Latest from Android Central in Samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra

Thinking of buying a Samsung flagship? You may not want to wait too long

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Wed, 27 May 2026 09:20:07 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung could soon increase Galaxy phone prices in parts of Europe, starting with Greece in June.
Reports claim some Galaxy S, Z Fold, Z Flip, and FE models may cost up to €100 more.
Upcoming foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 could also see price hikes later this year.

Samsung could soon be increasing the prices of its flagship Galaxy phones in some regions around the world, including parts of Europe.

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 series, the company increased the prices of the base and Plus models by $100 in the U.S., while keeping the Galaxy S26 Ultra at the same price. That's also one of the reasons the Galaxy S26 Ultra has reportedly sold much better this year — since it offers more value compared to its siblings.

Alongside that, Samsung has also quietly increased prices for a few other devices recently in the U.S. as well. For example, the company recently raised the pricing of the 512GB Galaxy Z Fold 7 variant. Now it looks like broader price increases could be coming to flagship Galaxy phones too.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

A new report from TechManiacs claims Samsung is planning to increase the prices of multiple flagship Galaxy devices in Greece starting from the first week of June. According to the report, the price hike could apply to Galaxy S series phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and even Galaxy FE models.

The outlet says some Galaxy devices could see price increases of around €100, while certain variants may become even more expensive.

The report doesn't confirm whether the increase will apply across all of Europe, but if accurate, it could signal broader price hikes coming to other regions like the U.S. and India as well. Right now, though, Samsung hasn't officially confirmed any wider global pricing changes.

So if you're planning to buy a Samsung Galaxy device anytime soon, it might make sense to grab one sooner rather than later. With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the rumored Galaxy Wide Fold expected to launch in July 2026, we honestly wouldn't be surprised if Samsung ends up increasing foldable pricing even further this year.

Android Central's Take

Samsung increasing prices again honestly doesn't feel surprising anymore. Component and memory costs are clearly going up, and there's only so much of that a company can absorb before it eventually passes some of the increase onto customers. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the new iPhones end up getting more expensive this year as well.

Stable One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 might still be a few weeks away

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:47:00 +0000

What you need to know

One UI 8.5 stable for Galaxy S25 may still be weeks away despite ongoing beta testing.
Samsung is reportedly planning up to ten beta builds, with two more expected in April.
Stable rollout could happen in late April or May, but users can join the beta now.

Samsung has been testing the One UI 8.5 release for the Galaxy S25 series for a few months now, but it looks like the stable update could still be a few weeks away.

The stable version of One UI 8.5 debuted with the Galaxy S26 series in February 2026, bringing features like a customizable Quick Settings panel, upgraded Photo Assist tools, and new AI additions like Gemini screen automation. If you've been waiting to try it on your Galaxy S25, it looks like you might still have to wait a bit longer.

As shared by reliable Samsung leaker Tarun Vats on X, the company is reportedly planning a total of ten One UI 8.5 beta updates for the Galaxy S25 lineup. The latest beta 8 rolled out in March, but Samsung is said to have two more betas lined up for April.

(Image credit: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Central)

According to the leaker, One UI 8.5 beta 9 is expected around April 9, while the 10th beta could arrive around April 20. This means if you were hoping that Samsung would now end the beta cycle and release the stable update in April, it seems like that won't be happening.

Samsung hasn't introduced many new features in the recent betas, instead focusing on bug fixes and stability improvements. However, it seems the company is still not happy with the current situation and will continue to refine the beta builds.

This ultimately means that we could see the stable build of One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 arrive sometime later in April or May, but that's still speculation for now.

We'll keep you updated once Samsung releases the stable One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy S25. In the meantime, if you don't want to wait, you can still join the beta via the Samsung Members app on your phone. That said, it comes with caveats, as the beta build might still have a few bugs lying around.

Android Central's Take

Samsung clearly doesn't want to rush this one, and honestly, that's a good thing. I've tried One UI 8.5 on the Galaxy S26 series, and it's probably one of the most stable software experiences I've used in a while. I'd rather wait a bit longer for a polished rollout than deal with bugs.

AirDrop sharing for older Samsung Galaxy devices could be here very soon

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:46:50 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung is rolling out a Quick Share app update via Galaxy Store that adds AirDrop file sharing support to older Galaxy devices.
The feature is appearing on Galaxy S22 to S25 models, but isn't functional yet.
The update signals a wider rollout soon, likely with One UI 8.5.

Samsung recently added support for sharing files over Apple's AirDrop to the Galaxy S26 series last week, and now it looks like the feature won't stay limited to those devices for long.

As spotted by Reddit users (via Tarun Vats on X), a Quick Share app update is rolling out via the Galaxy Store on older Samsung devices that appears to add support for AirDrop file sharing with Apple devices. Users report seeing the same new "Share with Apple devices" section we first saw on Galaxy S26 devices in the Settings app after updating Quick Share.

The update is reportedly showing up on Galaxy models ranging from the Galaxy S22 to last year's Galaxy S25 series. The catch, however, is that the feature doesn't seem to be working yet. It's appearing on devices running One UI 8 as well as the One UI 8.5 beta, but enabling the toggle doesn't activate the functionality for now.

(Image credit: Reddit u/ljoschwzr)

Users say that turning on the feature doesn't make their device visible to Apple devices, and no Apple devices show up in Quick Share either. It's possible Samsung or Google still needs to enable it server-side, but it does confirm that broader rollout to older Galaxy devices is coming. The feature could arrive fully with the One UI 8.5 update.

Either way, this is an exciting move, as Samsung seems to be expanding AirDrop support across its flagship lineup, which could finally make cross-platform file sharing more seamless.

Google has already introduced similar functionality on the Pixel 10 series and later expanded it to the Pixel 9 lineup. Now, it's good to see Samsung catching up, and hopefully, other brands like Motorola and OnePlus will follow soon.

Android Central's Take

This is exactly what I wanted to see from Samsung. Sure, it isn't fully working yet, but the fact that it's already pushing groundwork for older Galaxy devices makes this a big deal.

I've done extensive testing on the Galaxy S26 Ultra's 8-bit display, and it isn't a big problem, but it could be

Nicholas Sutrich — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:47:04 +0000

When Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 Ultra at the late-February Galaxy Unpacked event, everyone was buzzing about the new Privacy Display feature. Not only that, but Samsung claimed it has finally upgraded its displays to true 10-bit panels, capable of displaying over a billion colors and eliminating the color banding that has plagued its flagships for years.

While that last part is true of the S26 Ultra's screen, Samsung confirmed to Android Authority that the displays were actually 8-bit panels (16.7 million colors), not 10-bit (1.07 billion colors) as initially advertised. Apple was sued back in 2008 over similar claims about its laptop displays. Meanwhile, competing flagship phones like the Honor Magic 8 Pro and OnePlus 15 utilize true 10-bit panels.

Samsung says its latest display can display 10-bit color using a technique called FRC, also known as temporal dithering, which flickers pixels between two colors to create a color that "doesn't exist." But FRC is known to cause debilitating pain in flicker-sensitive individuals and usually cannot be disabled, causing a conundrum for affected people.

I've been spending the past few days putting the Galaxy S26 Ultra's display through every battery of tests I have, including extensive testing for FRC and other types of display flicker. Here's what I found.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's display is just built different

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

One of my most common tests involves watching this 4K HDR YouTube video about wildlife in Costa Rica. The green snake scene at the 8-second mark is the perfect showcase of whether a phone is capable of 10-bit color reproduction. In the image above, you'll see clear color banding on the Galaxy S25 Ultra's display, while it's not visible at all on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Color banding is a stark separation of colors that appears when a display isn't capable of showing all the colors in a gradient.

Since Galaxy S26 Ultra's display is still an 8-bit display, as the Galaxy S25 Ultra's is, this means that Samsung adopted some sort of dithering to make the color shift appear smoother. Typically, this means using FRC, which looks like this excellent quick explainer video from Wikipedia. However, that's not what's happening on the Galaxy S26 Ultra's display.

I've created a quick example video here of what FRC usually looks like on LCD and OLED displays under a microscope at 480FPS to compare them to what's happening on the Galaxy S26 Ultra's display:

So it's clear that Samsung is doing something different with the Galaxy S26's 10-bit software simulation method, but it's not clear what they are doing to achieve this. I've reached out to Samsung and asked about the company's methodology, but didn't hear back in time for publishing.

While viewing the video above, you can see the pixels "dancing" during the two examples, showing what dithering typically looks like on an LCD and an OLED. When looking at the gradients under a microscope on the Galaxy 26 Ultra's screen, I don't see any pixel flashing or movement, which is exactly how it should be.

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

I've been performing display testing to detect dithering for years and have never seen a display that does this. I never like to guarantee that a display will never use dithering because it's impossible to test every app and source where dithering could occur. The image above is a great example of why I say this (open the original image if the site compression ruined it). There's no color banding in the 10-bit video, yet the YouTube app exhibits clear color banding right next to the video.

This brings up a fascinating, and often confusing, reason why tricks like FRC are so difficult to measure or determine. Samsung's method here is an interesting one that appears to be far better than the rest, at the very least, but there's also no telling if and when the company's techniques could become a problem for flicker-sensitive users.

Why dithering is a problem

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Temporal dithering is a rather fascinating trick that uses speed to trick our eyes into seeing something that doesn't exist. Other temporal tricks, like PWM dimming, are employed in a way that leverages the idea that most human eyes cannot see flickering at a certain rate, but they ignore the fact that our brains process sight in different ways.

For some people, flickering lights or colors can create discomfort. A mild headache, sore or dry eyes, and dizziness are some common mild symptoms associated with FRC dithering and PWM dimming. Others, however, are not so lucky. Discomfort from these display tricks is well-documented on forums like LEDstrain and the PWM sensitive sub-Reddit, and I've known many individuals who fear for their jobs because modern operating systems have started forcing the tactic.

One prominent member of the PWM-sensitive community, Mark, has found himself in this exact situation. Mark explained to me that "Microsoft introduced 'dithering' in Windows 11 display manager since some build in version 22H2 - which has unfortunately rendered Windows 11 completely unusable to me and others as we are sensitive to dithering and flickering."

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

A question levied to Microsoft's official IT YouTube channel in early December (start at 8:27) confirmed Mark's findings. "None of the current accessibility tools remedy this issue," Mark said, "and I'm really worried about my ability to work going forward, as I've already had to persuade my reluctant IT department to let me carry on with Windows 10 under ESU."

Of course, the solution should be simple: either buy a 10-bit display or change the color space to 8-bit in the OS. But the problem is twofold. Modern operating systems almost never allow users to force 8-bit color and, even then, there's no guarantee an app won't try to use dithering to "deliver a better experience," as the marketing so often puts it.

The second is that 10-bit panels are elusive, as this debacle with the Galaxy S26 Ultra's display proves. As was the case with PWM dimming, many companies started employing tactics without proper research, only to find out that users started complaining about not being able to use the latest devices because of them.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

In a world where everything is connected and you're forced to at use newer versions of nearly everything, poor decisions by companies are forcing users to make life changes they otherwise wouldn't have. The low frequency PWM rate of the Galaxy S26 Ultra makes it impossible to recommend to flicker-sensitive people, for instance.

Samsung's use of FRC to fake 10-bit color means its displays have the potential to bother even more users, as I'm personally sensitive to PWM dimming but not at all bothered by FRC dithering. Several others find themselves in the opposite boat, and it's ultimately up to companies to companies to pursue the needs of its customers if they want to keep them. I just hope Samsung is listening.

Samsung

Galaxy S26 Ultra

See the Privacy Display in action on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the first phone that can protect your messages and other sensitive information the moment someone else looks at it.

One last call: Samsung's One UI 8.5 Beta 5 shows up before the Galaxy S26 takes the stage

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:03:00 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung has reportedly started rolling out its One UI 8.5 Beta 5 to Galaxy S25 users in the U.S.
This patch is quite light, as the patch notes mainly detail an "applied Bixby version update," which could be the major rework we've seen rumored before.
Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked takes place next week on February 25, 2026 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT.

We are less than a week away from Samsung's flurry of next-gen announcements, and it's looking to make sure its next software is ready for it.

Samsung's One UI 8.5 Beta 5 was spotted rolling out to eligible Galaxy S25 users by SammyGuru. Reports state that the patch is slowly becoming available for users who've enrolled in the beta program in the U.S. The changelog for the patch is quite light, as Samsung labels this as One UI 8.5 vZZAN. More than that, the update applies "Bixby version update."

The publication adds that the patch is only ~548MB, so the update should download relatively quickly, given your internet connection. Other reports state that One UI 8.5 Beta 5 has arrived in South Korea and India already, meaning the U.S., as well as a few other regions, should begin seeing it more prominently as the week ends.

The post highlights that there's no telling whether or not other devices, like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7, will receive this patch before next week's Unpacked. It would likely put Samsung in quite a crunch to try and squeeze availability in with only a few days left to go, so we'll have to see.

Galaxy Unpacked is on the way

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

One UI 8.5 Beta 4 rolled out to eligible users earlier this month, bringing with it a new feature they could test. Direct Voicemail was added to the Phone app, which lets users "automatically send calls to voicemail after a set period or route all incoming calls directly to voicemail." The patch was quite large, coming in at 1.5GB. It included the February 2026 security patch, while also looking to fix a load of bug fixes plaguing Galaxy phones.

We'll have to see how One UI 8.5 shapes up officially for everyone, as Galaxy Unpacked will take place on February 25, 2026 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT in San Francisco, California. Additionally, users should look out for Samsung's reserve program that's already underway. You can even try to guarantee yourself up to $900 off the next big flagship phone.

Android Central's Take

All eyes are on Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event next week. With time so low, it didn't seem like we would see another One UI 8.5 beta but, alas, here's the fifth one. Other than the Bixby version update, which could be the major revamp we've been expecting for quite some time, there's not much else to unravel. What I'll be keeping my eyes on is when Galaxy S25 users can get their hands on the new software officially, as it hits its stable servers. Then, of course, we'll go down the list of devices.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked teases AI camera magic that 'restores,' merges, and a whole lot more

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:30:00 +0000

What you need to know

temp

If your excitement is about to boil over, Samsung's latest Galaxy camera announcement might just push it to its tipping point.

Today (Feb 17), Samsung announced that it's going to unveil a Galaxy camera experience designed to "unify photo & video capturing, editing, and sharing into one intuitive system." The company plans to lean on its AI software heavily for this, bringing capabilities that can reportedly completely transform your photos and videos.

However, these transformations can lean on your desires, too.

Samsung teases that its next generation of Galaxy cameras can not only "restore" missing parts of an image, but it can also "merge" multiple photos into a piece that looks like it was always whole. Elsewhere, Samsung states users can turn daylight photos into night, as well as the ability to "capture detailed photos in low light."

The teasers don't end there, as Samsung's camera software lets you turn real images into stickers, alongside the option of drawing in your desired addition, and watching its AI make it real. If you want to really stress that you saw a UFO capturing a cow, well, you can do that. Samsung highlights its software's ability to get this all done "within minutes," pushing other apps out of the user's mind.

These AI-fueled camera advancements prepare to sail the Galaxy on February 25 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT.

Unpacked is on the way

(Image credit: Samsung)

A week ago, Samsung formally announced that its Galaxy Unpacked event for the Galaxy S26 and more will take place on February 25. The action's going down in San Francisco, California. Samsung teased that its event will showcase all the ways users can "connect, create, and immerse" themselves in its new technology.

More importantly, the company's reservation program is already underway. The announcement said: consumers can reserve "the latest Galaxy devices to receive a $30 credit to use during pre-order and be entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card to use on Samsung.com. Plus, customers can receive up to $900 in additional savings with a trade-in or receive a $150 credit with no trade-in when you reserve and pre-order on Samsung.com."

Android Central's Take

I'd be lying if I said I was surprised by Samsung's announcement. There's already a healthy selection of AI-powered tools that users can lean on with the Galaxy S25 series. Now, the company's just looking to pile it on. I've never really been one to use these on a daily basis. It's nice to see what they "can do" for photography, but I've never found myself gravitating toward them again and again. It looks like Samsung's trying to get that out of its features. The idea of putting their existence and cleverness in the minds of its users, so they return. I'll have to see them in-hand to see if it sticks.

The GIF generation is going to love this hidden Galaxy S25 Ultra feature

Nicholas Sutrich — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:43:00 +0000

If you're anything like me, you probably have an army of GIFs sitting in a folder on your phone or computer, just waiting to be unleashed at any given point during a text conversation. When I don't have a GIF handy, I often just Google a phrase of some kind and scroll until I find something I'm satisfied with.

But there are more than a few times when I simply can't find what I'm looking for. Sometimes it's because the scene I had in mind for a GIF is from something niche or a very specific part of a scene that no one has clipped yet. That's about the time I usually whip out the trusty old S Pen from the Galaxy S25 Ultra and make my own GIFs.

This feature is so hidden, I'd be surprised if nearly anyone knew it existed, because it's not only hidden within the AI Select tool but also requires jumping into another menu to find the option.

What is Samsung AI Select?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Samsung AI Select is the new name for Smart Select and includes several new features, along with a more user-friendly interface. AI Select is available any time you unsheathe your S Pen from the Galaxy S25 Ultra via the pop-up menu that appears.

When you use AI Select to select something on screen, it will intelligently understand the dimensions and shape of what you've circled, then give you a pop-up menu full of actions you can perform on your selection.

Aside from some nifty context-sensitive actions, AI Select makes it dead easy to make GIFs from any source. This is particularly useful in an age when content can be on any platform or service, which would typically make it difficult to capture or edit without AI Select. As such, it's become an invaluable part of my daily life, especially when I'm chatting with friends.

How to make GIFs on a Galaxy S25 Ultra

Let's say you found a YouTube video with the perfect moment for a short reaction GIF, or you want to capture the expression of your favorite TikToker, AI Select is exactly the right tool for the job.

Once you've found your video of choice, follow these steps to make that perfect GIF:

1. With the video on screen, pull out the S Pen from the phone. I recommend pausing the video just before the moment you want to capture, if possible.

2. Tap on the floating pencil icon to bring up the actions menu.

3. Tap on AI Select.

4. Use the S Pen to draw a circle around the content you want to capture.

(Image credit: Android Central)

5. Use the anchors on the corners to resize the capture rectangle to make it the dimensions you want.

6. From the pop-up menu below the capture rectangle, tap on the three dots menu button.

7. Tap Create GIF.

(Image credit: Android Central)

8. Select your desired quality from the menu. Lower quality is better for longer GIFs as it'll keep the size down.

9. Unpause the video at this time (if applicable), then hit Record to begin GIF creation.

10. When you've reached the end of the section you want to record, tap the Stop button.

11. A new pop-up menu will let you edit the GIF, pin it to the screen so you can drag-and-drop it into an app for sharing, copy it to the clipboard, share using the system share dialog, or save it for later use.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Edit your GIFs to perfection

While there's an edit button at the end of GIF creation, I don't recommend using it because it's largely useless. Instead, you'll want to open the GIF in Samsung's Gallery app after it's made, as this allows you to trim it, rearrange the frames, doodle on it, add stickers, adjust the speed, and more.

Making GIFs with the Galaxy S25 Ultra is an absolute blast, and it'll get you making the most unique GIFs of all your friends in no time.

Samsung

Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the ultimate creation tool thanks to the power of the S Pen and Samsung's fantastic software features.

Motorola Signature vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: When flagships collide

sharmarajat@zoho.com (Rajat Sharma) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:49:02 +0000

Motorola Signature

Motorola's latest

The Motorola Signature comes with a stunning fabric-like back, a new triple-lens rear camera system, seven years of updates, and a whole lot more. It's undeniably the best flagship the brand has ever made.

Pros

Fabric-inspired back panel looks and feels great
Seven years of OS and security updates
Fast wired and wireless charging
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 should prove powerful

Cons

Not available in the United States
Pricey despite not featuring top-end Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung's greatest

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with an industrial yet premium design, full S-Pen support, a versatile quad-lens primary camera setup, and more. It's one of the most well-balanced flagships you can buy.

Pros

Refined design that's both tough and good-looking
Versatile quad-lens camera array
Lots of useful AI-based tools

Cons

S-Pen isn't as feature-laden as it used to be
Uninspiring charging speeds

Even though Motorola has been making flagship smartphones (primarily under the Razr series) for a while now, the company's efforts have largely been focused on the extremely competitive affordable and mid-range segments. However, it seems like things are finally about to change. In addition to showcasing the Razr Fold, the brand also unveiled the Signature at CES 2026. With these two devices, Motorola seems to have its sights set on market leader Samsung. While the Razr Fold is a book-type foldable targeted at devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Signature is a premium slab-style smartphone that appears to be a worthy competitor to the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

As such, comparing the Motorola Signature vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra makes perfect sense, especially if you're planning to buy a flagship Android smartphone that you can use for years to come. So, does Motorola's latest have what it takes to go up against Samsung's greatest? Let's see how these two high-end devices stack up against each other.

Motorola Signature vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Pricing and availability

Having been launched in select regions across Europe at a starting price of €999 (approximately $1,193), the Motorola Signature will also be introduced in Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and a few other key markets across the globe. On the other hand, the base variant of the Galaxy S25 Ultra will cost you around $1,050 (current discounted pricing) if you buy it unlocked through Samsung's online store in the United States.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

However, the real issue here is availability. As confirmed to Android Central during the CES 2026 briefing, Motorola has no plans to bring the Signature to the United States. That might change in the future, but as of now, if you're interested in buying the device, you'll have to get it imported.

Motorola Signature vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design, display, and hardware

Great design has always been one of Motorola's key strengths, so it should come as no surprise that the Signature is a real looker. The phone sports an aircraft-grade aluminum frame and measures just 6.9mm in thickness. The back panel gets a fabric-like (twill or linen) finish that not only looks incredible but also makes holding (and using) the device a comfortable experience. The rear camera system is placed inside a rectangular housing that comes with a brushed metal finish, further improving the phone's style quotient.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a bit thicker at 8.2mm and features a titanium frame. Its rear is an all-glass affair (covered with Gorilla Glass Victus 2), which gives the phone a more industrial appearance, while still looking and feeling as premium as you'd expect. The primary camera setup consists of individual lenses arranged vertically, which is in line with Samsung's current design language.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Although the physical footprint of both smartphones is nearly identical, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (218g) is significantly heavier than the Motorola Signature (186g). You also get an IP68 rating with both smartphones, but the Signature takes it a step further with an added IP69 certification (for protection against high-temperature water jets), as well as compliance with military-grade standards of toughness.

Up front, both smartphones have expansive LTPO AMOLED panels that are quite similar yet a bit different. The Signature features a 6.8-inch display that flows ever so slightly into the frame on all four sides. It also features a 165Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of around 6,200 nits.

Conversely, the Galaxy S25 Ultra packs in a flat 6.9-inch screen that comes with an anti-glare coating. You also get a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. Sure, these numbers are lower than those of the Motorola Signature, but the fact that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with the S-Pen stylus more than makes up for it.

While the Signature's screen is secured with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's display is protected by Gorilla Armor 2.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

While the Galaxy S25 Ultra uses the last-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, the Signature packs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset under the hood, which is one of Qualcomm's latest flagship chips, although sitting just below the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Performance between the two phones should be comparable, despite Samsung technically featuring a previous-gen chip.

However, both smartphones come with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of super-fast internal storage. As such, both the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Motorola Signature have it all to hold their own (mostly) against some of the best Android phones available out there.

The two smartphones are also evenly matched in terms of connectivity and I/O features, having everything from Wi-Fi 7 and multi-band 5G support to NFC and USB-C 3.2 (with DisplayPort functionality) thrown into the mix.

Specifications
Category	Motorola Signature	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Dimensions	162.1 x 76.4 x 6.9 mm	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm
Durability & Material(s)	IP68/IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front), Twill or Linen fabric-like finish (back), Aircraft-grade Aluminum frame	IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, Corning Gorilla Armor 2 (Front), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Back), Titanium frame
Weight	186g	218g
Display	6.8-inch Extreme AMOLED (1264x2780 pixels resolution), LTPO, 165Hz refresh rate, 6,200 nits peak brightness	6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED (1440x3120 pixels resolution), LTPO, 120Hz refresh rate, 2,600 nits peak brightness
Chipset / SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM	12GB/16GB	12GB/16GB
Storage	256GB/512GB/1TB	256GB/512GB/1TB
Sensors	Under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, and Compass	Under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, Compass, and Barometer
Connectivity & I/O	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, Multi-band 5G, GPS, NFC, UWB, and USB-C 3.2 (with DisplayPort)	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Multi-band 5G, GPS, NFC, UWB, and USB-C 3.2 (with DisplayPort)
Other Features	Dedicated support, Moto AI, Copper mesh liquid cooling	Samsung DeX (wired and wireless), Galaxy AI, S-Pen
Battery & Charging	5,200mAh Si/C, 90W (wired) and 50W (wireless) charging, 10W reverse (wired) and 5W reverse (wireless) charging	5,000mAh Li-Ion, 45W (wired) and 15W (wireless) charging, 4.5W reverse (wireless) charging, Qi2 Ready
Cameras (Rear)	50MP wide-angle, 50MP periscope telephoto (3x optical zoom), and 50MP ultrawide \| 8K video recording	200MP wide-angle, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 50MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom), and 50MP ultrawide \| 8K video recording
Camera (Front)	50MP wide-angle \| 4K video recording	12MP wide-angle \| 4K video recording
OS & Update Policy	Android 16 (preinstalled), seven years of OS and security updates	Android 15 (preinstalled), seven years of OS and security updates
Color Options	Pantone Martini Olive, Pantone Carbon	Titanium Black, Titanium Grey, Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Whitesilver \| Online Exclusive: Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Jetblack, Titanium Pinkgold

Motorola Signature vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Cameras, software, and battery

While the primary camera system of the Galaxy S25 Ultra hasn't changed all too much over the last few generations, it remains a versatile array that can capture incredible photos and videos in almost all kinds of lighting conditions, as noted by Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich in his review.

