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Some Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra users have reported overheating concerns, though experiences vary. Here's what you need to know.
Reported Issues
Some users have noticed the phone getting warm during:
Heat typically concentrates around the SIM tray area where the processor is located.
How the Cooling System Works
The S25 Ultra has the largest vapor chamber in any Galaxy S phone. It spreads heat from the processor across the back panel. The phone getting warm to the touch during intensive tasks is the cooling system working as designed.
Normal vs. Overheating
Normal:
Concerning:
Contributing Factors
Solutions
Assessment
Most S25 Ultra owners report normal thermal performance. Severe overheating cases appear to be isolated defective units or extreme usage scenarios. If your phone consistently overheats or displays temperature warnings, contact Samsung for support or replacement.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max are both excellent flagship phones with distinct strengths. Here's how they compare.
Display
Both phones have 6.9-inch screens, but the S25 Ultra is brighter (1,860 vs 1,553 nits peak brightness) and lighter (218g vs 227g). Samsung's Gorilla Armor 2 reduces screen reflections for better outdoor visibility.
Performance
The S25 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Elite slightly outperforms the iPhone's A18 Pro in benchmarks. Real-world performance is comparable for everyday tasks.
Camera
The S25 Ultra's 200MP camera and Quad Tele System provide superior zoom capabilities (up to 100x) and better low-light performance. The iPhone produces more natural-looking colors with less processing.
Battery & Charging
Samsung charges significantly faster.
Software
Galaxy AI is more feature-complete than Apple Intelligence. Both phones receive 7 years of software updates.
Pricing (256GB)
Choose S25 Ultra For:
Choose iPhone 16 Pro Max For:
The decision often comes down to ecosystem preference rather than specs alone.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra includes Samsung's Galaxy AI suite, offering a comprehensive set of AI-powered features.
Core AI Features
Circle to Search: Long-press the Home button and draw around any on-screen element to search for it. Works for products, text, images, and landmarks.
Google Gemini Integration: Default assistant activated by holding the side button. Includes:
Productivity Tools
Creative Tools
Camera AI
Processing & Privacy
Many features work on-device without internet. Cloud-based features use encrypted connections to Samsung and Google servers.
Most Useful Features
For daily use, Circle to Search and the camera AI improvements provide the most practical value. Productivity features like Live Translate are situationally useful. Creative tools are available when needed but may not see daily use.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is noticeably slippery without a case, which is a common user complaint.
Contributing Factors
Reported Issues
Solutions
Cases: Even thin cases significantly improve grip. Recommended brands include Spigen, Pitaka, and Samsung's official cases.
Skins: Vinyl skins from brands like dbrand add texture while maintaining the slim profile. No drop protection, but improved grip.
Phone grips: Ring holders or grip attachments provide excellent security but change the phone's aesthetics.
Recommendation
Given the phone's $1,299+ price and slippery surface, most users benefit from at least a minimal case or skin. Going completely caseless increases drop risk significantly.
For users who want to preserve the phone's appearance, a clear thin case or matte skin provides the best balance of protection and aesthetics.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in three storage options, all with 12GB of RAM.
US Pricing
Important Notes
Which Storage to Choose
256GB suits users who:
512GB works best for:
1TB is ideal for:
Recommendation
256GB is sufficient for most users with cloud storage habits. 512GB offers the best balance for power users. 1TB is specialized for heavy media creation or those who prefer not to manage storage actively.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra uses Corning Gorilla Armor 2, the most advanced display protection currently available in smartphones.
Gorilla Armor 2 Features
This is the first smartphone to use Gorilla Armor 2 technology.
Scratch Resistance
The display resists scratches from common items including keys, coins, and sand. However, materials harder than the glass ceramic can still cause scratches. Some users report micro-scratches developing over time, though these are typically only visible at certain angles.
Additional Durability Features
Anti-Reflective Coating
A notable advantage over competitors is reduced screen glare in bright outdoor conditions. The S25 Ultra is significantly easier to use in direct sunlight.
Protection Recommendations
Despite the advanced technology, consider:
Repair Costs
Screen replacement costs $250-350 if damage occurs, making protection coverage worth considering.
Bottom Line
Gorilla Armor 2 provides excellent everyday durability and outstanding outdoor visibility. For maximum protection, pair it with a quality screen protector.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in seven colors across two availability tiers.
Standard Colors (All Retailers)
Samsung.com Exclusive Colors
Design Consistency
All colors feature:
Availability Notes
Standard colors are available through all retailers. Exclusive colors require ordering from Samsung.com and may have limited stock or longer shipping times.
Recommendations
For highest resale value: Titanium Black or Titanium Gray For case users: Any color (only frame edges visible) For unique aesthetics: Samsung.com exclusives
The matte finish on all colors effectively minimizes fingerprints and smudges.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra supports eSIM technology in addition to physical SIM cards.
SIM Capabilities
eSIM Benefits
Supported US Carriers
eSIM is supported by Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Google Fi, Visible, Mint Mobile, and most other carriers.
Setup Process
Travel eSIM Options
For international travel, services like Airalo and Holafly offer data eSIMs that work alongside your primary number.
Considerations
The S25 Ultra's eSIM support provides flexibility for managing multiple lines and travel data needs.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers excellent gaming performance thanks to its flagship specifications and improved cooling.
Key Gaming Hardware
Game Performance
Demanding titles run smoothly at high settings:
Thermal Behavior
The phone warms during gaming, which is normal. The vapor chamber system maintains performance for extended sessions. Some throttling may occur after 1+ hours of intensive gaming.
Gaming Features
Battery Impact
Expect 15-25% battery drain per hour depending on game and settings. 45W charging enables quick recovery.
vs. Dedicated Gaming Phones
The S25 Ultra lacks gaming-specific hardware like shoulder triggers or cooling fans. However, it provides better overall versatility while still delivering flagship gaming performance.
Summary
For users who want a complete smartphone that also excels at gaming, the S25 Ultra is an excellent choice. It handles all current mobile games at high settings while being a capable device for everything else.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra includes a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and hardware malfunctions.
Standard Warranty Coverage
Covered:
Not Covered:
Samsung Care+ (Optional)
Monthly plans starting at ~$13/month provide:
Service fees apply per claim ($29-249 depending on repair type).
Warranty Claims
Out-of-Warranty Repair Costs
Software Updates
Samsung commits to 7 years of software updates (Android upgrades and security patches). This is separate from hardware warranty coverage.
Recommendation
Consider Samsung Care+ if you want protection against accidental damage. The standard warranty only covers defects, not damage from drops or accidents.
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