Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Review

Samsung's Galaxy S range has always been a favourite with most tech fundies and widely admired in the smart phone space. They normally set the standard of what should be norm in a phone and all their competitors keep a keen eye on their unboxing events when the latest S series is being debuted. The range topping Galaxy S Ultra devices are aimed more at the business folk who require a phone that can cope with the demands of phone calls, emails, messaging and view documents while on the go,  but having the battery life to last more than a full working day. The latest version of this device which was launched earlier this year had Samsung fanboys drooling at what it had to offer, from the Galaxy pen which is integrated to the device to the telephoto zoom camera, it seems like the complete package, I got to experience the device first hand for a few weeks to see if it lived up to the hype.

WHATS IN THE BOX?

Like many other manufacturers, the boxes are getting smaller and smaller with less and less things inside, for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, its no different. It comes with a USB C charging cable, a pin to remove the SIM card slot and a booklet for the device and that's it. The Galaxy Pen is built-in to the device so its already inside. The box is pretty cool, but most of the people will just chuck it away. 

DESIGN

The design of the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains that sleek uni-body design of old with slightly more detail and less of a bezel than before. While it is quite big in size, measuring in at 162.8mm x 77.6mm x 8.2mm, the device doesn't feel to cumbersome in hand like the previous Ultra's, weighing in at 218g its also not that heavy. The Display measures in at 6.9-inch and has a 92.5% screen to body ratio which ensures ultimate viewing. The material of the screen is the trusted Corning Gorilla Amror 2 Glass and it also features a glass back made from Gorilla Glass Victus 2, all of this is put together with a titanium grade 5 frame. It has a IP68 rating that is dust tight and water resistant, the device is immersible up to 1.5m for 30 minutes. 

PERFORMANCE

Performance on the Galaxy S25 is driven by next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processing unit that maximises on efficiency. The device has 12GB RAM with options ranging from 256GB to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage, this particular model was the 256GB which seems like a lot of space but once you start downloading applications, taking videos and pictures, it does tend to fill up pretty fast. What was great though, is that I had installed a lot of RAM intensive applications, like photo editors and video editors, the device coped just fine with these and didn't flinch at all when processing large documents. Thermal Management is controlled with an improved vapor chamber cooling to maintain sustained performance during gaming and multitasking. Real-world performance will be snappy and fluid, handling everything from high-end mobile gaming to 4K video editing with ease. AI-assisted performance optimization via Samsung Gauss will also become more prominent in managing resources and enhancing app performance over time. While I only had three weeks with the device, I can't fault the performance on it at all during my time with it and even though it can handle some high quality games, I only downloaded 8 Ball Pool and let me tell you, playing it on that huge screen was pretty awesome. 

USER INTERFACE

Samsung's One UI 7.1, based on Android 15, is expected to be one of the S25’s key strengths. Samsung continues to lead with a feature-rich but refined interface. Customization: One UI now offers deeper lock screen and home screen customization, including dynamic theming and AI-generated wallpapers. AI Features: AI-driven suggestions for messaging, summarizing documents, live translation in calls, and camera scene optimization will be deeply integrated. Continuity: Samsung continues to integrate better Galaxy ecosystem continuity — seamless device switching, auto hotspot, and Samsung DeX improvements. Updates: Samsung will provide 7 years of software support, setting a new industry standard alongside Google. One UI remains one of the most polished Android skins, and with the S25’s AI and hardware backing, it’s expected to be even more responsive and intuitive.

CAMERA

Camera performance is often where Samsung shines, and the S25 Ultra sure does live up to the expertations with it having a triple main camera system consisting of a main lens that is a  200MP f/1.7 with a new custom ISOCELL GN6 sensor, offering better light sensitivity and sharper detail in low-light scenarios. Second lens being an Ultra-Wide 10MP sensor with enhanced distortion correction. And the third being a periscope telephoto 5x optical zoom via 50MP lens, with better stabilization, I tested this while driving and it was unreal how stable the footage was when zoomed in. The front facing camera is a 12MP punch-hole with improved AI-assisted portrait mode. This also helps in terms of light control and adjusts the glare if there is too much to give you the perfect selfie all the time. Some key features on the camera are AI Zoom Refinement, Samsung's AI will improve sharpness during digital zoom beyond 3x.Nightography 2.0 enables better low-light and astrophotography features. The video is what blew me away, it has 8K video at 30fps and 4K at 120fps, with Auto Frame and Voice Zoom enhancements. I took a few videos and one of the video review on the new E-Class which is up on the Blog Instagram page, which was completely shot on the S25 Ultra. Compared to the S24, the S25’s camera system focuses less on sensor count and more on software smarts, AI post-processing, and scene recognition to deliver DSLR-level results from a phone.

