As Samsung's latest flagship series hits the market, the Galaxy S25 introduces several technological advancements that set it apart from its predecessors. While some improvements may seem incremental, they represent important steps forward in mobile technology innovation and user experience enhancement.
New Qi 2.1 Wireless Charging Implementation
The Galaxy S25 series becomes the world's first smartphone lineup to support the Qi 2.1 wireless charging standard, finalized in September 2024. While this implementation doesn't increase charging speeds, it brings notable improvements in charging functionality. The new standard introduces support for magnetic accessory covers and Automatic Alignment Profile (AAP) Power Transmitters, particularly beneficial for in-vehicle charging systems. However, users should note that magnetic wireless charging requires a compatible case, as the phone doesn't feature native MagSafe-like capabilities.
New Qi 2.1 Features:
- Automatic Alignment Profile (AAP) Power Transmitters
- Magnetic Accessory Cover Support
- Updated Power Profile definitions
- Improved camera bump interference handling
Advanced Camera Capabilities Through Good Lock
Samsung has enhanced the camera experience with new features accessible through the Camera Assistant module in Good Lock. A notable addition is the HDR10+ toggle, providing users with more control over video quality. Perhaps more significantly, the series introduces native support for external storage recording, allowing users to save high-quality videos directly to external devices via USB-C, addressing storage concerns for those capturing 4K and 8K footage.
Charging Specifications and Limitations
Despite the new Qi 2.1 support, charging speeds remain consistent with previous generations. The S25 Ultra maintains its 45W wired charging capability, while wireless charging stays at 15W across the series. This positions the device behind competitors like the OnePlus 13, which offers wireless charging speeds of up to 50W, albeit without Qi 2.1 support.
Key Specifications:
- Wireless Charging: 15W (Standard models)
- Wired Charging: 45W (Ultra model)
- Video Storage Options: Internal storage or direct to external USB-C storage
- Charging Standard: Qi 2.1 certified
- Special Requirements: Magnetic case needed for magnetic wireless charging functionality
Future-Ready Features
The implementation of Qi 2.1 technology, particularly its vehicle-oriented features, positions the S25 series for future compatibility with upcoming automotive charging systems. While cars with Qi 2.1 wireless chargers aren't yet available, this forward-thinking integration ensures the device will be ready when such vehicles enter the market.