The smartphone market has been in constant flux, with brands pushing the envelope to deliver cutting-edge features, performance, and design. For years, Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra series has been a leading player, setting the standard for high-end Android devices. However, with the release of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it seems that Samsung may have missed the mark in one key area—RAM. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra continues to impress with its design, camera system, and performance, it is stuck at 12GB of RAM, a specification that feels underwhelming in an era where competitors, like cbsnews, are taking significant strides ahead.
A Familiar Pattern: Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 12GB RAM
When the Galaxy S25 Ultra was launched, enthusiasts and tech reviewers alike had high expectations. The Galaxy S series, particularly the Ultra models, are known for being the flagship of Samsung’s smartphone lineup, offering top-tier specifications, design, and camera systems. However, one spec that seems to remain stagnant is the RAM. Despite a slew of other improvements across the board, the Galaxy S25 Ultra still features 12GB of RAM—no more, no less.
For a flagship smartphone in 2024, this feels like a missed opportunity. While 12GB of RAM is still adequate for most users, it is no longer considered groundbreaking. The need for more RAM has been a growing trend among power users, gamers, and content creators who expect seamless multitasking and smoother overall performance. By sticking to 12GB, Samsung’s latest release seems to be falling behind its competitors who are offering up to 16GB of RAM or more in their flagship models.
Google Pixel Takes the Lead: Charging Ahead with Increased RAM
In contrast, Google’s Pixel series has been gaining significant ground in the high-end smartphone market, particularly with its Pixel 9 Pro XL. One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is its increase in RAM capacity, offering up to 16GB of RAM in the top configurations. Google has always focused heavily on software optimization, but with this additional hardware capability, they are now offering an even smoother experience for users who demand more power.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 16GB of RAM allows for faster multitasking, improved app performance, and better handling of resource-heavy tasks like video editing and gaming. Google’s ability to combine this increased RAM with its unparalleled software optimization results in a device that is not only faster but also more responsive than ever before. For users who rely on their smartphones for heavy daily use or high-performance tasks, the extra RAM makes a significant difference.
Why Does RAM Matter?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is one of the most critical components of a smartphone, dictating how well a device can handle multitasking, load apps quickly, and process data efficiently. While processors and GPUs are crucial for performance, RAM directly impacts how smoothly a device operates when juggling multiple apps or performing heavy tasks like gaming, video editing, and other resource-intensive activities.
In recent years, we’ve seen a clear trend where smartphones with more RAM tend to offer smoother multitasking, better gaming experiences, and faster app performance. As applications become more demanding, having ample RAM allows a phone to keep more apps open in the background without slowing down or forcing apps to reload. Additionally, with the rise of AI-powered applications, real-time data processing, and augmented reality features, more RAM helps ensure that smartphones can handle these increasingly complex tasks.
Samsung’s Stagnation in RAM
While 12GB of RAM is still a solid amount for most users, it’s becoming clear that Samsung’s decision to stick with this amount is a reflection of stagnation in an area where innovation is crucial. The fact that Samsung has chosen not to increase the RAM in the Galaxy S25 Ultra—especially when compared to competitors like the Pixel 9 Pro XL—is a surprising decision. Samsung has always prided itself on pushing the envelope with its flagship devices, from displays to cameras to processing power. However, in the case of RAM, the company seems to have fallen behind.
Many users were hoping that Samsung would introduce a 16GB RAM option in the S25 Ultra, especially since it has been the industry norm for premium smartphones for some time now. The lack of this upgrade may be seen as a way to keep the costs of the device down or to reserve it for future iterations of the Galaxy Ultra series. However, this move has certainly raised some eyebrows among tech enthusiasts who expect the best performance in every aspect from a flagship device.
Impact on Gaming and Content Creation
One of the most obvious areas where the RAM disparity between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL becomes apparent is in gaming and content creation. As mobile gaming continues to grow in popularity, games are becoming more graphically demanding and require more RAM to run smoothly. Flagship smartphones are expected to handle the latest games at high settings without lag or performance hiccups. With only 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy S25 Ultra may struggle to keep up with the demands of future titles, especially as more games incorporate advanced graphics and AI elements.
For content creators who use their smartphones for video editing, photo manipulation, or other creative tasks, the extra RAM in devices like the Pixel 9 Pro XL can make a huge difference. The increased RAM allows for faster processing of large files, smoother editing workflows, and the ability to work with multiple apps and files simultaneously without slowdowns or app crashes.
Samsung’s Focus on Other Areas
While Samsung’s RAM choice may be disappointing for some users, it’s worth noting that the Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t a slouch in other areas. The device still features an incredibly powerful processor, a stunning display, and an exceptional camera system. Samsung has made strides in these areas, and the S25 Ultra continues to offer an unparalleled experience when it comes to display quality and photographic capabilities. The new 200MP camera sensor, for example, allows for incredible detail and clarity, and the device’s 120Hz refresh rate makes for a silky smooth display experience.
However, when compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s performance-enhanced specifications, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 12GB of RAM feels like a missed opportunity to fully leverage the device’s hardware. It remains to be seen whether Samsung will address this shortcoming in future iterations or continue to focus on other features.
Conclusion
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 12GB of RAM is an underwhelming feature in an otherwise impressive device. While Samsung has delivered on many fronts with the S25 Ultra, it has failed to keep pace with competitors like Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL, which offers a more generous 16GB of RAM and better overall performance for users who demand more power. As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, Samsung will need to reevaluate its RAM strategy if it wants to remain competitive in a market that is increasingly valuing multitasking, gaming, and content creation capabilities. Until then, the Pixel 9 Pro XL may hold the edge in terms of raw performance.
