Nor have I
You can use the notes app and have it set to auto open, not sure you have the same function like on AOD to scribble a note
You can always record the call and get a transcribe
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Samsung S25/ S25 Ultra
- Thread starter Dave245
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You can use the notes app and have it set to auto open, not sure you have the same function like on AOD to scribble a note
You can always record the call and get a transcribe
Here's a quick rundown of the updated Home Up. I've been a big proponent of Good Lock and all it's modules for some years now. No other OEM has anything remotely close to It's functionality. Can't wait to get my OneUI 7 update on my Flip5.
I see. Not sure how often I’d be on a call with earbuds and take notes on the screen, was just a thought I had about how I’d potentially use it.
that would a great feature! I will have to test next time i get a call
My new home screen from Fine Lock and Home Up
Not sure how useful it is.....but it is fun and different
Not sure how useful it is.....but it is fun and different
From what I've seen, the Fine Lock workaround is not needed for anyone that doesn't want to wait for the official Home Up update. After side loading the apk, you'll find the Home Up Update accessible if you long press the Home screen, then go to settings, and then scroll to the bottom and tap "more customizations." Home Up then opens.My new home screen from Fine Lock and Home Up
Not sure how useful it is.....but it is fun and different
Have you tried customizing the animations? I'll probably go with the Dynamic preset. It's smooth and quick.
Try using the Google gboard keyboard instead of the Samsung keyboard for "less" lag.
You can have a note app auto launch when you take out the pen.
Review to get a free case and charger? Sure why not
My new home screen from Fine Lock and Home Up
Not sure how useful it is.....but it is fun and different
Now this is what freedom should be about lol
Make your home screen how you want with no grids holding it back
Review to get a free case and charger? Sure why not
I didnt think we were going to get the link for that until after the 14day return period was up :/ perhaps that's only in the uk
Review to get a free case and charger? Sure why not
Is it only when posting a positive review 😂
Is it only when posting a positive review
No idea lol doesn’t say but if you bought it maybe they don’t care lol
Yea I’m pretty sure they would be in a world of trouble if they even suggested it has to be a good review.
So in a move that may shock and surprise many... I decided to try out an S25 U and I am typing this very post on it right now...
My experience of Samsung devices hasn't been the best, truth be told - aside from the Flips I have trialled which I personally think are a lot of fun. The thing with the Flips is, you know you're not getting the best of the best in terms of camera, specs etc so expectations are therefore tempered in line with that.
But with their mainline series, I have always found there to be some sort of downfall that ruins the experience for me. Mostly, the camera. Again, I'm speaking for me here and not as a general consensus, but the more I have read online from real Samsung users (reddit, sometimes here, even some actual YT reviews etc) it seems I haven't always been alone in feeling like that.
So why try an S25 U then? Well, it's been years since I've had a go of one of Samsungs Ultra devices (probably S21 or 22?) and I want to understand whether things have changed or if I can be satisfied that these devices are just not for me. Smartphones change a lot over the course of a couple of years. Especially in this day and age where all phones at the moment seem to be about refinement over innovation.
And I am aware software comes on leaps and bounds and it's not that I haven't liked One UI but it certainly has never been my favourite.
Well, so far, I have been nothing but impressed with the phone although it does still have some drawbacks but show me a phone that doesn't.
FWIW this isn't a Samsung hate post, so if people are interested in my experience so far (4 days) then continue on! I certainly haven't bought it to justify posting negativity as if I found that I didn't like it I probably wouldn't have bothered posting as I wouldn't want to be seen to be just negatively bashing something that I knew I wouldn't like anyway.
Anyways, let's get into it.
Hardware. Really great. But it's massive. And tbh, the size is likely going to be the deciding factor for me as it is overly larger than what I like. I wish Samsung did two sizes of their top flagship like Google and Apple are doing, but then I guess it wouldn't live up to the Ultra name. 😉.
The screen is absolutely out of this world. Amazing clarity, great colours and gone are the days where the Samsung panel is retina burning. It's pretty great straight out of the box, but I still opted for the natural hue as per all my phones.
One hardware element that I don't like... Haptics. Where are they? Are the Samsung haptics in the room with us? The answer is no. 🙃. Poor in comparison to Pixel and not much better than Apples rubbish offering. Appreciate this one is personal, so those happy with them that's cool but in comparison to the pixels haptics which are top tier (IMO) this falls way short.
