Samsung has launched its latest flagship phones, the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra, focusing on AI features and improved performance. While the S25 Ultra boasts a faster chip, a new ultra-wide sensor, and cosmetic tweaks, it feels similar to last year’s model, making it a less impressive update considering its $1,300 starting price.
My latest for @KTLAMorningNews:
My review of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series!
Between the helpful AI, excellent camera, easy-to-hold design, and gorgeous screen, there's a lot to love about this phone.https://t.co/IoF1InFLmx
— Rich DeMuro (@richontech) February 7, 2025
The S25, on the other hand, offers impressive battery life and AI features but has familiar hardware and an unchanged price tag, making it an unconvincing upgrade.
Samsung President’s Day deals are here!
Galaxy S25 Ultra – $900 trade-in plus $300 credit
Galaxy S25 | S25 Plus – $700 trade-in plus $100 credit
Galaxy S24 – Lower price plus $400 trade-in
Learn more here: https://t.co/4bfmg9mqQK pic.twitter.com/ckSEQhvYCT
— Anthony (@TheGalox_) February 8, 2025
As our reviewer notes, “Unless you’re desperate for a bump in processing power and battery life, it would be wise to see how heavily last year’s models get discounted in the coming months.
Finally saw the real Titanium Jadegreen Galaxy S25 Ultra in person! ?
This colour looks gorgeous in real life. A bit muted, but not as muted as the Silverblue one.
Very underrated. pic.twitter.com/1kyB5lEqWm
— Alvin (@sondesix) February 9, 2025
In contrast, the OnePlus 13 focuses on top-of-the-line components rather than AI features, offering a compelling flagship-level handset at a reasonable price of $900. With class-leading battery life, a super-bright display, and great performance, the OnePlus 13 is a solid premium handset without the AI fluff. Oura’s latest smart ring, the Oura Ring 4, remains the best on the market, though its functions are limited by its size.
While it offers improved comfort, better data collection, and a gorgeous app, it requires a paid subscription to use basic hardware features, and paint jobs cost extra. Anker’s Eufy E20 is a pioneering 3-in-1 robot vacuum that transforms into a cordless stick and hand vacuum.
AI features in s25 ultra
Despite being a first-gen product, the stick vacuum offers strong performance as a robot vacuum and an improved Eufy Clean app, though the stick vac’s build quality and suction could be better. Weber’s new smart pellet grill, the Searwood, learns from past mistakes to offer a complete grilling package with reliable cooking performance and a visible display. However, the SmokeBoost feature is limited to 180 degrees, and the wheels and legs could be sturdier.
Looking ahead, Apple is expected to debut a new iPhone SE with a camera notch, USB-C, and its first in-house cellular modem. At the same time, Beats will likely release the PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds with heart rate monitoring. As part of its promotional offers for the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung is emailing buyers a new 5% discount code, “S25APP,” which can be used when purchasing the device through the Samsung Shopping app. This code is a rebrand of the long-standing “APP5” discount for first-time buyers but can be used even if you have previously ordered through the app.
In addition to the discount, Samsung offers extra store credit for S25 Ultra purchases, discounted accessories, and increased trade-in values for existing phones. These offers are part of Samsung’s effort to drive sales of their new flagship devices and provide better value for loyal customers.
