This in-depth review dives into the audio capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's speakers, providing a detailed analysis of its sound quality and comparing it to its predecessors and competitors. We explore the speaker design, noting the similarities and differences between the S25 Ultra, S25, S25 Plus, and the unique configuration of the Galaxy Z Fold special edition. The review goes beyond simple descriptions, incorporating comparative listening tests with various audio sources, including copyright-free music and YouTube videos featuring different audio profiles.Our rigorous testing methodology involved evaluating factors like clarity, bass response, and overall audio balance across multiple devices. This allowed for a direct comparison between the S25 Ultra and its rivals, such as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each phone's speaker system. The results reveal nuanced differences in audio performance, ultimately crowning a clear winner based on a holistic assessment of sound quality and overall listening experience.
Pros And Cons
- Improved speakers compared to the S24 Ultra
- Good balance of mids and low-end sound
- Part of a three-way tie for clearest sound in music tests (along with iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition)
- Loudest speaker
- Best bass across the board
- Clearest and richest audio in music tests
- Dual firing speakers (top and bottom)
- One of the best-sounding speakers on the market (last year)
- Best high notes in music tests
- Part of a three-way tie for clearest sound in music tests (along with Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition)
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Speaker Design and Placement
The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a similar speaker design to its predecessor, the S24 Ultra. It features dual slits, seemingly slightly larger than those on the S24, located at the bottom of the device. This design is also mirrored on the S25 and S25 Plus models. The Galaxy Z Fold special edition, however, stands out with dual slits positioned at both the top and bottom.
In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max utilizes a linear hole-punch design for its speakers. While aesthetically different, both approaches aim for optimal sound projection.
Music Playback Test
A comparative audio test was conducted using copyright-free music from YouTube, evaluating the sound quality across various Samsung devices and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The test assessed factors such as clarity, bass response, and overall audio balance.
Each device was evaluated individually, starting with the Galaxy S25 and culminating with the S25 Ultra. The results showed notable differences in audio performance among these flagship phones.
Spoken Word Audio Test
To further evaluate the speakers' capabilities, a YouTube video from Super Saf was played. This test focused on voice clarity and intelligibility across various devices.
The results helped determine how well each phone could reproduce spoken word audio, a critical element for everyday usage.
Comparative Analysis and Conclusion
The Galaxy Z Fold special edition emerged as the loudest, benefiting from its dual bottom-firing speakers. However, in terms of overall sound quality, a three-way tie existed between the Galaxy Z Fold special edition, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The S25 Ultra showed marked improvement over its predecessor, with a balanced sound profile. The iPhone 16 Pro Max excelled in high-frequency reproduction, while the Galaxy Z Fold special edition offered the best bass response. The S25 Ultra balanced these aspects the best making it the winner for overall sound.
Ultimately, the reviewer gave a slight edge to the Galaxy S25 Ultra for its balanced audio across various frequencies, offering a richer listening experience compared to others in its class. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max performed well in the high-end, the S25 Ultra's superior low and mid-range frequencies proved more appealing. The Z Fold special edition remained a top contender due to its exceptional volume, yet the S25 Ultra took the crown for a better overall listening experience.