Battery life has been stellar. Like mad good. My pixel 9 pro annoys me for it's battery as with heavier usage is doesn't really last the day and its frustrating. No such problems here, but it is a chonk so to be expected. I have switched the display to the full / highest res too which doesn't seem to have impacted in the slightest.
Camera. The one element I expected to be subpar (as per my experience with Samsung) is... Very good. Low light shots of my dog who is black I expected to be a mess. To my surprise... not in the slightest. Check these out. Point and shoot, no lag, really clear and v impressive.
side eye. Lol.
I haven't even tested outside shots but I know they will be great if the indoor lower light ones are coming out like this. Really pleased to see such a step up from what I have experienced in the past.
I haven't delved into good lock or any of those bits and pieces yet and am still tinkering with how I want the phone set up. There are almost too many options and I don't love that this software feels like an iOS rip off (in some places not all), as I don't think Samsung need to do that. But, it looks good and there's plenty of customisation.
S-pen, doodled once with it and likely won't ever use it again haha. It's cool to have on a screen this big so I appreciate how some would get a lot of use from it. I opted for the White model but strangely, it isn't even white and the pen is blue? So that's odd but not a deal breaker.
But the biggest thing for me that I've liked so far? Music playback via Apple Music. Finally, an Android with Dolby Atmos support. Just sounds amazing on this phone and I hate that Google still don't have this functionality. The most important things to me with a phone are camera and music as they are the things I use my phone for most. Outside of the texting stuff etc. And the S25 U is doing both of those things really well.
Don't have too many other thoughts currently as still quite a lot to get to know but so far, really impressed. Will I keep it? I don't think it will replace my pixel but that's mainly due to size. A phone this big is cumbersome for me but when I am at home using it, no big issues really. It's when I'm out and about in and out of the pocket, trying to use it one handed which happens a fair bit.
I knew the size would be a bit of an issue for me and hesitated for that reason alone. But, with this screen and the very minimal bezels plus great brightness and the coating that keeps bright let's dim... It's so nice to use.
I can see how people enjoy using these devices now but it doesn't mean I was therefore wrong to feel like I did before. There have been issues in the past with the camera and it seems to be being talked about more now seeing as this S25 U seems to have improved on it.
All in all, I really like it. The software does feel quite in tune with the hardware too now which is nice but it still frustrates me there's multiple apps installed that all do the same thing. But a quick delete and they're gone.
Time will tell what I do but I know I'll miss music playback as I took my pixel out today on a dog walk and was back to Spotify and pixel buds and it just sounded... Rubbish.
Part of me would be tempted to try and S25 reg or Plus but think I'd lose a lot of what makes the Ultra great.
Anyway I'm waffling on now.TL;DR, previous Samsung hater (strong term but couldn't think of another word 😁), enjoys latest device. 😅
My experience of Samsung devices hasn't been the best, truth be told - aside from the Flips I have trialled which I personally think are a lot of fun. The thing with the Flips is, you know you're not getting the best of the best in terms of camera, specs etc so expectations are therefore tempered in line with that.
But with their mainline series, I have always found there to be some sort of downfall that ruins the experience for me. Mostly, the camera. Again, I'm speaking for me here and not as a general consensus, but the more I have read online from real Samsung users (reddit, sometimes here, even some actual YT reviews etc) it seems I haven't always been alone in feeling like that.
So why try an S25 U then? Well, it's been years since I've had a go of one of Samsungs Ultra devices (probably S21 or 22?) and I want to understand whether things have changed or if I can be satisfied that these devices are just not for me. Smartphones change a lot over the course of a couple of years. Especially in this day and age where all phones at the moment seem to be about refinement over innovation.
And I am aware software comes on leaps and bounds and it's not that I haven't liked One UI but it certainly has never been my favourite.
Well, so far, I have been nothing but impressed with the phone although it does still have some drawbacks but show me a phone that doesn't.
FWIW this isn't a Samsung hate post, so if people are interested in my experience so far (4 days) then continue on! I certainly haven't bought it to justify posting negativity as if I found that I didn't like it I probably wouldn't have bothered posting as I wouldn't want to be seen to be just negatively bashing something that I knew I wouldn't like anyway.
Anyways, let's get into it.
Hardware. Really great. But it's massive. And tbh, the size is likely going to be the deciding factor for me as it is overly larger than what I like. I wish Samsung did two sizes of their top flagship like Google and Apple are doing, but then I guess it wouldn't live up to the Ultra name. 😉.
The screen is absolutely out of this world. Amazing clarity, great colours and gone are the days where the Samsung panel is retina burning. It's pretty great straight out of the box, but I still opted for the natural hue as per all my phones.