BATTERY

With it being a phone aimed at high earners whom are most likely professionals who are always on the go, the battery needs to be able to last more than your usual 8 hour working day, and the folks at Samsung had this in mind when they fitted the S25 Ultra with a 5000mAh in the base mode Charging features a 45W wired, 25W wireless, and reverse wireless charging supported. Smart battery optimization learns your usage patterns to extend life and slow down battery aging. Real-world usage: Expect 6.5–7 hours of screen-on time, which is solid for a compact flagship, I manged to get up-to 20 hours of usage on the device, my day usually starts at 5am and by 6am I'm at the gym watching Youtube as I train, then into the car, I'm connected to the car via Andriod Auto, during the day making multiple calls, using social media, taking the odd picture of my coffee, then back into the car for the commute home, more social media scrolling and messaging at night before its time to hit the bed by 11pm, by then most of the time there was still 30% of battery left. This is all thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s energy efficiency, paired with Samsung’s adaptive refresh rate and AI optimization that enhances the battery performance.

VERDICT

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a refined and intelligent flagship that continues Samsung's trend of blending cutting-edge hardware with smart software. While not revolutionary in design, it introduces meaningful upgrades in performance, AI integration, camera software, and battery efficiency. It has a lot going for it and as an iPhone Pro Max owner, when I posted I was reviewing this device on my social streams, I had a lot of iPhone owners asking me how is this device because they were bored of what Apple is offering at exorbitant pricing. I know exactly how they feel because I'm going through the same thing. The Pro's of the S25 Ultra are endless, such as  excellent build and design refinement, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 ensures top-tier performance, its strong, long-lasting software support, the great camera system with enhanced AI and of course, the smooth, polished One UI 7.1 experience. Some things that I didn't like was the charging speed, compared to the Chinese products offering up to 120W charging, this seems to be lagging behind. Not much has changed in terms of the design and its hard to differentiate from the previous model and the pricing, while might be a bit more competitive to Apple, is till pretty pricey. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions/ Weight	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm / 218 g
Display	6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED 120Hz
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite
OS	Android 15, One UI7
Storage	256GB
Price	R21,999.00

 Some pictures taken with the Galaxy S25 Ultra

 

Bucket Tech: Pro-Level Charging with the OPPO Reno10

In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphone technology, users now demand more than ever from their devices. OPPO recently launched its new Reno10 series, a remarkable lineup of smartphones that redefines the charging experience and raises the bar for power and efficiency. At the forefront of this groundbreaking series stands the Reno10 Pro+ 5G, designed to empower users with unparalleled charging speed and lasting battery endurance. With a perfect fusion of cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to user satisfaction, the Reno10 Pro+ 5G stands as a testament to OPPO's unwavering pursuit of innovation. 

SUPERVOOC Lightning-Fast Charging

The Reno10 Pro+ 5G, features the super-charged 100W SUPERVOOC, which revolutionises charging speeds. In just 9 minutes and 30 seconds, you can charge the 4,700mAh big battery from 1% to an impressive 50%, and achieve a full charge in a mere 27 minutes. Undoubtedly, the Reno10 Pro+ 5G ranks among the fastest charging smartphones on the market.

Lasting Power for Uninterrupted Use

Beyond its unrivalled charging speed, the Reno10 Pro+ 5G offers long-lasting power to keep up with your dynamic lifestyle. The 4,700mAh large battery supports up to 1.6 days of standby time on a full charge, and it consumes a mere 5% of the battery during a 9-hour standby at night. In tests conducted at the OPPO Lab, just 5 minutes of charging can support an impressive 3.3 hours of YouTube playback, or 3 hours of Instagram browsing, or 3.2 hours of continuous WhatsApp use.

The Most Durable Battery in the Industry

OPPO's exclusive Battery Health Engine is the driving force behind the Reno10 series exceptional battery lifespan. It ensures the battery remains in good condition for up to 1,600 charge and discharge cycles, far surpassing the industry standard. Since its debut last year, the Battery Health Engine has been integrated into over ten OPPO smartphone products, providing improved user experiences and contributing to sustainability efforts. As a testament to its green innovations, the Battery Health Engine has been awarded the 2023 SEAL Sustainable Product Award.

SUPERVOOC S Power Management Chip: Efficiency Redefined 

Powering the Reno10 Pro+ 5G is OPPO's self-developed SUPERVOOC S power management chipset. This innovative chip consolidates charging, discharging, decoding, reset, battery protection, and power outage functions into one, resulting in a 45% reduction in the area needed for charging and discharging components on the motherboard. With an industry-leading 99.5% discharge efficiency, this chip ensures that you get the most out of a single battery charge, providing extended usage time.

