The Galaxy S25 series is finally reaching the hands of users who pre-ordered the device. The shipments are pouring in starting Feb. 3, but the most recent review about the device talks more about its durability.
YouTuber Zack Nelson of "JerryRigEverything" has placed the latest device through a series of tests to see how good it is. Apparently, he discovered a shocking truth about its camera rings, screen protection, and even its overall design.
Is Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Very Durable?
Samsung has been killing it with the use of high-end materials in its latest flagships, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no exception. The titanium build, though, continues the trend that's been going on since Apple did it and was eventually followed by Samsung.
For JerryRightEverything, a Galaxy S25 Ultra with titanium construction is indeed strong, yet way better looking than any other Ultra. Its design has made it more subtle as its slightly rounded corners are less blocky compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
But while it does feel much more premium than past Galaxy Notes, the aesthetic of the overall device feels plenty familiar if one's seen a Galaxy series device from afar. Consistency is a boon to any long-standing fan, but not for those searching for radical changes.
Read more: Apple Shares How to Disable Feature That Makes MacBooks Boot Up Each Time They Are Opened
S-Pen Changes: Removed Features and Battery Slot
But perhaps more notably, one of the most obvious changes in the Galaxy S25 Ultra redesigns involves its S-Pen.
While t's been arguably a defining characteristic for Samsung's Galaxy Ultra phones, the S25 Ultra manages to take things one step backward by removing low-power Bluetooth connectivity, which include Bluetooth functions for gestures and a button for taking photos remotely.
Although those features have been taken away, the S-Pen still houses a slot for a battery. Nelson reveals this as he tears the S-Pen apart in the durability test, showing what's inside. He then shows how the reduced functionality affects the user experience in the video.
According to Android Central, the core functionality of the S-Pen to write and draw is still there, but those who have utilized its extra features will definitely need to get used to the downgrade.
Galaxy S25 Ultra's Screen Against Scratch Resistance and Durability
As far as screen protection goes, the Galaxy S25 Ultra uses Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2, which proved to be highly effective during Nelson's scratch test.
The screen withstood scratches well, only showing visible damage at level 7 of the scratch scale. This is a good omen for those users who are concerned about daily wear and tear on their devices, as the screen seems to offer robust protection against light scratches and scuffs.
But no phone is ever scratch proof, so taking good care to protect the display from sharp objects still makes much sense.
Camera Design: Aesthetic or Practical?
Arguably, one of the most polarizing design aspects of the Galaxy S25 Ultra has to be its camera rings. Glued over the lenses, these aesthetic rings offer little functional value other than arguably beautifying the overall look and feel of the device.
Nelson's test on durability reveals how easily the rings can be taken out, and their position, far up on the back panel, makes them somewhat prone to collecting dust. It could build grime that one would have to clean now and then, potentially making it an annoyance to consumers who want their cameras to appear pristine.
Not much effort or strength is required to remove them, which begs certain questions regarding long-term durability and possible wear and tear in the long run.
Bend Test: Galaxy S25 Ultra Passes with Flying Colors
One of the final interesting points in Nelson's durability test is the famous bend test. The Galaxy S25 Ultra did really well in this test, showing no major flexes or structural issues. This will go down well with those users who are very careless, causing damage to their devices during daily usage or in accidents, as the phone seems able to take quite a lot of pressure without breaking or warping.
Solid Flagship, But With Room for Improvement
Galaxy S25 Ultra certainly seems like a solid flagship that promises to bring excellent durability together with great performance. However, it does come with a few design quirks that might finally be a turnoff for some users.
The fact that the S-Pen has been downgraded, along with the somewhat impractical camera rings, shows that while Samsung maintains its high standard of build quality, there's still room in which the device could be refined.
However, for those people who value durability and overall performance, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is shaping up to be a worthy addition to the flagship lineup.
Last week, some Samsung fans petitioned to relaunch the Bluetooth S Pen for Galaxy S26 Ultra. For them, the company should reinstate the feature, and having a low usage rate is not an excuse to remove it.
