Galaxy S25 Ultra First Impressions
The Galaxy S25 Ultra showed up on my doorstep earlier than expected—and before most of the major YouTubers could flex theirs. I went with the exclusive online-only black colorway, and honestly, I didn’t have to think twice. Black on black with zero hesitation. It looks clean.
The Edges Are… a Lot
After a full day of use, the design is giving me flashbacks to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The corners are sharp—visually and literally. While the S25 Ultra is noticeably lighter, those squared-off edges dig into my hand. It’s the kind of detail you don’t think about until you feel it repeatedly throughout the day.
I still hope to rock it caseless as I get more acclimated to it. In the meantime, I’m using the brown OEM case, which does a solid job softening the grip and minimizing the edge issue. I’m also grabbing the black version to match the vibe and a clear one while it’s on sale for $12—because why not?
Side note: I miss Samsung’s leather cases. It looks like they’re following Apple’s lead and ditching actual leather. We’re left with a lighter, softer alternative that leans a little slick in the hand, but I still like it. The detailing is solid—clicky buttons and a raised ring around the camera bump make it feel thoughtfully designed.
Pocket Presence
This phone makes a statement in the pocket, much like the iPhone 13 Pro Max. It’s not uncomfortable, but you notice it’s there. While I usually prefer to use my phones naked, the S25 Ultra may take some getting used to. By contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max feels practically flawless without a case.
That said, I still want to give the S25 Ultra more time. The display is gorgeous, and overall, it feels like a refined upgrade. It’s an excellent phone with a premium look—especially in this blacked-out finish.
Gratuitous Upgrade? Maybe. Still Worth It.
I’ll admit it—I didn’t need this phone. My S23 Ultra is still doing everything I need, and Android has taken a bit of a backseat for me lately, anyway. But the S25 Ultra reminded me how much I enjoy the Android experience when it’s done right.
With both phones mirroring each other more than ever, there’s less separation between devices—sometimes, it feels like overkill. Especially considering I do everything except talk on the phone.
But I’m still standing by the dual-phone setup.
Having an Android and iOS device allows me to create some mental and digital separation between work and personal life. I use Android primarily for work-related tasks, which helps me compartmentalize. It might be a niche strategy, but it works for someone who lives on their phone(s).
Final Thoughts
So far, the S25 Ultra is a beautifully built, sharp-edged statement piece. It might not be the most comfortable phone to hold bare, but it’s got enough going for it—especially the display and finish—to keep me reaching for it. Gratuitous upgrade or not, I’m glad I picked it up.
