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iQOO Neo 10R 5G Camera Review: Does it Deliver?

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iQOO Neo 10R 5G has been launched in India starting at Rs 26,999 and while it is a performance-centric device, it sports a practical camera setup, too. The iQOO Neo 10R 5G camera system consists of a 50-megapixel f/1.8 Sony IMX882 primary sensor with OIS and an 8-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens. For selfies, the handset houses a 32-megapixel f/2.45 selfie camera. Do these camera deliver or are they forgettable? We’ll find that out in our iQOO Neo 10R 5G camera review.

Iqoo neo 10r camera app

The camera remains easy to use with multiple features and modes on offer. Modes like fisheye, Supermoon, Pro, Panorama, long exposure, slo-mo, etc., are all available for users to explore. Features like real-time effects remastering, HDR, night mode, etc., allow customisation of the colour tone of the photo.

Iqoo Neo 10R regular outdoor
Iqoo Neo 10R zoomed shot

Outdoor shots from the main sensor sport a good amount of detail while the dynamic range is handled well. Even if you zoom in, the shots don’t lose out on detail which is something to appreciate. The exposure levels are handled nicely while the colours maintain their natural look instead of opting for a more vibrant look. However, the camera app does sport options where you can change the mode and opt for vivid, textured, or the natural tone.

Iqoo Neo 10R ultra-wide angle shot
Ultra-wide angle shot

Ultra-wide angle photos from the iQOO Neo 10R 5G camera setup come out to be impressive if we talk of colours. That’s because the colour shift in photos compared to shots from the main sensor is contained nicely. This allows for a consistent look in shots when shooting the same scene from both ultra-wide angle and primary sensors. However, if you zoom in, you will notice that the ultra-wide angle shots look softer and lack proper detailing.

Read More: iQOO Revises iQOO 12 Software Policy, Will Now Get 1 More Android OS Update

Iqoo neo 10R zoom ranges
2x (left), 4x (center), 8x (right)
Neo 10R 10x zoom shot
10x

The device can digitally zoom in at up to 10x but such shots are barely usable as they contain a good amount of noise and lack details also.

Iqoo Neo 10R Portrait shot

Portrait shots on the other hand are nicely handled with the bokeh effect looking natural and detection being accurate. If there’s enough light when shooting portraits, the detailing in the shot is also quite high.

Iqoo Neo 10R night mode

Coming to pictures shot in low-light, the camera does struggle with details but tries its best to maintain the colours. With enabled, the exposure levels crank up so the shot is better visible but it doesn’t largely affect the detailing.

Iqoo Neo 10R artificial light shot

As for photos shot in artificial lighting, they are once again excellent when it comes to colours or the overall details. The dynamic range is kept in check while the look of the overall shot won’t disappoint you.

Neo 10R 5G outdoor selfie
Iqoo Neo 10R low light selfie
Low-light Selfie

Selfies aren’t the device’s forte and that shows. The skin tones are off and the photos from the front sensor look soft. While in portrait, the edge detection is sharp, the handling of the colours and the skin tones could be improved. In low-light scenes, the situation worsens as the photos become even more softer.

To sum up, the iQOO Neo 10R 5G camera setup has its ups and downs. While it is decent for casual photography and gives pleasant results in ample lighting conditions, it’s not made for those who are looking for a camera-centric device that can perform well in any type of lighting environment. Our first impressions and gaming review of the iQOO Neo 10R 5G are also live so don’t forget to check them out, while a detailed review is also in the works.

iQOO Neo 10R 5G Launched in India: Price, Specs, Availability

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iQOO Neo 10R 5G has been announced in India as the brand’s latest mid-ranger. The handset’s highlights include a huge 6400mAh and a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 under the hood. The device comes with a dual rear camera setup, supports 80W fast charging, and more.

iQOO Neo 10R 5G: Price, Availability

The iQOO Neo 10R 5G is available in 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 256GB trims, priced at Rs 26,999, Rs 28,999, and Rs 30,999, respectively. The Neo 10R 5G can be bought in Moonknight Titanium and Raging Blue shades.