The Signature features a new rear camera setup with Sony sensors, which should help in overall photo and video quality. Of course, we can't say anything for certain until we put the phone through its paces, but we won't be surprised if the Motorola Signature manages to rank up there against some of the best Android camera phones (a list that already includes the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra) in the market.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Coming to the software experience, this is where things get a bit interesting. The Galaxy S25 Ultra benefits from Samsung's excellent update commitment and will get up to seven years of OS and security updates. Software support has always been Motorola's Achilles' heel, but it seems the brand is finally looking to make improvements in that department, as the Signature is the company's first phone to come with a promise of seven years of OS and security updates.

While that's indeed great, it remains to be seen how the update situation will turn out in reality. As you'd expect in 2026, the software experience on both phones is helped by a laundry list of AI-based features as well.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Although the 5,000mAh battery of the Galaxy S25 Ultra can last through a full day of regular use, the charging speeds (45W wired and 15W wireless) continue to be disappointing. And while the Galaxy S26 series may see Samsung finally getting on board with Silicon-Carbon batteries, Motorola has already done so with the Signature, which has a larger 5,200mAh battery despite its slimmer profile. The charging speeds (90W wired and 50W wireless) are also much faster, even if we can't comment on the real-world battery endurance just yet.

Motorola Signature vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which should you buy?

The Signature is easily Motorola's finest top-tier smartphone to date. Featuring a gorgeous design and top-tier build quality, it looks and feels every bit as superb as a device of its caliber should. The hardware is quite capable of making quick work of whatever you throw at it, and you get everything from speedy charging to years of software support.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a top-of-the-line smartphone that offers almost everything you could possibly want and is going to be relevant for years, even though it's about to get a successor soon. So, the question is, which of these two devices is a better option for you?

Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

The answer is largely dependent on two factors: pricing and availability. In some markets (e.g., India) where it's been launched, the Motorola Signature is available at a far more affordable price (around $760) as compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (about $1,410). If you live in one of those regions and just want a flagship smartphone that doesn't cost a fortune, going for the Signature over the Galaxy S25 Ultra makes all the sense in the world.

Conversely, if you live in the United States, the only way you can get the Signature is by importing it. And even if you do so, you'll have to confirm whether it has the necessary bands to support major wireless operators (both mainstream service providers and MVNO carriers), and you still might end up paying extra. There's a chance that the phone might get launched in the country, but there's no telling when/if that'll happen.

So, unless you really need that super-thin design and are willing to deal with the hassles of importing the phone, we suggest getting the Galaxy S25 Ultra instead. Even if you have to shell out some extra cash, you'll be getting a powerhouse that offers better hardware, full carrier compatibility, stylus support, and much more.

Motorola Signature

Stylish and powerful

The Motorola Signature is a thoughtfully designed smartphone that looks and feels just as premium as it works, if not better. Despite its slim profile, it manages to pack in a big battery that can be juiced up quickly.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

For mobile productivity

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a top-of-the-line smartphone that's truly a class apart. It includes a bevy of powerhouse features, and the integrated S-Pen stylus makes it ideal for getting things done on the move.

One UI 8.5 is getting more stable before the Galaxy S26 launch, with a nice extra feature

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:17:32 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung has released One UI 8.5 beta 4 ahead of the Galaxy S26 launch, focusing on fixes and stability improvements.
The new beta is rolling out to Galaxy S25 users in multiple regions and includes the February 2026 security patch.
A new Direct Voicemail feature lets users send calls to voicemail and view live transcriptions inside the Phone app.

Ahead of the Galaxy S26 series launch, Samsung has released a new One UI 8.5 beta, refining the software further while also adding a useful new feature.

February is shaping up to be a big month for Samsung, with the Galaxy S26 series rumored to debut in just a few weeks. Alongside the upcoming phones, Samsung has continued work on One UI 8.5. Now, ahead of the software's official unveiling alongside the Galaxy S26 lineup, the company has released One UI 8.5 beta 4 with several fixes in tow.

As spotted by Tarun Vats on X, Samsung has rolled out the new One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series with firmware version ZZAL in South Korea, India, Germany, the UK, and the US. This update follows the third One UI 8.5 beta released in December and weighs around 1.5 GB. It also includes the February 2026 security patch.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

According to the official changelog, Samsung has fixed several issues, including a lock screen clock bug and a problem with AI Select. Here's the official changelog:

Fixed an issue where the clock on the lock screen moved down.
Fixed an issue when clicking search history in the phone app.
Resolved the problem where calls switch to the device under specific conditions while using a BT headset.
Fixed an issue when pasting phone numbers into the keypad after clicking a call link.
Fixed an issue where AI Select does not automatically close when "Copy" is selected.

If you own a Galaxy S25 series phone and are enrolled in the One UI 8.5 beta program, you can now download and install the update by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install.

What's particularly interesting about this beta is that Samsung has also added a new Direct Voicemail feature to the Phone app (via Android Authority). With this feature, users can automatically send calls to voicemail after a set period or route all incoming calls directly to voicemail.

(Image credit: Android Authority)

The voicemail is transcribed live, letting you view both audio and text inside the Phone app. Similar to how it works on Pixel phones and iPhones, you can also pick up the call while the caller is leaving a message. The feature works on-device inside the Phone app and doesn't depend on your carrier.

Android Central's Take

It's good to see Samsung polishing the One UI 8.5 beta ahead of the Galaxy S26 series launch later this month. Samsung has been late with recent major Android upgrades, but it's reassuring to see the company aiming to have Galaxy S26 users on the latest version with stable software and new features available out of the box from day one.

Don't wait for Unpacked: last year's powerful Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a gorgeous display and built-in stylus, and it's currently $250 off at Best Buy

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:02:46 +0000

We're likely just a few weeks away from the big unveiling of the Galaxy S26 lineup, but why wait when last year's Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is receiving some stellar discounts at Best Buy?

As part of the retailer's early Presidents' Day sale, you can score a straight $250 off the premium flagship when you buy unlocked, OR you can activate the phone with AT&T or Verizon to increase your discount to $350. Sure, Samsung Galaxy deals aren't exactly a rare occurrence around here, but it's unusual to see the pricey S25 Ultra score a no-strings discount like this.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB: ~~$1,299.99~~ $1,049.99 at Best Buy

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of the most powerful and best-looking Android phones ever built, but with a starting price of $1,299, it's also far from cheap. Fortunately, Best Buy just launched an early Presidents' Day deal that drops a straight $250 off the phone, OR $350 off with activation. View Deal

The best deals from Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale

✅Recommended if: you want a powerful unlocked phone with a stunning display, versatile camera tech, and one of the best processors in the biz.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather wait for the Galaxy S26 Ultra to be unveiled later this month; you can get a better deal through your wireless carrier.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a gorgeous 6.9-inch AMOLED QHD+ display with a handy S Pen stylus embedded directly into the phone. You also get the incredible performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with 12GB of RAM, six more years of guaranteed software support, and all of the latest AI-boosted software features straight out of the box. It's no wonder we called the Ultra "arguably the most powerful phone available" in our glowing 4.5/5-star review.

Indeed, if you can afford it, there's only one big reason to not buy the S25 Ultra — the imminent arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Rumored to hit store shelves sometime in early March, the S26 Ultra is expected to improve upon its predecessor with a slightly better processor and some upgraded camera tech.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Aside from a few spec boosts, however, the S26 Ultra isn't going to be that much more powerful than the S25 version. So if you prioritize bang for the buck when shopping for phones, ask yourself one question: are you looking for a preorder deal through your carrier or a straightforward discount on an unlocked phone? If you answered the latter, this $250 discount on the Galaxy S25 Ultra may be the Presidents' Day deal for you.

When does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra come out?

If the latest leaks and rumors are correct, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series will be announced on February 25th with a street date of early March.

Should I wait for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

It depends on what you're looking for. If you like to use the latest and greatest devices as soon as they're out, you might want to wait a few more weeks to see what kind of preorder deals become available after Samsung Unpacked wraps up. If, on the other hand, you simply want to buy a great phone today, last year's Galaxy S25 Ultra remains an outstanding pick for all Android fans.

I might have to pay attention to my Now Bar if Samsung adds calls, as rumors say

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:16:00 +0000

What you need to know

Rumors suggest that Samsung is working on upgrading its Now Bar in One UI 8.5 with calls.
This update would involve adding missed calls to the information that the Now Bar can inform users about.
Previous updates for the Now Bar include third-party app support, as well as scores through Google Sports.

One UI 8.5's development has been going on for a while, and a recent leak claims there's more utility on the way.

The Now Bar (you can throw the Now Brief in, too) was among the major highlights for One UI 8. However, a recent leak posted on X by Tarun Vats claims that Samsung is going to boost Now Bar's utility with its next major OS (via SamMobile). According to Vats, Samsung is preparing to introduce calls to the Now Bar for One UI 8.5. Specifically, Vats states users will see "missed calls" through their Now Bar.

The tipster's provided screenshot showcases what this could look like once it hits a stable release for users. The Now Bar appears no different than what users can expect today, but there's the missed call icon, as well as how many calls you've missed.

A separate post by the tipster claims that One UI 8.5 is also working on pop-up "refinements." It would be nice if this rolled out with the updated software, but there's always a chance that it could come during a later 8.5 update. Another curious note is that Vats was responding to a user's comment about One UI 8.5 Beta 4. At the time, Vats had nothing to say, but a recent post from a few hours ago claims a Beta 4 is on the way in the U.S.

Just glance

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Now Bar was one of One UI 8's bright spots, and the company wanted to take things further with third-party app support. This was a sentiment alleged last winter by an overseas report. Apparently, Samsung was "planning" to bring third-party app support to its Now Bar to further its usefulness for users. Apps would include Kakao T, Naver Sports, YouTube, and YouTube Music, per that rumor.

Fortunately, those rumors panned out well for users expecting such support, as Samsung's summer Unpacked last year included third-party creations.

On a related note, the Now Bar supports Google Sports, so sports fans can keep up with their favorite teams or just what's going on around the different leagues. Users on X in the tipster's recent post claim that this still isn't working properly. Users were reportedly given "more agency" in this Google Sports addition, giving users access to "Following" tabs and "Recommended" for scores.

Android Central's Take

The Now Bar, you could say (and I do), gives Google's "At a glance" vibes. Perhaps, with this rumored addition of missed calls in the Now Bar, it really will move more into those vibes. I find the Now Bar to be useful in quick, glanceable ways. For music, it's easy to see what's playing and tap the controls to skip or pause if I don't want to use my earbuds. Navigating is quite easy, as I can just look at it to make sure I'm going the right way. If we're looking at all the ways Samsung has been reportedly trying to take its software, adding missed calls just feels like a no-brainer.

One year with the Galaxy S25 Ultra: How One UI 8 and rapid Android updates have kept this flagship feeling brand new as we wait for the Galaxy S26 Ultra

Nicholas Sutrich — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 16:06:00 +0000

As we approach the release of the Galaxy S26 series, it's clear there's quite a bit to look forward to. Rumors of larger batteries, faster charging, design changes, and even a new Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra are very exciting, but last year's phone is still an excellent choice and comes at a discounted rate, too.

And let's be real. The leaks so far about the Galaxy S26 Ultra are not Earth-shattering. Sure, Privacy Display looks to be an amazing new feature, but a $12 privacy tempered glass protector will do 90% of the job for a lot less money. Samsung is said to be upgrading charging speed, although battery capacity, unfortunately, might stay the same. And the new, rounder corners on the S26 Ultra will likely have Galaxy S Ultra fans even more annoyed, too.

That's why I'm taking a look at the Galaxy S25 Ultra and seeing how it held up after a year of updates, heavy use, and plenty of scrutiny. While some of Samsung's hardware choices on this phone remain questionable, there's no denying the overall experience is one of the best you can buy, especially given how incredible One UI has become.

Samsung, the software king

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Listen, if you told me a decade ago that Samsung would become the king of smartphone software and updates, I would have laughed until I cried. But, over the years, Samsung took all the complaints and negative feedback about its awful software and finally did something about it.

The past year with the Galaxy S25 Ultra is proof that Samsung is the king of smartphone software, with faster, more stable updates than any other company, and regular feature updates that keep the phone feeling new and fresh. Ironically, while the S25 series launched with One UI 7, that wider software rollout was one of the messier launches in recent Samsung history.

To make up for that, Samsung not only delivered its Android 16 update, One UI 8, well ahead of schedule, but also without the major problems that came with One UI 7's rollout. To top it off, One UI 8.5 is already in beta and improves on what already makes Samsung's software great: customizability and unique features.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The real irony here is that, unlike Apple and companies like OnePlus, Samsung's updates and UI changes seem to be well-received by its customers. While some of the changes are maybe more iOS-inspired than I'd like, there's no doubt that Samsung's riffs on Apple design offer a superior experience over an iPhone.

One of my favorite things about One UI — and, indeed, all power users — is the level of customization throughout the UI. If you don't like the terrible paginated app drawer or navigation buttons that Samsung stubbornly clings to, you can just change them in settings. Likewise, with the multitasking UI or the split notification panes. Toss in Good Lock, which is by far the most unique utility available on any smartphone, and you'll understand why Samsung's software is so excellent.

Last, but certainly not least, is the company's commitment to privacy and security. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of the only flagship smartphones that allows you turn off cloud-based AI processing. It's a simple toggle switch in security settings, and it means you can enjoy great AI-based features without worrying about it being offloaded to some cloud server in the great unknown.

Pain points and design flaws

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Overall, I think the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a truly excellent phone that'll please nearly anyone who buys it, but there are a few pain points and design flaws that have emerged over the last 12 months of use. I was never a fan of the phone's boxy design, and the longer I use it, the more I hate those sharp edges around the display.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra's display is still a literal pain for anyone sensitive to PWM dimming, and Samsung hasn't introduced a flicker-reduction mode for users affected by it. There's no telling if Samsung will address this in the S26 line, but the industry is moving forward with better eye protection while Samsung continues to lag in this area.

The display's oleophobic coating also seems rather weak compared to the competition, with several users noting that the phone becomes a fingerprint magnet after a few months' use. This doesn't happen with other Samsung phones, as far as we can tell, so it might be something with the anti-reflective layer on the S25 Ultra.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

I've also found the fingerprint reader to be super lousy compared to phones like the Google Pixel 10 Pro or the OnePlus 15. It's so irritating to use that I've completely disabled it, and I'm definitely not alone here. A quick Google search reveals a lot of responses from people who dislike Samsung's ultrasonic sensors, and anything from dry skin to applying a screen protector almost always makes things worse.

I've seen fewer complaints about things like overheating, poor battery life, and camera processing issues, but all of those continue to see regular posts on places like Reddit and Samsung's official support forums. I don't want to downplay these issues or complaints, but most of them are extremely subjective and depend on personal phone usage, while the others are more generalized or widespread.

Samsung's best year yet

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

As we noted in our 2025 smartphone report card, 2025 was the best year yet for Samsung as a whole. That includes the Galaxy S25 Ultra with its well-rounded experience, quick and routine software updates, solid build quality, and a plethora of accessories to choose from.

Even the camera holds up against newly released phones, as it continues to provide excellent photography, especially when you utilize the four lenses on the back for zooming in or out. Samsung even improved motion capture since the S25 Ultra's launch, something we've regularly harped on Samsung for in our camera reviews for years.

No phone is perfect, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still a champ a year later. Can Samsung improve things on the S26 Ultra? Absolutely, but for most people, I think the vast majority of any changes won't be worth the upgrade. This one's still an excellent buy, and that includes after the S26 Ultra launches, since you'll undoubtedly be able to snag one for a record low price.

Could the Galaxy S27 Ultra camera outshine the competition? New rumors emerge

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:09:00 +0000

What you need to know

Recent Samsung rumors regard its Galaxy S27 Ultra, suggesting the phone could sport "new technologies" for its camera system.
A tipster on X claims the device could be equipped with an ISOCELL HP6 sensor; however, it could still deliver on the 200MP front.
Previous rumors claim future Galaxy S phones could return the old dual-aperture mode from Samsung's past devices.

It's crazy to think that we're still expecting the Galaxy S26 series and there are Galaxy S27 Ultra rumors (especially about its cameras), but here we are.

Over the weekend, rumors on X from tipster Ice Universe claim that Samsung is already working on upgrading the camera for its Galaxy S27 Ultra (via SamMobile). The tipster made an allegation, claiming that Samsung was implementing "more new technologies" in its 2027 Galaxy S Ultra camera system. What this new technology could bring was explicitly stated, though you'd imagine it would involve photography and, potentially, videography quality.

On a hardware level, the X post stated that Samsung may implement a new sensor for the device, called "S5KHP6."

Speculation expects this to be the ISOCELL HP6, officially, as the tipster adds that it may retain the same "size" as the HP2. As SamMobile notes, if that's to be believed, then the HP6 could feature 200MP capabilities, likely for its main lens, on top of a 1/1.3-inch format.

Take a photo

The size is the same as HP2.But there are more new technologies being added. https://t.co/5qJlv0MCeBJanuary 11, 2026

The timing of this rumor on social media is interesting, considering Ice Universe shared another report about the Galaxy S26 Ultra's camera. Rumors purport that the phone could receive an unlikely camera boost by way of a 24MP mode, courtesy of Good Lock’s Camera Assistant. It was speculated that, once enabled, your 24MP option will appear in the Photo and Portrait modes in the camera app.

Nothing's set in stone right now, as the tipster said Samsung was testing the waters on this idea.

Additional Samsung Galaxy S camera rumors suggest the company could even return an old (but gold) feature: dual-aperture. It was rumored that Samsung could return "narrow" and "wide" apertures, a feature befitting scenarios where light could be a key issue. The smaller the aperture number, say f/1.8, the wider your lens, and vice versa. The report claimed that Samsung may chase this due to Apple. If this becomes a reality, there's speculation and anticipation for it on the S27 series.

Other S27 series rumors include a "full-face" biometric scanner that is, supposedly, "sptoof-resistant."

This new phone is faster than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it's $300 cheaper, AND it comes with a free $100 gift card — what are you waiting for?

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:21:34 +0000

If you've been waiting for the OnePlus 15 to hit retail store shelves in the United States, you're in luck: Best Buy finally got the flagship phone in stock, and it's slapping on an unmissable deal for a limited time.

Buy the OnePlus 15 through the retailer's site and you'll get a free $100 gift card with your purchase. Best Buy will also throw on up to $600 of trade-in credit if you have an old or broken phone lying around. Both the 512GB and 256GB versions of the phone will land you the free cash, although you'll have to buy from Amazon if you prefer the latter configuration.

OnePlus 15 512GB: $999, plus $100 gift card at Best Buy

Buy the unlocked OnePlus 15 from Best Buy or Amazon and you'll get a free $100 gift card with your purchase. Even though it technically dropped late last year, the OnePlus 15 is sure to rank among the best Android phones of 2026, thanks to its sophisticated blend of premium hardware and gorgeous design. Best Buy is also offering up to $600 of trade-in credit.

👀Alternative pick: Amazon - $899.99 w/ $100 gift card (256GB)View Deal

We called the OnePlus 13 a 'nearly perfect smartphone', but the OnePlus 15 actually improves upon its predecessor in a few important ways. Now available at most big box stores in North America, the phone is powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset (making it faster than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra), plus you get a IP69K durability rating with a stunning 6.78-inch 165Hz flat OLED display.

The OnePlus 15 also boasts a gargantuan 7,300mAh battery that provides up to three days of battery life on a single charge, and the camera tech could easily holds its own against the best devices from Samsung or Google.

So what are the downsides? Well, it makes the most sense to compare the OnePlus 15 with its most obvious rival, the aforementioned Galaxy S25 Ultra. For starters, the OnePlus 15 only has six years of guaranteed OS upgrades compared to Samsung's seven, and the OEM has never been as interested in AI integration as Samsung and Google seem to be.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Samsung phone also comes with a built-in stylus and a larger display, and one could argue that the Galaxy S25 Ultra's camera system is a bit more versatile than the OnePlus' tech. On the other hand, the OnePlus 15 wins out with battery life, charging speeds, and its lightweight build.

For most folks, the decision will come down to price. Is it worth spending $300 more to get marginally better AI features and software support? It's totally your call, but if you want to branch out beyond the confines of Samsung and Google and save a little cash in the process, the OnePlus 15 is the best of the best. If money isn't an object, however, consider the following:

✅Buy the OnePlus 15 if.. you want an ultra-powerful phone that's great for gaming, with an eye-friendly display and unbelievable battery life.

✅Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if.. you want a large phone with a built-in stylus, loads of AI features, and some of the best camera tech in the biz.

It's also worth mentioning that the Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to be revealed sometime in the next couple of months. Will the new Samsung flagship give OnePlus a run for its money in 2026? Only time will tell.

Forget the Galaxy S26 Ultra — Verizon is selling its super-powered predecessor for just $5 per month!

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:20:56 +0000

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely to be revealed next month, but if you don't want to wait, Verizon just launched a deal on the S25 Ultra that might get you to skip the new generation altogether.

Add a line with an eligible data plan and the Big Three carrier will knock $1,120 off the price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, dropping the premium device down to just $4.99 per month for 36 months. Both the Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Ultimate plans will earn you the max amount of credit, and no trade-in is required to take advantage of the promotion. One of the best Samsung phones ever built for the price of a cup of coffee every month? Sign me up.

The premium S25 Ultra drops to just 5 bucks per month with new Verizon deal

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB: ~~$1,299.99~~ $4.99/month with eligible data plan at Verizon

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is easily one of the most powerful Android phones on the market, but its steep price tag has placed it out of reach for many folks. Fortunately, those days may be over, as Verizon is dropping the price of the premium flagship down to just $5 per month when you add a line with the Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan today. View Deal

See all the best deals at Verizon today

Last summer, we said that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra was 'so close to perfection', thanks to the phone's sophisticated blend of laptop-level specs and luxurious design choices.

The premium 2025 flagship is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, easily one of the best processors ever built for Android, plus you get an incredible 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED display, upgraded camera tech, and all of the latest AI-boosted software features on the market. And of course, like the rest of the S25 series, the Ultra guarantees seven years of OS and security upgrade out of the box.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Like past generations of the phone, the largest barrier to entry with the Galaxy S25 Ultra was probably its price tag. At $1,299.99 for the 256GB model, the phone was simply not an option for most folks in 2025, which is why deals like this one have become so important. I've seen a lot of carriers run offers on the phone, but this Verizon promotion is one of the most straightforward opportunities yet.

Simply add a line with the Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plans and the savings are yours, no trade-in required. The plans in question give you unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's vast 5G Ultra Wideband network, plus you get a mobile hotspot, international benefits, and the ability to mix and match additional perks every month for only $10 apiece.

While many folks may wait for the Galaxy S26 Ultra to be unveiled in February, if you want one of Samsung's best offerings today, this Verizon deal may be the ideal way to get this premium device for dirt cheap.

When does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra come out?

If the latest leaks and rumors are correct, the Galaxy S26 series is going to be announced during a Samsung Unpacked event in late February with an on-sale date of early March.

How much will the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cost?

While we don't have any official information just yet, a recent report has suggested that the entire Galaxy S26 lineup may be more expensive than its 2025 counterparts. The price hike is expected to be $50, which would place the price of the 256GB S26 Ultra around $1,349.99.

Fortunately, there are sure to be quite a few preorder deals once the phones get announced, with opportunities for enhanced trade-in credit, storage upgrades, and more. Don't expect the S25 Ultra to get cheaper once the S26 is announced, however. Historical data has shown me that the best time to buy a soon-to-be last-gen device is right before the new generation is announced, not after.

Samsung's new One UI 8.5 beta for Galaxy S25 cleans up a lot of issues

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:20:40 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung has rolled out One UI 8.5 beta 2 for Galaxy S25 devices, adding bug fixes and expanding the beta to more regions.
The One UI 8.5 beta program is now available in India and Poland, alongside earlier regions like the U.S. and UK.
One UI 8.5 also introduces visual changes and features, with some Galaxy AI upgrades saved for the S26 launch.

Just a couple of weeks after releasing the first One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung has rolled out another One UI 8.5 beta for eligible smartphones. The new build brings a few key fixes, including several bug fixes, and also expands the public beta to more regions.

When Samsung released the first One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series, it was limited to just four countries, including South Korea, Germany, the U.S., and the UK. With this new beta release, Samsung has expanded availability to additional regions, including India and Poland.

If you own a Galaxy S25 series smartphone, you can now sign up for the One UI 8.5 beta through the Samsung Members app. Once enrolled, or if you already have the previous One UI 8.5 beta installed, you can update your device by heading to Settings > Software update > Download & install.

(Image credit: Twitter/X)

It's worth noting that the new One UI 8.5 beta carries the build number ZYLH and is roughly 4GB in size for first-time installs. The beta is available only for the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Even though the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy S25 FE are technically part of the S25 lineup, they are excluded from the beta program, at least for now.

As for what's new in One UI 8.5 beta 2, Samsung has addressed several bugs with this update. Issues such as stuttering when opening the "More View" menu during calls, cases where the volume up button fails under certain conditions, and problems causing multiple third-party apps to close unexpectedly have been fixed.

Here is the official changelog for One UI 8.5 beta 2 (via @tarunvats33 on X):

One UI 8.5 beta 2 official changelog

Improved the issue of quick panel settings initializing intermittently when booting.
Improved errors such as quick panel menu screen icon spacing and location.
Improved the issue of photos organized into gallery group folders being moved to the first album page.
Improved the stuttering issue when pressing the "More View" menu during a call.
Improved the intermittent rebooting issue.
Improved the issue where the volume up button does not work under certain conditions.
Improved the issue of sound generation in the device when making a call with a Bluetooth car kit connection under certain conditions.
Improved issues where multiple third-party apps are forcibly terminated while in use.
Stabilized software through multiple app updates, such as the camera.

