I am nowhere ready to officially review the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, even though my preorder arrived on Jan. 30, 2025—way early. The smartphone started selling in stores and online today. If you are considering moving from, say, either the S23 Ultra or S24 Ultra, don’t delay. The new model is surprisingly affordable, for a limited time.
Samsung typically offers magnanimously generous launch deals, particularly the value given for trade-in of older devices. To my surprise, Samsung hasn’t yet replaced the fantastic opportunity presented during the preorder period. Free storage upgrade is still available, and your S23 Ultra or S24 Ultra is worth $750 or $900, respectively, against purchase of the newer smartphone.
Stated differently, you could buy the 512GB S25 Ultra for $399.99, trading in last year’s model or for $549.99 when swapping the S23 Ultra. Samsung also sweetens the deal with $80 instant credit to apply to accessories. When the deal is gone, expect to pay $1,419.99.
Oh, lest I forget: Samsung applies all discounts at time of purchase, so before you return the older smartphone. That’s quite generous compared to stingy Apple, which charges up front and refunds the difference after receiving the device. Should you change your mind and keep the older Galaxy (or iPhone), Samsung will charge you then.
Speaking of Apple, Samsung will credit $650 towards your S25 Ultra purchase for the iPhone 15 Pro Max or $700 for the 16 Pro Max. That brings the price for the 512GB Galaxy down to $649.99 or $599.99, respectively. Hey, just a suggestion, Apple fanboy.
I moved up from the S24 Ultra, with definite trepidation. But the benefits deliver more than enough satisfaction to justify the move, for the price paid. I wouldn’t recommend the S25 Ultra to anyone happy with the previous model who misses out on the current sales promotion. What you got is good enough.
Until buying the S25 Ultra, I used a tablet more than any other device. That is changed, unexpectedly. The smartphone’s screen subtly is better than last year’s model, particularly the anti-reflective coating, which makes the phone more usable everywhere.
Something else, surprising: Suddenly, I don’t mistype as often on the keyboard as with the S24 Ultra. Couple days passed before I realized why. The older phone’s frame is rounded, and I unconsciously held the thing in a way that hampered typing with my thumbs (mostly). I carry my phones bareback and drop awareness is unconsciously present mindfulness. The S25 Ultra’s Titanium rim is flat, and the fingers cling rather than slide. Typing on the keyboard is no longer frustrating.
Hey, it’s late. Let’s talk Featured Image taken today using Nikon Zf and NIKKOR 40mm f/2 (SE) lens. Vitals, ISO manually set: f/5, ISO 800, 1/60 sec, 40mm; 6:38 p.m. PST.