Additionally, iQOO Neo 10R is available for pre-booking starting now and will go on sale starting March 19, at 12 noon at iQOO e-store and Amazon.in.

Customers can avail following offers on purchasing iQOO Neo 10R:

  • On pre-booking, customers can avail 12 months of extended warranty and instant device setup on delivery for just Rs 99·
  • Get flat Rs 2,000 instant discount with SBI, ICICI, and HDFC Bank cards or get an exchange bonus of Rs 2,000 on all devices
  • Users can avail no cost for upto 6 months

iQOO Neo 10R 5G: Specifications

The iQOO Neo 10R sports a 6.78-inch (2800 x 1260 pixels) 1.5K AMOLED 20:9 display with a 144 Hz refresh rate, 4500 nits peak brightness, 3840 Hz PWM dimming, HDR 10+, and up to 300 Hz touch sampling rate.

The device packs the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC and runs on Android 15-based FunTouch OS 15. It will receive 3 major Android OS updates and 4 years of security patches. The smartphone houses up to 12GB LPDDR5x RAM and up to 256GB UFS 4.1 storage. However, the 8GB + 128GB model has UFS 3.1 storage.

The device is backed up by a 6400mAh Li-Ion battery with 80W Fast charging support. For optics, there’s a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor paired with an 8MP ultra Wide-Angle sensor. On the front, there’s a 32MP f/2.45 selfie sensor.

Connectivity options on the device include 6, 5G, v5.4, GPS, and a USB-C port for charging. Additional features include an IR blaster, an in-display optical fingerprint sensor, a stereo speaker setup, and an IP65-rated build.

We have already shared our initial impressions of the device along with its camera review as well as a gaming review. A full review for the device is also in the works so stay tuned for it.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Series Launched in India: Know All Details

Samsung has announced the launch of the Galaxy Book5 series in India, including the Galaxy Book5 Pro, Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 and Galaxy Book5 360. The new range of PCs combine the power of Galaxy AI with Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC experience, says the brand.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Series: India Price, Availability

Galaxy Book5 Pro with Intel Core Ultra now starts Rs 1,14,900, which is Rs 15,000 less as compared to the previous generation. As part of pre-book offers, customers who pre-book the Galaxy Book5 Pro, Galaxy Book5 360, and Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 can get Galaxy Buds3 Pro at just Rs 2,999.

Consumers can pre-book the Galaxy Book5 360, Galaxy Book5 Pro, and Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 starting today, March 11, on Samsung.com, Samsung India Smart Cafés, and select Samsung authorized retail stores and other online portals. The Galaxy Book5 series lineup will be available in India starting March 20, 2025, across Samsung.com, Samsung Exclusive Stores, leading online platforms, and key retail partners.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Series: Specifications

The Galaxy Book5 series is equipped with Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, supporting up to 3K (2,880×1,800 pixels) resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 120% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. The Pro models have a 3K running at 120Hz while the Book5 has a full-HD+ resolution at 60Hz. The screens will feature Corning Gorilla Glass with DX, designed for reduced glare and enhanced durability.

All three laptops come with two options each, including the Intel Core Ultra 5 or the Core Ultra 7. They come with integrated Intel Arc Graphics paired with up to 32GB and up to 1TB of PCIe SSD storage. The Book5 Pro 360 has a 76.1 Wh battery, while the Book5 Pro has a 63.1 Wh battery and the Book5 gets a 68.1 Wh battery.

The Pro models have quad speakers while the vanilla model has stereo speakers. All three machines support Dolby Atmos. They run on Windows 11 out of the box and pack a 2MP webcam with 1080p resolution. Galaxy Book5 series also gets on-device Microsoft Copilot+ assistance for even greater productivity, along with a dedicated key.

