The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the latest flagship device from the South Korean tech giant, has arrived, but it's not quite living up to its "ultra" name. In a review of the device, it's clear that Samsung has lost its way in making this phone truly special. The S25 Ultra's AI features, which were touted as a major selling point, are underwhelming, and the device's specs have been downgraded in some areas.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra's AI features, powered by Google's Gemini assistant, are a mixed bag. While they can perform some tasks, such as adding events to a calendar, they often struggle with more complex requests. The AI also has a tendency to provide inaccurate information, making it unreliable. Additionally, the phone's Now Brief feature, which is supposed to provide users with relevant information, is often useless and can be overwhelming.

Another area where the S25 Ultra falls short is in its camera department. While the new 50-megapixel ultrawide camera is an upgrade, it's not a game-changer. The phone's portrait mode is still one of the best in the business, but it's not enough to make up for the lack of innovation in other areas. The S25 Ultra's design has also been toned down, with curved corners and a more comfortable shape, but it's no longer a standout in terms of looks.

The S25 Ultra's specs are also a step back from its predecessor. The phone's stylus, once a unique feature, has lost its Bluetooth functionality, making it less useful. The phone's battery life is average, and it's no longer Qi2 Ready without a special magnetic case. The S25 Ultra's price tag, a hefty $1,299, makes it hard to justify the cost when compared to other Android phones on the market.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is still a good phone, with a great screen and excellent performance, but it's no longer the "ultra" device it once was. Samsung needs to find a way to make its flagship phone truly special again, or risk losing its edge in the competitive Android market. For now, the S25 Ultra feels like just another big phone, rather than a game-changer.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a disappointing iteration of the Ultra series. With underwhelming AI features, downgraded specs, and a lack of innovation, it's hard to recommend this phone to anyone but the most die-hard Samsung fans. The tech giant needs to go back to the drawing board and figure out what made the Ultra series so special in the first place.