Anyone else getting a Samsung S25?

spacejamz · Jan 29, 2025

Even though the phone won't be available until 02/07, pre-orders are being shipped now. I just confirmation that UPS has my package and it will be delivered tomorrow between 12P-2P...

SKORPI0 · Jan 30, 2025

I almost completed my pre-order, until I found out that the s-pen is no longer bluetooth-enabled. I'll be keeping my S23 Ultra 512kb and wait and see what the S26/S27 would be capable off. I still have a Note 9 and Note 20 Ultra.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra S Pen is losing its Bluetooth superpowers - and Samsung won't fix it

The Bluetooth-enabled S Pen doesn't come with the new flagship Samsung phone, and the company isn't selling the accessory separately.

www.zdnet.com

BoomerD · Jan 30, 2025

Thinking about it. Verizon is offering $1000 trade-in for my S21 Ultra. I actually wanted to switch to an iPhone Pro Max this time, but once again, they've eliminated the trade-in for those. Not in a big hurry to make the switch...I'll wait and see what happens with the trade-in deals.

manly · Jan 31, 2025

I’m probably waiting another year.

Note that Apple silicon has dominated performance for ages, but Snapdragon 8 Elite is within striking distance now. Google’s Tensor G4 seems to be years behind.

We just benchmarked the Snapdragon 8 Elite — the iPhone 16 Pro is officially on notice

Here's how Qualcomm's latest chip performs

www.tomsguide.com

Oyeve · Feb 3, 2025

I was going to but samsung finance moved away from TD bank and I wanted to trade in my S22 Ultra but screw em. I got the S25 ultra through my jobs VZW account and an will just be happy with that. I just watched a video where the S25 ultra beat out an iphone 16 (dont recall if it was the pro model.) in pretty much every category. I will sell my S22 Ultra either here or on ebay. I really need to get rid of my multitude of phones. I am such a hoarder.

spacejamz · Feb 3, 2025

Samsung gave me $750 for my S23 Ultra (they were going for $620ish on swappa). have had the phone a few days and have been pretty happy with it so far...

Oyeve · Feb 5, 2025

Mine should be here this morning. Traded my pixel 9 pro for 400 bucks, the job will pay the rest. I get to keep my S22 Ultra so that's cool.

manly · Feb 5, 2025

BoomerD said:
Thinking about it. Verizon is offering $1000 trade-in for my S21 Ultra. I actually wanted to switch to an iPhone Pro Max this time, but once again, they've eliminated the trade-in for those. Not in a big hurry to make the switch...I'll wait and see what happens with the trade-in deals.

So that's why you pay VZW the big bucks. For comparison, Samsung is normally offering $135 trade-in for S21 Ultra (promo $500).

Noticed a couple articles in my news feed touting pre-order savings, so I took a glance at Samsung's offers. Pretty uninteresting; probably better deals incoming if Trump tanks the global economy into a recession.

Oyeve · Feb 5, 2025

Mine came in this morning. I transferred all the crap from my S22 Ultra and will play more with it tomorrow. I am not using it until my case comes in next week. But, it does feel and look nice!

nOOky · Feb 5, 2025

I have the S24 Ultra so it's not worth it, even with $1,000 trade in and $300 off of Samsung accessories. If the main camera or all cameras were significantly better, but they are not.

I'd consider downsizing to the + model if they could pack comparable camera tech into that, but they keep that for the Ultra only.

BoomerD · Feb 7, 2025

manly said:
So that's why you pay VZW the big bucks. For comparison, Samsung is normally offering $135 trade-in for S21 Ultra (promo $500).

Noticed a couple articles in my news feed touting pre-order savings, so I took a glance at Samsung's offers. Pretty uninteresting; probably better deals incoming if Trump tanks the global economy into a recession.

<sigh> yeah...that's part of it. Our current S21 Ultras have been paid off for quite a while. The current stupidly high bill is JUST service and insurance on the fones...oh...plus taxes and fees.

manly · Feb 14, 2025

Only applies to Spectrum internet customers, but Spectrum Mobile once again has enhanced trade-in values for obsolete devices.
They gave me $705 for my Galaxy S8 that's been sitting in a desk drawer for four years.