Additionally, Multi-Device Connectivity integrates features like Phone Link, Quick Share, Multi-Control, and Second Screen, allowing users to work effortlessly across their Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Moreover, Samsung Knox ensures a secure and collaborative privacy foundation.

Xiaomi 15, Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launched in India: Price, Specs, Availability

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Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra have been launched in India with the Snapdragon 8 Elite underneath. The two devices have been co-engineered with Leica for an enhanced photography experience. Here are all the details of the two devices including their specifications, price, and availability.

Xiaomi 15, Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Price, Availability

Xiaomi 15 Ultra will cost Rs 1,09,999 for the single 16GB RAM and 512GB storage option. Customers pre-booking the phone will get a free Photography Kit Legend Edition and an ICICI Bank Rs 10,000 instant discount offer. 

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra Photography Kit Legend Edition with a USB-C camera grip, a 2,000mAh in-built battery, and a detachable shutter button, when bought separately, will cost Rs 11,999.

The Xiaomi 15 costs Rs 64,999 for the 12GB + 512GB configuration. Those pre-booking the handset can get a Rs 5,000 instant discount using ICICI Bank cards and free Xiaomi Care Plan benefits worth Rs 5,999.

Pre-booking for both handsets will be open from March 19 and will continue through April 2. The early access sale for the devices opens today, March 11. The phone will be available for purchase via Amazon, Xiaomi India e-store, and select offline stores. The base Xiaomi 15 comes in Black, Green, and White shades, while the Ultra variant is offered in a single Silver colour.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Specifications

Xiaomi 15 Ultra India

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra sports a 6.73-inch display with a WQHD+ resolution, achieving a Pixel density of 522ppi. It reaches a peak brightness of 3200 nits and supports Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+ formats. Furthermore, this display employs LTPO technology, enabling a variable Refresh Rate from 1-120 Hz, alongside DC dimming and 1920Hz PWM dimming.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. The device gets 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra has a quad-camera system on the rear, including a 50MP f/1.6 Sony LYT-900 main sensor with OIS, a 50MP Samsung JN5 f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, a 50MP OIS-enabled IMX858 f/1.8 3x telephoto unit and a 200MP f/2.6 Samsung HP9 4.3x periscope telephoto sensor. There’s a 32MP f/2.0 selfie snapper on the front.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is equipped with Dolby Atmos dual stereo speakers and a 4-mic array capturing sound in 360 degrees while recording a video. As for the battery, the device packs a 5410mAh battery with 90W fast wired charging, 80W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging. The Chinese variant sports a 6000mAh battery on the other hand.

The handset further has a customised high-vibration X-axis linear motor, USB-C 3.2 port, NFC, Bluetooth v6.0, 5G, Wi-Fi 6 (Wi-Fi 7 in China), an IR blaster, and Xiaomi’s latest HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15. It is also IP68 rated. There’s an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for biometrics.

Xiaomi 15: Specifications

Xiaomi 15 India

The Xiaomi 15 gets a 6.36-inch (2670 x 1200 pixels) 1.5K Resolution M9 12-bit OLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio, LTPO technology for 1-120Hz variable refresh rate, up to 3200 nits peak brightness, 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, HDR10+ support, Dolby Vision, 1920Hz PWM Dimming, DC Dimming, and Xiaomi Ceramic Glass 2.0 protection.

It is powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. The Xiaomi 15 gets a triple rear camera system, including a 50MP primary camera with f/1.62 Light Fusion 900 lens, Hyper OIS, LED flash, Leica Summilux lens, paired with a 50MP 115-degree Leica ultra-wide angle lens with f/2.2 aperture, ans a 50MP 2.6x 10cm Infinity Leica telephoto camera with f/2.0 Aperture and OIS. There’s a 32MP f/2.0 selfie snapper on the front.

