After 18 years as a loyal Apple user, I finally made the switch to Android — and not just any Android — the powerful, feature-packed Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Here’s why I left my iPhone 16 Pro Max behind, and what made me fall in love with Samsung.
From Lifelong iPhone User to Team Galaxy
If you told me a year ago I’d be writing this on a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, I would’ve laughed in disbelief. I’ve been using Apple devices since the original iPhone launched in 2007. From the iPhone 3G to the 16 Pro Max, I was all-in. Add to that the MacBook, iPad, AirPods, and Apple Watch — I was the definition of an Apple loyalist.
But recently, things started to feel stale. Each new iPhone launch felt more like a pricey software update than a leap forward. That spark? Gone. Until I stumbled across the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
First Impressions: Galaxy S25 Ultra Feels Like the Future
Unboxing the Galaxy S25 Ultra gave me a jolt of excitement I hadn’t felt since the early iPhone days. The titanium design, matte finish, and 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with the new Infinite Vivid refresh rate just screamed innovation. Even the in-display fingerprint sensor felt futuristic compared to Face ID.
Setup was smooth thanks to Samsung Smart Switch. My data, messages, and even photos came over easily. I expected to feel nostalgic about my iPhone. Instead, I felt like I’d upgraded — big time.
One UI 7 Made Me Rethink Everything About Android
One of the biggest surprises? Samsung’s One UI 7. Clean, customizable, and faster than expected, it changed my entire perception of Android. Gesture navigation feels more natural than iOS, and I finally have full control over my home screen, widgets, and notifications.
Plus, I’m no longer bombarded with Apple service upsells. No iCloud nags. No Fitness+ prompts. Just the phone — my way.
The Camera: A Game-Changer for Mobile Photography
Let’s talk cameras — because the Galaxy S25 Ultra camera system is on another level. The 200MP main sensor, combined with Samsung’s advanced AI processing, captures stunning detail in all lighting conditions.
The 10x periscope zoom lets me shoot crisp, distant shots I wouldn’t even attempt with an iPhone. Add Samsung’s built-in photo editor — which rivals Lightroom — and I’m taking and editing professional-grade photos all from my phone.
Galaxy AI: Not Just Hype
I was skeptical about mobile AI — until I used Galaxy AI. It translates calls live, rewrites messages with different tones, and summarizes long documents in seconds. Unlike some AI features that feel gimmicky, I actually use these tools daily. It’s like having a virtual assistant built into my device.
Battery Life That Redefines Reliability
Battery life has been a constant pain with iPhones. But the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s battery performance is on a different level. Nearly two days of use on a single charge, and 65W fast charging takes me from 0% to 80% in under 30 minutes.
Bonus: Wireless PowerShare lets me charge my earbuds or smartwatch just by placing them on my phone. It’s futuristic and actually useful.
Samsung’s Ecosystem Has Grown Up
Yes, I miss AirDrop. But Samsung’s Quick Share is catching up, and the rest of the Samsung ecosystem has become a serious contender. My Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Tab, and even Windows laptop all sync seamlessly.
Samsung DeX has also blown me away — turning my phone into a mini PC when connected to a monitor. It’s the kind of productivity feature I never knew I needed.
What I Miss About Apple (And What I Don’t)
Sure, iMessage and AirDrop are hard to replace. But apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and RCS have filled the gap nicely. And Apple’s habit of locking users into its ecosystem? I don’t miss that at all.
Now I have more freedom, more control, and more fun — which I hadn’t felt in years using Apple devices.
Why I Switched: It Was Time to Feel Excited About Phones Again
In the end, this wasn’t about a specific feature. It was about rediscovering the joy of using a smartphone. Apple’s polish had become predictable. Samsung brought back the excitement — and it’s not just hype.
Am I done with Apple forever? Never say never. But until they catch up — especially with foldables and AI — I’m happy where I am.
If you’re an iPhone user thinking about switching to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, here’s the truth: it’s no longer a risky leap. Android, and Samsung specifically, has evolved. The customization, camera power, AI integration, and battery life may just win you over — like it did me.
I switched from iPhone to Galaxy — and I don’t regret it for a second.