One hardware element that I don't like... Haptics. Where are they? Are the Samsung haptics in the room with us? The answer is no. 🙃. Poor in comparison to Pixel and not much better than Apples rubbish offering. Appreciate this one is personal, so those happy with them that's cool but in comparison to the pixels haptics which are top tier (IMO) this falls way short.
Battery life has been stellar. Like mad good. My pixel 9 pro annoys me for it's battery as with heavier usage is doesn't really last the day and its frustrating. No such problems here, but it is a chonk so to be expected. I have switched the display to the full / highest res too which doesn't seem to have impacted in the slightest.
Camera. The one element I expected to be subpar (as per my experience with Samsung) is... Very good. Low light shots of my dog who is black I expected to be a mess. To my surprise... not in the slightest. Check these out. Point and shoot, no lag, really clear and v impressive.
I haven't even tested outside shots but I know they will be great if the indoor lower light ones are coming out like this. Really pleased to see such a step up from what I have experienced in the past.
I haven't delved into good lock or any of those bits and pieces yet and am still tinkering with how I want the phone set up. There are almost too many options and I don't love that this software feels like an iOS rip off (in some places not all), as I don't think Samsung need to do that. But, it looks good and there's plenty of customisation.
S-pen, doodled once with it and likely won't ever use it again haha. It's cool to have on a screen this big so I appreciate how some would get a lot of use from it. I opted for the White model but strangely, it isn't even white and the pen is blue? So that's odd but not a deal breaker.
But the biggest thing for me that I've liked so far? Music playback via Apple Music. Finally, an Android with Dolby Atmos support. Just sounds amazing on this phone and I hate that Google still don't have this functionality. The most important things to me with a phone are camera and music as they are the things I use my phone for most. Outside of the texting stuff etc. And the S25 U is doing both of those things really well.
Don't have too many other thoughts currently as still quite a lot to get to know but so far, really impressed. Will I keep it? I don't think it will replace my pixel but that's mainly due to size. A phone this big is cumbersome for me but when I am at home using it, no big issues really. It's when I'm out and about in and out of the pocket, trying to use it one handed which happens a fair bit.
I knew the size would be a bit of an issue for me and hesitated for that reason alone. But, with this screen and the very minimal bezels plus great brightness and the coating that keeps bright let's dim... It's so nice to use.
I can see how people enjoy using these devices now but it doesn't mean I was therefore wrong to feel like I did before. There have been issues in the past with the camera and it seems to be being talked about more now seeing as this S25 U seems to have improved on it.
All in all, I really like it. The software does feel quite in tune with the hardware too now which is nice but it still frustrates me there's multiple apps installed that all do the same thing. But a quick delete and they're gone.
Time will tell what I do but I know I'll miss music playback as I took my pixel out today on a dog walk and was back to Spotify and pixel buds and it just sounded... Rubbish.
Part of me would be tempted to try and S25 reg or Plus but think I'd lose a lot of what makes the Ultra great.
Anyway I'm waffling on now.TL;DR, previous Samsung hater (strong term but couldn't think of another word 😁), enjoys latest device. 😅
Great to see you are having a positive experience with it. I do remember your past issues with Samsung devices, and like you, I've always leaned towards Pixel devices for some of the same reasons. BUT, I feel Samsung has got just about everything right with this device. The speakers, the camera, battery life, software, and of course the display. It is a perfect size for me but I have huge hands. I still slightly prefer my 16PM camera in some situations, but in most the S25U is about as good as it gets. I'd be against trying the Plus or S25 because you do have some sacrifices with camera hardware.
His video review is spot on. This is why I skipped this year. I don't want to rain on anyone's parade. I genuinely understand why a lot of people got the s25u and I am happy for them.
It is just personally speaking after having the s23 Ultra and then going to the s24 Ultra going to the s25 Ultra just didn't feel the same. Obviously I don't have the s25 Ultra in hand to compare but looking at it from a specs perspective as the nerd I am I just felt let down. I had an s22 and an s20FE. I have had a lot of Samsung phones over the years and I have enjoyed them all.
I haven't always bought the Ultra or back in the day the Note. It was expensive and I didn't always buy Samsung every year to get the great trade in offers or pre-order deals. So when I did buy the Ultra or Note it was a big deal to me and I wanted to feel like it was worth the extra money. Generally although sometimes a little gimmicky it did.
