Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 lineup is here, boasting iterative hardware updates paired with significant software enhancements. While the physical changes may seem modest, Samsung appears to be doubling down on AI-powered features and software refinements to elevate the user experience.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Flagship Redefined
Design and Build
The Galaxy S25 Ultra receives the most noticeable design tweaks of the series. It’s slimmer, lighter, and more compact without sacrificing its hallmark features. The bezels are reduced by 15%, allowing Samsung to fit a slightly larger 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display without increasing the phone’s footprint. The new Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2 on both the front and back enhances durability, and the titanium frame provides a premium feel.
Key design highlights include:
- Flat edges and oval corners for improved ergonomics.
- Four main color options: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Green, and Titanium Black, with online-exclusive colors like Pink Gold and Jade Green.
- A more pocketable design despite its massive display.
Display
The S25 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it one of the brightest displays on the market. The next-generation DX anti-reflection surface treatment improves sunlight visibility, making this display perfect for outdoor use.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, the Ultra showcases significant performance gains. The Galaxy-exclusive chipset features overclocked cores:
- 2x Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores at 4.47 GHz.
- Adreno 830 GPU clocked at higher speeds for gaming and AI-driven tasks.
This translates to smoother multitasking, better gaming experiences, and more efficient power consumption.
Camera System
The Ultra introduces an upgraded 50MP ultrawide camera with a wider f/1.9 aperture, enabling better low-light performance and 8K video recording. However, the other cameras remain unchanged:
- 200MP wide camera with OIS and Laser AF.
- 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
- 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
The new AI ProVisual Engine promises improved low-light video and computational photography, while features like Galaxy Log mode and AI Audio Eraser cater to advanced users.
Battery and Charging
The Ultra retains its 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, offering decent endurance and fast refueling.
Notable Trade-offs
The S Pen has lost Bluetooth connectivity, removing remote shutter and air gesture functionalities. While this may not affect all users, it’s a noticeable omission for stylus enthusiasts.
Galaxy S25+ and S25: Compact and Capable
The Galaxy S25+ and S25 are visually similar to their predecessors but have a thinner and lighter profile. Here’s what sets them apart:
Design
- Both devices are 0.4mm thinner than last year’s models.
- They retain the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Armor Aluminum frames, which provide solid durability but lack the robustness of Gorilla Glass Armor found on the Ultra.
- Four primary colors: Navy, Icy Blue, Mint, and Silver Shadow, with exclusive online options like Coral Red and Blue Black.
Performance
Like the Ultra, the S25 and S25+ are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, ensuring flagship-level performance across the lineup. For the first time, the base model of the S25 comes with 12GB of RAM, delivering smoother multitasking and better future-proofing.
Camera System
The camera hardware remains the same:
- 50MP wide camera with Dual Pixel PDAF and OIS.
- 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
- 12MP ultrawide sensor (lacking autofocus).
However, thanks to the upgraded ISP in the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Samsung promises better low-light performance and smoother video quality.
Battery
- S25+: 4,900mAh with 45W wired charging.
- S25: 4,000mAh with 25W wired charging.
While sufficient for everyday use, these capacities pale in comparison to the rapid advancements in battery technology from competitors.
Software: One UI 7.0 with AI-Powered Features
Samsung’s One UI 7.0, based on Android 15, is the cornerstone of the S25 series. Here’s what’s new:
AI Enhancements
- AI Select: Analyzes on-screen content and provides contextual actions like creating GIFs or wallpaper from images.
- Natural Language Input: Lets you voice search your gallery or adjust settings using conversational commands.
- Cross-App Actions: Allows complex multi-app tasks, such as finding a restaurant, saving the location in Google Maps, and sharing it with friends in one seamless interaction.
Personalization
- Now Brief: Summarizes your day, including sleep stats, appointments, and content updates.
- Now Bar: Provides contextual information on your lock screen, such as live sports scores and navigation prompts.
Privacy
Samsung ensures data security with Samsung Knox Matrix, encrypting personal data and keeping it device-local.
Performance Benchmarks
In benchmark tests, the Galaxy S25 series outperforms most of its competitors:
- GeekBench 6 Multi-core:
- S25 Ultra: 9,846
- S25+: 9,435
- S25: 10,050
- 3DMark Wild Life Extreme:
- S25 Ultra: 5,573
- S25+: 5,535
- S25: 5,533
The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy showcases the best performance in its class, particularly in gaming and AI tasks.
Camera Samples
Samsung focuses on improving software-driven photography. Key features include:
- AI Audio Eraser: Removes unwanted sounds from videos.
- Galaxy Log Mode: Provides professional-grade video recording options.
- Expert RAW: Enhanced with virtual aperture control for portrait videos.
The new 50MP ultrawide sensor on the S25 Ultra demonstrates better low-light performance compared to the S24 Ultra. However, the S25 and S25+ cameras remain largely unchanged, relying on software improvements for better results.
Early Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S25 series offers iterative upgrades with a focus on software and AI. While the Ultra model receives some notable hardware improvements, the S25+ and S25 feel more like refined versions of their predecessors. Here’s the breakdown:
Pros:
- Cutting-edge performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy.
- Refined design with reduced bezels.
- Innovative AI features in One UI 7.0.
- Long-term software support with 7 years of updates.
Cons:
- Minimal hardware changes, especially for S25 and S25+.
- Lack of standout battery innovations.
- Removal of Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen.
Pricing:
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Starting at €1,450/£1,250.
- Galaxy S25+: Starting at €1,150/£1,000.
- Galaxy S25: Starting at €900/£800.
The Galaxy S25 series is ideal for users prioritizing software enhancements and long-term support. However, those seeking revolutionary hardware upgrades may find the release underwhelming. With its focus on AI, Samsung aims to redefine smartphone experiences, but only time will tell if this strategy pays off.
