Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review

Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra earned its place at the top of Samsung’s lineup by fixing what buyers actually complained about on the S24 Ultra, and after weeks of daily use across Dubai’s heat and long work days, that effort shows.

This Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review UAE breaks down exactly what you get at prices starting around AED 2,799, running up to AED 5,099 depending on storage and retailer.

We tested design, display, performance, camera, and battery the way a real UAE buyer would use them, not in a lab. More context on other Samsung phones in the UAE is available if you are still comparing models.

Design & Build Quality

Samsung kept the boxy silhouette from the S24 Ultra but pulled the corner radius in slightly, so the phone sits a little easier in the hand despite an almost identical footprint.

The frame is titanium again, paired with Corning Gorilla Armor 2 on the front, a glass Samsung says cuts down glare without giving up scratch resistance.

At 218 grams it is not a light phone, but the weight is spread evenly enough that it does not feel front heavy once the S Pen is docked. Full specifications, including exact dimensions and every color option, sit on Samsung’s official Galaxy S25 Ultra page if you want to check them against your last phone.

The titanium frame handles Gulf heat and dust better than the aluminum frames on cheaper Galaxy models, and the IP68 rating covers sudden downpours during shoulder season without a second thought.

Display Test

The 6.9 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel runs at a QHD+ resolution of 3120 by 1440 pixels, and text stays sharp even when reading small print in a spec sheet or a contract.

Samsung rates peak brightness at 2600 nits, and that number matters more than the marketing suggests once you step outside.

The adaptive refresh rate moves between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on what is on screen, so scrolling through social feeds feels smooth without draining the battery during static reading like email or maps. Bezels are thinner than the S24 Ultra too, which makes the screen feel larger than the size on paper suggests.

Under direct UAE midday sun the screen holds up better than most phones we have tested, and you rarely need to cup a hand over it just to read a message.

Performance & Gaming

The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip runs this phone, paired with 12GB of RAM across every storage tier sold in the UAE.

Everyday tasks like switching between banking apps and multitasking with Samsung DeX feel instant, with no stutter even after several weeks of use.

Gaming performance holds up well too, and titles like Genshin Impact run at high settings without dropping frames during long sessions. Full benchmark figures for this chipset are listed on GSMArena’s spec page if you want the raw numbers.

Even during a 40 degree Dubai afternoon with the AC switched off, the phone throttled only slightly during a 30 minute gaming session, which is a real step up from the S24 Ultra.

Camera Test

Samsung’s camera array leads with a 200MP main sensor at f/1.7, backed by a 50MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto at 3x, and a 50MP periscope telephoto at 5x.

The new ultrawide sensor is the biggest jump from last year’s model, with noticeably less softness at the edges of the frame.

Daylight shots come out detailed and close to true color straight out of the camera app, and the 100x digital zoom works better as a spotting tool than as a source of usable photos. Detailed sensor and benchmark breakdowns for this camera setup are available on Notebookcheck if you want to compare it against other 2026 flagships.

Rear Camera

Front Camera

If you travel often and want one phone that handles landscapes, portraits, and zoomed in shots of distant landmarks, this camera system covers all three without needing to carry extra lenses.

Battery Test

The 5000mAh battery is unchanged in capacity from the S24 Ultra, but efficiency gains from the new chip stretch it further across a normal day.

Samsung’s own testing puts video playback at 31 hours, and our real world screen on time landed closer to 7 hours with a mixed load of camera use, social apps, and messaging.

Charging is still capped at 45W wired, which fills the battery to roughly 65 percent in 30 minutes but takes longer than several rivals to reach a full charge. Samsung does not include a charger in the box, so budget for that separately if you are switching from an older phone.

For a typical UAE office day with air conditioning keeping the phone cool, it comfortably lasts from an early commute to a late dinner without needing a charger.

Pros & Cons

Final Verdict: Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Worth Buying in UAE?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra earns its place at the top of Samsung’s lineup without needing to reinvent the formula that made the S24 Ultra popular.

It performs best for people who already lean on the S Pen, shoot a lot of photos, or want a display bright enough for Gulf sun without hunting for shade. If your last flagship was two or three years old, the jump in camera detail and daily speed will feel worth it, even if the design itself plays it safe.

At AED 2,799 and up depending on storage and retailer, the price to value ratio is stronger than it was at launch, especially once you compare current deals across UAE stores. It is best suited to power users, content creators, and anyone who keeps a phone for two or more years.

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