# The Galaxy S25 Ultra Appears to Be Gaining a Completely New Design
The Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup is emerging as one of the most awaited smartphone launches of 2025. As Samsung commemorates 15 years of its premier Galaxy S series, the company is likely to unveil a number of notable updates, especially for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. From design changes to performance enhancements, here’s all that we’ve gathered so far regarding the forthcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra and its counterparts.
## A New Chapter for Samsung’s Galaxy S Series
Samsung’s Galaxy S series has consistently set the standard for Android smartphones, and with the Galaxy S25, the brand is poised to elevate its offering even higher. The Galaxy S24 is anticipated to debut in 2024, featuring new AI capabilities and resolving some entrenched problems. However, the Galaxy S25 is believed to offer even more enhancements, including a full design renovation for the Ultra version.
### Pricing and Release Timeline
One of the initial speculations surrounding the Galaxy S25 series hints at a possible price increase. This theory arises from the anticipated adoption of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, which promises “incredible levels of performance.” The Galaxy S24 Ultra already experienced a $100 price bump, setting its starting model at $1,299. Should these rumors prove accurate, the Galaxy S25 Ultra might encounter a similar or larger price rise.
Samsung has routinely launched its Galaxy S series in January, and it is expected that the Galaxy S25 will adhere to this schedule, releasing in early 2025.
### Design and Displays: A Cohesive Aesthetic
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is set to experience a major design shift. Based on leaked images, Samsung appears to be harmonizing the design across all three versions: the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. This represents a change from prior iterations, where the Ultra model sported a unique design characterized by more angular corners and a heftier profile.
All three variants are rumored to have flat edges, flat glass on the front and back, and rounded corners, creating a more streamlined and harmonious look. However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will likely keep slightly less rounded corners, akin to those of the Galaxy S21 Ultra. This modification is anticipated to enhance the phone’s ergonomics, addressing user feedback about the sharp edges of previous Ultra iterations.
The camera setups on the Galaxy S25 series are also expected to mirror the design of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, featuring more pronounced, textured edges around the lenses. Nevertheless, some insiders suggest that the ultimate design may vary from the leaked images, particularly concerning the camera arrangement.
### A Lighter, More Compact Galaxy S25 Ultra
One of the most compelling rumors is that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be lighter compared to its predecessor and competing flagship devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Galaxy S24 Ultra weighs 233 grams, but the S25 Ultra is rumored to tip the scales at under 221 grams, making it at least 12 grams lighter. Moreover, the S25 Ultra is expected to be slightly more compact, with dimensions of 162.8mm x 77.6mm x 8.2mm, contrasted with the S24 Ultra’s 162.3mm x 79.0mm x 8.6mm.
### Cameras: Transition to Sony Sensors
The Galaxy S25 series is believed to undergo a notable shift in camera technology. Reports indicate that Samsung will replace its proprietary ISOCELL GN3 sensors with Sony sensors for the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus models. This alteration marks the first significant camera update since the Galaxy S22, which introduced a 50MP main sensor.
However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to continue utilizing Samsung’s ISOCELL sensors, preserving its legacy of delivering superior camera performance in comparison to the other models. While the precise specifications of the new sensors remain undisclosed, we can anticipate at least one camera module being upgraded, potentially the ultrawide or secondary telephoto lens.
### Specifications and Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 at the Helm
The Galaxy S25 series is anticipated to be driven by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, representing a remarkable boost in performance. This new processor is rumored to incorporate custom Oryon cores, akin to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite laptop processors, promising unparalleled speed and efficiency.
Initial benchmark leaks hint that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will provide a considerable performance increase over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with single-core scores nearing those of Apple’s A18 chip used in the iPhone 16 and multicore scores exceeding it by 14%. Such advancements would position the Galaxy S25 Ultra among the fastest smartphones available.
Despite the performance enhancements, Samsung is not expected to implement major changes to the battery capacity or charging speed of the Galaxy S25 series. Nonetheless, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