Reliable Charging with TÜV Rheinland Certification 

Safety and reliability are paramount in OPPO's charging solutions. The Reno10 Pro+ 5G has earned the prestigious TÜV Rheinland Safe Fast-Charge System Certification, which involves a series of 40 tests to assess the reliability of the charger, cable, mobile phone, and charging system under extreme conditions. This certification guarantees a dependable OPPO flash charging experience, providing users with peace of mind.

Ultra-low Temperature Charging Mode: Charging in Extreme Conditions

The Reno10 series goes beyond conventional charging capabilities with its Ultra-low Temperature Charging Mode. Operating efficiently even in extremely cold environments ranging from 0°C to -25°C, this mode ensures safe charging. The Freeze Protection Algorithm measures the battery temperature, enabling the system to intelligently activate Ultra-low Temperature Charging Mode when needed. During low-temperature charging, a high-load process generates heat through the middle frame and graphite, safely bringing the battery to normal operating temperature for seamless charging, even in subzero environments.

The OPPO Reno10 series sets the bar high with its fast-charging capabilities and long-lasting battery performance, presenting users with a seamless and reliable charging experience. Say goodbye to charging anxiety and embrace uninterrupted usage with the Reno10 series, an unparalleled combination of power and efficiency.

The Reno10 Pro+ 5G is available for R22 999 from leading service providers

Bucket Tech: iPhone 14 Pro Max

Last nights Apple event saw the companies introduction to the new iPhone 14 family. Like always, Apple's events were very hyped up and were not short of excitement for the unveiling of their new products. While there were many which included the mobile devices, new airpods and watches, there was one particular thing I was most interested in, that was the Pro Max version of the iPhone 14. I recently purchased my first iPhone, the 13 Pro Max and with my short period with the device, I can instantly see what it has been such a hit with many over the years. While there is some short comings when moving over from Android, it's nothing that is too much of a bother and there is always a work around, even though it sometimes is a bit more complicated than it should be but other than that, usability is very easy and there wasn't even a transition period and the interface is so similar, that it was almost seamless. Anyway, enough about my experiences with my device, lets take a look at the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max.

While Apple did launch a standard iPhone 14 as well as the Pro, the Pro Max is the one that has everyone talking. Bringing in a host of new features and tech which includes satellite calling and texting! Yes, in areas with no connectivity, you can make satellite calls or texts from your iPhone 14 Pro Max, this is thanks to a smart new antenna that they've developed over the years that fits into the unibody of the device and enables you to contact first responders during emergencies. It's a massive leap in terms of satellite calling tech, with regards to the texting, they have created a new algorithm that makes messages samll enough to send via the network. Apple say they've developed a special software to show users where to point their phones to maintain a connection. The service will be free for two years with the iPhone 14 starting in the US and Canada. 

The iPhone 14 Pro Max display remains the same size as the 13 Pro Max measuring in at 6.7" and has Ceramic Shield which is tougher than any smartphone glass and is water resistant. One of the key new design elements is the removal of the notch and the addition of the "Dynamic Island" display which see's the front facing camera, and other sensors move into a floating island at the top of the screen. This then transforms as you use the device to display incoming messages, music that you're listening too, notifications, Siri commands and so much more. The device has always-on display and has a refresh rate of 120Hz. The iPhone 14 Pro Max features the new A16 Bionic chip, the company\s first 4nm based chip which they claim is generations ahead of their competitors and up to 40% faster than the competition. The neural core and memory bandwidth have also been radically improved, enhancing image and video captures and bumping up gaming performance. 

Camera game on the iPhone 14 Pro Max has been elevated to the Max, with it having a triple lens system that has a 48MP main camera with quad-pixel sensor, that can take uncompressed ProRAW imagines with greater detail and colours. It has a 12MP Ultra Wide camera for sharper, brighter macros shots and 120 degree field of view and a Telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and up to 2x better low-light photos. Videos on iPhones are always amazing and that doesn't change with the iPhone 14 with it now features "Action Mode" which improves stabilisation when recording. 

Battery life has also been upgraded in the iPhone 14 Pro Max with Apple claiming an all in, all day battery life that can give you up to 29 hours video playback! It also features a MagSafe charger for faster wireless charging. The iPhone 14 Pro Max will also be the first Apple device to do away with sim trays as its adopting eSIM, not sure if this will be the case for local models as well but we will have to wait and see. 

The iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available for shipping from the 16th of September with the pricing coming in at $1,099. Local pricing and availability is still yet to be confirmed. 