It's also possible that One UI 8.5 includes under-the-hood changes that haven't surfaced yet. For example, Samsung has reportedly reserved some Galaxy AI features in One UI 8.5 for the launch of the Galaxy S26 series.

That said, the new Android update still brings several features to try, including a refreshed design language, an updated Quick Settings panel, and storage sharing across connected Galaxy devices.

One UI 8.5 beta is here: Major updates for Samsung Galaxy S25 series users

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:44:01 +0000

What you need to know

One UI 8.5 brings major AI upgrades, improved photo editing, and better cross-device sharing features.
Samsung adds new Theft Protection tools and a redesigned UI with 3D icons and a customizable Quick Settings panel.
Storage Share lets users access files across Galaxy phones, tablets, PCs, and even Samsung TVs.
The One UI 8.5 beta is live for Galaxy S25 models in select regions, with more devices expected to join soon.

Just a few days after the full changelog of One UI 8.5 leaked, Samsung has officially announced the One UI 8.5 public beta for the Galaxy S25 series.

Samsung, in a press release, notes that One UI 8.5 brings new and easier ways to create, connect, and stay safe. While the ".5" version number may seem small, One UI 8.5 is a major update for Galaxy smartphones. Here's everything new and how you can get it on your Galaxy S25 series phone right now.

One UI 8.5 beta for Galaxy S25 series: New features

(Image credit: Samsung)

Starting with the changes, Samsung says One UI 8.5 brings new Galaxy AI features to the series, including an updated Photo Assist. You can now edit photos continuously without saving each iteration on your device. This means you can use AI Eraser, then move or restyle the image using Photo Assist without having to save it first.

There are many improvements to Quick Share as well. One UI will now show your most frequently contacted people with photos and surface them directly as share suggestions. There are better cross-device features too, such as Audio Broadcast, which lets you share one device's audio to many devices at once through BT LE Audio using Auracast.

(Image credit: Samsung)

A new feature called Storage Share will now let you see files from other Galaxy devices, including tablets and PCs, directly in the My Files app. You can even access your phone's files from other Samsung devices, including your TV.

For security, One UI 8.5 adds new anti-theft tools. The new Theft Protection feature keeps your data safe even during theft, while Failed Authentication Lock automatically locks the screen if there are too many failed attempts using fingerprint, PIN, or password.

There are UI changes too, such as a new 3D look for app icons and a customizable Quick Settings panel. Many apps, including Calculator, Clock, and Samsung Health, have been redesigned for better visuals.

(Image credit: Samsung)

One UI 8.5 beta for Galaxy S25 series: Availability and how to download

As expected, the One UI 8.5 beta is currently live only for Galaxy S25 series smartphones. This means if you have the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, or Galaxy S25 Ultra, you can try One UI 8.5 beta right now.

For now, the beta is available only in select regions, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S. If you have a Galaxy S25 series phone in any of these regions, you can try One UI 8.5 by joining the beta via the Samsung Members app by tapping the banner. Then go to Settings > Software update > Download & install.

It's worth noting that the beta isn't available for the Galaxy S25 FE or the ultra-slim Galaxy S25 Edge yet. Although we expect Samsung to expand the beta to more devices in the coming days.

The best Galaxy S25 Ultra Black Friday deal IS LIVE AGAIN for Cyber Monday! Get $560 off and a free 512GB storage upgrade

Nicholas Sutrich — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:30:42 +0000

Black Friday blew away our expectations with a ludicrous Galaxy S25 Ultra deal we thought for sure was dead, but the company is bringing it back just in time for Cyber Monday to pull us back in again. Buy a Galaxy S25 Ultra directly from Samsung, and you'll get a clean $560 off PLUS a free 512GB upgrade. It quite literally doesn't get better than that, and you don't need to trade anything in or sign a contract to get it!

To put this deal in perspective, Amazon is offering the 256GB model for $899, meaning you'll not only pay $40 more for the phone than Samsung is selling it for, but you'll also be getting half the amount of storage. The same scenario plays out at Best Buy, Walmart, and elsewhere.

In other words, if you're looking for a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra this year, get it straight from Samsung and stop looking elsewhere. This is the best deal of all time.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB: ~~$1,419.99~~ $859.99 at Samsung

There's quite literally no way you'll ever find a better deal on a brand new Galaxy S25 Ultra than this one. We were sure this Black Friday deal was dead, but Samsung was generous enough to offer it on Cyber Monday for one last hurrah before the holiday season kicks into full swing. As a reminder, this is $560 off the 512GB version, giving you extra storage with an extra discount.

Price comparison: Amazon - $899 (256GB model) | Best Buy - $899 (256GB model)View Deal

✅Recommended if: You're looking for a powerful flagship phone with top-tier specs, six more years of software support left, a camera that can zoom like no other, and wide compatibility with Samsung's vast ecosystem of products.

❌Skip this deal if: You're sensitive to PWM dimming or don't like phones with a boxy design.

Buying direct from Samsung is often one of the best ways to get any Samsung product, and that goes doubly for phones. Not only does the company offer Black Friday's best discount, but it doubles the storage, offers exclusive colors, and even allows you to trade in your old phone or finance the device to make it easier to purchase.

I'd recommend buying unlocked through Samsung, as the carrier variants of the phone don't seem to offer any additional discounts over today's ludicrous sale. An unlocked phone typically resells for a higher value down the road, and also offers you the chance to easily switch carriers at any time without having to deal with their BS.

Black Friday 2025 - quick links

Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
Amazon: discounts on headphones, smart home tech
Walmart: price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line

More Cyber Monday coverage
The best Google Pixel deals of Cyber Monday
The best Samsung deals of Cyber Monday
The best Motorola deals of Cyber Monday

Double the storage, half the price. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Black Friday deal you've been waiting for!

Nicholas Sutrich — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 14:24:07 +0000

Look, we all want something for nothing on Black Friday. The day has a pedigree for a reason, but it looks like one company is living up to our obnoxiously lofty expectations: Samsung. If you grab a Galaxy S25 Ultra directly from Samsung this Black Friday, you'll get the $1420 512GB model for a ludicrous $859 out the door. No trade-in nonsense, no financing silliness, and no carrier contract.

Samsung makes that offer even better by including the three Samsung.com exclusive colors, something that normally isn't included in deals like this. To put this deal in perspective, Amazon is offering the 256GB model for $899, meaning you'll not only pay $40 for the "privilege" of paying off Jeff Bezos' next rocket, but you'll also be getting half the amount of storage. The same scenario plays out at Best Buy, Walmart, and elsewhere.

In other words, if you're looking for a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra this year, get it straight from Samsung and stop looking elsewhere. This is the best deal of all time.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB: ~~$1,419.99~~ $859.99 at Samsung

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is easily one of the best Samsung phones on the market, but it's far from cheap. Thankfully, Black Friday is the perfect time to buy a phone like this, as Samsung slashed a straight $560 off the 512GB version, giving you extra storage with an extra discount.

Price comparison: Amazon - $899 (256GB model) | Best Buy - $899 (256GB model)View Deal

❌Skip this deal if: You're sensitive to PWM dimming or don't like phones with a boxy design.

Black Friday 2025 - quick links

Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line

More Black Friday coverage
The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday
The best Samsung deals of Black Friday
The best Motorola deals of Black Friday

OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Depends on if you prioritize gaming or productivity

roydon.cerejo@gmail.com (Roydon Cerejo) — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 12:51:00 +0000

OnePlus 15

A battery pack like no other

The OnePlus 15 arrives with Qualcomm's finest processor, a humongous battery, extreme waterproofing, and some of the best cameras. It offers all this in a very unassuming body, making it one of the best flagships you should be considering going into 2026.

Pros

New rear design looks slick
IP69 rating
Latest Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 SoC
Massive 7,300mAh battery
Ships with Android 16

Cons

Not yet available in North America
1TB variant might not be globally available
Years of OS upgrades lower than Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Still one of the best

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra needs no introduction. It's one of the best Android flagships in the market and has one of the longest software update commitments. The built-in S Pen stylus is still one of its most unique features which the OnePlus 15 lacks. It is more expensive though, but you get a lot for your money.

Pros

Brighter, higher-res screen
Fantastic AI integration
Seven years of software and security updates
Great cameras
Built-in stylus

Cons

Heavier than the OnePlus 15
Comparatively slower charging speeds
More expensive

In a few months, we'll be witnessing an avalanche of flagship Android phones equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC. Kicking off the party is OnePlus with the global launch of the OnePlus 15, expected to take place on November 13. Besides sporting the new Qualcomm chip, this new flagship also features a new design for the series, a much larger battery, and the latest software with more AI improvements. This large-screened phone then competes nicely with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, an equally premium flagship.

In the battle for being the best Android smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra already has an edge with the S Pen, more years of OS upgrades, and a brighter display. It's more expensive, though, which is where the OnePlus 15 comes in with equally compelling features but at a lower price. The official global specs of the 15 shouldn't be too different from the recently launched China variant, so let's see what a OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra actually looks like when we break it down.

OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design and display

(Image credit: OnePlus)

The first thing you'll notice about the OnePlus 15 is that the camera bump is no longer circular, but rather a square. Its predecessor's design was quite unique, but the 15 resembles the OnePlus 13s or Oppo's new Find X9 Pro. Neither of these phones is officially sold in the North American market, though, which makes the design of the OnePlus 15 stand out.

For a phone with a massive battery, OnePlus has managed to keep the thickness and weight comparable to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. As before, there's also an IP69 rating for extreme waterproofing.

The OnePlus 15 also features a relatively large display of 6.78 inches. It features an LTPO AMOLED panel with a staggering 165Hz refresh rate and a pixel-dense screen. The resolution is still a bit lower than what Samsung offers with the S25 Ultra, though this shouldn't really matter with regular use. The peak brightness is also lower, reaching a maximum of 1,800 nits. From what we've seen so far, the phone appears to have extremely thin bezels around the display, which enhances immersion when viewing content.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is physically larger than the OnePlus 15, both in thickness and weight. The more angular edges of the phone also make it more cumbersome to handle, especially for those with smaller hands. The IP rating is only IP68, which isn't as comprehensive as the OnePlus 15 IP rating. You do get the S Pen with it, though, which is handy for jotting down notes or signing documents.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a larger 6.9-inch display compared to the OnePlus 15, along with higher brightness of up to 2,600 nits and a denser resolution. One unique feature that's not present on most flagship phones is an anti-reflective coating over the display, which helps reduce glare and reflections significantly.

In terms of ergonomics and display quality, the OnePlus 15 should have an edge over the S25 Ultra. The gentler curves on the 15 should make it easier to live with, and the incredible refresh rate should come in handy when gaming.

OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Hardware and specs

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

The OnePlus 15 should be the better phone for gaming. This is not just because it features a faster Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, but also due to the various software optimizations implemented in OxygenOS 16. The company is introducing a new Hyper Rendering technology, which is said to improve per-frame rendering efficiency by 80%. This, along with other on-chip optimizations, positions the 15 as one of the best smartphones for gaming.

The China variant offers 12GB and 16GB RAM options, as well as storage tiers that range up to 1TB. This could change with the global variant, so we'll have to wait and see what the rest of the world gets.

The OnePlus 15 boasts a massive battery of 7,300mAh, which significantly outperforms the 5,000mAh capacity of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Charging speeds of the China variant are as follows: 120W wired and 50W wireless. The charging speeds could also differ slightly in the global variant, so we'll know what we're getting soon enough.

The OnePlus 15 will launch in three colors called Infinite Black, Ultra Violet, and Sand Storm. There's no word on the pricing yet till it officially launches on November 13, but expect to start at around $900, like its predecessor.

Category	OnePlus 15	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
OS	Android 16, (OxygenOS 16)	Android 16
Colors	Infinite Black, Sand Storm, Ultra Violet	Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Black, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Gray, Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Pink Gold
Screen Size	6.78 inches	6.9 inches
Screen Resolution	2,772 x 1,272	3,120 x 1,440
Screen Type	LTPO	LTPO OLED
Refresh Rate	120Hz (up to 165Hz for gaming)	120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5	Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM	12GB, 16GB	12GB
Storage	256GB/512GB (not expandable)	256GB/512GB/1TB (not expandable)
Cameras	50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto, 32MP front	200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x), 50MP telephoto (5x), 12MP front
Speakers	Stereo Speakers	Stereo Speakers
Battery	7,300mAh	5,000mAh
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth	6.0	5.4
Cellular	5G	5G
Size	161.42 x 76.67 x 8.2 mm (8mm for Sand Storm)	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm
Weight	211-215 grams	218 grams

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is not even a year old, which means it still has plenty of life left in it. In fact, Samsung plans on supporting it with OS upgrades and security patches for the next seven years. The custom Snapdragon 8 Elite chip in the Ultra is also plenty powerful for gaming and multitasking. In benchmarks and certain AI tasks, the new Gen 5 in the OnePlus 15 may surpass it, but most users should not notice a significant difference in day-to-day usage.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra can be equipped with up to 1TB of storage and features 12GB of RAM across its variants. The 5,000mAh battery might not be as large as the 15's, but it's nothing to scoff at either. In our testing, we were quite happy with the multi-day battery life it offered. Charging speeds are not the quickest either, but it gets the job done. The S25 Ultra is Qi2-ready, which means it can do magnetic wireless charging with the help of the right case.

The S25 Ultra comes in more colors, including some exclusive shades if you buy it via Samsung's website. It still costs over $1,000, though, even with the small price reduction since its debut in January 2025.

OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Cameras

(Image credit: Weibo)

Over the years, OnePlus' number series has typically had good primary cameras, but their selfie and secondary cameras have either hit or missed the mark, depending on the generation. With the OnePlus 15, the company ditches the Hasselblad branding in favor of its in-house DetailMax Engine. It's still early days, but our initial experience with the OnePlus 15's cameras shows a marked improvement in image quality, compared to its predecessor.

On the back, the 15 sports three 50MP sensors for the main, telephoto, and ultrawide cameras. Selfies are handled by a 32-megapixel camera. We will be testing the cameras further and have the full report in our review, so watch out for that.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Samsung didn't make any major changes to the Galaxy S25 Ultra's camera system from its predecessor, except for the ultrawide, which now has a 48MP sensor. Our previous issues with the Ultra series, like shutter lag, have also been reduced quite a bit, although there's room for improvement.

It's still one of the best phones for zoom shots, thanks to the dual telephoto system that allows it to reach a magnification of 100x. Image quality is generally good during the day and at night, and extra features like Expert RAW and Camera Assistant offer a great deal of flexibility for professional and amateur photographers.

OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which should you buy?

(Image credit: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Central)

Personally, we'd pick the new OnePlus 15 for that massive battery, latest Qualcomm chip, and the IP69 waterproofing. With every SoC iteration, we get better performance and power efficiency, which means it's a little less stress on the battery when doing intensive workloads like gaming or AI processing. Considering how on-device AI workloads on phones are only getting stronger with every passing year, it's nice to know you have the hardware that's capable of doing such tasks efficiently.

Long-term software support is something where OnePlus still has a lot of catching up to do, and if you plan to hold on to your purchase for more than four years, you would be better off with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Seven years of updates is no joke, and that S Pen can be quite handy at times.

If you've made up your mind about spending more than $1,000, then I'd also suggest waiting till January 2026 to see what the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers. It's expected to be much slimmer and lighter while offering the same (and more) features as the current-gen Ultra.

OnePlus 15

The best for power users

If you're a heavy power user who multitasks, plays intense mobile games, travels, maybe even works outdoors, the OnePlus 15 is an option you should consider. It's a premium phone that will likely come in at an affordable price.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Still the best for productivity

The Galaxy S25 Ultra will soon be replaced with the S26 Ultra in early 2026, but it's still a great buy if you can find a good deal on it. You're getting great performance, battery life, cameras, and a handy stylus.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: More upgrades than you think

andrew.myrick@futurenet.com (Andrew Myrick) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:32:00 +0000

Samsung

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Latest and greatest

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the most exciting Samsung phone, packing an all-new Privacy Display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, and two new camera sensors. It's also the only Galaxy S26 model to not receive a price increase for 2026.

Pros

Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 for Galaxy
Revamped 200MP main camera sensor with wider aperture
Privacy Display feature that safeguards your content from prying eyes
Fast 60W wired charging

Cons

Same general design
16GB RAM requires 1TB storage
No inbuilt Qi2 magnets

Samsung

Galaxy S25 Ultra

"Old" faithful

The Galaxy S25 Ultra isn't old by any means. It's still at the top of its class in a variety of categories, and will continue to receive regular OS updates for another six years. Not to mention that the price is about to get a lot more enticing.

Pros

Has many of the same features
Updatable for six more years of OS and security support
Still pretty sleek and slim

Cons

Slightly slower processor
A tad thicker and heavier
Slower to charge

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is official, and it replaces the Galaxy S25 Ultra as the most premium traditional flagship in Samsung's smartphone lineup. The device is available for pre-order as of today and will start shipping March 11, so the clock is ticking to take advantage of pre-order and trade-in promotions. With that in mind, should you upgrade your Galaxy S25 Ultra while you can? It's worth considering, especially since the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the only 2026 model priced the same as its predecessor.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra look similar on the surface, but there are more differences than you may expect. The newer model has the usual upgraded processor, a few camera tweaks, and a slight redesign. It also has an all-new Privacy Display feature that's sure to captivate tech enthusiasts. Here are all the differences between the new and old Ultra models.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design and display

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Over the past couple of years, Samsung has been ditching the curved edges and flattening out its flagship smartphone. This resulted in the Galaxy S25 Ultra being more rectangular than before, leading many to complain about the sharper edges making the phone uncomfortable to hold.

That won't be as much of a problem with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, as all four corners are more rounded than before. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit slimmer and taller, while still retaining the same 6.9-inch screen size. This year's model measures just 7.9mm thick and weighs only 214 grams, making it slimmer and lighter than other Pro XL- or Pro Max-branded devices.

The highlight of this year's redesign is the new-look camera housing. It puts three Galaxy S26 Ultra cameras on a pedestal similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy S25 Edge. The other two sensors and the flash sit outside this main camera housing. It's an attractive design that brings unity to the Galaxy phone lineup.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Although the screen sizes remain the same for yet another year, that's not to say Samsung doesn't have an ace up its sleeve. Samsung Display introduced its "Flex Magic Panel OLED" screen at MWC 2024, which uses software and AI to prevent wandering eyes from seeing what's on your phone. Essentially, when the phone is seen from certain angles, the contents of the screen won't be discernible, keeping your private conversations private.

This "Privacy Display" feature is available on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and it could spell the end of needing a dedicated privacy screen protector, as the phone just handles things itself.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The S Pen now matches the curvature of the phone. Samsung removed the Bluetooth features from the Galaxy S25 Ultra's S Pen, and they're nowhere to be found here, either. Still, it's good to see the siloed S Pen remain for at least another year.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Performance and specs

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

What really is there to say when it comes to a flagship phone getting updated to a newer version? The Galaxy S25 Ultra remains at the top of its class in performance, largely thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. This is paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra takes this to another level with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, which is even faster with deeper optimizations for Galaxy phones.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra keeps memory and storage options the same for another year, and the 16GB memory configuration is still tied to the highest 1TB storage model. Notably, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset is only available in North America, China, and Japan. All other regions globally will get Samsung's Exynos 2600 processor instead.

Category	Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Display	6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate	6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
RAM	12GB / 16GB	12GB
Storage	256GB / 512GB / 1TB	256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Rear Camera 1	200MP wide	200MP wide
Rear Camera 2	50MP ultrawide	50MP ultrawide
Rear Camera 3	12MP 3x telephoto	10MP 3x telephoto
Rear Camera 4	50MP 5x telephoto	50MP 5x telephoto
Front Camera	12MP wide	12MP wide
Ingress Protection	IP68	IP68
Connectivity	5G (sub-6GHz, mmWave), Wi-Fi 7, UWB, Bluetooth 6.0	5G (sub-6GHz, mmWave), Wi-Fi 7, UWB, Bluetooth 5.4
Battery	5,000mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	60W wired, Qi 2.2 w/ 25W wireless speeds, 4.5 reverse wireless	45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Dimensions	163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9mm	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm
Weight	214 grams	218 grams
OS	One UI 8.5 w/ Android 16 QPR2	One UI 8 w/ Android 16

Although the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Ultra are Qi2 compatible, they aren't equipped with faster wireless charging speeds or built-in magnets. Instead, you still currently need to rely on a case (or adapter) if you want to enjoy magnetic accessories.

While charging speed is improved to 60W with a cable and Qi2 25W is supported wirelessly, there are still no internal magnets on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. So, neither model fully supports Qi2 magnets, and they each have the same 5,000mAh battery capacity.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Cameras

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

More changes come to the Galaxy S26 Ultra's camera system, and not just in the slight differences in the rear camera alignment. On paper, the S26 Ultra shares a similar quad rear-camera setup, with a 200MP main wide-angle lens, a 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x telephoto, and 50MP ultrawide sensors.

However, Samsung implemented the latest version of its 200MP main lens, which it is calling its brightest ever thanks to a wider aperture. There's also a new 50MP, 5x optical telephoto camera, but the other cameras remain the same.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

It's not all disappointing news, however, as Samsung introduced its own APV codec. This stands for Advanced Professional Video, and is said to "preserve far better than existing options while keeping storage demands in check." If that sounds kind of familiar, it's not all that dissimilar to what Apple ProRes offers when recording video on the iPhone.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Is it worth buying?

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Considering that we'll likely see a variety of deals for the Galaxy S25 Ultra that make it as cheap, if not cheaper, than the pre-order deals were available, it may be hard to justify an upgrade. Luckily, Samsung didn't hike the price of the already-expensive Galaxy S25 Ultra, keeping the Galaxy S26 Ultra pricing structure intact. It's still an outstanding phone for $1,300 — but so is the last-gen Galaxy S25 Ultra that costs far less.

Sure, you'll get slightly faster performance, slightly faster charging, and slightly better camera quality. But in terms of major, life-changing upgrades? There's just one, and it's the Privacy Display. If you're due for an upgrade and love the idea of using innovative display tech to keep your phone use private, go out and grab this new phone. Otherwise, there's no harm in sticking with the Galaxy S25 Ultra for another year.

Samsung

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Flagship features

To Samsung's credit, the Galaxy S26 Ultra packs a handful of exciting features, starting with the Privacy Display. Other perks include the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the revamped camera system. If these excite you, grab the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Samsung

Galaxy S25 Ultra

Getting cheaper

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra isn't a bad phone at the right price. There are more similarities between it and the Galaxy S26 Ultra than differences, so don't be afraid to grab the older model if you see a good deal.

Prime Day may be over, but our favorite premium phone is still 28% OFF at Amazon

zacharydvisconti@gmail.com (Zachary David) — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:57:00 +0000

It's worth taking advantage of phone deals when they come along, especially at the premium level, where many phones are upwards of $1,000. For that reason, it's worth noting that Amazon is still offering the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for 28% off, even after the official Prime Day sale has ended.

The S25 Ultra is our favorite premium Android phone on the market, in no small part due to its powerful performance, its suite of cameras, the vibrant AMOLED display, and the inclusion of the S Pen stylus. Battery life is also a key factor here, with the large battery pack making it easy to get more than a day's worth of battery per charge. As for cameras, the phone boasts a wide and ultrawide lens, a 3x and 5x telephoto lens, a 12MP front camera, and a wide range of AI and other features.

While the S25 Ultra normally retails at $1,300, the current discount brings that price tag down to just $935, so it's definitely a deal worth considering if you've already had your eyes on a premium phone. This deal is also available for the phone in three colors: Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Black, and Titanium Gray.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB): ~~$1,299.99~~ $934.99 at Amazon

Amazon's Prime Day may be over, but luckily, the retailer is still offering a 28% discount on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. This premium Android phone comes with all the bells and whistles Samsung has to offer, including a range of Galaxy AI features, the S Pen stylus, and an excellent suite of cameras.View Deal

✅Recommended if: you're looking for one of the market's top premium-level phones but you don't want to pay more than $1,000; you like having a phone with a powerful, smooth and vibrant display, and you don't mind a larger phone; you value having a phone with a long-lasting battery.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather go with a phone that has an even cheaper price tag; you have sensitive eyes and need something that comes with flicker-reduction settings; you prefer a phone with a smaller form factor, like the base Galaxy S25 model.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is our top pick for the best premium Android phone on the market today. It features a good-looking, 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy CPU, 12GB of RAM, and a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery. It also comes with the built-in, first-party S Pen, and has support for 45W wired charging or 15W wireless.

The rear cameras include a 200MP wide-angle lens, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 50MP 5x telephoto lens, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, while the front camera is a 12MP wide-angle lens. This particular deal is for the 256GB storage configuration of the phone, though you can also upgrade to 512GB of storage.

The 'most powerful phone on the market' just received a historic price drop - but you could completely miss it

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:51:09 +0000

We've entered Day 2 of October Prime Day, which means you're running out of time to take advantage of some of the year's best Samsung Galaxy S25 deals. The 'nearly perfect' Galaxy S25 Ultra, for instance, is currently chilling with a record-smashing 28% discount, but if you miss this deal you'll have to wait until Black Friday to receive comparable savings (if we're lucky).

This Prime Day Samsung deal knocks the price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB down to $934.99, which is well below the lowest price previously recorded. Of course, like all of the best Prime Day deals, this discount requires a membership.

Not a Prime member yet? You could either sign up for a 30-day free trial to enjoy all of the benefits for free, or, better yet, ditch Amazon altogether and buy the S25 Ultra from Best Buy to receive the same discount. Either way works, but don't wait too long to make the call: this historic deal ends at midnight tonight.

Today's best Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra deal

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB: ~~$1,299.99~~ $934.99 at Amazon

Big, bold, and beautiful, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is easily one of the most powerful Android phones released this year. Grab the 256GB device during Amazon's October Prime Day sale and you'll score a whopping $365 off your purchase, no strings attached. View Deal

Prime Day ends TONIGHT - see the full list of deals

Typically priced around $1,299.99 for the 256GB configuration, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is far from cheap. Fortunately, you're getting a lot of bang for the buck, as the phone comes packed with all of the latest hardware and AI-boosted software features.

