Introduction: Iterative Yet Promising
The Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup is here, continuing the legacy of one of the most iconic smartphone series in the market. With the Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25, Samsung focuses on subtle hardware refinements, enhanced AI-powered features, and a design refresh. While the hardware upgrades seem minimal compared to previous generations, the real innovation lies in Samsung’s push toward a smarter software ecosystem with One UI 7.0 and the power-packed Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset.
Let’s dive into a detailed analysis of each model and see what they bring to the table.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Star of the Show
Key Specifications
- Body: Glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Armor 2), titanium frame, IP68-rated.
- Display: 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1440x3088px, 120Hz refresh rate, 2600 nits peak brightness.
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm), Adreno 830 GPU.
- Cameras:
- Rear: 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide (new), 50MP 5x telephoto, 10MP 3x telephoto.
- Front: 12MP Dual Pixel PDAF.
- Battery: 5000mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless charging.
- Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (all paired with 12GB RAM).
Design and Build
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is sleeker, lighter, and tougher. Measuring 162.8×77.6×8.2mm and weighing 218g, it feels more ergonomic than its predecessor. The slightly larger 6.9-inch display with slimmer bezels makes the phone more compact despite its larger screen real estate.
The titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor 2 significantly improve durability, with Samsung claiming a 29% increase in drop resistance. The camera layout remains minimalist, but the lenses protrude more due to the thinner chassis.
Color options include Titanium Black, Silver, Green, and Blue, with online exclusives like Jet Black and Jade Green.
Display: Bigger and Brighter
The S25 Ultra’s display is a masterpiece:
- Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- The 2600 nits peak brightness outshines most competitors, making it the go-to device for outdoor use.
- DX anti-reflection coating further enhances visibility under direct sunlight.
Performance: Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset offers a massive performance leap, with clock speeds of 4.47 GHz on its high-performance cores. Benchmarks reveal a 15-20% improvement in both CPU and GPU performance compared to its predecessor. The 12GB RAM across all configurations ensures smooth multitasking.
Camera: The Ultra-Wide Revolution
The biggest camera upgrade lies in the 50MP ultrawide sensor with a wider f/1.9 aperture, which excels in low-light photography and video. While the other cameras remain unchanged, the new ProVisual Engine powered by the Snapdragon ISP enhances HDR video recording, low-light performance, and noise reduction.
Other notable additions:
- 8K@30fps video recording.
- Galaxy Log mode for professionals who enjoy post-production color grading.
- AI Audio Eraser to remove unwanted background noise from videos.
S Pen: A Step Back?
Surprisingly, the S Pen loses Bluetooth functionality and gestures, making it less versatile. While this simplification might appeal to users who prefer basic stylus features, it’s a letdown for enthusiasts who relied on its advanced capabilities.
Battery Life and Charging
The 5000mAh battery delivers reliable endurance, while 45W wired charging gets you from 0 to 65% in 30 minutes. 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging remain unchanged.
Samsung Galaxy S25+: The Balanced Option
Key Specifications
- Body: Glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, IP68-rated.
- Display: 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1440x3088px, 120Hz refresh rate.
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy.
- Cameras:
- Rear: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto.
- Front: 12MP Dual Pixel PDAF.
- Battery: 4900mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless charging.
- Storage Options: 256GB and 512GB (both with 12GB RAM).
Design
The S25+ maintains its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. It’s slightly thinner than the S24+ at 7.3mm and lighter at 190g, making it a great option for users who want a premium experience without the Ultra’s heft.
Color options include Navy, Icy Blue, Mint, and Silver Shadow, with online exclusives like Coral Red and Pink Gold.
Performance and Cameras
The Snapdragon 8 Elite powers the S25+, delivering a noticeable improvement in speed and efficiency. However, the camera setup remains unchanged from last year, relying on software optimization for better results. The 50MP main sensor delivers consistent results, while the ultrawide still lacks autofocus.
Battery
The 4900mAh battery matches the Ultra in endurance, and 45W charging ensures quick top-ups.
Samsung Galaxy S25: Compact Yet Powerful
Key Specifications
- Body: Glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, IP68-rated.
- Display: 6.2″ LTPO AMOLED, 1080x2340px, 120Hz refresh rate.
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy.
- Cameras:
- Rear: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto.
- Front: 12MP Dual Pixel PDAF.
- Battery: 4000mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless charging.
- Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (all with 12GB RAM).
Design
The Galaxy S25 is Samsung’s smallest and lightest flagship in years. At 162g, it’s ideal for those seeking one-handed use without sacrificing premium features. The compact 6.2-inch display ensures portability while retaining AMOLED brilliance.
Performance
For the first time, the base S25 includes 12GB RAM across all configurations, eliminating the performance gap with its pricier siblings.
Battery
The smaller 4000mAh battery feels limiting, but 25W charging ensures quick top-ups.
Software: One UI 7.0
All three devices debut One UI 7.0 based on Android 15, focusing heavily on AI personalization:
- AI Select: Context-aware actions like creating GIFs or wallpapers.
- Cross-App Actions: Multitask across apps with natural language commands.
- Now Brief and Now Bar: Personalized schedules and contextual lockscreen info.
Samsung promises 7 years of software and security updates, solidifying its reputation for long-term support.
Early Verdict
The Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out with its upgraded ultrawide camera, sleeker design, and improved durability. The S25+ and S25, while lacking in standout hardware changes, benefit from the Snapdragon 8 Elite and One UI 7.0’s AI features.
However, incremental upgrades may disappoint those expecting revolutionary changes. Samsung is clearly betting on AI and software to maintain its dominance, but time will tell if this strategy resonates with consumers.
Pros:
- Sleek design with improved durability.
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset.
- Enhanced AI features in One UI 7.0.
- 7 years of software updates.
Cons:
- Minimal hardware changes for S25 and S25+.
- S Pen loses advanced features.
- Lack of innovative battery technologies.
Pricing:
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: €1,450/£1,250
- Galaxy S25+: €1,150/£1,000
- Galaxy S25: €900/£800
Stay tuned for in-depth testing and a full review of Samsung’s latest flagship lineup.