Bucket Tech: HONOR 70 Coming Soon

HONOR South Africa announced today their upcoming HONOR 70 smartphone device which is due to be launched locally very soon, the latest addition to its high-end N Series smartphone line-up. Featuring an impressive triple-camera system and a sleek and stylish symmetrical curved design, the new line-up brings innovations across camera, design, performance, and functionality, delivering a powerful and premium user experience. The industry-first Solo Cut Vlog Mode feature produces portrait vlogs that tracks a specific person in group video and two high-definition videos simultaneously, perfect for content creators who want to choose the hero of their story. 

Industry’s First Solo Cut Vlog Mode and SONY IMX800 Camera Sensor

Featuring a 54MP SONY IMX800 Main Video Camera, the HONOR 70 debuts the Sony flagship 1/1.49-inch SONY IMX800 camera sensor, which captures more light for brighter and more detailed pictures, especially in backlit and night scenarios. The HONOR 70 is also equipped with a 50MP 122o Ultra-Wide camera which also doubles as a Macro Camera. 

Bringing remarkable videography innovations to empower the younger generation to fulfil their vlogging aspirations, the HONOR 70 delivers 4K video recording in 30fps in standard video recording and debuts the first-ever Solo Cut Vlog Mode, enabling budding creators to produce portrait vlogs using Person Autofocus Tracking Technology. With Seamless Focus Switch, users can change the focus of the video to spotlight a different subject at the tap of a finger.

Supported by the intelligent Person Re-Identification and Person Temporal Tracking Technology, this pioneering feature enables users to put the spotlight on a specific person in a group video. Even when the subject is out of the frame, it can automatically return when it is back, taking creative vlogging to a whole new level.

Superb Performance with a Robust 66W HONOR SuperCharge

Packed with self-developed single-cell dual-loop battery design, the HONOR 70 brings users a thin body size and low power loss. The HONOR 70 delivers a fast-charging experience with the 66W HONOR Wired SuperCharge technology, users can juice up HONOR 70 to 60% from 3% in just 20 minutes using the included charger, ensuring users can rapidly power up their device.  

Aesthetic Design Inspired by Symmetrical Geometry and the Craftsmanship of Jewelry

Continuing the curved Dual-Ring design of the N Series, the HONOR 70 features an axisymmetric camera setup, drawing inspiration from the craftsmanship of jewelry design.  Exceptionally thin, sleek, and stylish, the HONOR 70 boasts a thickness of just 7.91mm with a weight of just 178g, so it effortlessly fits into small handbags and pockets. 

Designed to meet the different taste of the fashion-conscious crowd, the HONOR 70 is available in splendid colors including Midnight Black, Crystal Silver, and a stunning Emerald Green, and Icelandic Frost. 

Bucket Tech: Huawei P40 Series in SA

Yesterday we got word from Huawei Mobile South Africa that it's P40 Smartphone will be hitting our shores soon in the form of the P40 Lite. Having already given you a run down on the P40 Series, the P40 Lite is the base device in the range with the standard P40, the P40 Pro and the range topping P40 Pro+ making up the rest of the range. This will be Huawei's second smartphone to launch in SA that comes with Huawei's HMS ecosystem. The Lite while being the base device is pretty capable and in cases better than other high end smart phones that are currently on the market. The device is more elegant, more powerful, more sophisticated and more robust that the out going models and Huawei say that it has been specifically engineered to offer an unparalleled entertainment experience. 

The P40 Lite features a 6.4" Punch FullView Display that has a 90.6% screen to body ratio, which is one of the best in it's class currently. The device comes with a 48MP quad camera capable of taking stunning pictures in low light conditions. This phone is all about creating and viewing high quality visuals says the brand. The quad lens system houses a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultra wide angle lens, 2MP Bokeh lens and a 2MP Macro Lens. It has superior low-lighting which make taking pictures at night  a breeze with Super Night Mode 2.0. The technology brightens dark areas, enhances skin tones and facial features as well as reduces noise for a more crisp and beautiful shot. 

The P40 Lite is power by the Kirin 810, a high-end 7nm chipset which is integrated with a Mali G52 that boasts excellent graphics processing capabilities. The P40 Lite also comes with a 4200MAh battery,  with the 40W Huawei Supercharge which recharges your phone is super fast speeds, the device also supports lower power consumption and a longer lasting battery. There's been a lot of advancements put into this device and is a very strong contender in the market for a medium to high end device. The P40 Lite will be available later this morning from the Huawei online store and all mobile operators. No pricing was made available neither confirmation if other devices from the P40 Series will be coming through.