The Xiaomi 15 is equipped with Dolby Atmos dual stereo speakers and a 4-mic array capturing sound in 360 degrees while recording a video. As for the battery, the Xiaomi 14 has a 5240mAh battery with 90W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging. The Chinese version gets a 5400mAh battery.

It further has a customised high-vibration X-axis linear motor, USB-C 3.2 port, NFC, Bluetooth v5.4, 5G, Wi-Fi 6 (Wi-Fi 7 in China), an IR blaster, and Xiaomi’s latest HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15. The handset is also IP68 rated.

Google Introduces Gemini-Powered Add to Calendar Shortcut in Gmail

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Google is adding a new Gemini-powered Add to Calendar shortcut in Gmail where Gemini will be able to detect calendar-related events in an e-mail and will show the user a button to automatically add that event to the Google Calendar. Here’s everything to know about the new feature that’ll work through Gemini in Gmail.

“In addition to asking Gemini in Gmail to perform calendar related actions or answer questions about your calendar, you can now add an event to your calendar directly from an email,” said Google in a Workspace Updates blog post. With this update, Gemini will automatically detect calendar related content in your email and an “Add to calendar” button will appear. Upon clicking this option, the side panel in Gmail will open to confirm the event has been added to your calendar.

A few points to note about the feature include:

  • This feature is only available in English and on web at this time. 
  •  The “Add to calendar” button will not appear for emails with already extracted events (like restaurants, flights, etc.). 
  • A calendar event created via the “Add to calendar” button will not include other guests. 

The extended rollout of the feature began on March 10, with expected completion by mid April 2025. The Gemini-powered Add to Calendar shortcut in Gmail will be available for the following Google Workspace accounts:

  • Business Starter, Standard, and Plus 
  • Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus 
  • Customers with the Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on 
  • Google One AI Premium 

Meanwhile, Google introduced new AI features last week to make the search experience on its platform better than ever, including a new AI Mode in Search as well as upgaded AI Overviews with Gemini 2.0. This new Search mode expands what AI Overviews can do with more advanced reasoning, thinking and multimodal capabilities so you can get help with even your toughest questions. 

Apple Prepares Software Overhaul with iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16: Things to Know

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Apple’s software has constantly been evolving for years now with new features being added every year but this year seems to be a bigger-than-usual one for Apple. A new report suggests that Apple is preparing a software overhaul with 19, 19, macOS 16 later this year that will fundamentally change the look of the operating systems.

The said upgrades are claimed to go beyond a “new design language and aesthetic tweaks,” according to a report by Bloomberg. The major software overhaul with iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 will make Apple’s various software platforms more consistent, according to people familiar with the development. That includes updating the style of icons, menus, apps, windows and system buttons.

As part of this initiative, the company is focused on streamlining device navigation and controls. The design is reportedly inspired by the Vision Pro’s software, which means we could be looking at circular icons being used across the operating systems. The changes are coming as part of iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 — code-named “Luck” — and macOS 16, which is dubbed “Cheer.”

Read More: Apple Launches M4 MacBook Air, Mac Studio with M3 Ultra, M4 Max: Check India Prices

The report says that the software will mark the most significant upgrade to the Mac since the Big Sur operating system in 2020. For the iPhone, it will be the biggest revamp since in 2013. “The updates are poised to be a highlight at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June — and could help distract from the company’s tumultuous push into artificial intelligence,” read Bloomberg’s report.

Apple is already in a tight spot when it comes to AI, as the company indefinitely delayed its AI upgrades for the Siri digital assistant recently, which is supposed to be one of the most important features of Apple Intelligence. The report adds that the upgrade has “become a major focus for Apple’s software engineering organization, as well as the user interface team within the company’s larger design group.”

OnePlus Gives Up on its Iconic Alert Slider to Replace it With a Button

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OnePlus phones, at least the mid-rangers and the flagships, have always had one common feature that’s appreciated amongst fans, and that’s the Alert Slider, that has been a part of OnePlus phones since the OnePlus 2. However, the feature has reached its end of life, as OnePlus is all ready to give up on it in favour of a more customisable button.

