As Samsung prepares to ship its shiny new Galaxy S25s to customers, there is already an Android 15 update available to download and install. More so than with any Samsung release before, firmware updates look set to be a major deal with this new release. There’s also a wry twist in exactly what has changed, as the S25 falls back.

Many Galaxy S23 Ultra users are hesitant to upgrade to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and you can safely blame the phone for being too iterative.

The Galaxy S25+ and S23+ are tied for durability, at least on paper. Both feature Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Samsung’s Armor Aluminum frame, and IP68 dust and water resistance that lets them survive a dip in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Samsung’s Galaxy S-series is in its software era. Maybe the whole smartphone industry is, too, save for a few phones with hinges (Samsung’s included). But overall, we have exited the hardware-driven innovation cycle and are firmly in the midst of a software-based one.

If you want to get your hands on the Samsung Galaxy S25 cheaper than the RRP, Samsung is now letting you trade in your Pixel 9 for it.

The new Galaxy S25 Ultra is undoubtedly a wonderful phone with some truly ultra specs. But in 2025, a lot of phones have ultra features and cost a lot less than $1,300.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra; Size: 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm (6.41 x 3.05 x 0.33) 157.7 x 78 x 8.9 mm (3.07 x 6.43 x 0.35 inches) Weight: 218 grams (7.69 ounces)

Samsung hasn’t pulled out the stops to entice photographers to upgrade – but perhaps that’s no bad thing. Amy Davies finds out more The post Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review – a class-leading Android appeared first on Amateur Photographer.