I think I really want the S25+ (or overpriced Ultra), but Spectrum stores have been getting raided by phone flippers so I had to settle for a base S25. Remains to be seen if I can settle for a smaller phone, but I have a couple weeks to figure it out.
(Worst case scenario, I can do this again in one year for an S26+ if they have the same launch promo.)

With trade-in, the S25 is the best value. Even with exorbitant CA sales tax of 10%, the total out of pocket was only $175.
If they had S25+ in stock and I had gotten that instead, it would be about $400. Still a very good deal.

BoomerD said:
<sigh> yeah...that's part of it. Our current S21 Ultras have been paid off for quite a while. The current stupidly high bill is JUST service and insurance on the fones...oh...plus taxes and fees.

Why are you paying insurance on a four year old device? Can't you take that off?
Probably still makes sense for you to either a) get the enhanced trade-in value for your S21U or b) switch to a more cost-effective carrier.
I believe you have a couple MVNO options if you wanted to stay on Verizon's cellular towers.

gdansk · Feb 15, 2025

I have the S25 Ultra.
I didn't need to upgrade but I did anyway.

GB6:

samsung SM-S938U1 - Geekbench

Benchmark results for a samsung SM-S938U1 with a Qualcomm ARMv8 processor.

browser.geekbench.com

I think I might be the only person on the web who admits to liking Samsung's software. Even if they add a lot of useless features most of them can be disabled, removed or ignored.

Also I have to say I like the rounded corners.

skriefal · Feb 15, 2025

manly said:
I believe you have a couple MVNO options if you wanted to stay on Verizon's cellular towers.

Yes - there are several MVNOs who offer service through Verizon's network/towers. Off the top of my head - US Mobile, MobileX, Lexvor, Red Pocket, Spectrum, Xfinity. Probably a few more than I'm forgetting.

And there's the Verizon-owned flanker brands that also use Verizon's network/towers - Total Wireless, Visible, Tracfone, StraightTalk, and several others.

spacejamz · Feb 15, 2025

skriefal said:
Yes - there are several MVNOs who offer service through Verizon's network/towers. Off the top of my head - US Mobile, MobileX, Lexvor, Red Pocket, Spectrum, Xfinity. Probably a few more than I'm forgetting.

And there's the Verizon-owned flanker brands that also use Verizon's network/towers - Total Wireless, Visible, Tracfone, StraightTalk, and several others.

been very happy with Red Pocket...been using them for over 5 years now...using the T-Mobile towers. very good 5g coverage for me. Only hick up has been Dallas Cowboy games where I assume I am getting throttled because of the number of users in that area...I usually go to 2-3 games a year since a friend has season tickets.

spacejamz · Feb 15, 2025

I highly recommend this tempered glass screen protector...super easy to put on and is case friendly.

Pretty sure this is the first one I have used that has no issues with finger printer reader...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNVQNBRP?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

skriefal · Feb 15, 2025

spacejamz said:
Only hick up has been Dallas Cowboy games where I assume I am getting throttled because of the number of users in that area...

Yes, that would be deprioritized T-Mobile service. The postpaid T-Mobile users will have higher priority on the towers, and will have a better experience. But they'll also be paying more every month; possibly a lot more.

In2Photos · Feb 15, 2025

I had no plans for a new phone but my Pixel 5a completely died yesterday and will no longer turn on or do anything. I was going to get a 24SE but they were out so I ended up with the S25. Enjoying it so far. I didn't really think my Pixel was getting slow but I've noticed a difference when using a few apps, scrolling in particular is smoother, apps open faster, etc.

spacejamz · Feb 15, 2025

skriefal said:
Yes, that would be deprioritized T-Mobile service. The postpaid T-Mobile users will have higher priority on the towers, and will have a better experience. But they'll also be paying more every month; possibly a lot more.

I am paying about $240/year for 8GB of monthly data with unlimited calls/texts...i probably use around 2GB month so I am good with what I have...

Amused · Mar 10, 2025

So I have had the S25 Ultra for a few days now. It's been great. Not a dramatic difference in performance from my S22 Ultra, but it is just a bit noticeably faster and smoother.