The S25 Ultra is powered by the legendary Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, plus you're getting 12GB of RAM out of the box, a groundbreaking 6.9-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed. The phone also comes packed with Galaxy AI and Gemini software features, plus one of the most versatile camera systems ever built into a Samsung device.

Other Samsung deals to consider

Samsung Galaxy S25 128GB: ~~$799.99~~ $574.99 at Amazon

If you want something a bit smaller and more affordable than the Ultra, look no further than the base model Galaxy S25. Currently sitting with a 28% discount during Prime Day, the Galaxy S25 boasts the same Snapdragon chip with 12GB of RAM, a slim design, and all of the latest Galaxy AI software features.View Deal

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus 256GB: ~~$999.99~~ $699.99 at Amazon

The ideal middle child, Samsung's Galaxy S25 Plus strikes the perfect balance between the Ultra and standard model, with a Snapdragon chip, all-day battery, and Qi2 magnetic charging support. Buy the flagship during Prime Day and you'll get a whopping $300 off your purchase, no strings attached.View Deal

Prime Big Deal Days 2025 - quick links

Amazon Prime 30-day FREE trial: Most deals are Prime-exclusive
See all the Prime Day deals: USA | UK | Canada | India
Rival sales: Best Buy | Walmart | Dell | Newegg | HP | Target
Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

Leaked CAD renders give first look at the sleek Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's camera setup

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:54:00 +0000

What you need to know

Leaker OnLeaks shared CAD renders showing the S26 Ultra in black with several design refinements.
The phone keeps flat edges but now has more rounded corners and a slimmer 7.9mm thickness.
Button placements remain the same, while the bottom houses the S Pen, SIM tray, USB-C, and speaker.
The rear camera adopts a new vertical layout with three main lenses housed in a camera island to the left.

We just got the new iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10 series, but the tech leaks cycle never slows down. A new leak has now given us our first good look at the top-of-the-line Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is expected to launch early next year.

Reliable leaker OnLeaks (via Android Headlines) has shared CAD-based renders of the Galaxy S26 Ultra in black colorway. While the design shares some similarities with the current Galaxy S25 Ultra, the renders also reveal several notable changes for the upcoming flagship.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will reportedly carry over the flat-edge frame from its predecessor, but the corners are even more rounded this time, meaning the phone won’t dig into your palms as much. Dimensionally, the device is said to be slightly taller and wider than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, while the thickness will be reduced from 8.2mm to 7.9mm.

Android Headlines

These more curved corners and slimmer build should result in a noticeably better in-hand feel compared to the S25 Ultra. On the sides, the power button and volume rockers remain on the right, while the left side is again left blank. The S Pen slot, SIM tray, USB-C port, and speaker grills continue to sit on the bottom edge.

On the back, you can see that the camera module might adopt a new layout, somewhat similar to what we saw on the recently-launched Galaxy Z Fold 7. The three main lenses sit in a vertical camera island to the left, while the other sensors and flash sit to the right. Apart from this, the phone retains a look similar to its predecessor.

In terms of specifications, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to feature a 200MP f/1.4 main camera, though the telephoto sensor may see a slight downgrade. Under the hood, it is expected to run on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The battery will reportedly stay at 5,000 mAh but gain faster 60W USB-C charging support.

Of course, many details could still change before the official launch early next year, but we're now starting to get a clearer picture of how Samsung's next flagship will look.

Should I be surprised? Dbrand does it again

Nicholas Sutrich — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 17:09:44 +0000

Dbrand emailed me to brag today. The company just launched its first in-store options at Best Buy, a notable point in the company's online-only history. Now that they have the opportunity to directly compete with names like Otterbox, Spigen, and CASeTIFY, you'd think things would get a little more difficult for them.

Apparently not.

In just 48 hours, they made $1 million in phone case and screen protector sales, even eclipsing Apple's own cases that launched with the iPhone 17. Less surprisingly, its Killswitch Nintendo Switch 2 case is now sitting at #2 for Switch 2 accessories, only sitting behind Nintendo's Pro controller.

But I shouldn't be at all surprised, and you probably aren't if you've ever used a Dbrand skin, case, or screen protector before, either. The Killswitch is by far the best Switch 2 case, and it's hard to beat the company's phone cases thanks to their epic build quality. Some of them even offer skinning capability, so you can restyle your phone without having to switch out your favorite case.

Get full protection for your Google Pixel 10 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra without hiding that beautiful color you spent so long deliberating over. Rubberized sides add much-needed grip and better drop resistance, plus, that transparent back is scratch and smudge resistant.

For Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

For Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraView Deal

Here's why I love the Dbrand Ghost 2.0 cases sold at Best Buy, specifically. If you're someone who spends a lot of time negotiating with yourself over the color of your phone, it's nigh painful to cover it with a boring case.

The transparent back of the Dbrand Ghost 2.0 lets that color shine through and keeps it from scratches and smudges thanks to scratch and fingerprint-resistant coating.

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

Your phone will even get a low taper fade on the back as the clear back melds beautifully with the camera modules. It's also got a built-in MagSafe ring so you know exactly where to place your phone on the best MagSafe or Pixelsnap accessories.

Of course, no case would be worth its weight in polycarbonate if it didn't provide grip and good drop protection. This one does both, with a rubberized, textured grip you're going to love. Better yet, the buttons remain clicky and separated, because we all know how awful some cases can make your phone's buttons feel.

The only downside is that the Ghost 2.0 cases aren't designed for Dbrand skins. The skins aren't sold at Best Buy, anyway, so you'll need to buy them from the Dbrand website if you were looking for the skinnable Grip Case.

Thankfully, at least, this case has a small lip on the front side that leaves plenty of room for a screen protector, and Dbrand has you covered there with another Best Buy-available product.

Screen protectors are usually a pain to install, but Dbrand has figured out how to make the process completely painless with a one-step applicator. Place the shell on the front of your phone, pull the tab, and BAM. Screen protector applied. No nonsense or aligning necessary.

For Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

For Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraView Deal

As I said in the blurb, screen protectors usually suck to install. I can't tell you how many I've tossed or accidentally broken because I didn't align it properly with the phone or accidentally got a piece of dust underneath and tried to peel it off for reapplication.

You won't have to do any of that nonsense with Dbrand's incredile tray system on Prism 2.0 screen protectors. I put one on my Nintendo Switch 2 and couldn't believe that there was no dust or anything between the massive screen and the tempered glass screen protector.

Unsurprisingly, applying the Prism 2.0 to my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL was just as effortless. Now I can drop it on as many rocks as I'd like and probably won't have to activate that precious Pixel Care+ protection plan. Prism 2.0 works with all Dbrand cases, so even if you wanted to buy a skinnable Grip case for your phone, you can still pick up a Prism screen protector at Best Buy today and keep the screen protected until your case arrives.

Samsung takes a bite out of Apple by slashing $700 OFF the Galaxy S25 Ultra

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:21:07 +0000

The iPhone 17 lineup may be dominating the headlines, but if you're unimpressed by Apple's latest offerings, I just uncovered a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra deal that's worthy of your attention.

Place your order on Samsung's website with an eligible trade-in and you'll get up to $700 off the super-powered Galaxy S25 Ultra. Alternatively, if you skip the trade-in process you'll still be eligible for a straight $250 off the phone. To sweeten the deal even more, Samsung is also offering a free storage upgrade to 512GB. That's an additional $120 value!

We've seen a lot of Galaxy S25 deals since the flagship lineup was unveiled earlier this year, but if you're looking for simplicity, Samsung's offer is one of the best yet.

Amazon Prime Day returns October 7th - see the official list of deals

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB: ~~$1,419.99~~ From $599.99 with trade-in | $1,049.99 without at Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of the most powerful Android phones ever built, but it's also pretty expensive. Fortunately, you can buy the phone from Samsung today and score up to $700 off with trade-in. The retailer is also offering a $250 discount if you skip the trade-in process, plus you'll get a free storage upgrade either way.

Buying the phone through Samsung also gets you access to three exclusive color variants, plus you'll get six free months of Google AI Pro at no additional cost.

Price comparison: Amazon - $1,278.94 | Best Buy - $1,419.99 View Deal

✅Recommended if: you want a big, bold, and powerful smartphone with excellent camera tech and a gorgeous display; you have a new-ish phone that you're willing to part with; you need lots of storage.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a cheap or compact Android phone; you can get a better deal through your wireless carrier; you want to see what deals Amazon Prime Day is going to offer on October 7th and 8th.

We called the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra "close to perfection" in our official review, and it isn't hard to see why. Straight out of the box, the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers a luxurious experience with its 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, anti-glare coating, and an S Pen stylus built directly into the frame.

Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, widely considered to be the best Android processor on the market, plus you get 12GB of RAM, incredible battery life, and all of the AI software features you could ever need.

The S25 Ultra also introduces an upgraded 48MP ultrawide lens, while the 200MP primary camera continues to offer a ton of versatility with both photos and videos. And like the rest of the S25 lineup, the Galaxy S25 Ultra guarantees seven years of OS and security upgrades.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Like all phones, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra does have its flaws, but they feel fairly minor when you consider the overall package. People who suffer from PWM sensitivity, for instance, may have an issue with the display, and the phone lacks any Qi2 charging support. Charging speeds are also nothing to write home about, as the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still stuck with 45W wired charging.

With that said, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's biggest problem continues to be its price. Deals like the Samsung offer above can lessen the blow, but you're still going to be shelling out a good bit of cash if you can't land the max trade-in credit. Will the upcoming Big Deal Days sale event (October 7th-8th) finally present a straight Samsung discount worth writing about? It's too soon to say, but for now, this is one of the best S25 Ultra deals on the web.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A premium flagship showdown

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 19:44:36 +0000

iPhone 17 Pro Max

A sneaky upgrade

The iPhone 17 Pro Max doesn't bring major camera upgrades or a new display, but there's more than meets the eye. An aluminum unibody chassis highlights this year's redesign with durability and thermal benefits, plus, there's an A19 Pro chipset under the hood.

Pros

6.9-inch display with anti-reflective coating and 3,000 nits peak brightness
Triple-camera system with a trio of 48MP sensors on the back
Unibody aluminum chassis provides greater durability
A19 Pro chipset with 12GB memory
Square front-facing camera sensor for versatile selfies

Cons

Lower-quality zoom shots due to new telephoto lens
Apple Intelligence isn't as good as Galaxy AI
Giant camera plateau isn't for everyone
No black colorway

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Checking all the boxes

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra tries to cram as many features as possible into a 6.9-inch flagship, and it pretty much achieves its goal. You get four rear cameras, an inbuilt stylus, and a 5,000mAh battery to power it all.

Pros

Fast Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset
Five total cameras make the Galaxy S25 Ultra fit for any situation
Galaxy AI suite and Gemini features are standout
Great 6.9-inch AMOLED screen with S Pen support

Cons

Lacks Qi2 or MagSafe support
Probably not as fast as Apple's A19 Pro
Expensive
Limited to 1TB max storage

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is here, and it brings along the first major iPhone redesign in half a decade — but is that enough to beat Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The two top flagships on the market have quite a bit in common, sporting 6.9-inch displays and the best chipsets on iOS and Android, respectively. It's now time to figure out whether the iPhone 17 Pro Max is enough to make longtime Android users switch, or vice versa.

Apple is changing things up with a switch back to aluminum and a new unibody chassis on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, while Samsung doubles down on titanium on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Let's break down how these two phones compare to help you figure out which one is the right buy.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design and display

(Image credit: Apple)

The design of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is radically different compared to any other iPhone model — though I'd forgive you if you thought the phone just looks like an iPhone 16 Pro Max with a rectangular camera bump. It's actually called the camera plateau now, according to Apple, and it's part of an aluminum unibody construction. The entire chassis is now one piece, with a single glass insert slotting into the back to facilitate wireless charging.

This new iPhone 17 Pro Max build is designed to enhance the smartphone's strength and reduce its temperature, addressing a few drawbacks of the prior models' titanium material. It's still IP68-certified, but now features Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the front with an anti-reflective coating. This takes clear inspiration from the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which added a game-changing anti-glare screen earlier this year.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

From a design standpoint, both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Galaxy S25 Ultra have 6.9-inch screens, but the latter has a flatter and thinner body. The Galaxy S25 Ultra measures just 8.2mm thick, while the iPhone is 8.75mm thick. Apple's smartphone is also 15 grams heavier, so in terms of form factor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra may feel better in the hand.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Both phones have OLED displays with 120Hz LTPO variable refresh rate support. Apple's phone is slightly brighter, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max capable of reaching 3,000 nits peak in outdoor settings. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra tops out at 2,600 nits, which will still be plenty bright.

Notably, the Galaxy S25 Ultra packs an S Pen inside, and you can use the stylus for quick drawings or note-taking. There are even a few Galaxy AI features that leverage the S Pen for ease of use, like Sketch to Image. Put simply, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has no equivalent, either on the first or third-party market.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Hardware and specs

(Image credit: Apple)

The Apple A19 Pro and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipsets are the two most powerful mobile processors on the market, and they're inside the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Galaxy S25 Ultra, respectively. Both phones utilize vapor chambers to cool these blazing-fast chips and feature optimizations that balance performance and efficiency. They each feature 12GB of memory by default, but only the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 16GB RAM option tied to the 1TB storage configuration.

While both handsets start with 256GB of storage, the iPhone 17 Pro Max introduces a 2TB storage configuration for the first time. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra can only be equipped with up to 1TB of storage. So, the top iPhone gets more storage, but the top Galaxy gets more memory.

Specs
Category	iPhone 17 Pro Max	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Display	6.9‑inch (diagonal) all‑screen OLED display, 2868‑by‑1320-pixel resolution at 460 ppi, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, 3,000 nits peak brightness	6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate
Processor	Apple A19 Pro	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Memory	12GB	12GB
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Front Camera	18MP, f/1.9 wide	12MP wide
Rear Camera 1	48MP Fusion Main: 24 mm, ƒ/1.78 aperture, OIS	200MP Wide, AF, OIS
Rear Camera 2	48MP Fusion Ultra Wide: 13 mm, ƒ/2.2 aperture and 120° field of view	50MP Ultrawide, AF, OIS
Rear Camera 3	48MP, 4x optical zoom, 8x optical-quality zoom	10MP 3x Telephoto, AF, OIS
Rear Camera 4	N/A	50MP 5x Telephoto, AF, OIS
Camera Features	Adaptive True Tone flash, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control, Portrait Lighting with six effects, Night mode, Panorama (up to 63MP), Latest-generation Photographic Styles, Spatial photos, 48MP macro photography, ProRAW, Wide color capture for photos and Live Photos, Lens correction (Fusion Ultra Wide), Advanced red-eye correction, Auto image stabilization, Burst mode	HDR Portraits, Selfie AI ISP, Nightography, High-res Macro, High-res Zoom, Log Video
Battery	5,088mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	40W wired, 25W MagSafe or Qi2.2 wireless	45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse-wireless
Connectivity	5G, mmWave, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, UWB, Thread, NFC	5G (sub-6GHz, mmWave), Wi-Fi 7, UWB
Biometrics	Face ID	Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner, Face Recognition
Ingress Protection	IP68, Ceramic Shield 2 (front glass), Ceramic Shield (rear class), Aluminum	IP68, Corning Gorilla Armor (front glass), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (rear glass), Titanium
Dimensions	163.4 x 78 x 8.75mm	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm
Weight	233 grams	218 grams
Software	iOS 26	One UI 7 w/ Android 15

Connectivity leans in favor of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which supports Bluetooth 6 and Thread in addition to 5G and Wi-Fi 7. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra only supports Bluetooth 5.4. Samsung has the edge in biometrics, offering an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and facial recognition.

Battery life and charging are starting to tip in favor of the iPhone for the first time. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 5,088mAh battery capacity, slightly higher than the 5,000mAh cell inside the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It can also charge up to 50% in only 20 minutes. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra supports Qi 2.1 Ready and needs a case to add magnets, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has them built-in and supports Qi2.2 25W.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has the higher-spec USB-C port, supporting USB 3.2 Gen 1 compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max's USB 3.0.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Cameras

(Image credit: Apple)

The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a robust rear camera system comprising a trio of 48MP sensors, including a main, ultrawide, and telephoto lens. However, the telephoto camera is an upgrade in one way and a downgrade in another. It's a 48MP lens with 4x optical zoom, but that becomes 8x optical-quality zoom with sensor cropping down to 12MP photos. Last year's iPhone 16 Pro Max could do 5x optical zoom, but didn't have the sensor-cropping capabilities of the new higher-megapixel sensor.

Otherwise, the 48MP primary sensor can shoot 24MP and 12MP photos, with the 48MP ultrawide adding a 120-degree field-of-view to get more in the shot. Apple added a new 18MP front-facing camera sensor to the entire iPhone 17 lineup, and it's a square sensor rather than a typical 4:3 sensor. This means you can snap selfies in vertical or horizontal orientations without physically moving the phone, which is pretty neat.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

On paper, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the more versatile rear camera system. You get a 200MP main camera sensor paired with a 50MP ultrawide lens, plus two telephoto lenses offering 3x and 5x optical zoom. That's more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers with physical lenses, but less if you account for the 8x optical-quality sensor crop.

Samsung's front-facing camera is a 12MP wide lens, and it doesn't have any of the fun tricks added by the iPhone 17 Pro Max's square sensor.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which should you buy?

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

The iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are both the best we've ever seen from the iOS and Android side of things, but they're also unlikely to sway longtime fans. For Apple users, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's lack of Qi2 support could be a deal-breaker. Android users probably won't be impressed by iOS 26 or the iPhone 17 Pro Max's new hardware changes, even if they're impactful for iPhone owners.

On paper, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has more versatility, with an inbuilt S Pen and five total cameras. The thinner and lighter build represents the best of Samsung's design and engineering, and even iPhone users can probably appreciate it. These are the greatest phones on each side of the walled garden, so it'll probably come down to whether you want to use iOS or One UI more.

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Unlikely to change minds

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a neat upgrade for iOS users, especially those who've been waiting for a redesign to upgrade. However, it probably won't tempt Android fans who have options like the Galaxy S25 Ultra that are more versatile on paper.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

One of a kind

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is an enigma, providing features you won't find on any other smartphone. The inbuilt S Pen paired with five total cameras and a flagship Qualcomm processor arguably offers the most versatile smartphone experience ever.

Galaxy S26 Ultra leak hints at a surprising downgrade to its zoom camera

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:11:27 +0000

What you need to know

Galaxy S26 Ultra may downgrade its 3x telephoto zoom camera compared to S25 Ultra.
Leak suggests the new 12MP sensor will be cropped down to 10MP for telephoto shots.
The S26 Ultra sensor may have smaller 1.0μm pixels, letting in less light overall.
This could mean weaker 3x photo quality in low-light conditions versus the S25 Ultra.

It's been only a day since the iPhone 17 series went official, and we already have news about Samsung's upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Unfortunately, it's not the kind of update you'd want to hear, as a new leak suggests the Galaxy S26 Ultra may take a step back with its 3x telephoto zoom camera.

Earlier reports indicated that Samsung might switch to a new 12MP sensor for the 3x telephoto zoom on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Many assumed this would mean crisper zoom and close-up shots. However, according to reliable tipster Ice Universe, Samsung will crop the 12MP down to just 10MP on the new sensor.

The leaker claims the Galaxy S26 Ultra will use only 10MP (of the 12MP available) with an f/2.4 aperture, a 1/3.94" sensor size, and 1.0μm pixels. While this may sound similar to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which also used a 10MP 3x telephoto sensor, it could result in a downgraded experience overall.

Smaller pixels may hurt low-light performance

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

To break it down, the Galaxy S25 Ultra had a 1/3.53" 10MP sensor with 1.12μm pixel size. The Galaxy S26 Ultra may use a larger sensor, but with smaller 1.0μm pixels. For reference, the pixel size determines how much light is captured — the larger the number, the more light and typically the better the photos.

With the Galaxy S26 Ultra scaling back to smaller pixels, the new sensor could let in less light than its predecessor, leading to weaker 3x shots in low-light conditions.

Of course, Samsung could offset this with software optimizations and an improved ISP, but based purely on hardware, it looks like we may be in for a slight downgrade on the next Ultra flagship.

Past rumors about the Galaxy S26 Ultra suggest the phone will keep the S Pen, adopt a slimmer build, and support faster 60W charging.

Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

Forget the iPhone 17, this Samsung phone is superior AND cheaper than it's ever been - for now

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:14:33 +0000

The new iPhone gets announced today, but why settle for Apple when one of the best Samsung phones ever built is chilling with a historic discount? For a limited time, you can head to Best Buy and score a whopping $250 off the Galaxy S25 Ultra, marking the largest straight discount we've ever seen for the Android powerhouse.

No trade-in is required for the Samsung phone deal, but you could rack up some additional savings by sending Best Buy an old device and/or activating the Galaxy S25 Ultra with AT&T or Verizon.

Considering that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to start at $1,199 for the 256GB configuration, why not save a bit of cash and get an arguably better phone out of the deal? With Samsung Galaxy S25 deals like this hanging around, there's never been a better time to ditch Apple and embrace the world of Android.

See all of the best deals available at Best Buy today

The Galaxy S25 Ultra scores an epic discount ahead of the iPhone 17 launch

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB: ~~$1,299.99~~ $1,049.99 at Best Buy

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is easily one of the most powerful Android phones on the market, and you can score a hefty $250 discount by purchasing the phone unlocked from Best Buy today. Some trade-in opportunities and activation discounts are also up for grabs, so check the retailer's site to see how much you can save. View Deal

✅Recommended if: you want a great discount on a premium Android phone with outstanding performance, versatile cameras, and one of the best-looking displays in the biz; you're ready to ditch Apple with one of the best Samsung phones ever built.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a trade-in opportunity or deal through your carrier; you strongly prefer small phones or Apple devices.

As detailed in our glowing 4.5/5-star review, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is peak Android technology, complete with a cutting-edge Snapdragon processor, a gorgeous 6.9-inch AMOLED display (with embedded stylus), an One UI 7 right out of the box.

Additionally, the super-powered Samsung flagship upgraded its camera tech, incorporating a 48MP ultrawide lens and reducing the pesky shutter lag that plagued the otherwise-excellent Galaxy S24 Ultra. The S25 Ultra also features a more slim and rounded design than its predecessor, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset continues to impress as one of the best processors on the market.

You also get to enjoy all of the latest AI-boosted software features from Galaxy AI and Gemini, and like the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup, the Ultra guarantees seven years of OS and security upgrades.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Indeed, with the arrival of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the S25 Ultra has its work cut out for it. The Apple phone's A19 Pro chipset is expected to match (or potentially surpass) the power of the Snapdragon chip, and the two flagships are likely to be pretty neck-and-neck when comparing battery life and camera performance.

At full price, choosing between the two phones could be a pretty tough decision, but thanks to this Best Buy deal, I'd argue that the Galaxy S25 Ultra has pulled slightly ahead.

One UI 8 is nearly ready for the Galaxy S25, with a fifth beta now rolling out

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:10:00 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung rolls out One UI 8 beta 5 for Galaxy S25 with bug fixes in multiple regions.
The update is 1.78GB, firmware ZYH6, and includes the August 2025 security patch.
Stable One UI 8 release is expected in September with new apps, split screen, and UI tweaks.

It looks like Samsung is almost ready to release the stable version of One UI 8 for the Galaxy S25 series, as the company has now rolled out another beta with loads of bug fixes.

As spotted by Tarun Vats on X (via Sammobile), Samsung has started seeding the One UI 8 beta 5 to Galaxy S25 users in the UK, U.S., India, and Germany. The One UI 8 beta 4 rolled out late last month, and now beta 5 has arrived.

The latest One UI 8 build is about 1.78GB in size and comes with firmware version ZYH6. It also includes the August 2025 security patch.

One UI 8 beta 5 for Galaxy S25 series brings loads of bug fixes

(Image credit: Tarun Vats on X)

In terms of new features, the One UI 8 beta 5 doesn't carry many, but there are plenty of fixes. According to Samsung’s changelog, the new build includes fixes for hotspot connection errors, S Pen Air command exceptions, and the issue that caused the moon to appear purple when captured at 100x zoom.

Other fixes address a Do Not Disturb resetting issue, overlapping Quick Settings and Notification windows, and Now Brief briefing content disappearing abruptly. Here's the official changelog from Samsung:

Fixed hotspot connection error
Fixed the issue of the size of the clock on the lock screen getting smaller
Fixed S Pen Air command exception
Fixed issue of Quick Settings window not appearing
Fixed the issue that overlap the Quick Settings and Notification Windows
Fixed the exception when capturing screen in the app in the secure folder
Fixed the issue of moon appearing purple when taking a picture with 100X Zoom
Fixed an issue of Do Not Disturb Mode's settings resetting
Fixed the issue of Now Brief briefing content disappearing
Stabilizes SW with multiple App Update
Applied August security patch

If you're enrolled in the One UI 8 beta program, you can download the latest build on your Galaxy S25 now. To install, head over to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install.

Considering Samsung has announced the One UI 8 stable version will be released in September, this should be the last or second-to-last beta for the Galaxy S25 series. The One UI 8 beta kicked off in May, and while users are still waiting for stable Android 16, it seems Samsung is taking its time to make the new version as stable as possible.

One UI 8 is set to bring new features to Galaxy devices, including more supported apps for Now Bar, a new 90:10 split screen feature, a redesigned Reminders app, and more.

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How secure is Bluetooth pairing on the Galaxy S25?

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 05:01:08 +0000

How secure is Bluetooth pairing on the Galaxy S25?

- Smartphones like the Galaxy S25 use Bluetooth to connect to devices such as headphones, computers, and even other smartphones.

