Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs everyone: who actually wins
The S25 Ultra promises to be the phone that does everything without making you choose. Against the iPhone 17 Pro and a same-tier Google Pixel, Samsung plays the kit card: nobody packs this much into one body.
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Samsung
Galaxy S25 Ultra
The phone that does everything, for those who use everything
Our score
✓ Pros
- ＋Periscope zoom with no direct rival
- ＋Built-in S Pen unique in this tier
- ＋Large, very bright screen
✗ Cons
- －Price at the very top
- －Colours sometimes oversaturated on auto
⚖ Verdict
The most complete of all, if you truly use the zoom and S Pen. Otherwise the iPhone 17 Pro or a Pixel give more for less.
✎ PREXO · 2 min read
The testing notebook
The real rival isn't who you think
The Galaxy S25 Ultra promises one thing: to be the phone that does it all without asking you to choose. Camera, screen, S Pen, battery — all near the top. The rivals it has to beat are clear: the iPhone 17 Pro on video and software, a same-tier Google Pixel on smart photography. Against both, Samsung plays the kit card: nobody puts this much into one body.
Where it stands apart from rivals
The zoom, against the iPhone
Here the gap is stark. The periscope telephoto reaches where the iPhone doesn't even try: 5x optical is clean, and pushed hybrid zoom stays usable where Apple's Pro turns to mush. If you shoot concerts, stadiums or distant detail, it's a different sport.
The S Pen, against everyone
No other flagship offers it built in. For quick notes, signing documents or precise photo edits, it's a tool that, once used, you don't give up. Those who never use it, though, won't miss it.
The screen, against the Pixel
The 6.9" panel is among the brightest around and handles full sun better than its direct competition. For anyone who watches a lot of video and photos, the difference shows.
Where the rivals win
It's not all Samsung's way. The iPhone 17 Pro stays ahead on video, for stabilisation and consistency across lenses, and offers a tighter ecosystem. The Pixel takes more natural shots on auto, without Samsung's tendency to oversaturate colours. And the Galaxy's price, at the very top, is higher than almost all of them.
The experience, beyond the comparisons
In daily use it's a phone that never stumbles: fluid, fast, with battery that covers a full day worry-free. The big body isn't for every hand, and with a case it gets substantial. But it's the definition of a "no-compromise" phone, case aside.
The numbers that count
- 6.9" AMOLED at 120 Hz: large and very bright, great for photos and video.
- 200 MP main sensor: very high detail in good light, heavy files.
- 5x periscope telephoto: the real zoom the others don't have.
- 5,000 mAh battery: full-day life, charging not the fastest.
- Built-in S Pen: unique in this tier.
The verdict
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the right pick if you want the most complete phone and truly use the zoom and S Pen. If you live in Apple's ecosystem or prioritise video, the iPhone 17 Pro is more coherent; if you want the most natural photo for less, look to the Pixel. Score 9 out of 10: the Swiss army knife of phones, for those who open every blade.