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Galaxy S25 Ultra Activates Desktop Mode and Becomes a Real Computer with Samsung DeX: We Tested It with Games, Editors, and Even Windows Emulation
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has just redefined what we understand by “high-end smartphone.” Samsung has not only delivered a smartphone with top-notch specifications but has put in users’ hands a true gaming and productivity machine capable of running even classic PC titles like GTA 5 and Fallout 3 — with stable frame rates and performance comparable to mid-range laptops. More than just an upgrade from the S24 Ultra, the new model consolidates a new era: that of smartphones that can replace a computer.
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, an optimized and slightly overclocked version of Qualcomm’s most powerful chip, the S25 Ultra features 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage, and a main camera with 200 megapixels. It’s a set that impresses on paper, but proves even more surprising when tested in practice.
During the unboxing, the lightness and the jet black titanium finish stand out. The design has been subtly altered: the edges are now more rounded, making it more comfortable to use during extended sessions. And it is precisely in long sessions that the device shines. Combining Samsung’s vapor chamber cooling and the efficiency of the new Snapdragon, the S25 Ultra maintained stable performance during lengthy tests with demanding games.
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Samsung DeX Transforms the Smartphone into a Real Desktop
To measure its actual capacity to replace a gaming PC, the device was connected to a keyboard, mouse, and external monitor via a USB-C hub and Samsung DeX. The desktop interface, present in One UI 7, remains functional and proved stable during use, allowing multitasking, floating windows, and support for full-screen games. The visual experience, in fact, is worthy of a laptop: with a 6.9-inch AMOLED display, 120 Hz, and brightness of up to 2,600 nits, the S25 Ultra offers superior image quality compared to many laptops sold in the Brazilian retail market.
Games like Minecraft Bedrock ran at maximum settings, with a render distance of 22 chunks and no performance drops. Even without a dedicated fan, the vapor chamber kept the temperature under control. On the other hand, Minecraft Java Edition showed varied results: through DeX mode, the frames were unstable; but when mirroring the screen directly, the smartphone reached an impressive 2,500 FPS in version 1.8.9 — an unattainable result for any entry-level laptop.
Tests with Mobile Games, FPS, and Bluetooth Controllers
PUBG Mobile was executed with maximum graphics and full support for keyboard and mouse via DeX, which was pleasantly surprising. Genshin Impact, on the other hand, imposed limitations: it did not allow external peripherals, requiring remapping apps for gameplay. Call of Duty Mobile, meanwhile, ran with a PlayStation 4 controller paired via Bluetooth, delivering excellent performance and responsiveness.
In the Fortnite test, the device initially suffered from FPS limitations when using Samsung DeX, delivering only 30 frames even with graphics set to “Epic.” However, when mirroring the smartphone’s screen directly, the performance jumped to 60 and even 90 frames per second, albeit with occasional instabilities. This confirms that DeX still imposes restrictions on some heavier titles.
Emulating a PC with Game Fusion: GTA 5 and Fallout 3
The true game-changer was the introduction of the Game Fusion emulator, which allowed PC titles to run directly on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Fallout 3 worked with high graphics and a frame rate of around 60 FPS — stable performance for a game originally released in 2009 but still challenging for mobile systems. Even more impressive was the execution of GTA 5, with standard graphics and similar performance, with no freezes or sharp FPS drops.
These tests occurred outside the DeX environment, with direct screen mirroring, which avoided driver conflicts and maximized graphical performance. Using a Bluetooth controller and an external monitor, the experience was close to that of a console. Although there were small visual artifacts and unoptimized menus, the gameplay was functional — a remarkable feat for an Android smartphone.
In addition to Fallout and GTA, Game Fusion was also used to test Skyrim, albeit with less success: the game froze during the initial scenes, showing that compatibility with certain titles is still in development. Nonetheless, the technical advancement of native PC emulation on smartphones is undeniable.
The Smartphone That Does (Almost) Everything a Gaming Laptop Does
From a technical standpoint, the Galaxy S25 Ultra surpasses mid-range laptops in various aspects: faster processor, RAM with greater bandwidth, storage with speeds superior to SATA SSDs, a sharper and smoother display, along with cutting-edge connectivity with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and ultra-fast 5G. The 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast charging ensures long usage sessions away from the outlet, which is still a common limitation in many laptops.
Even functions previously exclusive to a computer — such as multitasking productivity, video editing, running legacy software, and peripheral control — are now available on the smartphone. Samsung DeX, although still not perfect for all games, works well for office tasks and browsing. And with the presence of the Galaxy AI suite, the device becomes even more powerful in translation, writing, organization, and content creation.
For users who own a Galaxy S24 Ultra, the update may seem incremental in software but represents a significant leap in hardware. For those coming from older models, such as the S22 or S23, the S25 Ultra is a complete jump in performance, design, ergonomics, and advanced features. The difference is noticeable both in daily use and in more demanding tasks.
With the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung proves that the future of personal computing is no longer on the desks — but in the pocket. And, for the first time, this promise is realized with a device that can, in fact, replace an entry-level gaming PC in real usage.
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