Samsung is gearing up to release what may be its sleekest flagship phone yet—the Galaxy S25 Ultra. According to industry insider IceUniverse, this new model will boast a thickness of just 8.4mm, making it slimmer than both the S24 Ultra, which is 8.6mm thick, and the S23 Ultra by 0.6mm. This refined design underscores Samsung’s commitment to combining aesthetic elegance with powerful functionality.
While many smartphone manufacturers are opting for larger batteries and more substantial camera modules, Samsung remains dedicated to design finesse. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to be nearly as thin as Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is rumored to be 8.26mm thick. Remarkably, this slim profile will include an in-built S Pen, a 5,000mAh battery, and advanced camera sensors.
In response to consumer feedback, Samsung is also expected to soften the sharp corners seen in recent Ultra flagships. The new design will feature more rounded corners, improving single-handed use by reducing discomfort. Additionally, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to adopt design elements from the upcoming Galaxy Watch Ultra, incorporating camera rings inspired by the watch’s design.
Samsung is not only focusing on the physical design but also enhancing the software experience. The Galaxy S25 Ultra will reportedly come with One UI 6.1.1, which includes several AI features tailored for the S Pen, further integrating this accessory into the user experience.
In a bid to stay competitive, Samsung has taken steps to revitalize its design approach. This includes hiring Hubert H. Lee, a former Mercedes design expert, to lead its smartphone design team. Lee’s influence is expected to start showing in 2024, with the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro already reflecting a new, more practical design with a stem, akin to Apple’s AirPods.
The shift towards a more rounded design marks a significant change from the boxy aesthetics of recent Ultra models. The Galaxy S21 Ultra featured rounded corners, but the design transitioned to a boxier shape with the S22 Ultra. This year, Samsung opted for a flat screen, further emphasizing the sharp corners, which some users found uncomfortable. The Galaxy S25 Ultra appears to be a return to a more ergonomic design, possibly to maintain consistency with the other models in the Galaxy lineup, which have traditionally featured rounded bodies.
There are speculations that the Galaxy S25 series may come with a higher price tag. Reports suggest that Samsung might face increased production costs due to low yields of the Exynos 2500 chip, potentially leading to a global switch to Snapdragon processors, which are becoming more expensive. To mitigate these costs, Samsung is considering using MediaTek chips in some models. These decisions are still unfolding, and the final pricing strategy will be clearer as the release date approaches.
Meanwhile, Samsung has announced its July Unpacked event, where it will unveil new foldable phones and wearables. Expected announcements include the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Watch Ultra, Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch 7 series, and Buds 3 series.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, set to be released in early 2025, represents Samsung’s continued innovation in smartphone design, balancing sleek aesthetics with robust functionality. As the company navigates industry challenges and consumer expectations, the S25 Ultra could set new standards in the flagship smartphone market.
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