On the OnePlus Community, Pete Lau, CEO at OnePlus, said that the Alert Slider has to evolve in something better and more functional. “iconic as it is, it is a huge piece of hardware just to switch sound profiles. That didn’t sit right with me. I brought this up with our product team several times because I believed we could push it further,” said Pete. “For the past 3 years, we’ve debated how to take the Alert Slider further,” he added.

“It is a bold move, and not everyone was convinced. But I knew that if we wanted to build something truly better, we had to take this leap,” said Pete while implying that the company is axing the Alert Slider. The replacement? A button, similar to what you’d see on the latest iPhones where Apple calls it an “Action Button.”

“Imagine a button that adapts to you. Whether you’re a power user or prefer simplicity, this button works for you, not the other way around. Wherever life takes you, it seamlessly fits your lifestyle. It’s an innovation that is not just smart but intuitively yours,” said Pete.

Read More: OnePlus Introduces Night Mode in Instagram on OnePlus 13

He also stated the limitations of the Alert Slider as it couldn’t be customized and the button will solve that. “It is a hardware switch. Its function is locked to its physical position, meaning it can’t be reprogrammed or expanded without losing its simplicity.” “The new smart button is designed for that future, delivering a more personalized experience.”

Further, the change allows the company to better utilize the device’s space, explore new layouts, and make structural improvements while keeping performance top-notch. The button, apart from other customisations, will be usable for switching sound profiles, same as the Alert Slider.

“I know this is a big change. And I know it’s not easy to accept. The Alert Slider holds a special place in the hearts of our Community, and we don’t take that lightly. But we truly believe this is the right step forward. We’re not just replacing the Alert Slider, we’re evolving it, keeping the best parts while unlocking new possibilities that weren’t possible before,” Pete added.

New Telegram Update Brings Star Messages, Chromecast Support on Android, and More

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A new Telegram update is now being rolled out to all users, bringing Star Messages and Chromecast support. This update also introduces an info page for new chats to prevent scams, the option to gift Premium with Stars, and Verification Platform 2.0, helping startups save on user verification, and more.

Star Messages in Telegram

If you receive a high volume of messages, you can now set a fee for incoming messages from users outside your contacts. This ensures that only those who truly value your time can reach you — giving you full control over your inbox while allowing you to earn Stars for your attention.

With this feature, you can:

  • Filter out unwanted messages and avoid inbox overload.
  • Ensure that every message you receive is meaningful — strangers can only contact you if they’re willing to send Stars.
  • Monetize your popularity while safeguarding your privacy and peace of mind.
  • Stay open to new conversations while protecting your account from spam and message floods.

This setting can also be applied to group chats and channel discussions to keep interactions focused and free from spam, helping group owners monetize their community and earn Stars from meaningful conversations.

Furthermore, Star Messages come with customizable settings  you can allow certain users or members of specific groups to message you for free. And if you ever need to make an exception after a message is sent, you can instantly refund the Stars with a single tap.

Contact Confirmation to Prevent Scams

The new Telegram update also brings Contact Conformation, where when someone outside your contacts messages you for the first time on Telegram, you’ll see a detailed info page that helps you spot scams, avoid impersonators, and verify who you’re talking to — before you even reply.

This page gives you essential insights about the sender, including:

  • Their country (based on their phone number).
  • Any shared groups you have in common.
  • When they joined Telegram — so you can spot fresh accounts.
  • When they last updated their username or profile picture — a handy way to detect sudden identity changes.
  • Clear indicators showing whether the user is an official account, has third-party verification, or is just a regular user.

Read More: Telegram Release’s AI-Powered Sticker Search in Telegram App Alongside Other Features

Chromecast Support on and More

With the new Telegram update, Android users can now cast videos straight to their Chromecast devices. To try the new feature, open a video, tap the Settings icon, and select Chromecast.

