The Samsung Galaxy S25 series has arrived, and while it boasts a familiar exterior, a closer look reveals subtle refinements and a significant emphasis on artificial intelligence. This year, Samsung appears to be taking a conservative approach, prioritizing incremental improvements and software enhancements over radical design overhauls.
A Case of Déjà Vu: Galaxy S25 with Minor Design Tweaks
At first glance, the S25 and S25+ are virtually indistinguishable from their predecessors. The same 6.2-inch and 6.7-inch displays, flat sides, and minimalist design language persist. In fact, the only noticeable external change is the relocation of the 5G antenna to the top of the device.
The S25 Ultra, while retaining its familiar silhouette, undergoes minor cosmetic alterations. The sides are slightly more squared off, and the camera rings are marginally larger. The bezels have also been subtly reduced, resulting in a marginally larger screen – a 15% increase, according to Samsung.
Internal Upgrades: A Focus on Performance and Efficiency
While the exterior may appear familiar, significant changes lie beneath the surface. The entire series receives a performance boost with the integration of the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, paired with a slightly upgraded vapor chamber for improved cooling. All models now come standard with 12GB of RAM, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
The S25 Ultra also benefits from a 40% larger vapor chamber and the latest Gorilla Glass for enhanced durability. The most notable camera upgrade is the inclusion of a new 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, replacing the 12-megapixel sensor from the previous generation.
Software Reigns Supreme: AI Takes Center Stage
Perhaps the most significant changes this year lie in the software. Samsung has introduced a range of new AI-powered features across the S25 series.
- Intelligent Assistant: A new AI assistant, triggered by holding the power button, combines the strengths of Google Gemini with the in-app capabilities of Bixby. While primarily powered by Gemini for general information and queries, this hybrid assistant can also leverage Bixby’s strengths to perform in-app actions, such as adding events to your calendar.
- AI Select: This innovative feature allows users to select and interact with content on the screen more intelligently. For example, when selecting text from an article, AI Select can surface writing tools, enabling users to summarize the text. When interacting with videos, it can facilitate the creation of GIFs with a few simple taps.
- Enhanced Search Capabilities: The Settings and Gallery apps now incorporate natural language processing, allowing users to search for content using everyday language.
- Now Brief Widget: This widget provides AI-curated information tailored to the user’s current needs, such as relevant news, weather updates, and upcoming appointments.
- Audio Eraser: Similar to Google’s audio enhancement tools, the S25 series now includes a feature that can effectively isolate voice in videos by removing background noise, crowd noise, and wind.
A Familiar Samsung Strategy: Incremental Upgrades and Software Focus
The S25 series exemplifies Samsung’s current strategy: incremental upgrades focused on refining existing strengths. This approach is understandable, given the strong market performance of the S24 line. However, it also raises questions about the long-term direction of the Galaxy S series.
While the S24 line achieved significant success, its design language has remained relatively consistent for several generations. This consistent design, while arguably elegant, may begin to feel stale for some consumers.
The Role of Software Updates
Samsung’s commitment to long-term software updates is a significant advantage. With seven years of software support promised for the S25 series, many of the AI-powered features introduced this year will likely trickle down to older devices through software updates. This minimizes the perceived value proposition of upgrading for owners of recent Galaxy S series devices.
Initial Impressions and Unanswered Questions
While the S25 series offers a compelling package with its refined performance and innovative AI features, several questions remain. Will the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip deliver a truly noticeable performance boost? Can the new camera sensor significantly improve image quality? And will the new AI features truly enhance the user experience or remain largely gimmicks?
Technical Specification Comparison of Galaxy S25 Series
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh Rate | Super Smooth 120Hz (1~120Hz) | Super Smooth 120Hz (1~120Hz) | Super Smooth 120Hz (1~120Hz) |
| Dimensions | 77.6 x 162.8 x 8.2mm | 70.5 x 146.9 x 7.2mm (mmWave/Sub6) | 75.8 x 158.4 x 7.3mm (mmWave/Sub6) |
| Weight | 218g | 162g (mmWave/Sub6) | 190g (mmWave/Sub6) |
| Main Camera | 200MP Wide (OIS), 50MP Ultra-Wide, 50MP Telephoto (5x Optical Zoom, OIS), 10MP Telephoto (3x Optical Zoom, OIS) | 50MP Wide (OIS), 12MP Ultra-Wide, 10MP Telephoto (3x Optical Zoom) | 50MP Wide (OIS), 12MP Ultra-Wide, 10MP Telephoto (3x Optical Zoom) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Storage | 12GB RAM + 1TB / 512GB / 256GB | 12GB RAM + 512GB / 256GB / 128GB | 12GB RAM + 512GB / 256GB |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 4,000mAh | 4,900mAh |
| Charging | 45W Wired, Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless PowerShare | 25W Wired, Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless PowerShare | 45W Wired, Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless PowerShare |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| OS | Android 15, One UI 7 | Android 15, One UI 7 | Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Connectivity | 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S25 series represents a cautious evolution for the flagship line. While the design remains largely unchanged, the focus on AI-powered features and a refined user experience could be a significant draw for existing Samsung users. However, the incremental nature of these upgrades may not be enough to entice users of older Galaxy S devices or those considering alternatives from other manufacturers.
Source: Samsung
I am officially a tech addict and enjoy providing my views on matters related to this industry. I am always interested in trying out new tech gadgets and I have owned multiple smartphones including the legendary HTC One, SGS2, Nexus 4, iPhone 4, 5S, 6S, XR, Note 9. You can ask me any tech related questions in the comment section or on twitter @hookedNav