Samsung’s S25 Ultra and the end of the flagship phone

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra signals the end of the flagship phone era, as smartphones hit their peak form. We explore the phone's underwhelming innovations, discuss new form factors like foldables, and dive into privacy concerns with Chinese apps like TikTok. Plus, alternatives to Meta's now-defunct Portal for video calls.

Samsung’s S25 Ultra and the end of the flagship phone

After nearly 18 years, it’s becoming clear that the tech industry has perhaps reached the end of what the iPhone started. This isn’t to say that there’s no more innovation to come or that we’ve exhausted all possibilities for smartphones, but the archetype that the first iPhone introduced — the rectangular slab of glass that fits in your pocket — might have finally reached its peak. Samsung's Galaxy S25 lineup, along with upcoming flagship devices this year, seem to reinforce this feeling. Perhaps that’s why these phones appear so familiar, or maybe it’s just that there aren’t many groundbreaking changes left in this form factor.

On this episode of The Vergecast, Allison Johnson from The Verge shares her hands-on experience with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is touted as Samsung’s most innovative and experimental offering. Despite being an excellent device, she reveals why she finds it somewhat underwhelming, suggesting that even the most high-end phones are beginning to feel repetitive.

We also explore what the rest of the year holds in terms of new phone releases, speculating whether we might see a new form factor gain widespread popularity — perhaps foldable or even tri-folding designs. Although there’s optimism about new possibilities, the reality is that we’re most likely in for yet another year dominated by traditional "candy bar" phones.

Later, we turn our attention to privacy and security concerns related to popular Chinese apps like TikTok, RedNote, and DeepSeek. Cooper Quintin, senior staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, joins the show to discuss how these apps compare to the practices of Meta and Google. He shares his insights on how individuals should assess their own privacy risks and stresses the need for a comprehensive federal privacy law.

To wrap things up, we answer a question from the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com!) about Meta’s Portal. The once-promising video-calling device is no longer available for sale and seems to be on the way out. So, what options do we have left for connecting with our grandparents? With the help of Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, we offer some practical alternatives.

For more on everything discussed in this episode, here are some links to explore further:

  • The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t so ‘ultra’ anymore
  • Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. S25 Plus vs. S25 Ultra: Specs Comparison
  • TikTok Ban: The Latest on the App’s Potential Shutdown and Return in the US
  • RedNote: The Chinese App That’s Gaining Popularity Among TikTokers
  • Why Everyone is Talking About DeepSeek
  • A Real Privacy Law? Lawmakers Are Optimistic This Time
  • Meta Killing Portal and Both Its Unreleased Smartwatches
  • Echo Show 8: The Smart Display That Still Reigns Supreme

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