Then, you can now use your Telegram Stars to share Premium perks with others. Use your balance to gift Premium to friends — all without spending extra money. Users and groups that earn Telegram Stars through Star Messages can withdraw these Stars via Fragment, converting Stars into valuable rewards. These rewards can be instantly used to purchase Telegram Ads, collectibles on the TON blockchain and more.

Next, group owners who receive Stars from Star Messages can now view and manage their group’s Star balance directly from the group’s profile, making it easier to track and utilize earned Stars.

The new Telegram update also brings Platform Verification 2.0. Telegram’s Verification Platform was already 9x cheaper than other services, and now it’s 20% more cost-effective. The update lets developers set a max delivery time — if a code isn’t delivered within the window, it’s automatically refunded. It’s completely free to test — letting startups cut unnecessary costs.

Vivo Y300i 5G Launched with a 6500mAh Battery

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Vivo Y300i 5G has been announced in China with a 6.68-inch HD+ LCD screen and 120Hz refresh rate. Further, the device is backed up by a huge 6500mAh battery under the hood and runs on Android 15-based OriginOS 15 out of the box. Here are all the details of the device you’d like to know about.

Vivo Y300i 5G: Price

The vivo Y300i is priced at CNY 1499 (approx Rs 18,001) for the 8GB + 256GB model, CNY 1599 (approx Rs 19,200) for the 12GB + 256GB model and CNY 1,799 for the 12GB+512GB model (approx Rs 21,600).

Vivo Y300i 5G: Specifications

The Vivo Y300i 5G sports a 6.68-inch LCD Display with an HD+ Resolution of 1608 x 720 pixels ans 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits of brightness. The Y300i 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Processor paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR4x and up to 512GB of 2.2 storage.

Read More: Vivo Y29 5G Launched in India with MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC

The device has a single rear camera setup, including a 50MP f/1.8 primary sensor with PDAF. On the front, it gets a 50MP f/2.2 selfie sensor. The handset is backed by a 6500mAh battery with 44W fast wired charging support.

Connectivity options on the device includes Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth v5.2, GPS, and a USB-C port. It further runs on FunTouch OS 15 based on Android 15, packs stereo speakers, and also has water resistance. There’s also a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: My 30-Day Experience

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I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra as my daily driver for the past month after switching from the S24 Ultra, which I used on and off last year. At first, I didn’t think there were any significant changes, but after spending real time with it, I have a clearer picture and slightly more personalized view than the review of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra that I did a few weeks back. Let me walk you through my experience.

Design and Display

Right off the bat, the display is what keeps me hooked to Samsung S Series. It’s still a massive 6.9-inch AMOLED panel, but it feels even better this time. Samsung’s anti-glare finish might not sound like much, but in daily use, it really makes a difference—it’s easier on the eyes and reduces reflections. Whether indoors or under direct sunlight, the screen remains highly visible without aggressive glare.

Even though the phone is big, it feels more manageable. The bezels are slimmer, giving you more screen without making the phone any bigger. The flat edges and rounded corners took some getting used to, but now they feel natural. The S Pen slot is more seamless, and the phone is lighter than the S24 Ultra. But be warned—the titanium back is still slippery without a case. And yes, the signature quad-camera bump still makes the phone wobble when placed on a flat surface. If you’re someone who prefers a grippy phone, a case is a must.

Samsung Galaxy S25 ultra now brief

Durability and Build: Any Scratches?

Samsung is using Gorilla Glass Armor 2, and I have to say, it’s holding up well. My phone has spent a month in all sorts of places when it is not in use—my jeans pocket with keys and coins, travel bag, cluttered desk, and Kitchen slab car dashboard —and so far, no scratches. That’s impressive because, on previous devices, micro-scratches would show up within a few weeks. If you don’t like using screen protectors, this glass upgrade might be beneficial.