- Bluetooth pairing is relatively secure, although there is always a possibility that vulnerabilities can be exploited for unauthorized access.

- Samsung constantly updates its devices to address various vulnerabilities, including those related to Bluetooth.

The Galaxy S25 series utilizes Bluetooth 5.4, which is one of the latest versions of the wireless communication technology before Bluetooth 6. With this, users can connect to various devices, such as wireless earbuds and headphones, laptops, gaming controllers, and even other phones.

Bluetooth SIG, the body that regulates and establishes Bluetooth specifications, includes security measures and resources in the core specification to ensure that users can establish secure connections. However, the nature of Bluetooth, like many wireless technologies, makes it possible to take advantage of vulnerabilities. Thus, Bluetooth is not foolproof or 100% secure, and can be exploited to take control of your phone.

Is the Bluetooth version on the Galaxy S25 good for high-quality wireless audio?

Bluetooth v5.4 on the Galaxy S25 enables a wide support of Bluetooth capabilities and codec support, allowing good, high-quality audio to be streamed to your earbuds or headphones.

While no major audio-specific features were introduced with this Bluetooth version, the spec includes support for LE Audio, which enables low-power audio transmissions using the LC3 codec. This means the phone can stream high-quality audio while using less battery power in your wireless earbuds. LE Audio is a core feature supported on Bluetooth 5.2 and above.

In addition, Bluetooth v5.4 supports bitrates of up to 50 Mbit/s and a range of up to 240 meters. By comparison, Bluetooth 4.0 only supported a maximum bitrate of 3 Mbit/s and a range of up to 60 meters.

	Connectivity	Supported formats	Supported codecs
Samsung Galaxy S25	Bluetooth 5.4, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C	MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA, DFF, DSF, APE	SBC, AAC, SSC, LDAC, aptX

The Galaxy S25 itself supports various audio formats, as well as Bluetooth codecs, including AAC, SBC, and LDAC. However, the supported codec and audio quality will depend on the earbuds or wireless headphones you use. I have found that using Samsung devices such as the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro works great with the Galaxy S25 and supports features like Auracast for broadcasting audio or receiving broadcasts.

Thanks to support for high-res audio, you may also want to consider headphones from other brands, such as the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Don't worry, but be wary

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

That said, there's little reason to worry, but plenty of reasons to remain cautious. Brian Hussman, an independent security researcher, tells Android Central that Bluetooth exploits are not often taken advantage of, which is good news for Galaxy S25 users.

"Bluetooth is notoriously insecure, but it's not often exploited," Hussman tells us. "It takes the right knowledge and equipment to pull off something like a MITM (Man-In-The-Middle) attack or to gain control of a device via Bluetooth once you've found out how to exploit the device itself.

While it still has plenty of room for improvement, Bluetooth has become much safer and reliable in the past few years."

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Furthermore, Samsung updates the Galaxy S25 on a monthly cadence with security patches that address various vulnerabilities, such as those related to Bluetooth. For example, the April 2025 update included fix SVE-2025-0255(CVE-2025-20946): Improper handling of exceptional conditions in pairing specific bluetooth devices in Galaxy Watch Bluetooth pairing. This vulnerability allowed "local attackers to pair with specific bluetooth devices without user interaction."

What you can do to remain safe when using Bluetooth

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

So, while you should be relatively safe when pairing your Galaxy S25 with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, there are things you can do to make sure you're not putting yourself at risk. The FCC has a list of guidelines on how you can protect yourself when using Bluetooth, including:

Turning off Bluetooth when it's not in use.
Unpairing your phone from a rental car's Bluetooth and clearing any data.
Use Bluetooth in "hidden" mode.

That last one is pretty easy, as your phone is only "discoverable" when you're present on the Bluetooth menu in your phone's settings. However, you should still be wary of and reject unfamiliar Bluetooth pairing requests. Otherwise, you should enjoy safely pairing your Galaxy S25 to your heart's content.

Samsung Galaxy S25

Small but mighty

The Galaxy S25 is one of the best compact Android phones money can buy. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset ensures stellar performance no matter what you're doing, and Samsung's 7-year update promise means you phone will remain safe and secure for years to come.

Can the Galaxy Z Fold 7 cameras hang with the iPhone and S25 Ultra? I put it to the test

andrew.myrick@futurenet.com (Andrew Myrick) — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:15:12 +0000

One of my biggest complaints about Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold lineup since the Fold 4 has been its cameras. When you're paying this much for a phone, you expect it to be amongst the best, and that simply hasn't been the case. Samsung went back to the drawing board with the Galaxy Fold 7, in more ways than one, but finally swapped out the 50MP wide-angle lens in favor of a 200MP sensor.

So what better way to find out whether the Galaxy Z Fold 7's camera is actually better than by comparing it to a bunch of other phones? But, I didn't just pick any phones; specifically, we have the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

For the sake of transparency, all of the pictures were taken using the default settings, and none of the photos included have been edited.

Battle of the foldables

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Although I prefer Samsung's "kitchen sink" approach in terms of software features, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been my phone of choice for quite a while. Sadly, it fell short of the Fold 7 in the above comparison, as the setting sun was just too much for it to handle. As a result, the picture is more blown out, with the picture having a kind of orange tint.

The Fold 6 did better than I expected, as you can still tell that the sky is blue and there isn't a weird tint overlay. On the downside, it looks like the Fold 6 would be perfect for Director J.J. Abrams with its lens flare. Not only do we get one that spans the edges of the image from the sun, but there are some smaller flares from the sun's reflection in the water.

Honestly, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 just wins by default here. Nothing stands out in terms of negative effects, and it was able to avoid the pitfalls of the other two. But there also isn't much helping it stand out otherwise.

Winner: Galaxy Fold 7

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

This was also one of the tougher comparisons to pick a winner for. All three phones were to 5x zoom, which means that Samsung's Fold 6 and Fold 7 are at the mercy of digital zoom, with this being one of the defaults of the Pixel.

I quickly counted out the Fold 6 as the AI "smooth over" effect is apparent in the text of the building. Even with the image colors looking pretty true-to-life, the obvious AI boost compared to the other two was the deciding factor.

I've looked at these pictures longer than any others in this comparison, and I'm still not sure either the Fold 7 or 9 Pro Fold is better than the other. There is a bit of a tint on the front of the building from the setting sun, but it's not far off from the way it looked to the naked eye.

Meanwhile, the Fold 7 produced a cooler image with just a slight tint on the white letters. Both phones do a good job of preserving textures and clarity, leaving the rest to each phone's color profile. Which means, both phones are the winners here.

Winner: Tie between Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Last up, I maxed out the image resolution for all three phones, then zoomed in as far as I could to the sign you see in the image above. This gave me a good idea of which phone leaned more heavily on processing, versus just taking the picture.

At first glance, it might seem like the Fold 6 is the best, simply based on the brighter image that was produced. The Fold 7 was the next brightest, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold being the darkest of the bunch.

While that might be enough for some people, the real story is told when you look more closely at the sign itself. Despite producing the brightest picture, it also has the most AI artifacting of the bunch. It's almost like the phone was trying to put an overlay of the letters, but was off-center by a bit.

The Fold 7 did a pretty good job overall, as the sign is still legible, but it does look like Samsung's smooth-over processing got the best of the hardware. As for the Pixel, well, it got everything right, even if the phone didn't manage to capture as much light as its counterparts.

Winner: Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Below, you'll find a few more side-by-side comparisons if you want a few other examples of how these foldable phones stack up.

Andrew Myrick / Android Central

Foldable vs. Slabs

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

In an effort to "put my money where my mouth is," the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max joined the other phones on this adventure. These are still two of the best camera phones that money can buy, even if you broaden the scope beyond the confines of North America.

With this first test, I was a bit surprised to find that I preferred the Fold 7 out of the three. Usually, I lean more towards cooler-toned pictures, but both the iPhone and S25 Ultra ended up as backups for the next Abrams film.

Curiously, instead of the "linear" lens flare found in the S25 Ultra's picture, the iPhone produced a lone dot off to the bottom left, along with a cluster right behind where the sun reflects off of the water. I don't know why this happened or what explanation there could be, but even with its darker tones, the Fold 7 was my favorite here.

Winner: Galaxy Z Fold 7

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

This was almost another "too close to call" comparison, but not because of the S25 Ultra. This time, it was between the iPhone and the Fold 7, as these two phones produced a bit more detail compared to the S25 Ultra. I honestly didn't even notice it at first, until I looked at the base for the sundial.

Yet again, there's just a bit too much of a smoothing effect going on with the S25 Ultra, which is definitely not something that I expected. To be fair, the same effect seems to be applied with the Fold 7, but to a lesser degree. Meanwhile, you can see a lot of the blemishes and wear from the iPhone's picture, resulting in a more true-to-life image.

Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

In the same way that I did in the previous section, I cranked up the image resolution and zoomed in on the sign. Surprisingly enough, the Galaxy S25 Ultra ultimately won out over the Fold 7 and iPhone because of the amount of image detail overall.

Admittedly, I think if I were basing this solely on being able to read the text on the sign, the iPhone would probably squeak ahead, but not by much. The S25 Ultra gave me a picture that was almost exactly what I was seeing in front of me in terms of the color tones, as seen in the grass.

The slight hint of AI enhancement on the sign is what dragged the Fold 7 down, but I'd probably put it in a 2nd-place tie with the iPhone as the rest of the picture looks pretty darn good.

Winner: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Here are a few more comparisons if you want to see how well the Fold 7 fared against the S25 Ultra and 16 Pro Max.

Andrew Myrick / Android Central

Is there a winner?

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Not to be cheesy, but yes, there is a winner. And no, it's not a phone. WE are the winners, as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 might not be the best, but this comparison proved to me that it can at least keep up with the best.

After years of harping on the idea of having inferior cameras in more expensive hardware, Samsung finally listened. So far, the Galaxy Fold 7 has proven to be quite impressive, and I have to imagine that future software updates will make it even better.

Not to mention that I didn't even mess around with Camera Assistant via Good Lock. With that alone, I feel pretty confident that I could end up with pictures as good as the flagship slab phones, just with a bit of editing. And that alone is enough of a reason to explain why I'm excited about Samsung's latest foldable.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Don't sleep on the cameras

Sure, Samsung is putting a lot of focus on how thin the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but just as important is that we finally have upgraded camera hardware. For the first time in years, I can finally say that the Fold 7 is just about on-par with the best slab phones.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which is the top Android flagship?

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 07:02:03 +0000

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

A major upgrade

Similar design aside, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is a big improvement that builds on what Pixel phones do best. There's improved performance thanks to a Tensor G5 chipset and 16GB of RAM, and custom components like a new ISP. This 6.8-inch powerhouse is the best Pixel yet, albeit without camera upgrades.

Pros

TSMC-based 3nm Tensor G5 chip
5,200mAh battery
Brighter 3,300-nit display
39W fast wired charging speeds with magnetic Qi2 25W support

Cons

Same camera hardware
Expensive, with no 128GB base model this year
Similar design and displays

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The one to beat

With a giant display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and a standout camera system, it's clear the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will be the one to beat. It's a tall order for Google, as the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the most versatile phone on the market today.

Pros

Blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor
Large display with S Pen support
Versatile camera system with four rear lenses
Both Galaxy and Google AI features supported

Cons

Very expensive
Lacks magnetic Qi2 support
Similar to older models

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is the top model in Google's flagship lineup, and it's finally here. It's surely Google's best Pixel phone yet, but the real question is how it compares to the rest of our favorite Android phones. At the top of the list is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which has a big price tag and an even bigger feature set.

With a powerful processor, versatile quadruple rear camera system, and large display, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is often regarded as one of the best, well-rounded Android phones out there. The Pixel 10 Pro XL adds a reworked Tensor G5 processor, magnetic charging, and all-new AI features to remain competitive. Let's dive in and figure out which smartphone is right for you.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Pricing and availability

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Google officially announced the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at a Made by Google event on Aug. 20. Pre-orders for the device are open as of that same day, with full availability beginning Aug. 28. The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL starts with 256GB of storage, with upgrades to 512GB or 1TB available. Since the phone isn't available in the smaller 128GB base capacity, it starts at $1,199, an increase of $100 compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

You can get the Pixel 10 Pro XL in Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, and Obsidiancolorways.

Even with the price hike, the Pixel 10 Pro XL costs less than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra at full price. The phone was announced on Jan. 22, 2025, and was officially released Feb. 7. Samsung sells the Galaxy S25 Ultra for $1,299, and it starts with 256GB of storage, with upgrades up to 1TB available. You can get it in Titanium Black, Gray, Silverblue, or Whitesilver colorways.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design and display

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Google didn't overhaul the design of the Pixel 10 Pro XL, and we have a design language that's quite similar to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. There's a pill-shaped camera bar, a matte back, polished side rails, and rounded corners. The dimensions are identical to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but the Pixel 10 Pro XL is much heavier at 232 grams. We'll get to the hardware later, though it's worth noting a few internal upgrades might explain the weight discrepancy between models.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

It sports a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED panel capable of 120Hz refresh rates and 3,300 nits of peak brightness — a slight upgrade compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The resolution is 2992 x 1344 pixels, which is the same as last year. Covering the display is Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and it also serves as the rear glass.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a similar footprint, with dimensions measuring 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm. In fact, it's both thinner and lighter than the Pixel 10 Pro XL. That's despite the Galaxy S25 Ultra offering a bigger, 6.9-inch screen and space for an internally-stored S Pen stylus.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The display is a 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED with support for 120Hz adaptive refresh rates and a resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels. It's covered by Gorilla Armor 2, which is anti-glare in nature and will help with outdoor visibility. The rear glass is Gorilla Glass Victus 2, just like on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Samsung opted for a titanium construction on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which helps with strength and weight.

Both the Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Galaxy S25 Ultra have an IP68 rating against dust and water ingress.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Hardware and specs

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Google made major upgrades the internals of the Pixel 10 Pro XL, and it starts with the new Tensor G5 chipset, which is no surprise. The bigger deal is that the Tensor G5 chip is fabricated by TSMC, rather than Samsung Foundry, and uses the advanced 3nm process. As part of the switch, Google is moving to more custom internal components, perhaps improving Pixel's optimizations and efficiency gains. For example, the Pixel 10 Pro XL now has a custom image-signal processor (ISP) that will help with camera quality.

With a Google-designed chip, more custom components, and TSMC fabrication, the Tensor G5 helps the Pixel 10 Pro XL in its quest to become the most efficient and smooth Android phone yet. The company says the Tensor G5's CPU is 34% faster than the Tensor G4 on average. The chip's tensor processing unit (TPU) is also up to 60% more powerful for AI-based tasks.

The phone is expected to launch with Android 16 out of the box.

Category	Google Pixel 10 Pro XL	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Display	6.8-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 3,300 nits (peak)	6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate
Processor	Google Tensor G5	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Memory	16GB	12GB
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Front Camera	42 MP, f/2.2	12MP (wide)
Rear Camera 1	50 MP, f/1.7 wide	200MP Wide, AF, OIS
Rear Camera 2	48 MP, f/1.7 ultrawide	50MP Ultrawide, AF, OIS
Rear Camera 3	48 MP, f/2.8 5x periscope telephoto	10MP 3x Telephoto, AF, OIS
Rear Camera 4	N/A	50MP 5x Telephoto, AF, OIS
Camera Features	Best Take, Add Me, Magic Editor, Camera Coach	HDR Portraits, Selfie AI ISP, Nightography, High-res Macro, High-res Zoom, Log Video
Battery	5,200mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	39W wired, Qi2 25W wireless, reverse wireless	45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse-wireless
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, UWB, eSIM only	5G (sub-6GHz, mmWave), Wi-Fi 7, UWB, physical SIM tray
Biometrics	Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner, Face Recognition	Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner, Face Recognition
Ingress Protection	IP68, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front and rear glass)	IP68, Corning Gorilla Armor (front glass), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (rear glass), Titanium
Dimensions	162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm
Weight	232 grams	218 grams
Software	Android 16	One UI 7 w/ Android 15 (upgradeable)
Colors	Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, Obsidian	Silver Blue, Black, White Silver, Gray, Jade Green, Jet Black, Pink Gold

Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra will still be the performance champion, despite all of Google's improvements. It is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy mobile platform, which is the fastest available for Android phones. It's particularly excellent for AI tasks, and it will be interesting to see how the Tensor G5 compares in real-world testing — stay tuned for our full review.

Notably, the Galaxy S25 Ultra ships with 12GB of RAM, whereas the Pixel 10 Pro XL launches with 16GB by default. You can get a Galaxy S25 Ultra with 16GB of memory if you grab the top-end storage configuration.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Cameras

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

In the camera department, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will win, at least on paper. It has four rear camera sensors, and the system is highlighted by a 200MP wide camera. On top of that, you get a 50MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. Put simply, this may be the most versatile system available in the U.S. market, fit for any situation.

Google's Pixel 10 Pro XL keeps things exactly the same as its predecessor. That means you get three rear cameras, starting with a 50MP, f/1.7 main camera. The secondary cameras would be a 48MP ultrawide and a 48MP periscope telephoto lens, with the latter being capable of 5x optical zoom.

There's more than meets the eye here, as hardware is only part of the story. If you prefer Samsung or Google's computational photography and color science profiles, that may be reason enough to choose one phone over another. Google's upgraded ISP in the Tensor G5 is something to watch, as it could help the Pixel 10 Pro XL pull more out of similar camera hardware.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which one should you buy?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are two of the best Android phones, but they're not equal. With the Galaxy S25 Ultra getting older, it'll likely see discounts that will help it match or beat the $1,199 price point of the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Samsung's use of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset ensures the Galaxy S25 Ultra has an edge, even over the Tensor G5 processor in the newest Pixel.

There are clear reasons to pick the Galaxy S25 Ultra over the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Aside from performance, the Galaxy has a larger display and S Pen support. It also brings along five total cameras and a combination of Google AI and Galaxy AI features. All of these could be deciding factors for people in the market for a great Android phone.

Still, the Pixel 10 Pro XL has plenty of reasons to exist. It's slightly more compact, runs Pixel UI over One UI, and has Google's efficiency and optimization. That being said, it's hard for Google's highest-end flagship to beat the Galaxy S25 Ultra on paper.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Small but mighty

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is a fun and capable Android phone, highlighted by Pixel UI and Material 3 Expressive. It has a premium design and engaging software, plus power in the form of the Tensor G5 chip. On top of that, you get a huge battery and magnetic Qi2 25W fast wireless charging.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Still the king

Based on current rumors, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra isn't going anywhere anytime soon. With a 6.9-inch screen, the fastest Qualcomm mobile platform, and a versatile camera system, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will still have advantages over Google's upcoming flagship.

Samsung asks users if they'd sacrifice thin phones for built-in Qi2 magnets

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:50:11 +0000

What you need to know

A report highlights a new Samsung consumer survey that questions users about Qi2 and Galaxy phones.
Samsung asks users if they'd prefer built-in Qi2 magnets, for wireless charging and other functions, even if the phone were thicker as a result.
The company also asks users if they would be fine with only having wireless charging on a Galaxy phone.
The Galaxy S25 series notably doesn't feature Qi2 magnets built-in; however, it is Qi2 Ready, meaning users need a case with the required magnets for wireless charging and more.

It seems that Samsung is interested in a future Galaxy phone change, and your voice might be the deciding factor.

A post by SammyGuru highlights a recent Samsung survey sent to users via the Members app that seemingly places future Galaxy designs in your hands (or, at least, gives them something to think about). The survey runs through the typical checks and balances; however, the publication noticed two important questions, each regarding Qi2 wireless charging and its magnetic hardware.

Arguably, the most important question is number 38, which says, "Would you prefer to have magnets built into the phone even if it made the phone thicker?" Two of the answers say you wouldn't mind Qi2 magnets within the device, even if it made the phone "within 0.3mm" or "within 0.5mm" larger. These aren't outlandish differences, especially considering Samsung's recent thin phone era, but that tech inside would slightly enlarge things.

The publication details another option that says you wouldn't want Qi2 magnets inside if it made the phone larger, while the final choice says "magnets must be included," no matter the increase.

The other question poses an interesting scenario: what if a Galaxy phone only had wireless charging? Samsung asks, "if only wireless charging is supported, would having Qi2 (like MagSafe) reduce any inconveniences?"

Samsung & Qi2

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Samsung's recent history with Qi2 on the Galaxy S25 series has been incredibly confusing, but it all boils down to a simple answer. Samsung's latest flagship series is the first set of phones to feature "Qi2 Ready support;" however, these devices don't feature the required magnets within themselves. So, yes, the Galaxy S25 series offers wireless charging, thanks to Qi2, but only at 15W.

If you're interested in grabbing a Qi2 charger, the Galaxy S25 series will be compatible with it. One thing you should note is that, without the magnets, you will need a case that brings the necessary built-in magnets for that.

Perhaps we can speculate that Samsung dropped these magnets to make its series thinner, especially after seeing the recent consumer survey. That's not exactly confirmed, so it's just food for thought. There's also no telling when/if Samsung would even provide built-in magnets for its devices. The Galaxy S26 series comes to mind. We'd only hear something actionable early next year, if it does.

The company's rumored Galaxy S25 FE was recently spotted moving through the WPC for wireless charging, to which it received Qi2 (v2.1) certification. However, given speculation that says we might see this phone later this year, we might not see these built-in magnets for this model. If anything, the S25 FE will fit closer to the others with 15W wireless charging and the necessity for a case.

Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

A rare sale on this weirdly protective minimalist case is something we only see in Prime Day's final hours

Nicholas Sutrich — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:27:12 +0000

When you think of a protective phone case, you probably think of something that covers the entirety of the phone to ensure maximum protection. The Arc Pulse case series says "you don't need all that nonsense," but usually doesn't give you a price break for its lack of materials. Thankfully, Prime Day changes that with a rare 20% discount on what are otherwise pretty expensive phone cases.

Arc Pulse works by covering the area of your phone that most commonly come in contact with the ground when it's dropped. That's the top and bottom edges, as well as all four corners. It's even got protective lips around the front edge of the display, but the rest of the phone is totally exposed for the whole world to see.

Arc Pulse cases are often limited-run items. For example, the Pixel 9 Arc Pulse case can no longer be found on Amazon, even though the manufacturer sells them in limited quantities on its website. That makes a discount on the cases a special event, but it's only good until the end of the day Friday, July 11.

"I don't often drop test phones in cases because so many cases are very similar, but Arc Pulse is a different beast entirely. For the test, I dropped the phone on three different flooring types: a wood floor, an area rug placed on concrete, and bare concrete. I dropped it at pocket height, roughly 3ft, and at head height, roughly 6ft, to simulate the two most common ways someone might drop their phone. To my surprise, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL was spotless after all these drops. No scratches, cracks, or any other damage was found, and the case's unique design is surprisingly effective." — Nick Sutrich for Android Central

Android Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅Recommended if: you love the way your phone looks and hate covering it up, but are afraid to drop something that costs $1,300 outright. This keeps your phone looking like its beautiful self without opening it up to the dangers of being totally naked.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a case that adds MagSafe or something else. You can always add a MagSafe ring to the back, but it'll cost you extra.

Price check 💵: $89.99 at Arc

Alternative deal 🪙: Pitaka Aramid Fiber case with Magsafe ring: ~~$54.99~~ $43.99 at AmazonView Deal

You might wonder why anyone would want such a case on their expensive phone, but I'll posit that it's a great alternative to having no case on your phone. I prefer to use my phones without a case, but not everyone is as crazy as me. This, at least, gives you protection on the most important parts without ruining the look and feel of a caseless phone.

The case is made entirely of metal, so you know it's super sturdy, and has a rubberized interior shock layer that keeps the metal from scratching or impacting your precious glass phone in the event of a drop.

When I got the first Arc Pulse case for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL earlier this year, I made a quick video showing the drop test performance on carpet, wood, and concrete from two different heights. Check out that video below to see how it would protect your Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Even with this video evidence, I totally understand being nervous about buying an ultra-minimalist case like this. In that case, I recommend grabbing the Pitaka Aramid Fiber case for Galaxy S25 Ultra, also on sale for 20% off for the rest of the day today.

An Aramid Fiber case is designed to offer additional grip for these super slippery glass-and-metal sandwich phones, as well as scratch protection in the event of a drop. Not that they are generally not great for drops on concrete or similar situations, while the all-metal and rubber-lined Arc Pulse case above will almost certainly do a better job, ironically.

For more on Prime Day 2025, check out our ultimate shopping guide

3 of the best Android phones ever built are receiving HISTORIC discounts for Prime Day — don’t miss these deals

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:04:58 +0000

Only one day of Prime Day 2025 remains, which means some of the best Android phone deals of the year are about to disappear for good (or at least until Black Friday, I guess). Nevertheless, among all of the discounted devices available at Amazon right now, three legendary smartphones stand out from the crowd: the OnePlus 13, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.

All three of these devices earned incredibly high marks in our list of the best Android phones that money can buy, and thanks to Amazon's sale, all three are as cheap or cheaper than they've ever been. The sale ends at midnight tomorrow, July 11th, so if you've been thinking about buying an exceptional smartphone this week, this could be your last chance. Don't mess this up.

Last chance! Grab these Android phone deals before they're gone

1. OnePlus 13 512GB: ~~$999.99~~ $879.99 with Prime at Amazon

One of the very few phones to ever receive a perfect score from Android Central, the OnePlus 13 is an incredibly versatile device powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The phone also boasts revolutionary IP69 protection with excellent cameras and one of the best displays we've ever used. Thanks to Amazon's Prime Day sale, the eye-catching flagship is currently sitting with a rare 12% discount.

Android Central rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From our reviewer:

"The OnePlus 13 is the best Android phone ever made, with uncompromising design and build quality, top-tier performance, features you'll love using, and a camera that'll make you smile day or night."View Deal

2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB: ~~$1,299.99~~ $949.99 with Prime at Amazon

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a beast of Android technology, offering a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED display (with built-in stylus), amazing performance from the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and seven years of guaranteed software support. The biggest thing holding the phone back is its price, which is why we're stoked to see Amazon slash 27% off the unlocked device during Prime Day.

