Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: That's why I would always use the cheaper cell phone

For me, the decision is clear: I would use the Galaxy S25. (Image: Gamestar Tech / Samsung)

At the beginning of February, Samsung brought his new Galaxy S25 series on the market. With the S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra, there are three models that vie for your favor.

The differences between the models are low. It was different last year, because different processors were installed here, and the S24 Ultra offered significantly more RAM.

This is not the case with the S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra-all models rely on the new Snapdragon 8 elite chipset and twelve gigabytes of RAM.

At first glance, the clearest difference between the S25 models is the price:

  • The Galaxy S25 costs 899 euros in the smallest equipment
  • The S25+ is available from 1,149 euros
  • The ultra model costs at least 1,449 euros

So the Galaxy S25 Ultra is proud550 euros more expensive than the basic modelof the Galaxy S25 - at least with the non -binding price recommendation.

Of course, the question arises whether the grip for the Ultra is worth it at all and if so, for whom actually?

The most important differences between S25 (+) and S25 Ultra

The differences within the S25 series can be broken down to two aspects: camera and s pen. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has the better, back-sized camera system, as the following technical comparison shows:

ModelWide angleUltraweitwinkelTelephoto lens
Galaxy S25 Ultra200 megapixels, aperture f/1.7, optical image stabilization50 megapixels, aperture f/1.9Telephoto lens 1: 50 megapixels, aperture f/3.4, optical image stabilization, 20x digital zoom, 5x optical zoom, 100x space zoom

Telephoto lens 2: 10 megapixels, aperture f/2.4, optical image stabilization, 5x digital zoom, 3x optical zoom

Galaxy S25 (+)50 megapixels, aperture f/1.8, optical image stabilization12 megapixels, aperture f/2.210 megapixels, aperture f/2.4, optical image stabilization, 10x digital zoom, 3x optical zoom, 30x space zoom

In my two test reports onandI took numerous example photos with the two camera systems.

And yes: the potentiallyBetter recordings ultimately succeed in the ultra model. It offers higher resolved sensors and a better optical zoom.

Nevertheless, I would like to break a lance for the Galaxy S25 (+) at this point. You can also make great shots with this cell phone.

I would even go so far and say: If you don't just zoom in into your photos and use the hand camera especially for snapshots and vacation photos, you will behardly notice a difference, despite the supposedly significantly lower resolution.

Both camera systems are really good and only photo enthusiasts should reach for the Galaxy S25 Ultra with the highest demands.

The Ultra is the only of the three devices to have the S Pen

The input pencil-or S Pen, as Samsung calls it-is only included in the ultra model. The pen is particularly useful if you have a lothandwritten notes or sketchesworks.

With the Ultra, this is quite a good thing due to the large display with 6.9 inches. The screens of the Galaxy S25 (6.2 inches) and Galaxy S25+ (6.7) are somewhat smaller.

Nevertheless, of course, the question arises again:Do you absolutely need the pen?

If you use your smartphone productively and maybe even as a tool, you will appreciate the advantages of the S PEN. Then the S25 Ultra is a good choice.

I think the pen is practical, but I'm used to using my fingers on the smartphone. The S PEN therefore does not offer any real advantages in everyday life. For notes and Co. I use a tablet or pen and note.

So if, like me, you don't have much use for the stylus, then you can choose one of the basic models. If the screen size plays a role, simply take the larger S25+model.

More differences

In addition to the camera and the S Pen, the smartphones are almost identical. The Ultra still offers a slightly faster RAM, which you don't notice in everyday life.

In addition, the housing frame is made of titanium, but the regular S25 series is made of aluminum. The battery in the S25 Ultra offers a slightly larger battery compared to the S25+model.

However, with 5,000 compared to 4,900 milliampers' hours, the difference in everyday life should be negligible.

Conclusion

The S25 Ultra is the right choice for you if you want to have the slightly better camera and need the S Pen in everyday life. If this is not the case, in my view you can save yourself the surcharge.

Even if you prefer the big display, you should use the S25+ and save 400 euros compared to the ultra. I think very few users will really exhaust the added value of the ultra in everyday life.

Incidentally, this applies not only to the Samsung cell phone, but to many current smartphones. The differences to the flagship models are often low, but the price difference is sometimes enormous. So always think about whether you really need the expensive model.

Which model do you choose or did you choose? Does the choice fall on the simple Galaxy S25 or S25+ or do you prefer the advantages of the ultra model? Give me your opinion in the comments.