Samsung Galaxy S25 ultra frame

Performance and Battery Life

Let’s talk about speed—this phone flies. The new keeps things snappy, whether you’re scrolling, switching apps, or gaming. It feels just as fast as the S24 Ultra, with no lag or stutters. Apps load instantly, animations feel fluid, and multitasking remains seamless, even when using split-screen mode.

Battery life? It’s… fine. There’s no real upgrade here. My typical day starts at 6 AM and ends around 11 PM, and by bedtime, I’m usually at 20% with over four hours of screen time. If you’re a power user, you’ll likely have to charge it by evening. Wireless charging speeds remain unchanged, and I still wish Samsung offered faster wired charging like some competitors.

AI Features: Useful or Just Hype?

Samsung has pushed hard with this phone, but does it make a difference? Well, it depends.

Features like ‘Now Brief’ try to learn your habits and show you relevant info, but honestly, I haven’t found much use for it. AI Select, which replaces Smart Select, is basically Google’s Circle to Search with a few extras, like letting you edit images with generative AI. It’s neat, but nothing game-changing.

One thing I did like is the Audio Eraser. It helps isolate voices in videos, which can be handy, but it’s not a must-have if you are not in videos. Personally, I found the feature quite useful, as I have not used an external mic in almost all the videos that I shot using S25 Ultra in indoor conditions. Samsung is clearly borrowing ideas from Google and devices, and while they work, they don’t feel like big selling points.

Samsung has also added cross-app AI capabilities, like letting you long-press the power button to activate Gemini, but honestly, it doesn’t feel like a huge leap. If you heavily rely on AI tools, you might enjoy the integration, but it’s not something that will drastically change your daily usage. Having said that, I think Samsung is trying to get consumers ready for a future where AI might play a big role.

Cameras: What’s Changed?

If you were expecting a massive camera upgrade, you might be disappointed. The 200MP primary camera is the same as last year, with the same 50MP and 10MP telephoto lenses (5x and 3x optical zoom). The only real upgrade? A 50MP ultrawide camera instead of last year’s 12MP. That means sharper ultrawide shots, which is nice if you take a lot of landscape photos.

Samsung claims better zoom algorithms, but I didn’t see much difference in real use. 100x Space Zoom is still there, but if you’re zooming that far, you better have a steady hand. Low-light performance is slightly better, with improved noise reduction, but again, it’s nothing groundbreaking. They have continued the good work they did with S24 Ultra’s camera. I feel maintaining high standards is much more difficult than launching something that has not been tried and tested for the long run.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Zoom Shot

One area where Samsung has improved is video recording. The Pro Video mode has some enhanced stabilization and AI-powered editing tools. If you create content regularly, you might appreciate these changes. However, for the average user, the experience remains similar to last year.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra portrait shot

S Pen: Do I Use It?

I always have to remind myself to pull out the S Pen. It’s great for jotting down notes, but beyond that, I don’t use it much. The experience hasn’t changed in years, so if you loved it before, you’ll still love it. If you didn’t use it before, that won’t change now. Samsung has added a few AI-powered handwriting-to-text refinements, but again, it’s more of a minor improvement.

So, Should You Upgrade?

If you have an S24 Ultra or even an S23 Ultra, I wouldn’t advise to rush for an upgrade. The improvements are nice, but they’re not game-changing. If you’re trading in your old phone and getting a great deal, go for it—but don’t expect a major leap.

Now, if you’re coming from a three-year-old S series phone or switching from another flagship, you won’t regret clicking that buy button. You’re getting solid hardware, smooth software, and a camera that will help you capture memories in stunning detail.

Another thing to keep in mind is Samsung’s extended software support. The company promisesseven years of updates, so if longevity matters to you, this phone is a great investment.

So, after a month with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, that’s my take. Samsung continues to deliver a premium flagship experience, even if the changes are incremental for users who have been using S24 Ultra.