[Updated 20th November, 2024]
According to tipster Jukanlosreve, the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered Galaxy S25 Ultra could utilize Qualcomm’s AFME 2.0 (Adreno Frame Motion Engine) to scale compatible games from 60fps to a fluid 120fps.
Frame interpolation is currently available in several flagship and performance-focused devices, including the iQOO 12, iQOO 13, and iQOO Neo9 Pro (review). However, these devices rely on a dedicated chip to achieve this feature, which might not be as efficient as Qualcomm’s single-chip solution. This advancement could position the Galaxy S25 series as a standout choice for gamers when it launches in 2025.
[Original article]
Samsung has already confirmed that the Galaxy S25 series will launch in the first half of 2025. According to a recently surfaced Vietnamese retailer’s survey, pre-orders for the Galaxy S25 lineup may open as early as January 5.
Several leaks have already given us a preview of what to expect from the Galaxy S25 series—particularly the Ultra model—in terms of design and specifications. In this article, we’ll explore what we know so far about the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
S25 Ultra may feature a major design refresh
After Samsung discontinued its Note lineup in 2020, it incorporated high-end Note-like features into the Galaxy S series, starting with the Galaxy S22 lineup. Since then, the Ultra models have mainly seen minor design tweaks, such as reduced curvature in the display and middle frame. However, the sharp corners of the Ultra remained a source of discomfort for a significant proportion of users.
Now, it appears Samsung has taken this feedback into account. If recent leaks are accurate, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will feature a design overhaul, including rounded corners and a fully flat display—similar to the Galaxy S25 and S25+. This would be a significant shift for the Ultra line, aiming to improve in-hand comfort and make the device easier to use with one hand, aligning it with other ‘Ultra’ models on the market.
Furthermore, leaked dimensions suggest the S25 Ultra will be both narrower and slimmer than the S24 Ultra. The rumored measurements for the S25 Ultra are 162.82 x 77.65 x 8.25 mm, compared to 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm for the S24 Ultra.
At the back, the camera island design appears to remain largely similar to the S24 Ultra, with a new circular texture on the lens cover, inspired by the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Performance and display improvements
While details on the base and Plus model processors remain unclear, Samsung has confirmed that the Ultra model will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This promises significant boosts in both performance and power efficiency. The advanced Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in the Snapdragon 8 Elite is also expected to enable Samsung to implement enhanced AI-powered features.
The S25 Ultra recently received CQC certification, revealing support for satellite connectivity and 45W wired charging.
As for the display, significant improvements in brightness or color accuracy aren’t expected. Although tipster Ice Universe speculated about Samsung’s new M14 panel, display analyst Ross Young suggests the S25 Ultra will continue using the M13 panel to keep manufacturing costs down. Ice Universe also previously noted that the display could increase slightly in size to 6.86 inches, up from 6.79 inches in the S24 Ultra.
Camera-wise, the S25 Ultra is likely to feature the same 200MP main sensor, along with 3x and 5x telephoto lenses. The main upgrade appears to be in the ultra-wide lens, which may increase from 12MP to 50MP. Combined with the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s cognitive AI ISP, these improvements could bring noticeable enhancements in computational photography.
That said, more information is likely to surface as we approach the launch event.
