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I *Love* My Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra—and RN It's on Major Sale

Hint: The Camera is to die for

Author image: An image of Destinee Scott.
By Destinee Scott
•
Updated Mar 6, 2025

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Destinee Scott/Design for PureWow

If you've been waiting for the perfect time to upgrade your phone, take the advice of a certified Samsung fan girl (aka me), and run to the Discover Samsung Spring Sale that's on now through March 9. The epic savings event has *major* markdowns on the brand's latest devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (from $1,300; $400), which has become my go-to since I got my hands on it earlier this year—not least of all due to its upgraded camera and built-in AI companion.

However, for those that want to get the most bang for their buck, the deal on the Samsung Galaxy S25+ (from $1,120; $300) is not to be missed. Not only can you save up to $700 on the smartphone with a trade-in, but you can also score $120 off a huge storage upgrade. So, if you love taking selfies as much as saving money, take your pick. Either way, you won't be disappointed.

But if you're looking for some more insight into Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, you've come to the right place. Read on for my full review of this ingenious gadget that you can score for a steal during the sale. 

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

As the saying goes, the bigger, the better. And in this case, we're talking about the Galaxy S25 Ultra's rectangular screen size, which clocks in at 6.9 inches. To put that into perspective, it's nearly the size of my head. But a bigger screen can come in handy for all sorts of things, from streaming and gaming to taking pictures and working on the go, which leads me to the differences between this latest model and its predecessor (aka the Samsung S24 Ultra, which launched in Jan. 2024).

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Samsung

What I Like

  • easier to hold
  • bigger phone screen for streaming
  • personalized briefings
  • 30-hour battery life
  • built-in S pen

What I Don't Like

  • won't fit in a small clutch or handbag
  • slight learning curve if you're used to Apple products

Samsung

What's the Difference Between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?

There are quite a few differences between the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and last year's model, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Besides its design, which features softer, rounder corners (similar to the latest Apple iPhones), the S25 Ultra is 0.4 millimeters thinner than the S24 Ultra, so it's even easier to hold. But the biggest (and best) difference between the two has to be the photo features. Not only does the S25 Ultra boast an upgraded 50MP Ultra-wide lens, which crisply captures even the smallest details, it also has a next-gen ProVisual Engine that enhances every photo so they come out picture-perfect every time. As if it couldn't get any better than that, the S25 Ultra also has clearer night vision, so darkness won't get in the way of your video or photo shoot. 

I actually snapped a few photos of my own to see if the S25 Ultra camera was really better than the S24 Ultra, and as you can peep in the selfies below, the S25 (on the right) delivered a super sharp picture that captured every detail of my face just right. If you fancy yourself the designated family photog, let's just say you need this bad boy on hand for every occasion and vacation.

A selfie taken on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra.
Destinee Scott for PureWow (S24 Ultra on the left, S25 Ultra on the right)

I would be remiss not to mention other features of the S25 Ultra that make it more than just a smartphone, though.  As I mentioned, this newest model also has an AI companion designed to be one step ahead of your every need. What this really means is that you'll be able to streamline your day with the help of Google Gemini, which you can use to search for pet-friendly vegan restaurants nearby (because why not bring Max?) and text it to your friend without actually putting in the work. In other words, the S25 Ultra can complete multiple tasks with a single ask, so you have fewer things to worry about.

Another thing I love about this new phone is the personalized briefings, which are only available on the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 series. These briefings—which live at the bottom of the screen—give you an outlook of your entire day, including how you slept during the night (if you have a Samsung Galaxy ring or watch connected), what meetings you have on your schedule and how to prep for the weather. If there's rain on the forecast, for instance, it'll even remind you to bring an umbrella. And, yes, this new Samsung phone also has a bunch of the old features you love, like Circle to Search, which allows you to instantly search for places or products simply by circling them in a photo. Plus, this model has a built-in S Pen you can use on the screen for doodling or taking notes.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra IMAGE 3a
Samsung

Samsung

Bottom Line: Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Worth It?

Just so you know, *two* other phone models are included in the new Samsung Galaxy S25 series. First up is the basic S25, which has many of the same features as the S25 Ultra but has a smaller screen, a shorter battery life and a camera with fewer megapixels. Then there's the S25+, which is basically a step up from the S25 with a slightly longer battery life and bigger screen. IMO, though, the S25 Ultra is the best investment.

To say it's even smarter than its predecessor would be an understatement. From a better camera to those personalized briefings to a thinner design complete with an ultra-durable titanium frame, it's one of the most advanced phones you can buy right now. Throw in its built-in AI and 30-hour battery life, and you've practically got yourself a mini work (and play) station in the palm of your hand. 

How to Save on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is currently on sale for up to $900 off with a trade-in, plus you can nab up to 1 terabyte of storage for an additional $240 off. In other words, you can score the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for as low as $400. You can also save big on the S25+ and S25 models if you are in the market for something slightly less advanced (hey, you do you!). Here's the breakdown:

  • Trade-in offers at Samsung: Enjoy up to $1,140 off the S25 Ultra with an eligible trade-in (through Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T and U.S. Cellular), up to $820 off the S25+ and up to $500 off the S25.

Need I say more? Call me, beep me, if you want to reach me (on my Galaxy phone).

from $1,300; $400 at Samsung
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Destinee Scott Editor Bio Pic
Destinee Scott

Associate Sales and Deals Editor

  • Stays on top of the best sales and deals across the internet
  • Over 3 years of experience in commerce (covering tentpole sales, like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Way Day)
  • Studied Journalism at St. John's University
read full bio

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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
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