No, this is definitely not a genuine Galaxy S25 Ultra photo

A photo of the alleged Galaxy S25 Ultra has been passed around social media over the past day or so, and after a two-second analysis and a whisper from our sources, we can confidently tell you this is not the real deal.

If you see this photo floating around social media and being presented as the first hands-on image featuring the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra, be as skeptical as you can.

Unless this is an unusual one-off prototype that will never see the light of day as a production device, we're pretty sure it's a fake. And we're leaning heavily on the latter possibility.

One of the odd things about this photo is that it showcases a device that looks exactly like the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Or, well, more like half of a Galaxy Z Fold 6 with the other Cover Screen half detached.

We see the same frame with identical antenna and microphone placements, the same camera design, and even the side button has the same nice contour you usually see on devices equipped with side-mounted fingerprint sensors — like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and unlike the Galaxy S flaghips.

Besides, the device showcased in this photo is missing a couple of rear-facing sensors. There are only three, matching the design of Samsung's new foldable phone, but going against what we think the Galaxy S25 Ultra should look like.

As for the real deal, we expect the Galaxy S25 Ultra to go official sometime early next year. It should have a flat frame with slightly rounded corners and flat panels, and if anything, the photo above might exemplify some of those design characteristics. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S25 Ultra shouldn't be confused with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 cut in half.