Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - 2 Weeks Later...

Summary

The video discusses the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, focusing on its strengths, such as performance, camera quality, and AI features, while also addressing some challenges. The integration of AI from Google and Samsung is highlighted as somewhat disjointed, causing confusion for users. The battery life is good but not the best compared to competitors, and faster wired charging is preferred by some users. Pre-order deals, especially in the U.S., offer significant discounts, making the S25 Ultra a great all-rounder phone with impressive capabilities, despite minor flaws in AI integration and battery life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has strong AI features, thanks to Google's Gemini integration, making it a more complete offering compared to Apple's AI (currently in beta).
• 😀 There is a friction point in the use of Bixby and Google Assistant together, with users feeling the need for smoother integration between Samsung and Google AI functionalities.
• 😀 Battery life on the Galaxy S25 Ultra has improved compared to its predecessor, the S24 Ultra, offering a full day's usage even for heavy users.
• 😀 Despite good battery performance, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s battery life is not as long-lasting as some competitors like OnePlus and Honor.
• 😀 Fast wired charging is preferred over wireless charging for convenience, but Samsung's charging speeds are seen as lagging behind competitors.
• 😀 One of the main issues highlighted is the lack of silicon-carbon batteries in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which limits the ability to fit a larger battery in the same space.
• 😀 Samsung's pre-order deals in the U.S. offer substantial discounts, with trade-in options allowing for significant savings on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
• 😀 Consumers can get up to $900 in trade-in value for devices like the S24 Ultra, bringing the cost of the S25 Ultra down to a more affordable price.
• 😀 The U.S. market has far better pre-order offers compared to the UK, where deals are less attractive and trade-ins offer lower value.
• 😀 The speaker encourages taking advantage of pre-order deals before they expire, as they tend to be much better than post-launch offers.
• 😀 Despite a few controversies, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is praised as a great all-rounder phone, with good performance, cameras, battery life, and AI capabilities.

Q & A

What are the main issues discussed regarding AI integration in the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The main issue discussed is the lack of seamless integration between Samsung's AI and Google's Gemini, which creates confusion for users. Sometimes, users are forced to switch between assistants or use extra steps, making the experience less fluid.

How does the battery life of the Galaxy S25 Ultra compare to its competitors?

The battery life of the S25 Ultra is better than the S24 Ultra, and while it provides full-day usage, it still lags behind some competitors like the OnePlus 13 and Honor Magic 7 Pro in terms of overall battery longevity.

What is the main drawback of the Galaxy S25 Ultra's charging capabilities?

The main drawback is its slower wired charging compared to some competitors. While wireless charging is available, the charging speed is not as fast as some users might expect.

Why does the script criticize Samsung for not using silicon-carbon batteries?

The criticism stems from the fact that silicon-carbon batteries allow for a smaller footprint while maintaining higher battery capacity. Samsung has not adopted this technology, leading to less efficient use of space and smaller batteries compared to some other manufacturers.

What role do the pre-order deals play in the purchase of the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The pre-order deals are highlighted as a key reason to purchase the Galaxy S25 Ultra, offering substantial discounts and additional storage, making the device much more affordable, especially in the US.

How does the AI integration in Apple’s devices compare to Samsung's?

Apple’s AI is still in beta, meaning it's not yet fully functional or integrated as Samsung's AI, powered by Google’s Gemini, is. The S25 Ultra currently offers a more complete and smoother AI experience, though Apple may improve once its AI is out of beta.

What is the general opinion about the Galaxy S25 Ultra's overall performance?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is praised as an all-around strong performer. It has great AI features, solid battery life, good cameras, and excellent performance, making it a reliable and versatile device for most users.

Why does the script mention the differences between Samsung's and Apple's approach to AI?

The script points out that Apple's AI is not fully functional yet, whereas Samsung's AI, integrated with Google's Gemini, is more polished. The comparison is made to highlight how Apple's AI is still in development, unlike Samsung's more complete solution.

What are the benefits of the pre-order deals in terms of pricing for the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

Pre-order deals offer significant discounts, such as $900 off for trading in a previous model, which drastically reduces the price of the device. Some users even pay only taxes on a new device due to these offers, making it a great time to buy.

How does the script address the regional differences in Samsung's promotional offers?

The script mentions that while the US offers substantial trade-in deals, the UK doesn’t have similar offers, with trade-in values being much lower. This regional discrepancy leads to some frustration among international customers who feel left out.