Galaxy S25 Ultra — Still Worth Buying in 2026?

Why It Matters

The S25 Ultra’s durability, software ecosystem, and steep discounts give consumers a high‑end Android option in 2026, reshaping flagship purchasing decisions.

Key Takeaways

• Gorilla Armor screen stays scratch‑free after a year of use
• One UI offers most feature‑rich, intuitive Android experience
• Battery life modest; 5,000 mAh yields ~6 hours average use
• 10‑bit 4K video delivers high quality with small file sizes
• Deep discounts make S25 Ultra competitive against newer flagship prices

Summary

The video revisits Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra a year after launch, assessing whether the flagship still merits purchase in 2026 as the S26 Ultra looms.

Vick highlights the Gorilla Armor display’s scratch‑free durability, lightweight design, and the anti‑reflective coating that outshines competitors. One UI’s extensive widgets, split‑screen shortcuts and DeX docking are praised, while Samsung’s seven‑year software pledge adds long‑term value. Camera performance is solid—dual telephoto lenses, 50 MP mode, and 10‑bit 4K video—though it trails specialist Android rivals in raw image quality.

Key examples include the claim that the screen needs no protector, a two‑finger swipe that instantly opens split‑screen, and 4K 10‑bit video occupying only 600‑800 MB versus iPhone’s multi‑gigabyte files. Battery life averages six hours on a 5,000 mAh cell, and 45 W fast‑charging reaches 68 % in 30 minutes, while the lack of CH2 magnetic charging is noted as a drawback.

With discounts pushing the 512 GB model below $850, the S25 Ultra delivers a premium Android experience at a fraction of newer flagship prices, making it a compelling choice for productivity‑focused users, though its modest battery and charging speed may prompt some to wait for the upcoming S26.

Original Description

Iconic Phones Book: https://store.phonearena.com/products/iconic-phones-hardback

We recap everything about the Galaxy S25 Ultra — all the highs and the lows — one year after the release.

Galaxy S25 Ultra text review: https://www.phonearena.com/news/I-tested-the-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-one-year-after-its-launch-Still-worth-it_id177984

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00:00 Intro

00:34 Durability

01:16 Design

02:06 Software

02:47 Camera

05:30 Battery

06:30 Conclusion