But there is a thing that nags me, and it is 100% stupid perception. The S25 Ultra is lighter. The s22 Ultra feels more premium to me and that is 100% related to shape and weight. So it's just so stupid, right? The lighter S25 Ultra is much nicer to have in my pocket though. And easier to hold to read.

But the difference in weight is only 12 grams. WTF???

How can a measly 12 grams be THAT noticeable???

I find the S22 ultra to be more attractive. I'm not digging the squared off edges and rounded corners of the S25. But that is more 100% stupid perception.

Ironically, the S25 FEELS and LOOKS smaller, while they are basically the exact same size. More stupid perception.

So this review has revealed only one thing. I'm stupid.

(BTW, just for info: Verizon gave me $1120 for my S22 Ultra as trade for the S25 Ultra 512GB version. It's normally $1000 but Verizon and Samsung had a sale for an extra $120 on my trade.)

Amused · Mar 10, 2025

Hey, You all probably know this but I'll offer up the info.

My S22Ultra battery was still very good after 3 years. From the start I made a Bixby routine that turns off fast/superfast charging and fast wireless charging between 8PM and 6AM. (I have a wireless charging stand on my nightstand.) This significantly saved my battery and kept it lasting all day with ease. With heavy scrolling and reading use the lowest I got was in the 40s even after 3 years.

I could even Strava (screen off) for 6-8 hours during a day out on the bike and STILL had over 50% in the battery left.

Fast/superfast charging daily significantly lowers your battery's lifespan. This is the first phone I've had that didn't have notable battery degradation after 3 years.

In2Photos · Mar 10, 2025

Amused said:
Hey, You all probably know this but I'll offer up the info.

My S22Ultra battery was still very good after 3 years. From the start I made a Bixby routine that turns off fast/superfast charging and fast wireless charging between 8PM and 6AM. (I have a wireless charging stand on my nightstand.) This significantly saved my battery and kept it lasting all day with ease. With heavy scrolling and reading use the lowest I got was in the 40s even after 3 years.

I could even Strava (screen off) for 6-8 hours during a day out on the bike and STILL had over 50% in the battery left.

Fast/superfast charging daily significantly lowers your battery's lifespan. This is the first phone I've had that didn't have notable battery degradation after 3 years.

My Pixel would do this automatically if an alarm was set for the following morning. I'll have to look into setting something like this up.

spacejamz · Mar 10, 2025

Amused said:
Hey, You all probably know this but I'll offer up the info.

My S22Ultra battery was still very good after 3 years. From the start I made a Bixby routine that turns off fast/superfast charging and fast wireless charging between 8PM and 6AM. (I have a wireless charging stand on my nightstand.) This significantly saved my battery and kept it lasting all day with ease. With heavy scrolling and reading use the lowest I got was in the 40s even after 3 years.

I could even Strava (screen off) for 6-8 hours during a day out on the bike and STILL had over 50% in the battery left.

Fast/superfast charging daily significantly lowers your battery's lifespan. This is the first phone I've had that didn't have notable battery degradation after 3 years.

Thanks for the tip....the S25 has built functionality to create routines so it was pretty easy to do this...

Amused · Mar 10, 2025

spacejamz said:
Thanks for the tip....the S25 has built functionality to create routines so it was pretty easy to do this...

You're welcome! I had read this tip way back when I got my S22 Ultra and I'm so pleased with how it saved the battery. And the bonus of having the routine is fast charging is automatically on by default during the day just in case I need it. But I can't remember ever needing it except a couple times when traveling overseas or if I forgot to put it on the charger at night.

WelshBloke · Mar 17, 2025

Just ended up with an S25 and I'm liking it.
I wanted to try out a smaller phone and, tbh, I'm not noticing a size difference (in hand) to my old s20fe. If I put them together there's a difference but in use I'd say they are functionally the same.
The S25 is as slippery as an eel covered in industrial lube though! It's the first phone where I'm scared that I'm going to drop it! Had to order a case for overnight delivery from amazon to hold over until my leather skin from debrand arrives.
Performance is beastly but unnecessary. I'm going to set the Performance levels to prioritise battery life and temperature (there's a light performance option in device care and good lock has a thermal guardian thing that let's you adjust when the council throttles).
Not had much chance to use the camera much yet but the AI photo editing thing is very good!

Anyone else getting a Samsung S25?

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