Samsung has recently communicated a significant update for prospective buyers of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, suggesting that they consider skipping this model in favor of the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra. This news may come as a disappointment to many enthusiasts eagerly waiting for the S24 Ultra.
In a notable move, Samsung has removed the Galaxy S24 Ultra from its online store, indicating that the device is no longer available for purchase. Although the shop page remains active, customers cannot make any purchases. This change coincides with the continued availability of the standard S24 and S24+ models, which still have stock available.
Additionally, Samsung has delisted the phone’s features from its official website, labeling the Galaxy S24 Ultra as “sold out.” Instead, visitors are encouraged to explore the features of the Galaxy S25 Ultra that launched in January 2024. The S24 Ultra had previously gained substantial attention for its flat display, new titanium design, and impressive performance.
Despite the launch of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, existing Samsung customers have expressed dissatisfaction, describing it as only an incremental update compared to the S24 Ultra. This sentiment is partly because many expected more significant changes in the new flagship model.
Interestingly, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is set to receive all major applications and AI features from the S25 Ultra with the upcoming One UI 7 software update. Prior to the release of the new model, Samsung offered substantial discounts on the S24 Ultra to clear out existing inventory, which is a common strategy when transitioning to a new flagship device.
As of February 28, 2025, the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains available in Europe, India, and China. This indicates Samsung's strategy to manage stock levels in various markets. For those in the US looking for the S24 Ultra, retailers like Best Buy and Amazon may still have units available at competitive prices, though it's advisable to act quickly as prices may fluctuate based on stock levels.
Meanwhile, Samsung has announced the Galaxy M16 5G in India, priced at 11,499 INR (approximately $130). This budget-friendly device comes with an impressive promise of six years of software support, showcasing Samsung's commitment to affordable devices with robust after-sale services.
As of February 2024, Samsung continues to test One UI 7 for its flagship Galaxy S24 series, while other budget models like the F06 and M06 come pre-loaded with this software. Although the M16 5G is equipped with One UI 6.1, it still offers significant support, including six generations of OS upgrades and security updates through 2030.
This means that the M16 5G will eventually receive updates to One UI 7 (Android 15), One UI 8 (Android 16), and beyond, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
The Galaxy M16 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, featuring a 2.4 GHz CPU. It comes in 6GB and 8GB RAM variants, paired with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display boasting FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The device is designed with a slim body at 7.9mm thick and weighs only 191 grams.
Additionally, it features a robust 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging capabilities. The camera setup includes a 50MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro camera, along with a 13MP selfie camera located in a dew drop notch. Advanced features such as a side fingerprint scanner and Samsung Knox vault enhance the overall user experience.
In another important update, Samsung has announced that the Samsung Members app will no longer support devices running Android 7 (Nougat) after April 1, 2025. Users with Galaxy devices on this older operating system will lose access to key app functions, making it essential to update to at least Android 8.0 (Oreo) to continue receiving app support.
Samsung encourages users to check for available system updates by navigating to Settings >> Software Update >> Download and Install. For assistance, users are advised to contact Samsung's Customer Center to confirm their device's compatibility with newer software versions.
The Galaxy S25 series introduces the enhanced Circle to Search feature, integrated with Gemini AI. This update improves the accuracy and reliability of various tasks, including recognizing objects and identifying songs just by humming a melody.
With the new Multimodal AI, Circle to Search can understand text, photos, videos, audio, and real-world objects, allowing users to find their favorite songs in seconds. The updated feature simplifies the search process, providing detailed information about objects and enabling quick actions like dialing phone numbers or composing emails directly from the search results.
Looking ahead, the anticipated Galaxy S25 Edge is set to offer a unique slim design and a range of innovative features. Unlike the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which has received mixed reviews due to its incremental updates, the S25 Edge is sparking interest with its rumored lightweight design and enhanced user experience.
Expected to feature a 6.7-inch display, the S25 Edge will prioritize one-handed usability without compromising performance, as it will utilize the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 12GB RAM configurations as the S25 Ultra.
The camera technology in the S25 Edge may include the new ALoP camera, offering a compact alternative to traditional telephoto systems. With a starting price around $1,000, it presents a compelling option compared to the S25 Ultra's base price of $1,299.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge promises a distinctive, lightweight user experience that may resonate more with consumers than the recently released S25 Ultra. For those contemplating a purchase, waiting for the S25 Edge could be a wise choice. The launch is anticipated around mid-April, and an official date is yet to be announced. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting new devices!
