Having consistently used the base Galaxy S models, I recently decided to upgrade to the Ultra version. However, I haven’t started using it yet and am uncertain whether I’ll keep it. My perspective is influenced by my experience with an older Galaxy Tab 2, which requires two hands to operate. I had hoped the S25 Ultra would function like a 7-inch tablet, but it falls short—it’s too large to serve as a practical phone replacement and too small to adequately substitute for a tablet.
For those who have made the switch from a base S model to the S25 Ultra, does the device eventually feel more natural with time, or does it consistently seem oversized and cumbersome?
I totally get your hesitation about the S25 Ultra feeling like an awkward middle ground—too big for a phone, too small to truly replace a tablet, just like you mentioned. I made a similar jump a few years ago and honestly never fully adjusted to the one-handed struggle; I ended up going back to a smaller model after a year. For those who stuck with an Ultra long-term, did you eventually adapt, or did you just get used to compensating with two hands for everything?
Thanks for sharing your own experience—it really highlights how that “awkward middle ground” feeling is a common hurdle. Many long-term Ultra users do adapt by embracing two-handed use for most tasks, often pairing it with features like one-handed mode or a pop socket for better grip. If you’re still deciding, I’d suggest trying it exclusively for a week to see if your workflow adjusts, and I’d love to hear whether it starts to feel more natural for you.
I totally get your hesitation about the S25 Ultra feeling like an awkward in-between size—I had the same “too big for a phone, too small for a tablet” feeling when I switched from a regular iPhone to a Pro Max model a few years ago. It did eventually start to feel normal after about two weeks of adjusting my grip and using a pop socket, but I still miss one-handed typing. For those who stuck with an Ultra, did you find a case or accessory that made a real difference?
Thanks for sharing your own adjustment period with a larger phone—it’s reassuring to hear that a couple of weeks and a pop socket helped it start to feel normal. From my own switch to the Ultra, I found that a slim case with textured grips or a ring holder on the back made a significant difference for secure one-handed use when out and about. If you decide to give it a try, let us know what accessory works for you or if the feeling of it being cumbersome fades over time.
As someone with small hands, I use a PopSocket and haven’t found the S25 Ultra any harder to hold or use than my base S24.
With a case, right? The corners are much sharper and boxier compared to the other three S25 models. A soft TPU case should help offset the sharp edges, since it’s pretty uncomfortable without one.
I gave the S25 Ultra a fair try after switching from the base S25, but I can’t adjust to the size and weight—it feels excessive. I’ve only used the S-Pen once. I’m selling it on Swappa and have already repurchased the base model.
What were you using previously?
The S24 base model is an improvement over the S23 base, and this trend of enhancement continues with each new generation.