As the anticipation builds for Samsung’s next-generation flagship device, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the tech world is buzzing with excitement over the latest leaks and rumors. Expected to launch alongside the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ in early 2025, this device is shaping up to be a substantial evolution in Samsung’s premium lineup.
Although the release is months away, leaked CAD renders and specifications provide a detailed look at what we can expect. These early insights reveal some significant design changes, camera upgrades, and performance enhancements that could make the Galaxy S25 Ultra one of the most exciting smartphones in recent years.
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A Shift in Design Language: A More Refined Aesthetic
The most striking revelation from the leaked CAD renders, shared by well-known tipster @OnLeaks in collaboration with AndroidHeadlines, is the change in the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s design. Samsung appears to be moving away from the slightly curved edges that have characterized the Ultra series, opting instead for flat sides that resemble the design ethos of Google’s Pixel 9 and Apple’s latest iPhone models. This flatter aesthetic gives the device a more solid and premium look, possibly appealing to users who prefer a modern, minimalistic design.
The shift to flat sides may also offer practical benefits. Flat sides typically make devices easier to grip and less prone to slipping from the hand, a feature that could enhance usability, especially for a device of this size. The Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 162.8mm in height, 77.6mm in width, and 8.2mm in thickness, dimensions that make it slightly more compact than its predecessor. Additionally, the weight is expected to be around 219 grams, lighter than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which tipped the scales at 232 grams. This weight reduction could make a noticeable difference in day-to-day handling.
Display Enhancements: Bezel-less Experience
The front of the Galaxy S25 Ultra continues the trend of Samsung’s impressive display technology. According to the renders, the device will feature a nearly bezel-less design, giving users an immersive viewing experience. The front-facing camera, housed in a punch-hole cutout at the top center of the display, ensures that the screen remains as uninterrupted as possible. While specifics about the display size and resolution haven’t been officially confirmed, Samsung’s track record suggests that the S25 Ultra will offer a high-resolution AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, likely making it one of the best screens available in the market.
A key design detail that differentiates the Galaxy S25 Ultra from its predecessors is the arrangement of the rear cameras. The renders show four camera sensors arranged in a more streamlined fashion, with the LED flash located adjacent to them. Unlike the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which had more pronounced camera bumps, the S25 Ultra’s sensors seem to sit more flush with the body, creating a smoother and sleeker appearance.
Camera Upgrades: Pushing the Limits of Mobile Photography
Samsung has always been at the forefront of smartphone photography, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no exception. Leaked details suggest that the phone will be equipped with a versatile and powerful camera array, headlined by a 200-megapixel H2 primary sensor. This sensor promises to deliver incredible detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance, positioning the Galaxy S25 Ultra as a contender for the best smartphone camera of 2025.
Accompanying the primary camera is a 50-megapixel ISOCELL JN3 ultrawide sensor, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots. The inclusion of two telephoto lenses — a 50-megapixel IMX584 sensor with 5x optical zoom and a 10-megapixel IMX754 sensor with 3x optical zoom — will give users a range of focal lengths, enabling them to zoom in on distant subjects with clarity. The combination of these lenses makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra a highly versatile camera system that caters to a wide variety of photographic styles, from wide-angle shots to detailed zoomed-in images.
Samsung’s focus on camera innovation is evident in the choice of sensors. The ISOCELL and IMX series have consistently delivered high-quality images, and their inclusion in the Galaxy S25 Ultra suggests that Samsung is aiming for superior image processing, fast autofocus, and enhanced color reproduction. Whether you’re a casual photographer or a professional looking to capture stunning images, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is poised to deliver.
Performance and Hardware: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and AI Integration
Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC, a chipset that promises to bring unprecedented levels of performance to smartphones. Built on a new architecture, this processor is expected to offer significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance, enabling faster app launches, smoother gaming experiences, and more efficient multitasking. Additionally, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is likely to include advanced AI capabilities, enabling features like enhanced photography, real-time translation, and smarter voice assistants.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to come with up to 16GB of RAM, which will ensure that the device can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. Storage options are rumored to include up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, offering blazing-fast read and write speeds that will benefit users who frequently work with large files, such as high-resolution photos and videos.
A key component of the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s performance is its battery life. The device is rumored to feature a 5,000mAh battery, which should provide all-day battery life, even for power users. Samsung is also expected to include 45W fast charging, allowing the phone to charge quickly and efficiently, so you spend less time tethered to a charging cable.
Additional Features: S Pen, Water Resistance, and More
Because it seems some of you can’t see the #GalaxyS25Ultra S-Pen slot… pic.twitter.com/lsGN7x8H8B
— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) September 11, 2024
One of the hallmark features of Samsung’s Ultra series is the inclusion of the S Pen, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra will continue this tradition. The S Pen has been a favorite among creative professionals and productivity enthusiasts, offering precise input for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the device. While no significant changes to the S Pen have been leaked, its integration remains a major selling point for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The device is also expected to come with an under-display fingerprint reader, a feature that has become standard in premium smartphones. The under-display sensor provides a convenient and secure way to unlock the phone, keeping the design clean and uninterrupted by physical buttons.
In terms of durability, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is likely to feature an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This means the device can withstand being submerged in water for short periods, offering peace of mind to users who lead active lifestyles or frequently find themselves in unpredictable environments.
One of the most intriguing rumors is the inclusion of satellite connectivity. While details are scarce, satellite connectivity could allow the Galaxy S25 Ultra to send and receive messages in areas without cellular coverage. This feature could be particularly useful for adventurers, hikers, or anyone who frequently travels to remote locations.