Android Central rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

From our reviewer:

"It's one of the best Android phones you can buy, assuming you can afford it. It's packed with impressive specs, several well-performing cameras, a built-in stylus pen, and tons of AI features, all in a premium package."View Deal

3. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 128GB: ~~$1,099~~ $749 with Prime at Amazon

Currently 32% off during Prime Day, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a stunning flagship with an impressive triple-camera system, 16GB of RAM, and all of the latest AI-boosted software features powered by Gemini. The phone also comes with seven years of guaranteed OS and security upgrades, which means you could be using it for a good long while before it starts to feel even remotely dated.

Android Central rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

From our reviewer:

"When only the biggest display will do, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the right phone for you. Packing Google smarts and the latest bag of AI tricks powered by Gemini, the Pixel 9 Pro XL will get it done."View Deal

Prime Day 2025 Android deals — quick links

Prime Day ENDS tomorrow: see the full list of Amazon deals
Phones: major discounts on Samsung and Pixel
Tablets: discounted Galaxy Tab and iPad
Wearables: up to %45 off Garmin watches
Most Prime Day deals are members-only: sign up for the 30-day trial

For more on Prime Day 2025, check out our ultimate shopping guide

This record-smashing Galaxy S25 Ultra deal is going to make me FINALLY ditch my Pixel for good

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:40:59 +0000

Let's face it: the Galaxy S25 Ultra is stupid expensive, and it would take a seriously impressive Prime Day deal to make me ditch my Pixel 9. Well, thanks to this offer that slashes 28% off the 256GB version of the phone, that's exactly what's going to happen.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has never been this cheap before, and if you prefer unlocked phone deals, buying this premium flagship during Prime Day 2025 seems like a no-brainer. Of course, it's not the only Prime Day Samsung Galaxy deal worth checking out, but I've had my eye on the S25 Ultra long enough that I'm not missing this chance.

The most powerful Android phone crashes to a record low price during Prime Day 2025

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB: ~~$1,299.99~~ $934.99 with Prime at Amazon

If you've been waiting for the right time to buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra unlocked, this is it. Amazon's Prime Day sale event is carving an outstanding 28% off the price of the Titanium Grey version of the phone, knocking it down to its lowest point ever. Not too shabby for one of the most powerful Android phones ever built!View Deal

For more on Prime Day 2025, check out our ultimate shopping guide.

✅Recommended if: you want a supremely powerful device and you don't mind paying for it; you like to buy phones unlocked.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a S25 carrier deal or trade-in opportunity, you prefer small phones; you're shopping on a budget.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is beautiful inside and out, sporting a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED display with built-in stylus alongside some of the best camera tech that Samsung has ever produced. The S25 Ultra is also powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor (widely considered to be one of the best chipsets in use today), plus you get a ton of Galaxy AI-boosted software features and 12GB of RAM. And like the rest of the S25 lineup, the Ultra guarantees seven years of OS and security upgrades.

Indeed, the biggest problem with the S25 Ultra is its price. With a starting price of $1,299.99, the phone is simply out of reach for most folks without a good deal attached. Luckily, Prime Day 2025 has brought just such a deal to my doorstep.

Prime Day 2025 Android deals — quick links

Prime Day is LIVE July 8-11: see the full list of Amazon deals
Phones: major discounts on Samsung and Pixel
Tablets: discounted Galaxy Tab and iPad
Wearables: up to %45 off Garmin watches
Most Prime Day deals are members-only: sign up for the 30-day trial

Two unforgettable cases are changing how I use the Galaxy S25 Ultra

Nicholas Sutrich — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 21:02:52 +0000

I've never been a huge fan of using cases on my phones, but I'm even less of a fan of the current trend of making phones completely flat. Gone are the beautiful curves that made phones nice to hold and, in their place, are flat, hard edges that are fundamentally boring and uninspired.

Because of that, I've started branching out, trying some of the best Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cases, and I've settled on two winners that do something unique and powerful to the phone's design.

One is ultra-minimalist, with nary a frame or back covering. Just two pieces of "Aerospace-grade aluminum" that protect your phone from the edges that hit first when you drop it. The other is a more traditional case design that doesn't look special at first, but three NFC keys on the side let you customize physical buttons to do nearly anything you'd like on the phone.

More functions, please

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Pitaka PinButton case for the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in two colors: black/gold or black/gray, and sports a carbon fiber pattern on the back. This isn't your typical carbon/aramid fiber case, though. It's a soft rubber-like material that's got bend to it, but isn't as flimsy as those clear TPU cases.

The inside is lined with a soft, felt-like material to protect your precious phone against scratches while it's in the case. It even features MagSafe magnets, allowing you to utilize the best MagSafe accessories.

And don't worry, I made sure to test S Pen functionality while using the case with a MagSafe accessory so you won't run into the S24 Ultra MagSafe debacle. Pitaka padded the magnet, and it doesn't negatively affect the Galaxy S25 Ultra's functionality.

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

But the real draw of this case is that triple-button setup on the left side. Each of these buttons works by activating an NFC tag when pressed, allowing you to map that tag to any function supported by Samsung's Routines and Modes feature.

I immediately configured one of the keys to open Gemini since I prefer to have the power button act as an actual power button. This essentially brings back the awesome side key feature from the Galaxy S20 days without the silly restrictions Samsung placed on it. I set the other two buttons to flashlight on and off, but you might be more creative with those functions than I am.

The case features a small lip that fits a Galaxy S25 Ultra screen protector quite nicely, but isn't tall enough to make navigation gestures annoying or uncomfortable to use. The one downside to this case is that the back is a bit of a fingerprint magnet. It's not quite like those shiny plastic cases, but the black case I have clearly shows finger grease. Thankfully, it's easy to wipe off.

The look of aramid fiber, the protection of a dual-layer case, and the customization brought on by three NFC buttons on the side make this the ultimate Galaxy S25 Ultra case for folks who want the most out of their phone.View Deal

Shiny and safe

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

When it comes to cases, the words "minimalist" and "safe" don't usually go together. Typically, minimalist cases are designed to only protect against scratches and light bumps, but I've been surprised by Arc Pulse cases before and am just as impressed with the Arc Pulse Galaxy S25 Ultra case, too.

This case covers the four corners of your Galaxy S25 Ultra and not much else. Its shiny "Aerospace-grade aluminum" construction is buffered by a rubberized elastomer material on the inside that keeps your phone from getting scratched up by the metal case itself, all designed to keep the look and feel of your phone as close to caseless as possible while still providing surprisingly good drop protection.

There's little chance of finding a shinier phone case, and the company offers four different style options: Aluminum Graphite, Matte Black, Rose Bronze, and Aluminum Silver. The colorway I have is Aluminum Graphite.

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

Arc Pulse cases are built to have an ultra-tight fit on your phone thanks to the combination of a metal frame and that rubberized interior shock absorption layer. This one isn't going to add Qi2 charging or MagSafe capability to your phone, but that's what OhSnap Luxe rings are for: an accessory my wife has used for years on her phones.

And before you worry, these work perfectly with a tempered glass screen protector, so you can ensure that your screen stays safe if you accidentally drop it on a rock or something that hits the screen before the sides of the phone.

Minimalist (essentialist?) cases might seem silly at first, but there's something nice about holding a phone's uncovered sides and appreciating the engineering that went into that titanium frame. It also makes the phones easier to pull out of a pocket — no case friction to stick to the fabric — and the gentle curves give your Galaxy S25 Ultra a look and character it's otherwise missing.

If you're looking for shiny and minimalist, it's hard to find anything more fitting of the description than an Arc Pulse case. It's got a "barely there" feel all while still providing ample drop protection thanks to its dual layer metal and elastomer construction.View Deal

After 14 years of reviewing smartphones, I finally found one with the perfect outdoor OLED

Nicholas Sutrich — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 21:22:10 +0000

Android Central Labs

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Android Central Labs is a weekly column devoted to deep dives, experiments, and a focused look into the tech you use. It covers phones, tablets, and everything in between.

As you step out into the blazing sun this summer, it's almost guaranteed that you'll have to squint to see your phone's display. While smartphone displays have gotten stupidly bright in the last few years, many are still difficult to see in direct sunlight.

That's where the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in. While some of the best Android phones have brighter displays, the Galaxy S25 Ultra turns the tables by implementing a brilliant anti-glare layer that makes it dead easy to see in the sunlight, and that's great for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, especially this time of year.

But not all is rosy with Samsung's latest flagship display. While the display excels in several areas, lingering problems from the Galaxy S24 Ultra haven't been properly addressed. Let's take a deeper dive into what makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra so good to use outside and why it's a little tougher to enjoy indoors.

And with Prime Day right around the corner, be sure to check out some Galaxy S25 Ultra deals ↓, as some pretty hot ones are already live.

Comfort is key

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

In the modern era, all flagship phone displays look good. This applies to most phone specs these days, from performance to camera quality, which means differentiating products usually comes down to one or two categories that a product is strongest in.

Most display reviews and analysis focus too much on lab tests and not enough on the human part of the equation. Most people don't care about the difference between 97% and 99% color accuracy, and it's unlikely most people will ever notice that difference anyway, even if you hold two phones next to each other. Instead, I want to focus on the human quotient for these display reviews.

In the case of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, its display is weakest in the comfort category, but it has some standout attributes that are noteworthy. Let's start with the positive!

Reflectivity

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

Samsung's anti-glare filter, first introduced on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, is one of the best things Samsung has ever done for screen visibility. In the above images, I compare it to the OnePlus 13, our current favorite Android phone, and one with higher peak brightness capabilities than the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Despite being a brighter display, the OnePlus 13 is harder to see outdoors because of the reflectivity of the glass. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is incredibly clean and vibrant, while it's just plain difficult to see the OnePlus 13. Now, to be clear, I'm not picking on OnePlus here. Nearly every other phone on the market is just as hard to see, and it's because almost no other company uses the type of anti-glare glass the S25 Ultra has.

The only problem here is that most screen protectors for the phone don't have an anti-glare layer applied, meaning everything that makes the display so visible outdoors gets ruined. Make sure you get one like this official Samsung anti-reflection film to keep the display's best attribute from being ruined!

Eye comfort settings

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Samsung's blue light filter, which the company calls "Eye Comfort Shield," helps block blue light by reducing the intensity of blue subpixels. This makes the display appear much yellower and does a good job of reducing blue light emissions.

You can see this in action in the image above, which I captured with a microscope using a pure white image on the screen. Note how the intensity of the blue subpixels is notably reduced when Eye Comfort Shield is enabled.

By default, the mode will automatically adjust blue light based on the time of day. During daylight hours, blue light will be close to the default setting as if the mode were disabled. At night, the blue light will be automatically reduced to help better match the circadian rhythm of the human body, since most natural blue light only occurs during the day from sunlight.

Unfortunately, Samsung's only real eye care solution is blue light blocking, a problem that you'll learn more about in the brightness section below.

Color accuracy and depth

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

When the Galaxy S24 Ultra first launched, the display was considered "washed out" by some long-time Samsung fans. Samsung answered by adding in a vividness slider and enhancing the colors of the display. These same tweaks also made it to the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The color calibration looks identical between both phones, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra does a better job of keeping colors more accurate when viewing the screen from an angle than the S24 Ultra does.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Samsung's AMOLED panels on both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra exhibit color banding that's not seen on most other modern flagship phones. The main problem is that Samsung continues to use 8-bit panels in their phones despite the entire industry switching to 10-bit as the standard.

For the test, I used an 8-bit and 10-bit gradient comparison image found on GitHub. On the Galaxy S25 Ultra's panel, there's little to no difference between the 8-bit and 10-bit gradients. The OnePlus 13 shows additional colors throughout all the gradients, although the green gradient showed up best on camera.

Many users have complained about color banding on wallpaper and other images, even ones taken with the Galaxy S25 Ultra's camera, since that camera can capture 10-bit images. And while Samsung absolutely needs to upgrade their displays to 10-bit to keep up with the pack, I want to commend them for not stooping to using color dithering to fake 10-bit color. Some other companies, like Xiaomi, use color dithering to fake deeper colors and it's painful for some users because of the flickering pixels.

Brightness and dimming

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Everything this phone tells you about its brightness levels is a lie. Setting the brightness slider at 100% never actually means 100% brightness under any circumstance.

Normal "100%" brightness, like most phones, doesn't come close to the advertised peak brightness. That's normally reserved for the dedicated "sunlight mode" that gets activated when a bright light, like the sun, shines on the screen's light sensor. We can force this by holding a flashlight up to the display and measuring the nit output. Even in sunlight mode, the display tops out at around 2,000 nits.

At normal 100% brightness, this number sits at around 800 nits, which is surprisingly low for a modern phone. Extra brightness mode brings this number up to around 1,500 nits, which is closer to an expected value from "100% brightness," but that's not the biggest problem with this display's brightness capabilities.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Instead, that comes down to Samsung using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM dimming) to control brightness. This means there is no point in time where the Galaxy S25 Ultra's display hits its maximum brightness potential, the way the Galaxy S24 FE's display does, for example.

Worse yet, Samsung is still using a very low frequency 480Hz PWM rate for the Galaxy S25 Ultra's display. Phones like the Honor Magic 7 Pro use 4320Hz PWM dimming and, even then, Honor's phones only use this at low brightness to keep colors accurate and pixels evenly lit.

Despite all this, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's display still suffers from mura, an effect that means pixels are not evenly lit across the entire panel.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

At 20% brightness, a grain pattern is clearly visible on the Galaxy S25 Ultra's display. While you can see it at varying ranges of brightness, it's most visible at low brightness levels and was a problem even back when the Galaxy S24 Ultra launched. While we thought Samsung had fixed this in the S25 Ultra's display, clearly the problem has not gone away.

Compare it with the OnePlus 13's display above on the same flat grey background at the same brightness level, and you'll see the difference. The OnePlus 13's pixels look evenly lit across the board, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra's have a clear "dirty" or grainy pattern.

Some people are more sensitive to this than others, and the effect tends to be worse on some colors than others. In other words, your mileage may vary depending on what you do and how much this effect annoys you.

Streaming and Gaming Performance

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

With the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung introduced a new ProScaler display engine that automatically upscales lower-resolution content to fit your screen. In other words, does the Galaxy S25 display hold up when streaming in 1080p vs. 4K?

The answer lies in the display resolution you've chosen. Out of the box, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is set to FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080). However, ProScaler isn't active unless you manually enter display settings and change the resolution to QHD+ (3120 x 1440). In other words, most Galaxy S25 Ultra users probably will never see this feature in action.

Once you set the resolution to QHD+, ProScaler is automatically active and will do its best to upscale content to fit the phone's panel resolution better. There's no way to turn it off if QHD+ resolution is selected.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The idea here is that a 720p or 1080p image doesn't fit perfectly pixel-for-pixel on a QHD panel, so AI upscaling is needed to attempt a best fit. People have learned from the Nintendo Switch 2 that stretching a lower resolution image on a higher resolution screen makes it look worse because the image is "blurry" or "fuzzy," while a lower resolution panel at the same size would look slightly sharper.

That's because the pixels are virtually stretched to fit onto a higher-resolution panel. Upscaling only makes sense for lower resolution sources, so an older movie like Shrek is a good fit for the tech. After all, a native 4K video doesn't need to be upscaled to QHD since 4K is already higher resolution.

As a whole, I think ProScaler does a nice job of making 720p and 1080p images pop better on the Galaxy S25 Ultra when the phone is set to QHD+ resolution. The difference is subtle, and I'm not sure most people would notice it, although the placebo effect is sure to trick more than a few people into thinking they see something significantly better than what this is designed to deliver.

Good, but not the best

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

While the Galaxy S25 Ultra represents the best Samsung phone the company has ever made, that doesn't mean that every component is the best the company has to offer. The display on the Galaxy S25 Ultra shines particularly bright outside, where the anti-glare filter makes it more easily visible than any other phone I've ever used. It's a brilliant spot of engineering that I wish more phones would copy!

But while blue light control and color accuracy are good, Samsung's continued use of 8-bit panels means color banding is more common on the Galaxy S25 Ultra than on any other competing phone in this price range. Luminance consistency and brightness management are also mediocre, with noticeable grain at low brightness and low-HZ PWM dimming at all brightness levels.

While the display looks good on the surface and does a great job of highlighting the strengths of AMOLED — vibrant colors, deep blacks, and no ghosting — the quality of the panel Samsung is using leaves a lot to be desired for a $1,300 phone. Even budget Android phones offer better dimming methods and faster PWM rates, native 10-bit depth, and no mura.

Does this mean the Galaxy S25 Ultra's display is bad? No, not at all, but there's plenty of room for improvement on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Samsung rolls out June security update for Galaxy S25 and more

vishnu.skar@gmail.com (Vishnu Sarangapurkar) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:14:58 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung has started rolling out the June security update for various Galaxy phone series, including the latest Galaxy S25 models.
It addresses 19 moderate-risk vulnerabilities and some high-risk semiconductor issues.
The roll out seems to have begun with the Galaxy S21 FE phone and went all the way to the Galaxy S25 trio.

Samsung has been on the verge of rolling out One UI 8 betas lately, and on the other hand, the security patch for current devices also seems to be on point. The June update for most Galaxy phones, including the Galaxy S25 series, is here.

Samsung has begun rolling out (via 9to5Google) the June security update for its devices, including the Galaxy S25 series, the S24 series, and even the Galaxy S23 series. It is the usual monthly security patch, and the latest one is believed to have addressed 19 vulnerabilities from the previous firmware, although they aren't counted as critical ones; all of them are listed here.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

The company also indicates that some semiconductor patches comprising some high-risk vulnerabilities seem to have been addressed with the latest security patch. Some of which address issues with apps that run on Android 13,14, and 15.

9to5 further notes that the newest firmware rollout has initially begun with the older Galaxy S21 FE and has gone all the way up to the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and the S25 Ultra models. The update also appears to be available for the Galaxy A36, A54, and A55 phones, too.

Users also have to bear in mind that the rollout seems to have just begun and is also believed to be slower than the previous monthly patches from the company.

One UI 8 in full swing

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

While Samsung had taken its sweet time rolling out the One UI 7 update for the Galaxy phones, the company doesn't intend to do so for the next iteration. With the next Galaxy Unpacked event anticipated to be just around the corner, Samsung appears to be reading the One UI 8 version as early as possible.

The tech giant has already released the second One UI 8 beta for Galaxy S25 devices alongside the more recent One UI 8 Watch rollout. For the unaware, Samsung is expected to release the Galaxy foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and all new Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, and also the Galaxy Watch 8 series, most likely next month.

Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

Samsung One UI 8 beta 2 rolls out for Galaxy S25 series in multiple regions

vishnu.skar@gmail.com (Vishnu Sarangapurkar) — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:28:29 +0000

What you need to know

One UI 8 beta 2 is now available for the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra in select regions, offering new features and security updates.
The latest firmware is seen in regions including Germany, Korea, Poland, and the U.K.
Also, the first One UI 8 beta is expanding to India and Poland, bringing the June security patch to these regions.

Samsung has begun rolling out the second beta of the One UI 8, the company's latest Android 16-based update for the Galaxy S25 series.

After releasing the first beta for the Galaxy S25 trio last month, the tech giant is back with a new update for the same Android flagships, which brings new features, several bug fixes, and the latest June security patch.

(Image credit: SamMobile)

SamMobile notes that the second One UI 8 beta is widely seen for the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra in regions including Germany, Korea, Poland, and the U.K. Per the shared screenshot of the changelog, it seems to be a sizeable update measuring around 1236MB and features S938U1UEU4ZYF3/ S938U1OYM4ZYF3/ S938U1UEU4BYF3 version numbers.

The new features include a user feedback feature "to improve interpreter performance." As mentioned, several issues were fixed, like text alignment issues for Now Brief, and improvements across widgets, and fingerprint unlock errors were also addressed. Galaxy AI, Clock app, and camera app-related bugs also seem to have been fixed.

One UI 8 Expansion

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

While we are seeing the second beta in the aforementioned regions. The first beta, on the other hand, has also started to expand in other regions. Starting today (June 12), according to SamMobile and tipster Tarun Vats on X, Samsung has opened up the first beta for Galaxy S25 series users in India and Poland, and it already appears to be live in these regions. It is also a sizable 3.6GB update that is also bringing the June 2025 security patch.

Per previous leaks, the One UI 8 beta should also be hitting older Galaxy models. While it is currently limited to the flagship trio, we should be seeing it on devices like the Galaxy S24 series and the Galaxy S23 series. The former is expected to see the firmware by the end of June or early July. On the latter, it could arrive by mid-July.

Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

The Galaxy S25's June update might hold a tip about the next One UI 8 beta

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:57:03 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung is rolling out its June security update in South Korea for the Galaxy S25 series ahead of other regions.
The patch features a host of Galaxy-specific fixes for its devices; however, the patch has reportedly updated its bootloader for the next One UI 8 beta.
The first One UI 8 beta introduced users to Samsung's "new rhythm" of software moving forward, as it features UX reworks and more.

Samsung's latest flagship series is starting to receive its monthly security patch, but there's reportedly a little more in store.

As spotted by SamMobile, Samsung's June 2025 security patch is hitting its Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra models with version number AYE5 in South Korea. Per usual, the Korean OEM detailed its Galaxy-specific fixes in a lengthy changelog. In total, Samsung states it has included fixes for 36 High-level fixes.

The patch notes state several of these fixes concern 19 discovered vulnerabilities and exposures from within its software. Samsung encourages users to download and install this update as soon as possible to ensure they and their phones remain secure.

Among the fixes, the patch notes highlight fixes for the "fingerprint trustlet," which should block attackers from gaining "improper" access to your device. Moreover, there's a fix included to correct a "ScreenCapture for Galaxy Watch" issue that was previously reported in December 2024.

As users download this patch, SamMobile says there's a little One UI 8 (Android 16) under the hood. Samsung has reportedly updated the bootloader with its June security patch. The bootloader is essentially what initiates when you turn on your phone (a necessary "boot up" sequence). The publication states the bootloader has been upgraded to v4, which could indicate an impending One UI 8 Beta 2.

Keeping up with Google

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

While the June update is hitting phones in South Korea, the patch is expected to arrive in the U.S. and other regions soon after. It might take a few days for this, so just ensure your phone is ready for automatic download/installation measures. Similarly, you can periodically check your phone for the update as we get through the week.

If we're to expect Samsung's second One UI 8 beta, it would arrive quite quickly after the first. The initial beta dropped at the end of May for the Galaxy S25 series. While restricted to a few select regions, the beta showcased "enhanced" AI capabilities rocking multimodal support and a tailored UX design for different devices.

During its rollout, Samsung said One UI 8 (Android 16) will introduce a "new rhythm" for the future of its evolving software. One thing users will begin noticing in the next OS is more "customized" insights and suggestions to help them throughout the day.

Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Galaxy S25 Ultra adopts the rounded corner design of the S25 and S25 Plus for a more comfortable feel in your hand. With a completely flat 6.9-inch display, the S25 Ultra is immersive. Internally, the phone is powerful, rocking the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, which is slightly overclocked for even more gaming and scrolling. Not to mention it's large battery for daily longevity.

Samsung, Glance AI pair to bring an all-new shopping experience to Galaxy users

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 17:25:15 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung and Glance announce a partnership that will bring the latter's generative AI shopping app and lock screen experience to Galaxy users.
Glance reiterates its Gemini and Imagen-backed software to create "hyper-realistic" scenarios with you in different styles.
This is rolling out today (June 4) to the Galaxy S25 series, the S23 series, the S22 series, and the S24 series.
Glance AI announced its new shopping software in May, stating it will look to branch out further into beauty, traveling, and accessories "later this year."

Glance is announcing a new partnership with Samsung that aims to bring its brand of shopping to several Galaxy phones.

In a press release, Glance announced its new partnership with the Samsung Galaxy Store, bringing its generative AI shopping experience to Galaxy phone lock screens. Rolling out today (June 4), Glance states Galaxy users will soon be able to "visualize themselves" in different styles and places.

Samsung's head and senior director of Galaxy Store in the U.S., Jason Shim, says, "By using AI to personalize content and shopping directly on the lock screen, it brings a smarter, more dynamic experience that reflects the forward-thinking spirit of the Galaxy Store."

Glance adds that this new experience is tailor-made for Galaxy users; however, it still leverages Google's Gemini and Imagen models. This "opt-in" experience will train its shopping capabilities using the selfies (or images) you provide. Glance says its software will create "hyper-real images of consumers" in outfits it believes you'd look the best in. When used from your Galaxy S25 Ultra's lock screen, Glance states users can easily access its app's features while also saving the look as a new wallpaper or shareable photo.

The outfits Glance AI pulls from include over 400 of its partnered brands and retailers across the U.S. and abroad. Purchasing the outfits you see remains easy, as well, with just a tap whenever something piques your interest.

Glance and Samsung's partnership will bring this new shopping app and lock screen experience to the Galaxy S25 series (excluding the Edge), the S22 series, the S23 series, and the S24 series (the S24 FE, too).

(Image credit: Glance)

In case you're wondering, Glance says its AI software is conscious of ongoing trends, "local events," social media content, and more. Additionally, Glance's shopping AI and lock screen experience will also inform users of sales, just in case you really want that outfit.

As previously stated, the Glance AI shopping app and lock screen experience are rolling out for those Galaxy devices today (June 4), available in the Galaxy Store.

In May, Glance revealed its new generative AI-backed shopping experience for phones and their lock screens. One of the differences Glances says it upholds is that it puts the user front and center with a curated set of outfits and styles. This all leverages the selfie you provide, as well as additional information, such as your age, body type, gender, and hit generate.

Glance's partnered brands include Levi’s, Old Navy, and Tommy Hilfiger.

