Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 series brings minor hardware upgrades but boasts significant strides in AI and software improvements. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra receives a few key enhancements, the S25 and S25+ seem to have been left out of major innovation this year. Let’s break down the details of these new flagships and evaluate their features, design, and performance.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: Premium Redefined
Design and Build
The Galaxy S25 Ultra receives the most noticeable design changes in the lineup. With a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Samsung has slimmed down the bezels by 15%, making the device more compact without sacrificing screen size. It’s protected by the latest Gorilla Glass Armor 2, providing 29% better durability over its predecessor. The titanium frame further strengthens its build, and the phone weighs 218g, offering a sturdy but refined feel.
Display
- Size: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 1440 x 3088 pixels
- Peak Brightness: 2600 nits
- Features: 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Always-on display
- Improvements: DX anti-reflection treatment for better sunlight legibility.
The display offers unparalleled brightness and crispness, with Samsung continuing to lead the market in screen quality.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset is a significant improvement, offering faster CPU and GPU speeds compared to its predecessor. The octa-core processor includes 2x Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores clocked at 4.47 GHz, delivering blazing-fast performance. Benchmarks show the Ultra outperforming its rivals, making it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and productivity.
Cameras
The Ultra’s camera setup receives a small yet meaningful upgrade:
- Main Camera: 200 MP, f/1.7 with Laser AF and OIS.
- Telephoto (5x optical zoom): 50 MP.
- Telephoto (3x optical zoom): 10 MP.
- Ultrawide: 50 MP, f/1.9.
The upgraded 50 MP ultrawide lens improves low-light performance and enables 8K video recording at 30fps. Samsung’s software enhancements, like ProVisual Engine and AI Audio Eraser, further elevate the photography and videography experience.
Battery
- Capacity: 5000mAh
- Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless.
The battery life is solid, but faster-charging technologies seen in competitors are notably absent.
Stylus (S Pen)
The Ultra continues to feature the S Pen, though it loses Bluetooth connectivity and remote functionality, limiting its use for certain tasks like camera shutter control.
Galaxy S25+: The Balanced Performer
Design and Build
The Galaxy S25+ retains much of the design language of its predecessor but is now slightly thinner (7.3mm) and lighter (190g). It uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection and features an Armor Aluminum 2 frame. While durable, it lacks the premium feel of the Ultra’s titanium frame.
Display
- Size: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 1440 x 3088 pixels
- Peak Brightness: 2600 nits
- Features: HDR10+, Always-on display.
The display remains excellent, though unchanged from the S24+.
Performance
Like the Ultra, the S25+ uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. While the chipset ensures high performance, the lack of UWB support and the exclusion of 1TB storage options make it less future-proof compared to the Ultra.
Cameras
The camera system remains identical to last year’s:
- Main Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8.
- Telephoto: 10 MP, 3x optical zoom.
- Ultrawide: 12 MP.
There are no hardware upgrades here, but the new ISP (image signal processor) from the Snapdragon 8 Elite brings better low-light video capabilities and AI-assisted photography.
Battery
- Capacity: 4900mAh
- Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless.
Battery life and charging speeds are adequate but fail to innovate, especially compared to competitors offering faster charging solutions.
Galaxy S25: Compact and Capable
Design and Build
The Galaxy S25 is the smallest and lightest of the series, weighing just 162g and featuring a 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display. Like the S25+, it uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an Armor Aluminum 2 frame, ensuring durability without adding weight.
Display
- Size: 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels
- Features: 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+.
The display offers excellent colors and brightness, but its lower resolution compared to the Ultra and Plus makes it less appealing for pixel purists.
Performance
For the first time, the base Galaxy S model comes with 12GB RAM across all configurations, significantly improving multitasking and performance. However, its base 128GB storage option feels limited for 2024.
Cameras
The camera setup is identical to the S25+ but lacks standout features like UWB support. The camera app’s new design improves usability, and the AI-assisted capabilities provide better results in low-light conditions.
Battery
- Capacity: 4000mAh
- Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless.
The smaller battery results in shorter battery life, but the device is quick to charge.
Software: One UI 7.0 and AI Features
The standout feature across the entire lineup is One UI 7.0, based on Android 15. Samsung introduces several AI-driven functionalities:
- AI Select: Offers contextual actions based on screen content.
- Cross-App Actions: Allows seamless interactions across apps using natural language input.
- Now Brief and Now Bar: Provide personalized updates and contextual information.
Samsung promises 7 years of Android updates and 7 years of security patches, ensuring long-term software support.
Early Verdict
Pros
- Improved AI Features: Samsung’s focus on personalization and convenience is a game-changer.
- Better Displays: Samsung continues to set the benchmark for smartphone displays.
- Premium Design: The S25 Ultra’s titanium build and slimmed bezels enhance its appeal.
- Performance Boost: Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers top-notch performance.
Cons
- Minimal Hardware Upgrades: The S25 and S25+ feel neglected in terms of camera and charging enhancements.
- S Pen Downgrade: The removal of Bluetooth functionality limits its versatility.
- High Price: The starting price remains steep, especially for the Ultra model.
Pricing
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: €1,450 / £1,250
- Galaxy S25+: €1,150 / £1,000
- Galaxy S25: €900 / £800
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series demonstrates a shift in focus toward software innovation and AI capabilities, making the Ultra a clear winner. However, the lack of meaningful upgrades for the S25 and S25+ may leave some users underwhelmed. While the S25 Ultra is likely to appeal to power users, the S25 and S25+ face tough competition in their price range.
