Samsung's latest entry in their flagship smartphone series has arrived with the Galaxy S25, bringing modest improvements and AI-focused features to their compact flagship offering. While the device maintains Samsung's reputation for premium build quality and reliable performance, questions arise about whether the incremental updates justify an upgrade for existing recent Galaxy S users.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S25 continues Samsung's refined design language with a slim 7.2mm profile and lightweight 162g build. The device features premium materials including matte glass back and aluminum rails, making it particularly comfortable for one-handed use. While nearly identical to its predecessor, minor dimensional changes mean S24 cases won't fit the new model.
Key Specifications:
- Display: 6.2" AMOLED, 2340x1080, 120Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Main Camera: 50MP
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP (3x optical)
- Battery: 4,000mAh
- Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless
- Dimensions: 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm
- Weight: 162g
Performance and Hardware
Powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and upgraded with 12GB of RAM (up from 8GB in the S24), the S25 delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks. The 6.2-inch AMOLED display maintains excellent quality with 2,340 x 1,080 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, capable of 2,600 nits peak brightness. The 4,000mAh battery provides adequate but not exceptional endurance, typically lasting 5-6 hours of screen time across two days of moderate use.
Camera System
The camera setup remains unchanged from the S24, featuring a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. While capable of producing good photos in favorable lighting, low-light performance lags behind competitors like the Pixel 9. New AI-powered features like Audio Erase and enhanced Nightography aim to improve the experience through software, though results are mixed.
Software and AI Features
One UI 7 debuts on the S25 with Samsung's heavy focus on AI integration. The new Now Bar provides glanceable information on the lock screen, while Gemini integration offers cross-app actions. However, many of the touted AI features feel more like marketing than genuine innovation, with some functions like Now Brief providing limited practical value.
Price Comparison:
- Galaxy S25 (128GB): USD $800
- Galaxy S25 (256GB): USD $860
- Pixel 9: USD $800
- OnePlus 13R: USD $600
Price and Position
Launching at USD $800 for the 128GB model and USD $860 for 256GB, the S25 faces direct competition from Google's Pixel 9 and OnePlus's more affordable 13R. While Samsung promises 7 years of OS updates, the incremental nature of this year's improvements makes it a harder sell for owners of recent Galaxy S models.