It's also worth noting that this Google-supported company is interested in pursuing more AI styling assistance for beauty, accessories, and travel. This is all part of its plans for "later this year," so keep your eyes open.

Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Two very different Ultra phones

christinep2424@gmail.com (Christine Persaud) — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 21:32:28 +0000

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025

A fine foldable

If you're curious about foldables, the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 is a solid option to consider as your first entry into this space, with specs that rival the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the benefit of a dual-screen experience.

Pros

Useful foldable design
More RAM, higher refresh rate
Fabulous material options and Pantone colors
Faster wired and wireless charging

Cons

Not as durable
Doesn't have as many cameras
Only supported for 3 years software, 4 years security

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

A worthy flagship

If you have other Samsung devices, or you aren't ready for foldables just yet, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best you can buy right now. The sleek yet simple design is complemented but the premium features, and it's loaded with tons of AI goodies.

Pros

Fits within a larger Samsung device ecosystem
Bright, stunning screen
More durable design
Tons of useful AI features
Supported for 7 years of OS and security updates

Cons

Charges much more slowly
Has less RAM, slower refresh rate
Missing a second screen

So, you’re looking for a shiny new phone. For about the same price, you could go with a foldable from Motorola or a flagship, non-folding phone from Samsung. When making the comparison between the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the difference is clear if you know which basic design you want. However, if you’re not yet sure, you might be weighing the pros and cons of both, as these are two very impressive phones for their respective categories.

We’re here to help by running through how they stack up against one another in all the most important ways.

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The design and basic features

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

If you think you automatically get a significantly larger screen with the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 since it’s a foldable, think again. The inner screen is indeed an oversized 7 inches, but that’s only marginally larger than the size of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. With that said, the advantage with this phone is that you can also fold it down to half its size and still enjoy the outer 4-inch screen for crucial notifications, selfies, apps, and more.

The larger inner screen is a punchy and crisp 1,224p AMOLED HDR10+ Super HD with adaptive 165Hz refresh rate, 4,500 nits peak brightness, and is Pantone-validated for ultra-accurate colors and skin tones. The external screen, meanwhile, is a P-OLED HDR10+ 417ppi screen with an adaptive 165Hz refresh rate, as well as a slightly lower peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits.

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 comes in several colors, including Pantone colors Rio Red, Scarab, Mountain Train, and Cabaret, as well as the option for a luxe satin-inspired finish or durable leather-inspired finish. Derrek Lee says in his review of the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 that he loves the brushed metal versus glossy frame, advising that it affords a “rustic sheen.”

There’s also Italian Alcantara if you’re feeling extra special. If you’re not familiar with that material, it’s the same type used for luxury items like bags from Louis Vuitton or premium cars. Finally, opt for an FSC-certified wood housing if you want something a bit more rustic. Bottom line: you get options not just with colors but materials, too. But keep in mind that you’ll want a protective case anyway.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The phone is durable, incorporating Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic, though it only meets IP48 certifications. The hinge is reinforced with titanium, making it strong and able to withstand frequent folding and unfolding throughout its life, more so than the company’s previous generation devices. Lee says it springs open with a satisfying click and is noticeably stronger and easier to open.

While you only have a limited view of content on the external screen, you can customize it to your liking through the use of dedicated panels. These are available for contacts, apps, streaming music, weather updates, and more. Speaking of music, when listening, watching videos, or on a call, you can leverage the stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support and three mics.

Get it with either 512GB or 1TB storage to load it up with essentials and more. The 5G phone recharges via USB-C and comes equipped with a 4,700mAh battery that supports 68W TurboPower charging, allowing for a full charge in just 40 minutes. You also get quick wireless charging at 30W and can use 5W reverse charging for other devices in a pinch.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Introduced earlier in 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is not a foldable phone, but it boasts a screen size of almost 6.9 inches, comparable to the fully opened Motorola Razr Ultra 2025. You get a higher-resolution Quad HD+ (3,120 x 1,440) Dynamic AMOLED 2x display, but a lesser 120Hz refresh rate. Peak brightness is just 2,600 nits, which is still decent for viewing in bright sunlight. In his review of the Samsung Galaxy Ultra S25, Andrew Myrick says the screen looks “absolutely stunning.”

The S25 Ultra is available in a few more color options than the Razr, including Silverblue, Black, Gray, Whitesilver, and the Samsung-exclusive Jetblack, Jadegreen, and Pinkgold. The phone is built with a strong titanium frame alongside Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2. It meets IP68 specifications, making it more resistant to dust and water.

While this phone isn’t a foldable, it does come with a built-in S-Pen you can use for productivity and creativity tasks. Myrick says he loves the uniform design with flat edges “as far as the eye can see.” But while he says it feels great to hold and use, he admits that it’s also slippery, lacking grip. Once again, a protective case is essential.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Along with support for Dolby Atmos through its stereo speakers, you get 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage, affording an entry option for those who don’t require as much storage (though it’s always recommended to get more than you think you’d need).

The 5,000mAh battery should last all day, and while this phone supports wireless charging, it’s only at half the speed of the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025. So, if you need to keep up with multitasking and busy days on the go, this might be a defining factor for you.

It supports up to 45W fast wired charging, so either way you slice it, this phone will take longer to get from 0 to 100 than the Motorola model. However, Myrick says he was impressed with the battery life, rarely encountering an issue where he was in the red before the end of the day.

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The specs

Let’s look at the specs of these two phones in a side-by-side comparison.

Category	Motorola Razr Ultra 2025	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
OS	Android 15 (Hello UX)	Android 15 (Samsung One UI 7)
Colors	Pantone Scarab, Rio Red, Mountain Trail, Cabaret	Titanium Silverblue, Black, Gray, Whitesilver (Samsung exclusives Jetblack, Jadegreen, Pinkgold)
Display	Inner: 7-inch, AMOLED HD10+ Super HD (2,992 x 1,224), 165Hz adaptive Outer: 4-inch, pOLED HDR10+, 1,272 x 1,080, 165Hz adaptive	6.9-inch, Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x (3,120 x 1,440), 120Hz adaptive
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite	Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
RAM	16GB	12GB
Storage	512GB, 1TB (not expandable)	256GB, 512GB, 1TB (not expandable)
Cameras	50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP front	200MP wide-angle, 50MP ultra-wide, 50MP telephoto, 12MP front
Speakers	Dual Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos	Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos
Battery, charging	4,700mAh, 68W	5,000mAh, 45W
Wireless Charging	Yes (30W)	Yes (15W)
Bluetooth	5.3	5.4
Water Resistance	IP48	IP68
Cellular	5G	5G
Size	Open: 171.48 x 73.99 x 7.19mm Closed: 88.12 x 73.99 x 15.69mm	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm
Weight	199 grams	218 grams

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Usability, features, and functions

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Released in April 2025, the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 comes with Android 15 and runs on an ultra-fast Snapdragon 8 Elite octa-core processor, which is the most powerful processor in a foldable phone to date. This is combined with an impressive 16GB RAM along with Motorola’s RAM Boost option, making it overall the more powerful of the two phones.

In terms of AI, it comes with Moto AI built in that Derrek says feels more mature and comprehensive compared to the beta version that was introduced last year. With Moto AI, you get Catch Me Up, Pay Attention, and Remember This.

Next Move recognizes what’s on the screen and suggests some actions for you to take, such as creating a playlist, remembering something, exploring more about what's on your screen, and more. With Smart Connect with AI, use voice or text commands to do things like call up a video on your compatible big screen or instantly mirror content to your tablet or PC.

The phone also includes Google Gemini and Gemini Live access, which affords access to additional AI tools and assistance.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Moto AI is easy to access via a dedicated AI key that calls it up any time you need it, no matter which application you’re using at the time. You can also double-tap the back of the phone. Adjust the phone’s orientation to interact more comfortably, using it in stand or tent mode to perform tasks such as summarizing notifications and transcribing conversations by simply looking at the phone and speaking.

You have the added benefit of leveraging the external screen for additional functions, including natively using apps, pressing and holding for actions, and even setting shortcuts so you can access certain apps without having to open the phone. Set up multiple app and widget panels to scroll through if you want. The ability to use apps on the cover screen is one of Derrek’s favorite ways to use the Razr, and you get the same experience as with the company’s previous generation foldables.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra also comes loaded with Android 15. It features a slightly beefier Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, which enables everything from multitasking to supporting AI applications and smooth mobile gaming.

Performance is akin to what you would get with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but that’s a good thing. Speaking of AI, it also provides access to Gemini and Gemini Live, as well as a range of Galaxy AI features, including unique features like Now Brief.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

There’s a “side button” on this phone, too, although it’s really just the power button, which you can use for instant access to trigger Gemini with a single press when you need assistance. All these functions are supported by the 12GB RAM, which is not as much as the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025, but a step above some more premium phones.

Along with all the AI goodies, you can enjoy top-notch security through on-device protection and Samsung Knox Security. Andrew's one issue with this phone, when it comes to usability, is that he misses having the external screen of a foldable, which he has found to be invaluable for multitasking.

One area where the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra excels is in terms of longevity. With this phone, you’ll get seven years of OS and security updates, which will take you right through to Android 22 and 2032. With the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025, you’ll only get three years of major OS updates through Android 18 and four years of security updates. While you’re unlikely to hold onto a phone for longer than that anyway, it significantly reduces hand-me-down and resale or trade-in value.

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Photography prowess

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

With the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025, you get a triple 50MP camera system consisting of a main 50MP camera, a 12.6MP quad-pixel ultra-wide camera with Macro Vision, and a front camera with a whopping 50MP resolution.

Derrek says the primary sensor takes great photos, even at just 2x zoom, with punchy colors thanks to the collaboration with Pantone. In fact, he says the images “feel more Samsung” in terms of color and saturation, while depth and contrast are reminiscent of photos taken with a Google Pixel phone.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

There are tons of useful camera modes along with a Super Zoom option. Enjoy neat photo capture features as well, like Group Shot, similar to Google’s Best Take, that can take multiple images at the same time and blend them together for the best shot where no one is blinking. Action Shot, meanwhile, helps eliminate blur in moving subjects, adjusting the shutter speed based on lighting conditions.

With Air Gesture, you can capture images hands-free with simple hand gestures, which can be used to start, stop, and pause recordings, including while shooting videos. The advantage of this phone and its foldable design is the option to adjust Flex View positions for an instant built-in tripod and external previews from the outside screen.

For an in-depth look at the Razr Ultra’s camera and how it compares to other phones, check out Derrek's Razr Ultra 2025 camera review.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

You can take fantastic photos with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra as well, using the 200MP wide-angle camera, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto, 10MP telephoto, and 12MP front camera. With 100x AI-enhanced Space Zoom, you can really get up close and personal to subjects without losing detail.

Andrew notes that the issue of lag between when he presses the shutter and the photo is actually captured seems to have finally been corrected with this phone.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

AI also plays a significant role in the photo experience, with features such as filters and intelligent photo editing options. You also get an audio eraser for fine-tuning videos, nightography video, and the ability to shoot in Expert RAW mode and 10-bit HDR. All this is powered by the Samsung AI ProVisual Engine.

Check out Andrew's Galaxy S25 Ultra camera review for a more in-depth look and comparisons with other phones.

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which should you buy?

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the first big question is whether or not you want a foldable design. If you’re indifferent or undecided in this respect, then it comes down to features, functions, cameras, and ecosystem.

Beyond the flexible screen, the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 is the more powerful phone of the two, featuring a faster refresh rate, more RAM, and quicker wireless charging, along with a lighter weight design and unique finish options, including both colors and materials. However, it’s also not as durable, lacks as many cameras (though the selfie camera is superior), has a smaller battery, and features slightly lower resolution screens.

With the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, you don’t get a second screen, but you do get the convenience of using an included S Pen for productivity and creativity tasks. The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 also isn’t supported for as long when it comes to software and security updates. So, you’ll get more life out of the Samsung Galaxy Ultra S25, or at least better trade-in or resale value when you’re ready to upgrade.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Bottom line: both these phones are great, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra ranking among the best Android phones and the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 among the best foldable phones. So, your choice should really come down to two questions. Do you want to try out a foldable design? If so, throw caution to the wind and get the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025.

If you prefer a traditional design, or more importantly, have other Samsung Galaxy devices like a Galaxy Watch and/or Galaxy Ring, you’re best off to stick within that ecosystem since all these devices seamlessly sync with one another. Keep in mind that if you want to stick with Samsung and want a foldable, you can consider the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, or hold out for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Either way you go, you’ll be pleased as punch.

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025

Go ahead, go foldable

Why not take the leap into the foldables space? Offered at a similar price point, the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 will introduce you to a new design you might wonder how you lived without. It's powerful, affordable, has tons of AI goodies, and is super sleek.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Stick with what you know

If you're not quite ready to take the leap into a new design form, stick with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It's a traditional, admittedly boring looking phone. But it has all the essentials, tons of AI features, and will hold its value through 2032.

Which Samsung Galaxy S25 model should you buy?

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 17:00:00 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup now includes five members, making the choice of which one to buy even trickier. There's the entry-level Galaxy S25 FE, the base-model Galaxy S25, the midsize Galaxy S25 Plus, the slim Galaxy S25 Edge, and the premium Galaxy S25 Ultra. Spanning various price points, each model is tailored to a specific kind of user on a certain budget.

This time around, there isn't an easy Galaxy S25 recommendation that'll work for everyone. You'll have to consider your personal needs and what matters for your individual use cases. For instance, a digital nomad who likes to travel light might love the Galaxy S25 Edge, while a power user might crave the battery life of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

If you're overwhelmed by all the models, configurations, and specs offered as part of Samsung's Galaxy S25 series, this guide will help you out. We've tested all the Galaxy S25 models at Android Central, and we will help you figure out which one you should buy.

Samsung Galaxy S25 series: At a glance

Samsung Galaxy S25 specs
Category	Samsung Galaxy S25 FE	Samsung Galaxy S25	Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus	Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Display	6.7-inch 2340 x 1080 FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X	6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz	6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz	6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz	6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
Processor	Samsung Exynos 2400	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Memory	8GB	12GB	12GB	12GB	12GB
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	128GB, 256GB	256GB, 512GB	256GB, 512GB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Front Camera	12MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2
Rear Camera 1	50MP (wide), OIS, f/1.8	50MP (wide), OIS F1.8,	50MP (wide), OIS F1.8	200MP (wide), OIS, f/1.7	200MP (wide), OIS, f/1.7
Rear Camera 2	12MP (ultrawide), f/2.2, FOV 123˚	12MP (ultrawide), f/2.2, FOV 120˚	12MP (ultrawide), f/2.2, FOV 120˚	12MP (ultrawide), f/2.2, FOV 120˚	50MP (ultrawide) f/1.9, FOV 120˚
Rear Camera 3	8MP (telephoto), 3x Optical Zoom, F/2.4	10MP (telephoto), 3x Optical Zoom, f/2.4	10MP (telephoto), 3x Optical Zoom, f/2.4	—	10MP (telephoto), OIS, f/2.4, 3x Optical Zoom, FOV 36˚
Rear Camera 4	—	—	—	—	50MP (telephoto), OIS, f/3.4, 5x Optical Zoom, FOV 22˚
Battery	4,900 mAh	4,000 mAh	4,900 mAh	3,900mAh	5,000 mAh
Charging	45W (wired), 15W (Qi wireless), 4.5W (reverse wireless)	25W (wired), 15W (Qi wireless), 4.5W (reverse wireless)	45W (wired), 15W (Qi wireless), 4.5W (reverse wireless)	25W (wired), 15W (Qi wireless), 4.5W (reverse wireless)	45W (wired), 15W (Qi wireless), 4.5W (reverse wireless)
Connectivity	5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.4	5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.4	5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.4	5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.4	5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.4
Biometrics	Optical Fingerprint Scanner, Face Recognition	Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner, Face Recognition	Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner, Face Recognition	Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner, Face Recognition	Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner, Face Recognition
Ingress Protection	IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus Plus (front and rear glass), Aluminum frame	IP68, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front glass), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (rear glass), Aluminum	IP68, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front glass), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (rear glass), Aluminum	IP68, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front glass), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (rear glass), Aluminum	IP68, Corning Gorilla Armor (front glass), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (rear glass), Titanium
Dimensions	161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm	146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm	158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm	158.2 x 75.6 x 5.8 mm	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm
Weight	190 grams	162 grams	190 grams	163 grams	218 grams
Software	One UI 8 w/Android 16	One UI 7 w/Android 15	One UI 7 w/Android 15	One UI 7 w/Android 15	One UI 7 w/Android 15
Colors	Icyblue, Jetblack, Navy, White	Icyblue, Navy, Mint, Silver Shadow, Pink Gold, Coral Red, Blue Black	Icyblue, Navy, Mint, Silver Shadow, Pink Gold, Coral Red, Blue Black	Titanium Icyblue, Titanium Silver, Titanium Jetblack	Silver Blue, Black, White Silver, Gray, Jade Green, Jet Black, Pink Gold

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: The cheapest model

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

The Galaxy S25 FE is technically the fifth and presumably final Galaxy S25 model, but it's also the cheapest. As is tradition with Fan Edition models, the S25 FE features a lesser chipset, less RAM, and downgraded cameras, as a way to keep costs down.

To counter its shortcomings, the phone also has a larger display (matching the Plus and Edge), a larger battery, and faster charging speeds, at least when compared to the base model. In a way, the mixture of specs makes this a lower-cost Galaxy S25 Plus, which may appeal to anyone who wants a large phone without breaking the bank.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Given its later launch, the Galaxy S25 FE was the first Samsung phone to run One UI 8 (Android 16) out of the box. This gives it access to new and improved features, from Now Bar and Now Brief to customizable lock screen designs and personalized wallpapers. Of course, now, other 2025 models (and older) are receiving the update, but with Samsung's guarantee of seven years of OS upgrades and software updates, the S25 FE may receive new software slightly longer than its 2025 siblings.

With 8GB of RAM and an older Exynos chip, you probably shouldn't expect the Galaxy S25 FE to be the most performant phone, particularly when it comes to gaming and AI. However, it should be more than enough for daily use if you aren't too concerned with those kinds of features. This is a flagship chipset after all, so it's not a slow phone.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Cameras are also a bit of a downgrade compared to the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup, but the 50MP primary should still prove quite usable and there is a 3x telephoto lens, which is more than we can say for the Galaxy S25 Edge. The 4,900mAh battery is also larger than the base and Edge models, which is a nice plus, along with the relatively quick 45W charging speed.

Basically, for $649, the Galaxy S25 FE is a quite capable phone for the price and worth considering if you're not wanting to spend $800 for a flagship. You may also wanna look out for Galaxy S25 FE deals, which could make it even more of a steal.

Samsung Galaxy S25: The most compact model

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

At a time when flagships are getting larger and larger, the base-model Samsung Galaxy S25 feels like a breath of fresh air. The standard Galaxy S25 sports a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, which is the smallest of the major Android flagships. That's either a pro or a con, depending on whether you prefer a more compact form factor. This model was formerly the cheapest of the bunch (before the FE came along), starting at just $800 and frequently available for much less with post-launch discounts.

Don't be fooled, however — the Galaxy S25 isn't like the rest of Samsung's flagship lineup. The base model has shortcomings compared to the pack, like 128GB storage, no support for UWB, and a lower-resolution display without ProScaler AI. Although other AI features, like Now Brief, are available on the base Galaxy S25, the above omissions are notable oversights.

The cameras also haven't been updated since 2022, and they leave a lot to be desired.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Now, for the good. Samsung is using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset across the board on the Galaxy S25 series, meaning the base model has the same processor as the most expensive model. One UI 8 is also available on the Galaxy S25 as of September 2025.

While the Galaxy S25's display may be the worst of the lot on the spec sheet, it doesn't underwhelm in person. The AMOLED 2X display supports variable refresh rates up to 120Hz, plus loads of other specs like HDR10+ and 2,600 nits of peak brightness. The FHD+ display (1080 x 2340) is still gorgeous to use and plenty bright.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

With a 4,000mAh battery and support for slow 25W wired charging, the Galaxy S25 isn't outstanding for battery life. However, it's better than the Galaxy S25 Edge (for whatever that's worth) and decent overall. You can get a full day of charge with moderate usage, easily.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is for the smartphone user who just wants the basics in a compact form factor and at a fairly affordable price. There's enough power here to make this phone feel like a bona-fide flagship without going overboard. If you can look past the cameras and slight hardware compromises, the Galaxy S25 is a nice pickup.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Finding a practical middle ground

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is the middle child of the lineup, though that isn't exactly a bad thing. It's not very original, with the same general design and few hardware upgrades compared to its predecessor. Like the base Galaxy S25, the Galaxy S25 Plus retains the same camera hardware as the Galaxy S22 series. Still, at $999 and packing a 6.7-inch display, the Galaxy S25 Plus tends to hit the right price and size for a lot of people.

It builds upon the building blocks of the Galaxy S25, elevating them to provide a more comprehensive experience. The device features a larger battery with a 4,900mAh capacity, and the larger size enables a 45W wired charging speed. That addresses a common gripe with the base model, and it's not the only one.

The Galaxy S25 Plus also starts at 256GB of storage with UFS 4.0 support, a UWB chip for precise location finding, and a larger (and improved) QHD+ display with ProScaler AI. Be sure to manually enable QHD+ resolution if you purchase it, though.

The improved display quality could be a key reason to pick the Galaxy S25 Plus or Edge over the base Galaxy S25, which is limited to 1080p, and can't take advantage of higher-resolution content from your favorite streaming service. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Plus' display has a resolution of 3120 x 1440, which will be better equipped to handle high-res movies and TV shows closer to 4K.

ProScaler will also upscale the content on your screen with AI, so you'll get a better viewing experience — even if the TV shows or movies you're streaming aren't natively delivered in 4K.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The aging triple-camera system leaves us wanting more, but it's still relatively solid by 2025 standards. You get a 50MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a crucial 10MP telephoto lens supporting up to 3x optical zoom.

At 75.8mm x 158.4mm x 7.3mm and weighing 190 grams, the Galaxy S25 Plus is designed for individuals who require more than the base model in a somewhat compact form factor. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is better, but it's also an expensive behemoth. Out of the four Galaxy S25 models, the Plus is clearly the most practical option for most buyers.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: The Plus, with a bunch of subtractions

(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

Contrary to what you may have heard, the positioning of the Galaxy S25 Edge is fairly simple. It's for people who want the 6.7-inch screen size of the Plus model in a thinner and lighter form factor — and are willing to give up a whole lot to get it.

No matter how you slice it, the Galaxy S25 Edge's dual-camera system, minuscule 3,900mAh battery, and 25W maximum charging speed are clear compromises.

(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

Now, there are some redeeming qualities. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge still uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and runs One UI 7, so it'll get the same general experience as all the other models. It also borrows the Galaxy S25 Ultra's 200MP main camera sensor, which the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus can't claim.

(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

Measuring just 158.2 x 75.6 x 5.8 mm, it's hard to understate just how thin the Galaxy S25 Edge is. The phone's thickness is arguably more impressive, at only 163 grams — that's 27 grams lighter than the Galaxy S25 Plus and 55 grams lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

To love this phone, you'll need to be prepared to use it without a case and recharge it daily, and likely before the day ends. If those two qualifiers sound okay with you, and you've always loved thin devices, the Galaxy S25 Edge could be your next smartphone. It starts at $1,099, a bit higher than the Galaxy S25 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Top of the line

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Finally, we have the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is decisively for people who want the best and are willing to pay for it. At $1,299, the Galaxy S25 Ultra isn't cheap by any means. However, it tries to justify that starting price with loads of features, including a massive 6.9-inch display, an inbuilt S Pen, and a robust camera system.

It's the only Galaxy S25 model to receive a camera upgrade this year, although the primary 200MP camera sensor is unchanged. Instead, the ultrawide camera is now using a 50MP sensor, up from 12MP. You also get a 10MP, 3x telephoto lens and a 50MP, 5x telephoto lens. In other words, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers the best camera system available on a Samsung phone.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

It's for power users first and foremost, with a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, 12GB of RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery capacity. Plus, it has all the AI features from the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup. That includes the ProScaler, which can upscale content to make it look more vibrant on the 3120 x 1440 resolution display. Like the Plus and Edge models, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is perfect for watching high-res content. It's not quite capable of delivering a 4K experience, but it's still a step up from 1080p.

At a size of 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm and weighing 218 grams, the Galaxy S25 Ultra isn't small. It's a big phone with an even bigger feature set. If you like that sort of thing, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will check boxes that no other Android phone can.

News Weekly: One UI 8 Beta lands on Galaxy S25, Galaxy Watch 8 leaks again, Nothing gives up its 'spark,' and more

nandika.iyerravi@futurenet.com (Nandika Ravi) — Sat, 31 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

News Weekly

(Image credit: Future)

News Weekly is our column where we highlight and summarize some of the week's top stories so you can catch up on the latest tech news.

This is Android Central's News Weekly, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week's most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.

This week, Samsung dropped an unexpected surprise for Galaxy S25 users, Galaxy Watch 8 series allegedly clears another certification, Nothing kills its Glyph lights on its next flagship, OnePlus sneaks in two new phone on the Ace 5 series, and Pixel 10 Pro leak details a familiar design. Let's dive in!

Galaxy S25 users get the first taste of One UI 8

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Read more here

Galaxy S25 users were in for a surprise drop this week, as Samsung decided to give its latest flagship phones an unexpected update.

In a lengthy blog post, Samsung announced that it's kicking off One UI 8's first beta this week for Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra, which shipped with One UI 7 out of the box early this year. One UI 8 brings all of Android 16's perks to the Galaxy S25 for the first time, and beta-enrolled users try out new features before they're publicly released.

To start, Samsung's AI Select tool is now faster than ever. According to Android Central's Nick Sutrich in his One UI 8 beta hands-on, it takes approximately 2.2 seconds to look something up. One UI 8 also takes multitasking to the next level, with this 90:10 feature, which lets you resize a split window down to 10% of its normal size, helping users switch between two apps with a single tap without feeling like the app is crammed when the screen is split.

