Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: What to Expect from the 2025 Flagship

In January 2024, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S24 Ultra flagship at its Galaxy Unpacked event, along with the full S24 lineup, the introduction of Galaxy AI, and a preview of the Galaxy Ring. Now, as we approach the first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2025, all eyes are on the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra. The question on everyone’s mind: How will Samsung build upon the success of the 2024 models, and what features will make the S25 Ultra stand out in a competitive market?

While the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s design will largely mirror its predecessor, the S24 Ultra, there are a few noticeable changes. The edges of the device will feature sharper corners, adding a touch of modernity to its appearance. However, the most significant change will be in the display’s durability and performance, particularly with the debut of Corning’s second-generation Gorilla Glass Armour. The first-generation Gorilla Glass Armour, which was featured on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, offered significant improvements in protection, safeguarding the device from scratches and drops. However, it was the addition of an anti-reflective coating that garnered praise. This coating improved the display’s visibility, even in brightly lit environments or under direct sunlight. The second-generation Gorilla Glass Armour in the Galaxy S25 Ultra will provide even stronger protection while improving the clarity and visibility of the screen, ensuring that users will have a superior viewing experience in various conditions.

The camera system of the Galaxy S25 Ultra will maintain much of the core setup seen in the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but there are notable upgrades. The most significant of these is the improvement to the ultrawide camera, which will see an increase in its sensor size to 50 megapixels. This upgrade will bring the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera performance in line with flagship devices like the Pixel 9 Pro, offering more detail in photos, sharper images, and greater versatility in capturing a wide range of shots. In addition, this enhanced camera system will enable 8K recording, a feature that will appeal to content creators and those seeking the highest level of video quality.

The launch of the Galaxy S24 Ultra marked Samsung’s deep dive into generative AI with the introduction of Galaxy AI, Samsung’s proprietary AI software. The S24 Ultra was one of the first smartphones to be marketed as “AI-powered,” and it quickly became one of the top-selling devices in 2024, thanks to its integration with this advanced AI system. Samsung’s push into AI technology follows Google’s leadership in the AI space, set in motion by the launch of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which introduced Google AI. As we approach the launch of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung is expected to take AI capabilities to the next level, with further advancements in performance and user experience. The S25 Ultra will integrate the improvements from a year of ongoing AI development, providing a seamless, intuitive experience powered by a faster, more capable AI engine. With Samsung’s commitment to this space, Galaxy AI will continue to evolve, offering users smarter features and more personalized interactions.

Samsung has always placed a strong emphasis on the safety of its devices, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be no exception. One feature that has been expected for some time is car crash detection. The hardware for this feature was present in the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but it had not been activated. However, as we look at the beta version of OneUI, the software that will debut with the S25 Ultra, there are clear indications that Samsung will finally enable this feature. Car crash detection uses the device’s sensors to detect severe impacts and alert emergency services, potentially saving lives in critical situations. As this feature becomes fully integrated with the S25 Ultra, it will add another layer of safety to the device.

Another feature that many Galaxy users have been eagerly anticipating is satellite connectivity. Samsung has been working on this technology for several years, and while it was expected to debut with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, it did not materialize. However, the increased focus on satellite connectivity within Samsung’s code, as well as Google’s contributions to the Android operating system, points to its imminent arrival in the S25 Ultra. Satellite connectivity would allow users to make emergency calls or send messages even in areas without traditional cellular coverage, such as remote regions or during outdoor adventures. This feature is expected to make the Galaxy S25 Ultra a more reliable and versatile device, especially in situations where traditional communication networks fail.

Samsung fans and tech enthusiasts won’t have to wait long to get their hands on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The company is expected to host its next Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22nd, 2025. During the event, Samsung will officially reveal the new flagship models, and pre-orders will likely open shortly after the announcement. The S25 Ultra, along with its sibling devices, is expected to ship on February 7th, 2025, marking the beginning of a new era for Samsung’s Galaxy lineup.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra promises to build on the success of its predecessors by offering significant improvements in key areas, including display protection, camera performance, AI capabilities, safety features, and satellite connectivity. As Samsung prepares for its 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event, it’s clear that the S25 Ultra will be a device to watch, combining cutting-edge technology with a sleek design and robust feature set. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, an AI aficionado, or someone who values safety and connectivity, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the smartphone market.