The "high value" choice for flagship phones: Is the Ultra/Pro model worth buying?

High-end Android phones are usually available in two versions: the basic model and the more advanced Ultra or Pro version. The latter has more powerful features, but tends to sell for over $1,000. So, are these "high value" models really worth the money?

A little better configuration

Ultra and Pro models are usually slightly better in configuration. The most significant improvement is the camera system, which will usually be equipped with additional lenses and better sensors.

While the processor is usually the same, Ultra models usually offer versions with larger memory and storage space. For example, the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro can be upgraded to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. However, these upgrades are subject to an additional fee, and the base model has the same memory and storage space as the standard model.

Other aspects have also been upgraded, such as a larger high-resolution display, improved sound effects and a better body with titanium instead of aluminum. You may also get some extra features like the S Pen in the Galaxy S Ultra lineup (although Samsung has drastically downgraded it on the latest models).

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (8/10)

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a high-end smartphone with a 6.9-inch QHD Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12GB RAM and a 5000mAh battery, and supports 45W super fast charging 2.0.

Performance improvement is not significant

Despite the better configuration, the performance improvement is not significant. The benchmarks released by GSMArena show that the Galaxy S25 Ultra is slightly better than the Galaxy S25 in some respects and slightly inferior in others.

Larger size and improved internal layout mean that large phones perform better in tasks that require continuous processor performance, such as gaming or shooting 4K video. Its design makes it more efficient to dissipate heat, so the processor can run at full speed for longer. However, these advantages can also be seen in other large non-Ultra phones, such as the OnePlus 13.

Furthermore, Pro models do not necessarily guarantee the best performance. There are huge differences between different manufacturers. For example, the Pixel 9 Pro is much lower than the basic flagship models of Samsung, OnePlus and many Chinese manufacturers.

Larger and heavier body

As mentioned earlier, Ultra and Pro phones are usually larger and much larger. Usually equipped with a 6.7-inch display, changing it from one-handed to two-handed. The more significant difference is that large phones are significantly heavier and are not suitable for everyone.

Google is an exception, which offers a regular size Pro model. The Pixel 9 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch display, and the company also offers a larger Pixel 9 Pro XL model. The difference between these two Pro models is minimal, so you won't get any extra benefits from upgrading. The battery is larger, but the larger display offsets any benefit.

Larger size means better camera and battery

The biggest benefit of a larger size is the improved camera setup. In the case of the S25 Ultra, the main sensor is larger and has higher resolution. Most Ultra devices will also give you an extra camera—a zoom lens with a longer telephoto range—as well as additional features such as macro mode.

Video performance will also be better, as superior thermal management on large devices allows you to shoot at higher resolutions or frame rates longer without compromising performance.

New camera technology is often first seen on Ultra phones, and it takes several generations to popularize more affordable models. If you want state-of-the-art camera features, an Ultra or Pro device is the best choice for you.

Another benefit is that the battery will be about 20% larger. However, actual performance is offset by a larger display, so the actual difference may not be large.

Ultra phones are the best among similar products

Ultra and Pro phones represent the best in their respective series. If you want the best phone on the market right now, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is probably the best choice for you.

Pro models are also increasingly becoming part of mid-range phones, although the difference is smaller than flagship models. For example, the difference between Nothing (3a) and Nothing (3a) Pro is that the latter comes with a zoom lens. The size is exactly the same as other specifications.

The same goes for the budget CMF Phone 2 and CMF Phone 2 Pro, both of which are equipped with zoom lenses on the Pro versions of both large-screen phones.

Expensive, not much longer

Ultra and Pro phones are more expensive, making it hard to find models under $1,000. However, the price does not mean that it will last much longer than a regular phone.

If you buy models with more memory and storage space, it may leave you with one more year or more before these factors become limiting. However, the battery's attenuation speed is still the same, and the operating system upgrade strategy is the same. Don't think your phone will last for a full seven years.

Summarize

Ultra and Pro phones are better than the base model. They usually have better workmanship, better displays and the latest camera technology. But this is offset by the high price and significantly increased size – as a fan of more compact devices, weight is especially a barrier to me.

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