user experience and flexibility. Advanced AI functionality has emerged as pivotal, with users anticipating features like enhanced multitasking and smart integrations.
One thing to keep in mind is how the S25 Ultra stacks up against its competitors. With devices like the Honor Magic 7 Pro showcasing excellent camera systems and battery performance, Samsung must rethink its approach boldly. The competitive edge often lies not only within specs but within how effectively it meets consumer desires.
Samsung's upcoming flagship is undoubtedly shaping up as one of the most exciting launches of the year. It's more than just new specifications; it’s about user experience, comfort, and how well Samsung can adapt to meet rising expectations. Will the Galaxy S25 Ultra rise to the challenge today? Only time will tell.