Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Durability Test Highlights the Good and the Not-So-Good

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, one of the most anticipated Android smartphones, is now available for pre-order. As with every major phone launch, the buzz around its innovative tech is everywhere. But for tech enthusiasts, there’s always one thing they look forward to: the durability test by Zack Nelson, better known as JerryRigEverything on YouTube. And, of course, Nelson didn’t disappoint, putting the Galaxy S25 Ultra through its paces.

The Good: Premium Build and Bend Test Victory

The Galaxy S25 Ultra impressed with its overall build quality, staying on par with last year’s model. Despite some design tweaks, Samsung’s craftsmanship remains solid. Notably, the phone passed Nelson’s infamous bend test with flying colors, managing to survive pressure from both angles. Nelson even dubbed it “just pure survival skills.”

The phone continues Samsung’s tradition of high durability, cementing its reputation as a reliable flagship.

The Not-So-Good: Scratches and Dust Magnets

On the downside, there are a few quirks worth noting. Nelson observed that the display on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, protected by Gorilla Armor 2, scratches slightly more easily than its predecessor. Scratches appeared at level 6 on the Mohs scale, with deeper grooves at level 7—similar to the Galaxy S24 Ultra but seemingly less resilient. Nelson speculates that Samsung may have “dialed back” the display’s brittleness, but we’ll need official clarification from Samsung here.

Another concern lies in the metal rings surrounding the rear camera lenses. Nelson pointed out a small but important design flaw: these rings are glued to the frame rather than being an integrated part of the phone’s body. Because of this, gaps form between the rings and the phone, creating what Nelson calls “dust-collecting utopias.” While these metal rings are unlikely to pop off during regular use, Nelson demonstrated how easily they can be pried off with a knife.

Titanium Frame—but Not Everywhere

Samsung’s product page notes that the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s titanium is applied only to the device’s frame—not the volume or power buttons. Nelson confirmed this during testing, highlighting how the material difference is noticeable when scratching the buttons versus the frame. It’s a small detail but one that power users might care about.

The S Pen: A Curious Detail

The S Pen stylus also made an appearance in the test. Interestingly, it still has a slot for a battery, even though Samsung no longer includes a battery or Bluetooth functionality. This curious choice leaves many questioning why the battery slot remains at all.

Final Thoughts: A Stellar Flagship—With a Few Flaws

Despite some design quirks, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra remains an impressive flagship device. Its massive 6.9-inch display, flat edges, and curved corners exude modernity, while the S Pen continues to be a productivity favorite. With solid durability and premium features, it’s already shaping up to be one of the top smartphones of the year—even though we’re only in February.

What’s your take on the Galaxy S25 Ultra? Does its mix of strengths and flaws make it worth the hype? Let us know your thoughts!