Samsung Galaxy S S938B/DS Black 512GB

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a no-compromise flagship phone with a brilliant 200MP camera, top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, and a stunning 6.9-inch display. It's expensive and charging is slower than rivals, but the seven years of updates and S Pen support make it a powerhouse. If you want the best Android slab phone available, this is it.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite inside this thing is an absolute monster. In our database, the S25 Ultra lands in the 98th percentile for overall performance, which puts it among the fastest phones you can buy right now. Apps open instantly, 4K video editing is smooth, and heavy multitasking with split-screen apps doesn't make it break a sweat. The 12GB of RAM is plenty for keeping dozens of apps alive in the background.

Gaming is where this chip really flexes. We're seeing a 99.5 out of 100 score for gaming, which is basically top of the charts. Genshin Impact at max settings runs buttery smooth, and the vapor chamber cooling does a solid job keeping thermals in check during long sessions. The 120Hz display makes every swipe and scroll feel fluid. For anyone asking "is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra good for gaming?", the answer is a hard yes. It's one of the best gaming phones on the market, even if it's not marketed specifically as one.

The S25 Ultra's biggest rival is obviously the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone fights back with better video recording consistency and a more polished app ecosystem, but the S25 Ultra wins on zoom versatility and display brightness. The 5x optical zoom lens here captures detail that the iPhone just can't match from a distance. Against the OnePlus 15, the Samsung feels more premium in the hand and has a better telephoto setup, though the OnePlus charges way faster and costs less.

Then there's the foldable crowd. The Motorola razr ultra 2025 is a completely different beast. It scores a 98.4 for foldable use, but if you want a big, uninterrupted screen and the best camera system, the S25 Ultra is the better tool. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is a fun mid-range alternative with a unique design, but it's not even in the same performance league. The S25 Ultra is for people who want a no-excuses flagship slab.

Let's talk money. The price spread across vendors is about $135, ranging from $905 to $1040. If you're buying, Newegg currently has the best deal on the lower end of that range for the international version. Is it worth a thousand bucks? That depends on how much you value having the best of everything. The seven years of software support does soften the blow since you can realistically keep this phone until 2032. But if you don't need the S Pen or the 200MP sensor, the OnePlus 15 delivers similar raw performance for noticeably less cash. The S25 Ultra is a long-term investment, not a bargain.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is basically the kitchen sink of smartphones. If you're hunting for the absolute best Android phone that does everything, this 6.9-inch beast is probably on your radar. It packs a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12GB of RAM, and a frankly ridiculous 200MP main camera into a titanium frame. The 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage means you won't be deleting photos anytime soon, and the 5000mAh battery keeps things running. It's an international unlocked model (S938B/DS) with dual SIM support, so it plays nice with carriers worldwide.

Samsung didn't hold back on the display either. You get a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2600 nits. That's bright enough to see clearly even under direct sunlight. The WQHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440) makes everything from Netflix to your photo gallery look incredibly sharp. And yes, the S Pen is still tucked inside, which remains a unique perk if you like jotting notes or doodling.

At this price point, which floats between $905 and $1040 depending on the vendor, you're firmly in ultra-premium territory. It's going head-to-head with the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the latest foldables. But if you want a traditional slab phone that refuses to compromise on specs, the S25 Ultra makes a very loud argument for your wallet.

This phone isn't for everyone. If you have small hands or hate using two hands to text, the sharp corners and massive 6.9-inch screen will drive you nuts. It scores a mediocre 66.4 for compactness, so look at the standard Galaxy S25 or even the iPhone 16 Pro if one-handed use matters. Also, if you're not a power user who edits photos or plays demanding games, a mid-range phone like the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro will save you hundreds without feeling slow. And if you're curious about foldables, the Motorola razr ultra 2025 offers a more pocketable design with a similar premium feel.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the most capable Android phone you can buy right now, full stop. It dominates in display quality, raw performance, and camera versatility. The 200MP sensor produces genuinely stunning shots, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite chews through anything you throw at it. The S Pen remains a useful differentiator if you're into that sort of thing.

Should you buy it? If you want the absolute best and are willing to pay for it, yes. The long software support means it'll feel fresh for years. But if you hate big phones or don't use zoom cameras often, you're paying a premium for features you might ignore. For everyone else, this is the Android phone to beat in 2025.