Upgrading a smartphone used to be about chasing the newest design or better camera. Today, it’s just as much about navigating pricing, carrier credits and long-term commitments.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 lineup is a good example. On paper, the phones are premium and pricey. In practice, carrier deals make them look far more affordable, at least on a month-to-month basis.
If you’re considering a Galaxy S25, there are several models to choose from, each aimed at a slightly different type of user. The key is understanding what you’re getting, what you’re giving up and how much the phone actually costs once the bill credits are factored in.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more – straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice – straight to your e-mail.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup at a glance
I’ve been a fan of Samsung’s Galaxy lineup since the first Galaxy Note came to market, so I’ve been keeping a close eye on deals that might make an upgrade worthwhile. The Ultra model, in particular, has features I’ve missed over the years, including a larger display and a built-in S Pen that’s stored in the phone. With current promotions bringing the price down significantly, this may be the deal that finally makes upgrading feel practical.
Samsung offers three main Galaxy S25 models: the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra. All three deliver Samsung’s polished Android experience, but the features and the price scale quickly as you move up the lineup.
|
Model |
Screen size |
Key features |
Battery Life |
|
Galaxy S25 |
6.2″ display |
Core Galaxy features, multi-lens rear camera |
Up to 25 hours |
|
Galaxy S25 Plus |
6.7″ display |
Bigger screen and battery |
Up to 30 hours |
|
Galaxy S25 Ultra |
6.9″ display |
Built-in S Pen, advanced camera system and the largest display |
Up to 30 Hours |
Why the Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out
Verizon is offering several promotions on the Galaxy S25 lineup, but the deal on the Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out for its combination of premium features and low monthly pricing. The Ultra model is Samsung’s no-compromise phone.
One of its most distinctive features is the built-in S Pen, which isn’t available on the standard Galaxy S25 or S25 Plus. For longtime Galaxy users who remember the Note series, the pen was a helpful tool. From quick note-taking and photo markup to more precise multitasking.
The camera setup is another draw. The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera system has multiple rear lenses and a high-resolution main sensor, along with a capable front camera for selfies. For users like me who rely on their phone for everyday photography, this flexibility is a meaningful upgrade from older S-series devices.
The Ultra also features the largest display in the lineup, making it better suited for productivity and streaming. If your current Galaxy phone feels limiting when you try to do more than one thing at a time, the Ultra’s size and features can feel like a step into a different category altogether.
What the $4.99 Verizon deal actually means
Verizon’s $4.99-per-month pricing for the Galaxy S25 Ultra is real, but it’s important to understand how it works.
The phone’s full retail price is $1,299.99. Verizon spreads that cost over 36 months, resulting in a standard device payment of $36.11 per month. Verizon then applies $31.12 per month in bill credits, bringing your net device payment down to $4.99 per month. Over the full 36 months, your total device payments add up to $179.64, assuming you receive all credits.
To qualify, your line must remain on an Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus phone plan. If you cancel the line or switch to an ineligible plan before the 36 months are up, the bill credits stop, and you’ll owe the remaining device balance. There’s also a $40 one-time activation fee per device, which adds to your upfront costs.
Trade-offs buyers should consider
Even with generous discounts, the Galaxy S25 Ultra won’t be right for everyone. One notable change for longtime Samsung users is the lack of a microSD card slot. Photos, videos and files must be stored internally or in the cloud, which could be an adjustment for those who rely on external storage.
The deal also requires a long-term commitment. Thirty-six months is a long time in the smartphone world, and while the monthly price is appealing, you’re tying yourself to a specific carrier plan to get the full savings.
Finally, while the phone may be inexpensive on paper, the cost of an unlimited plan can offset some of the device discount, especially for solo casual users who don’t need a robust mobile plan.
(Image credit: Kevin Carter / Contributor)
Buying in-store versus shipping
Verizon does offer in-store pickup, depending on inventory. For some buyers, that’s more than a convenience. Being able to walk out with the device the same day and get help with setup can make the upgrade process smoother, especially for those moving from an older Galaxy model.
During checkout, select the in-store pickup option to see whether nearby locations have inventory available and what same-day options are offered.
A strong deal if you plan to stay put
The Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup offers something for nearly every type of Android user. The Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus provide strong performance without the Ultra’s size or complexity. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, stands apart with its S Pen, advanced camera system and productivity-focused design.
Verizon’s $4.99-per-month deal makes the Ultra surprisingly accessible, but only if you’re comfortable with a long-term plan commitment. For buyers who plan to stick with Verizon and want the most capable Galaxy phone available, the numbers can work in your favor.
