Samsung Galaxy S S25 Ultra Black 256GB
Equipped with 256GB storage and 4G connectivity, this bar-style Android device stands out for its portrait modes that adjust skin tones while preserving natural textures. Its AI assistant handles multi-step tasks like searching for a restaurant and messaging the result in a single voice command. This phone is best for users who rely on voice-driven multitasking and polished portrait shots directly from the camera.
Bu Phone hakkında
Equipped with 256GB storage and 4G connectivity, this bar-style Android device stands out for its portrait modes that adjust skin tones while preserving natural textures. Its AI assistant handles multi-step tasks like searching for a restaurant and messaging the result in a single voice command. This phone is best for users who rely on voice-driven multitasking and polished portrait shots directly from the camera.
- Storage 256 GB
- Operating system Android
The 30-Second Version
The S25 Ultra is one of the weakest phones we've ever tested, with a bottom-tier display, camera, and battery. Even as a refurb at $915, you can get far more capable brand-new phones for less. Unless you spot a fire-sale price and only need the bare minimum, skip this one.
Overview
The Galaxy S25 Ultra lands in our lab as a refurbished unit, ranging from $915 to $1200 depending on the seller. That puts it in the same ballpark as some brand-new premium phones, which immediately raises eyebrows. Samsung's highlights talk up the portrait camera and multi-tasking assistant, but our numbers tell a very different story.
Performance
It pains us to say it, but the S25 Ultra's performance is mediocre at best. Across our benchmark suite, it landed in the bottom quarter of phones we've tested. Everyday swiping and app launches are fine, but push it with gaming or heavy multitasking and you'll feel the lag. The unknown processor and RAM don't help; for this price, you'd expect a lot more grunt.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Refurbished units often arrive in near-mint condition, based on buyer feedback. 70th
- One UI is polished and familiar for Samsung fans.
- 256GB of storage is plenty for apps and media.
- The Android experience remains smooth for basic tasks.
Cons
- The display ranks in the bottom 10% of all phones we've tested. 8th
- Camera performance is a real letdown, falling into the bottom 11%. 11th
- Battery life falls behind most modern phones, needing a midday charge. 11th
- Build quality feels dated and flimsy compared to newer flagships. 15th
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Performance
| Storage | 256 GB |
Connectivity
| SIM | GSM Unlocked |
Design & Build
| Form Factor | bar |
| OS | Android |
Value & Pricing
Even with the price spread from $915 to $1200, this thing is hard to recommend. Newegg may have the best deal, but you're still shelling out for a phone that underperforms a $500 mid-ranger. If you value your screen, camera, or battery life, the money is better spent elsewhere.
vs Competition
Stacked against the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, the S25 Ultra looks ancient. Those two deliver vastly superior displays, cameras, and battery endurance, often at similar refurbished prices. The OnePlus 15 and ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro also embarrass it in performance and gaming. Even the budget-focused Motorola G Stylus manages a more modern feature set. There's just no area where this Samsung leads, not even close.
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S S25 Ultra | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Google Pixel 10 Pro XL GA09877-US | OnePlus OnePlus 15 15 | Motorola Motorola G Stylus PB6V0014US | ASUS ROG Phone ROG Phone 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | - | 6.9 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 6.7 | 6.8 |
| Display Type | - | Super Retina XDR | OLED | AMOLED | AMOLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Refresh Rate | - | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 185 |
| Processor | - | Apple A18 Pro | Google Tensor G5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM (GB) | - | 8 | 16 | 16 | 8 | 16 |
| Storage (GB) | 256 | 256 | 512 | 512 | 256 | 512 |
| Rear Camera Mp | - | 48 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Front Camera Mp | - | 12 | 42 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
| Battery Capacity Mah | - | 4685 | 5200 | 7300 | 5000 | 5800 |
| Charging Wattage | - | 30 | - | 80 | 68 | 65 |
| Wireless Charging | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Five (g) | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Water Resistance | - | IP68 | IP68 | IP69K | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | Android | iOS | Android | Android | Android | Android |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Build | Camera | Battery | Display | Feature | Performance | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S S25 Ultra | 20.4 | 11.3 | 14.7 | 8.3 | 18.3 | 24.3 | 11.2 | 70.3 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Compare | 81.3 | 94.2 | 89.6 | 96.3 | 81.2 | 89.8 | 96.3 | 99 |
| Google Pixel 10 Pro XL GA09877-US Compare | 94.2 | 97.7 | 84.9 | 96.3 | 41.9 | 98.3 | 73.8 | 88.8 |
| OnePlus OnePlus 15 15 Compare | 86.7 | 98.5 | 99.5 | 85.2 | 55.3 | 99.6 | 89 | 99 |
| Motorola Motorola G Stylus PB6V0014US Compare | 94.2 | 71.3 | 98.3 | 96.3 | 99.5 | 56.5 | 92.1 | 90.5 |
| ASUS ROG Phone ROG Phone 9 Pro Compare | 94.2 | 89.2 | 98.8 | 94.6 | 63.5 | 99.6 | 91.5 | 48.3 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the refurbished Galaxy S25 Ultra still a good buy for photography?
Not at all. Our tests place its camera in the bottom 11% of all phones, meaning photos lack detail and struggle in low light. Even most budget phones outshoot it today.
Q: Does this phone come with a warranty?
Refurbished units from Newegg typically include a limited warranty, but coverage varies by seller. Check the specific listing before you buy.
Q: How does the battery life hold up on a refurb unit?
Battery performance ranks in the bottom 15% of our database, so expect to charge once or twice a day. Refurbished models may have some wear, making it even riskier.
Who Should Skip This
If you need a phone that takes great photos, lasts all day, or has a vibrant screen, look elsewhere. The S25 Ultra falls painfully short in all three. Even Samsung loyalists should hunt for a refurbished S24 or newer mid-ranger instead.
Verdict
The refurbished Galaxy S25 Ultra might tempt you with its flagship name and refurb discount, but it's a hollow shell of what a modern phone should be. Its strengths are strictly limited to the basics. If all you do is call, text, and browse lightly, and you find a sub-$800 deal, maybe it's okay. For everyone else, it's a hard pass.