Samsung's Weather app, Reminder, Health, and Auracast also get major glow-ups with this new update. Furthermore, Samsung also confirmed that its next-gen foldables phones will launch later this year with a stable version of One UI 8.

For more news and information on Samsung’s upcoming foldables, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Galaxy Watch 8 series allegedly clears another certification

(Image credit: XpertPick)

Read more here

We might be just mere weeks away from the next Unpacked event, and it has been raining leaks.

The most recent one comes from folks at Xpert Pick who claim to have spotted both watches from the Galaxy Watch 8 series pass through the CMIIT certification (Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology).

As we can see in the screenshot, both certificates mention model numbers attached to the alleged upcoming wearables, SM-L3350 and SM-L5050, respectively. Previous leaks have indicated that these model numbers seem to be associated with the Galaxy Watch 8 (LTE) and the Watch 8 Classic (LTE).

The certification notes within the screenshot describe both these devices to have eSIM technology with an independent eUICC chip, which will allow users to connect to cellular networks without the phone, which is what the previous leaks have been indicating as well.

Nothing is giving up its Glyph lights

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Read more here

Nothing has been dropping several hints on X about its upcoming flagship Nothing Phone 3. In its most recent post, it suggested that its next flagship will not have the signature Glyph Light interface on the rear panel, which has been featured on previous models.

In an almost straightforward post, the company announced the end of the Glyph Interface in an X video, captioned "we killed the Glyph Interface," where the Phone 1's lights dramatically blink out to black.

This could potentially mean that its next flagship device, Nothing Phone 3 may not show up with those rear light, a feature that drew several people to buy the Nothing phones in the first place.

That said, if the company takes away the one thing that sets it apart, what would its rear panel actually look like? Some speculate that the phone could come with a dot-matrix display on the back. The teasers of Phone 3 had videos with the same dot-matrix pattern, showing a pixelated "3" or Pac-Man-style animations with dots, majorly hinting at a change in visual design.

OnePlus snuck in two new phones on the Ace 5 series

(Image credit: GSM Arena)

Read more here

OnePlus has just launched two new phones: the OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra Edition and the Ace 5 Racing Edition.

Designed with gaming enthusiasts in mind, these phones combine sleek design, powerful hardware, and impressive battery life for an "ultimate gaming experience." The phones are designed to balance equally in both hands, reducing hand fatigue during intense gaming sessions.

At the core, both devices are powered an "Esports triple chip," comprising the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Plus chipset, the Lingxi touch-control chip, and the gaming-focused G1 Wi-Fi chip. Both devices sport the same 50MP primary lens and a 16MP front camera, with other aspects setting them apart.

The OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra and Racing Edition come packed with Android 15 and Color OS out of the box. Both devices come in three colorways, starting at roughly $346.88 and $249.71, respectively.

Pixel 10 series colorways may have leaked

(Image credit: Android Headlines/ via OnLeaks)

Read more here and here

Leaks are pouring in about Google's upcoming Pixel series, and the most recent one speculates on the potential colorways of the device.

MysticLeaks on Telegram claims there might be four options available during the Pixel 10 series launch. The tipster states that the standard Pixel 10 could arrive in four colors: Obsidian, blue, Iris (purple), and Limoncello (yellow). This color array is slightly different than the Pixel 9's Peony (pink), Wintergreen (minty green), Porcelain (white), and Obsidian. The Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL could show up in Obsidian, Green, Sterling (grey), and Porcelain (white).

Furthermore, we may have gotten a glimpse of the Pixel 10 Pro while it was being filmed for a commercial.

The leak comes from a photographer, Mark Teasdale, on X (via DroidLife), who spotted the phone being filmed with a man holding the alleged Pixel 10 Pro, going by the images. The post on X, however, has now been taken down, for unknown reasons.

(Image credit: Mark Teasdale/@MarksGonePublic on X)

My 8 favorite things about the One UI 8 beta

Nicholas Sutrich — Wed, 28 May 2025 22:39:20 +0000

It's hard to believe considering how long it took for Samsung to deliver the One UI 7 update, but the first One UI 8 beta is already here for the Galaxy S25 family. One UI 8 brings Android 16 to the Galaxy S25 for the first time, letting select users try out new features before they're publicly released to everyone.

Android Central Labs

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Android Central Labs is a weekly column devoted to deep dives, experiments, and a focused look into the tech you use. It covers phones, tablets, and everything in between.

For the most part, One UI 8 is an iterative update with UI tweaks and new feature additions for several of Samsung's core apps, including Samsung Health, Reminders, Routines, Internet, Calendar, Contacts, and more.

The update also refreshes important parts of the UI, including a revamped Quick Share UI that makes it easier to send and receive files, additional accessibility options for users with sight and hearing impairments, plus fixes for hard-to-find UI elements like Auracast.

While the update includes dozens of changes, I've picked out my eight favorite, with a few follow-up favorites found during my time with the beta on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

AI Select meets Speed Racer

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

With One UI 7, Samsung upgraded its aging Smart Select tool to what it now calls AI Select, adding important context-sensitive actions that make the tool far more useful than it used to be. But it took seemingly forever to start up in One UI 7 and got quite irritating to use on a regular basis.

That's been completely fixed in One UI 8. It used to take roughly 5 seconds from tapping the "AI Select" button to the time you could actually select content on your screen. Now, tapping AI select makes the feature effectively immediately available, taking me about 2 seconds to circle an image on the Galaxy S25 Ultra's display.

Multitasking is 90:10 better

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

When the OnePlus Open came out in 2023, it blew our minds for several reasons, but the phone's multitasking capabilities were among the best features to use daily. Paramount to that was something called OnePlus Canvas, a feature that let you dock an app to 10% of one side of the screen and quickly switch between any running app by tapping the window.

Android 16 and One UI 8 have adopted this 90:10 feature, as it's called, letting you resize a split window down to 10% of its normal size. This lets you easily juggle two apps with a single tap without feeling like the app is squashed, as normal split screen tends to feel. Holy cow is it ever a massive upgrade on the normal split window multitasking, and it'll give me a reason to finally use more than one app at a time.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Quick Share has been one of the most useful additions to Android in quite some time, but receiving files from people who aren't contacts has been a bit of a hassle. A fancy new UI change from Samsung makes this much easier, and it all starts when you tap the Quick Share button in the quick toggles pane.

The familiar Send screen is still the default when opening Quick Share, but a new Receive tab makes it simple to quickly get files from anyone so long as the window is open. No more selecting from the "no one, contacts only, or everyone" options. Just open the Receive window and you're good to go, no matter who the other person is.

More powerful reminders and routines

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

One of the dumber things Google ever did was remove the ability to add a location to reminders in Google Assistant. That makes tools like Samsung's Reminder app much better to use, as you cna have it remind you of something when you get to a location, at a certain and or date, and more. The upgraded Reminders app now also includes quick category buttons at the top, making it easy to find everything you need at a glance.

Routines also got an upgrade, now letting you select from new preset routines like weather, which is pretty slick if you need a reminder to grab your umbrella or rain coat before it rains, or sunscreen when the cloudy days end.

Samsung Health gets a bulk up

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Once upon a time, I tried to log my food intake so I could track calories, macros, and just do better. The problem is that I always forgot to input my meals, and wouldn't remember until I had forgotten the exact details of what I ate. Now, Samsung Health can remind you to log meals throughout the day, circumventing this common problem.

As you eat better, you can also now use the power of peer pressure to help you workout more often. An upgraded Together feature in Samsung Health lets you issue run distance challenges to all your contacts, setting goals to be the first to run a specific distance each week. It's a great upgrade on the usual step count race.

The better to see (and hear) you with

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

If you've ever found yourself in need of the zoom tool, found in accessibility settings, you'll know it's a little convoluted to zoom in or out with. One UI 8 fixes this by letting you pinch-to-zoom right in the magnification window, making it far easier to drag the window around and zoom in as you need.

A handful of additional accessibility features are also now available, like keyboard zoom, which enlarges the keys as you need them, or a new mouse pointer that you can control with keyboard keys.

Auracast without the 50-step process

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Auracast's announcement last year had Android Central's Derrek Lee feeling like he was in the future. After all, connecting your Bluetooth earbuds to a public broadcast feels like such an alien concept for what has always been a very personal communication standard, but finding and connecting to an Auracast wasn't exactly the most user-friendly task.

Thankfully, Samsung's One UI 8 now lets you scan a QR code to connect to an Auracast, something that's almost certainly going to become commonplace as public spots implement the technology. So long, 50-step process of yesterday!

DeX isn't dead

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

While the Dex for PC app was killed off in One UI 7, Samsung isn't done with DeX just yet. Hooking up your Samsung phone or tablet to a monitor or TV is easy, and One UI 7 gave the storied feature a fresh coat of paint.

Now, One UI 8 is introducing more options for monitor compatibility, including the ability to choose a resolution (imagine that), or even rotate the projected display in 90-degree increments. That makes it easy to fit on basically any monitor, even if it's mounted sideways.

So much more to see

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

One UI 8 won't be the huge overhaul that One UI 7 was, which is good. We don't need big overhauls every release. It's just not necessary. So, Samsung is focused on making One UI 7 even better with helpful features and changes that seem to make a lot of sense. Even the weather app, seen above, has a more realistic feel, giving you a better idea of the weather the moment you open it.

Some users on Reddit have reported bugs already, which makes sense since this is a beta release. If you want to check out One UI 8 early, open the Samsung Members app on your Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, or Galaxy S25 Ultra, then tap the One UI 8 Beta option in the image carousel at the top. Once you're enrolled, it'll download and install the system update. We don't recommend doing this on your only phone, as bugs could cause problems for any number of apps.

If you come across a bug, use the bug reporting tool to let the developers know so that they can get it fixed in the next beta release. This helps everyone — not just you — so users are encouraged to use the tool as often as possible, even if Samsung knows the bug already exists. This is Samsung's fastest One UI update ever, and it's great to see Samsung working so hard to deliver on that seven year update promise for the Galaxy S25 series so quickly.

That's not a typo — this record-smashing Galaxy S25 Ultra deal is making Prime Day completely unnecessary

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Fri, 23 May 2025 16:43:07 +0000

Memorial Day weekend has arrived, and if you're on the hunt for Samsung discounts, I just uncovered a Galaxy S25 Ultra deal that deserves your immediate attention. For a limited time, Amazon is slashing $250 off the unlocked 256GB flagship, knocking the price down to its lowest point EVER.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is arguably the most powerful Android phone on the market today, but it's consistently overlooked because of its steep price tag. Thanks to this Memorial Day deal, however, buying the Ultra has just become a much easier pill to swallow.

💲Record low price💲
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB: ~~$1,299.99~~ $1,049.99 at Amazon

Amazon's Memorial Day sale is live, and the Android deals on display are no joke. Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB unlocked, for instance, and you'll score a record-smashing 19% discount, no trade-in required and no strings attached. That being said, if you do have something you'd like to trade in, Amazon is offering up to $785 of credit in the form of a gift card. Not too shabby for one of the most premium phones ever built!

Price match: Best Buy - $1,049.99 View Deal

Note from the reviewer

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick)

"What's not to love about the Galaxy S25 Ultra? It's big, beautiful, powerful, and has more AI features than you can shake a stick at. Of course, that comes with a price, but Amazon's Memorial Day sale takes care of that, dropping the S25 Ultra to its lowest price ever." -Andrew Myrick, Senior Editor

If it wasn't for the price tag, it'd be easy to call the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra the perfect Android phone. The device boasts an incredible 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and built-in stylus, plus you'll enjoy 12GB of RAM and the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is widely considered to be one of the best smartphone processors ever built. The camera tech here is as versatile as ever, and the premium Samsung phone also gives you all of the latest Galaxy AI and Gemini software features straight out of the box. Furthermore, like the rest of the S25 series, you'll receive seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed.

Sure, it may not be as thin or as lightweight as the new Galaxy S25 Edge, but you also won't have to deal with the decreased battery life. Needless to say, if you've had your eye on the S25 Ultra for a while and you like the simplicity of unlocked phones, this might the best Android phone deal on the web today.

Of course, not everyone has $1,000 lying around to spend on a smartphone. If you're looking for trade-in opportunities or carrier promos to lessen the financial blow, there are plenty of other Galaxy S25 deals out there to consider.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which one is better?

roydon.cerejo@gmail.com (Roydon Cerejo) — Tue, 20 May 2025 18:02:54 +0000

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Thin is in

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is finally official making it one of the slimmest flagships in the world. It's also extremely light, packs the main 200MP camera from the S25 Ultra, and features a flagship Qualcomm SoC for the best gaming experience. Some obvious compromises have been made like a much smaller battery with last-gen charging speeds and only two rear cameras. It's also quite expensive starting at above $1,000.

Pros

Insanely slim and light
Same flagship SoC and main camera as the S25 Ultra
IP68 rating
Seven years of software updates
Sharp and bright display

Cons

Expensive
Smallest battery in the series
No telephoto camera
Performance could throttle quicker than Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The absolute best

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is everything you could ever hope for from a flagship phone and more. It has the best display, battery life, cameras, and performance, along with a useful built-in stylus and many years of software support. Cramming all this into one device has its downsides like a large and heavy footprint, something the S25 Edge addresses in spades.

Pros

Arguably the most powerful phone available
Incredible display (if you aren't affected by PWM)
Camera versatility is much appreciated
AI features are promising

Cons

S Pen loses Bluetooth features
Very expensive
Still no magnets
Large and bulky

Let's face it, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a phone no one really asked for but Samsung felt the need that it should exist, so here we are. It's essentially a mix of the Galaxy S25 Plus and Ultra but put in an extremely thin and light chassis. On its own, it's a great little flagship option for anyone looking for something super-thin and light. The problem is with its pricing. It starts at a little over $1,000, which is about $200 shy of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The Ultra is Samsung's hero product so anyone spending this sort of money on the S25 Edge really needs to think hard about one thing — wouldn't it make sense to spend a bit more and get a much better product? While the Galaxy S25 Edge doesn't really compete with the S25 Ultra directly, from a buyer's perspective, doing a comparative analysis is crucial in order to make the right decision.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design and display

(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

The most stark difference between the Galaxy S25 Edge and the S25 Ultra is the design. The Edge is ridiculously thin at just 5.8mm and extremely light at just 163 grams. The frame is Armor Aluminum and there's Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 over the display. The rear panel gets Gorilla Glass Victus. The corners of the S25 Edge have softer curves which actually feel nice to hold, based on our hour-long hands-on with the phone.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is boxier, heavier, and thicker than the S25 Edge. This is only amplified if you decide to use a case on it. The Ultra can be a bit cumbersome to hold for long with one hand or carry around in a pocket, due to its weight and awkward size. It's extremely well-built though and sturdy thanks to the titanium frame. Its display also gets a special anti-reflective treatment which the S25 Edge lacks.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Both phones have extremely high-resolution displays that look absolutely fantastic. The Galaxy S25 Edge has a 6.7-inch LTPO Super AMOLED 2X panel, with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 3,120x1,440 pixels. Incidentally, it has the same 2,600 nits of peak brightness as the S25 Ultra, so sunlight legibility should be on par. The bezels are extremely slim and the hole-punch for the front camera isn't distracting.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a larger 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display but with the same resolution, which means the pixel count is lower. It's still well above 450 ppi so you won't really notice this even when viewing the same content on both phones side by side. The anti-reflective coating on the Ultra is a game-changer when viewing the display under sunlight or with artificial lighting behind you, and it's a shame that the Edge misses out on it.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Hardware and specs

(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge starts at $1,099.99 for 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, and the 512GB variant is priced at $1,219.99. If you buy from Samsung.com, you can get the top-end variant for the price of the base as part of the launch offers. The Edge comes in three colors, Titanium Icyblue, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Jetblack. The finishes look good but the colors are exactly exciting.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,299.99 for 256GB storage and 12GB RAM, but Samsung is offering the 512GB variant at this price if you buy directly from its website. The Ultra also has a 1TB storage variant for $1,419.99. The S25 Ultra comes in four colors and this is not including the three exclusive shades that are only available through Samsung.com.

Category	Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
OS	One UI 7 (up to seven OS upgrades)	One UI 7 (up to seven OS upgrades)
Display	6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz LTPO, up to 2,600 nits peak brightness	6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz LTPO, up to 2,600 nits peak brightness
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy	Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
RAM	12GB	12GB
Storage	256GB, 512GB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Cameras	200MP main + 12MP ultrawide; 12MP selfie	200MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 10 telephoto (3x) + 50MP telephoto (5x); 12MP selfie
Speakers	Stereo speakers	Stereo speakers
Protection	IP68	IP68
Battery	3,900mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	25W	45W
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, 5G, USB-C (3.2)	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, 5G, USB-C (3.2)
Size	158.2 x 75.6 x 5.8 mm	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm
Weight	163g	218g
Colors	Titanium Icyblue, Titanium Silver, Titanium Jetblack	Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Black, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Gray, (Samsung.com exclusive: Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Pink Gold)

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and Gaalxy S25 Ultra use the same custom 'Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy' chip, so performance should be identical. We are yet to review the S25 Edge and we'll have a full report for you on its performance, but till then you can read out detailed S25 Ultra review to know what to expect. I suspect the Edge could have lower thermal thresholds due to its slim size, which could throttle performance of the SoC a lot quicker than the Ultra. This is so that the phone doesn't get excessively hot to hold. It's just an assumption right now as we'll know for certain once we review it.

Another compromise area is the cameras. The Galaxy S25 Edge only has two rear camera, one of which is the same 200MP main sensor from the Ultra. Samsung also talks about a 2x optical zoom which essentially uses an in-sensor crop to achieve it. The ultrawide is sadly just a 12MP sensor and not a 50MP module from the Ultra. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has two additional rear cameras for zoom, one 3x telephoto and a 50MP periscope-style telephoto with 5x optical zoom. If you need long-range photography, stick to the Ultra.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks/Android Central)

Finally, battery life is one area where the Galaxy S25 Ultra should easily beat the S25 Edge. We're talking a 5,000mAh capacity vs. 3,900mAh. With mindful usage, you should be able to squeeze out a full day's worth of use from the S25 Edge but I wouldn't expect anything beyond that. Heavy app and camera use could knock down battery life even quicker. The S25 Ultra should easily sail through one full day and more on a single charge as no amount of software optimization can compensate for a physically larger battery.

Charging speeds are also better on the Ultra. You get 45W fast charging here, compared to just 25W on the Edge. Given the smaller size of the battery, 25W should still be decently quick but not as quick as the Ultra. Wireless charging is the same 15W on both phones.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Software

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

The Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy S25 Ultra should have identical software. Both phones run One UI 7 which is based on Android 15, and should be getting all future updates roughly around the same time. Both will be getting seven years of OS upgrades and security patches. With Android 16 right around the corner, we should see the One UI 8 update pop up for both pretty soon, once the new Galaxy foldables are launched.

One UI 7 is Samsung's best software update yet. The new visual design is very pleasing, you can finally switch the app drawer to vertical scrolling without being forced to install a third-party launcher, there's much better customizability, and plenty of AI-focused add-ons. Among the many Galaxy AI features, some of the standout ones include Photo Assist, Transcript Assist, and Now Brief.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which phone should you buy?

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

As much as I love a thin and light phone, I cannot justify recommending the S25 Edge at its current price over the Galaxy S25 Ultra. I'd rather pay the $200 premium and get the complete flagship experience, and this is what I'd suggest you do too. In the long run, I think the heft and bulk of the Ultra is something you'll get used to, but not having certain features like telephoto cameras and a larger battery could end up being nagging issues.

The Galaxy S25 Edge needs to be cheaper in order for it to be a real, viable option. Even a die-hard Samsung fan will have to really think twice before spending $1,000+ on it. It's a fantastic little flagship, no doubt, but it offers poor value for money at its current price.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The one to get

If you can get past the size and weight of the S25 Ultra, it's easily the better phone to get over the S25 Edge. The larger battery and better cameras alone make up for slight premium over the Edge.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Not great value

The Galaxy S25 Edge eats the Ultra for breakfast when it comes to ergonomics, but this comes at a huge cost of battery life and camera capabilities. It's a sacrifice I don't see many buyers willing to make, including loyal Samsung fans.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge hands-on: Far better than I expected

nirave@mobilenations.com (Nirave Gondhia) — Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:20 +0000

After months of leaks and teasers, Samsung unveiled the ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge at an event this evening. We’ve been waiting for the latest addition to the Galaxy S25 family for months, especially as we didn’t have much information about the key feature: its thickness.

The Galaxy S25 lineup was already slimmer than its predecessors, but the Galaxy S25 Edge takes this to a whole new level. It measures just 5.8mm thick, making it one of the thinnest phones ever made and by far, the thinnest phone you can buy right now (at least until Apple launches the rumored iPhone 17 Air later this year).

However, beyond the extremely thin profile, the Galaxy S25 Edge combines key parts of the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra to make a phone that feels familiar, yet unique.

I spent an hour with the Galaxy S25 Edge in New York City earlier today, and I was surprised at how much I like it. Here’s our first full look at Samsung’s new thin-and-mighty smartphone.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is thin-and-mighty

(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

The Galaxy S25 Edge won’t appeal to everyone. It lacks the full camera prowess of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the battery is the smallest of the lineup, but these sacrifices come with a key benefit: its thickness and weight.

If you’ve been put off by the size or weight of the Galaxy S25 lineup, the Galaxy S25 Edge is the phone for you. At just 5.8mm thick, it's 2.4mm thinner than the Galaxy S25 Ultra and 1.4-1.5mm thinner than the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus.

The Galaxy S25 Edge (right) lying flat next to the Galaxy S25 Ultra (left). (Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

I love the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but it’s incredibly hefty, and the Galaxy S25 Edge fixes the key issues. Despite the large display and mighty main camera, it also weighs just 163g, one gram heavier than the smaller base Galaxy S25. As for the competition, the iPhone 16 Pro is 8.3mm thick, while the Pixel 9 Pro is 8.5mm. Both weigh 199 grams, making the Galaxy S25 much thinner and lighter than these devices.

Like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Galaxy S25 Edge features a titanium frame paired with Gorilla Glass protection on either side. The rear features Gorilla Glass Victus protection, while the front uses Corning’s new Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2. It features the same protection as the Gorilla Glass Ceramic used on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but lacks the anti-reflective finish.

The Galaxy S25 Edge (right) flying flat next to the iPhone 16 Pro (left). (Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

There are other subtle differences compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with the sharp edges far more nuanced and much nicer in the hand. This subtle design change, combined with the thin and light build, means the Galaxy S25 Edge feels nicer in the hand than any of its siblings.

Flagship specs borrowed from the S25 lineup

(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

The Galaxy S25 Edge is designed to offer the best features of the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup in a slim and light device. It pairs the 6.7-inch display from the Galaxy S25 Plus with the same 200MP primary camera found on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The display features the same 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and vision booster to boost the brightness, and looks just as great as the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup.

The 200MP camera is a key addition that ensures it still feels like a flagship phone, especially given its price. The camera has the same capabilities and features as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, although the lack of a telephoto means it likely won’t be as capable at longer focal lengths.

(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

Samsung says the camera can offer 2x optical zoom, which is likely achieved through in-sensor cropping. It also uses pixel binning to combine nine pixels into one larger pixel, which allows it to capture more light. The main camera is paired with a 12MP ultra-wide camera, while the front camera is also a 12MP sensor, but much wider than the one used in the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor as the rest of its siblings. It is paired with 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage, and if you pre-order in the US, you’ll get the latter at no additional cost.

The biggest challenge is likely to be battery life

(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

The Galaxy S25 Edge is quite smart as it combines the best of the Galaxy S25 family into a new phone, but there’s one thing Samsung couldn’t get around: the laws of physics. In particular, the extremely thin profile means a smaller battery, and the smallest battery in the Galaxy S25 lineup.

It features a 3,900 mAh battery paired with 25W wired charging. The battery is the smallest of a Samsung flagship in many years, and the charging is on par with the base Galaxy S25. However, it lacks the faster 45W charging support found on the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra.

Samsung says the battery delivers all-day battery life, but this is an area that we’ll need to test much further. Diving further into the battery life, Samsung says it’s better than the base Galaxy S24 and almost as good as the base Galaxy S25, which leads me to believe that it may not last a full day under moderate to heavy usage. However, as a colleague remarked, the thin profile and light build make it worth the need for a recharge during the day.

I like the Galaxy S25 Edge far more than I expected

(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

The Galaxy S25 Edge is now available for preorder and will hit stores on May 30. It comes in three colors — Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Icy Blue, and Titanium Silver — and costs $1,099.99 for 256GB of storage. It’s essentially $100 more than the Galaxy S25 Plus, and $200 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, although the best Galaxy S25 Edge pre-order deals could save you a considerable amount.

I don’t have a particular preference for ultra-thin phones, unlike some at Android Central, but there’s no denying that the Galaxy S25 Ultra adds considerable weight to your pocket. The Galaxy S25 Edge shows you can have the best of both worlds, although the lack of a telephoto lens may prove disappointing in the long run. The battery is my primary concern, but time will tell whether it can last a full day as Samsung claims.

(Image credit: Nirave Gondhia / Android Central)

Despite these likely challenges, I’m surprised at how much I enjoyed the Galaxy S25 Edge in my short time with it. You may not think it, but the thin profile greatly affects how it feels in the hand. Despite being supremely thin, it still feels premium thanks to the titanium frame, and it isn’t as fragile as I had expected.

If you’ve been holding off on buying a Galaxy S25 series phone due to its weight or size, the Galaxy S25 Edge is worth checking out. The thin profile necessitates some compromises, but look beyond these, and you’ll find a phone that feels fantastic in the hand. Seeing is believing, and you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

On the Edge of glory

The Galaxy S25 Edge is Samsung's thinnest phone to date, offering powerful specs and a massive 200MP camera in a slim profile that will make it easier to throw on a case without it being too bulky.