This year it didn't. I felt a bit let down. I like the 50mp ultra wide, I like the SD elite chip but the screen tech didn't really change that much. The battery tech in a lot of the new Chinese phones is really good and Samsung is the same. Taking bluetooth away from the s-pen was a major mistake in my opinion because I am the 1% who used it as a camera shutter and I have a galaxy watch. But I don't always wear a smart watch and I liked having the s pen as a camera shutter. When you need it, it is so awesome. So sure I may not use it all the time but when I do it is a life saver.
It is the Ultra like Dave said and I have grown accustomed to the throw everything into an Ultra so it is the best and to have some bragging rights. The s24 Ultra last year was simply the best smart phone you could get-period. This year the S25 Ultra feels like a really nice super premium phone but nothing that really makes it stand out. We will see what the iPhone 17 Pro Max has to offer later this year but I would not be shy to buy it over the s25 Ultra because a regular stylus I barely ever use but the bluetooth stylus has that one stand out feature. even some of the remote navigation features were just so cool and no other phone could do that and now the s25 ultra can't either so what makes it really stand out?
The cameras on the s24u in my experience are really great and the new SD elite may make it a lot better but once OneUI 7 comes to the s24U how big a difference will there be? Battery life is better on the s25u but my s24u is pretty great too. The screen on my s24u is not much different from the s25U but my s24U screen is more scratch resistant compared the new model. I care about scratches more than I care about shattering since I always have my phones in a case.
The new design is cool and I can see why a lot of people like but like David said it is also more generic. When you use the s24u brick it stands out because NO other phone has squared corners. What I wish Samsung would have done is just smooth the corners on the Titanium frame instead of make the screen rounded. These are small details but that is what the Ultra is all about- The details baby.
I want my Ultra premium Android phone to stand out in the design, stand out in the details, and stand out in features and software, and stand out in new tech like the new battery tech and new screen tech with even higher PWM.
Because of all of this I am considering going back to iPhone later this year. Not sure. May just stick with my S24U for another year or two as it is in my opinion the Ultimate refinement of the Note series which I have always loved. Also Samsung for the love of GOD please add some fun colors instead of bland washed out or black. iPhone colors are always really good. I like having a really cool finish on my phone and using a clear case. My s24U in blue is pretty cool but a more saturated blue or purple with color matched frame with a little iridescence they did this year would have been really nice. Samsung plays it way too safe with color. The Note 10 was not shy in the rainbow finish it had. I miss those days.
I love Samsung and as a regular customer for the past 3 years in a row buying year over year I have been very happy until this year. The deals are amazing and it makes it hard not to upgrade when a $1300 phone comes with storage upgrades, free ear buds and costs $399 plus tax. It is crazy they can even do it but I really love it because no one else comes close and it feels like Samsung cares about us repeat buyers by offer such great deals. The problem is when they don't live up to the name. The whole point of the Ultra is to give 1% features no one may even use because it is an Ultra and not the other way around?
Took the day off work today and been playing on the S25U all day. Have not been on Wi-Fi at all. Amazed at the battery life.
I think Samsung needed to do more, but it's not just a Samsung problem. Apple needed to do more with the iPhone 16 lineup. For the first time since the 3GS, I didn't upgrade and instead I kept my iPhone 15 Pro Max, which don't get me wrong is a great phone. iPhone is and probably always will be my main daily driver phone. BUT Samsung is currently my second device, my Android phone, the one I like to play around with when I want an Android fix.
I feel that Samsung have taken a leaf out of Apple's book this year, people can no longer just bash Apple when Samsung has done the same thing.
The big issue for me is that there isnt a reason to upgrade from my S24 Ultra, most of the AI features will come to the S24 Ultra anyway. In fact I already have the new Gemini feature that lets Gemini see whats on my screen and talk about it, along with the feature that lets Gemini add notes based on Youtube videos.
As it stands I'm keeping my S24 Ultra, until the Pixel 10 is announced later this year. I may then decide to leave Samsung and jump to Pixel as my second device.
I shall also see what Apple does with the 17 Pro Max, if there isnt anything worthy for me to upgrade I'll stick with my 15 Pro Max even longer. I can't see it tho, I think there will be something for me to upgrade too. I honestly hope the rumours and leaks are correct about the new camera layout design. Apple have stuck with the same one for far too long now.
I'm not raining on anyone's parade, I hope everyone who has brought the S25 Ultra or any of the line up, really enjoys it. It's just my two pence worth (Yes pence, I'm from the UK 😂).
Not looking to be funny but I thought you'd said you weren't upgrading this year due to finances?
If I'm wrong and it was someone else, then I apologise