Introduction and Overview
Samsung’s Galaxy S series has been at the forefront of flagship smartphones for years, and the Galaxy S25 lineup brings incremental hardware improvements alongside significant software enhancements. With the Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25, Samsung continues to focus on refining user experiences through software innovations while maintaining its premium hardware reputation.
This year’s Galaxy S25 series highlights Samsung’s reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) for personalization, usability, and camera enhancements. While hardware changes are minimal compared to last year, software-driven improvements like AI-powered features and Android 15-based One UI 7.0 dominate the narrative.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Closer Look
Design and Build
The Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces some notable design refinements:
- Thinner and lighter chassis: At 8.2mm thick and weighing 218g, it feels more manageable despite its large footprint.
- Larger 6.9-inch display: Slimmed-down bezels allow for a slightly bigger display without increasing the overall size.
- Materials: Built with Gorilla Glass Armor 2 (front and back) and a titanium frame, offering a 29% improvement in durability over the S24 Ultra.
Color options:
- Main: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Green, and Titanium Black.
- Online exclusives: Titanium Pink Gold, Jet Black, and Jade Green.
Display
The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel offers stunning visuals:
- 2600 nits peak brightness: Excellent legibility under direct sunlight.
- 1440x3088px resolution: Crystal-clear visuals with vibrant colors.
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate: Smooth transitions while preserving battery life.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, the Ultra delivers:
- Octa-core CPU: Two primary cores clocked at 4.47 GHz, providing faster processing speeds.
- Adreno 830 GPU: Superior graphics performance for gaming and multimedia.
- 12GB RAM options: Available with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage tiers.
Benchmarks: The Ultra outpaces most competitors in both CPU and GPU performance, delivering smooth multitasking and excellent gaming experiences.
Camera
The S25 Ultra introduces a new 50MP ultrawide sensor:
- Main Camera: 200MP with Laser AF and OIS for sharp, detailed photos.
- 5x Telephoto: A 50MP sensor with excellent zoom capabilities.
- Ultra Wide: 50MP with Super Steady Video for dynamic shots.
- Video: 8K recording at 30fps with HDR10+ for cinematic quality.
Other camera features include:
- AI-powered enhancements: Better noise reduction in low-light videos.
- Galaxy Log mode: Offers professionals the ability to color-grade videos manually.
- AI Audio Eraser: Remove unwanted sounds from video clips seamlessly.
Battery and Charging
The 5,000mAh battery supports:
- 45W wired charging: Charges 65% in 30 minutes.
- 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy S25+
The Galaxy S25+ brings minor refinements compared to its predecessor but retains its appeal as a larger alternative to the vanilla S25:
- 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 2600 nits peak brightness and 1440x3088px resolution.
- Battery capacity: Slightly smaller at 4,900mAh with 45W wired charging.
- Build materials: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame ensure durability.
Camera System
The S25+ has a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto. While there’s no significant hardware upgrade, the software enhancements powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s ProVisual Engine promise better low-light performance and improved video recording.
Performance
Like the Ultra, the S25+ is equipped with:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy.
- 12GB RAM options: Available with 256GB and 512GB storage tiers.
Samsung Galaxy S25
The Galaxy S25 is the smallest and lightest in the lineup, but it doesn’t compromise on power:
- Compact design: At 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm and weighing just 162g.
- Display: A 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel with 2600 nits brightness and 1080x2340px resolution.
- Camera: Retains the same 50MP + 10MP + 12MP setup as the S25+, ensuring consistent performance.
Performance
For the first time, the Galaxy S25 offers 12GB RAM as standard across all configurations, improving multitasking and responsiveness. However, the base model starts with 128GB storage, which is a notable limitation.
Battery
- 4,000mAh capacity with 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. While sufficient for daily use, it lags behind competitors offering faster charging speeds.
Software: One UI 7.0
The entire S25 series debuts with One UI 7.0, based on Android 15. Key features include:
- AI-Powered Assistant:
- AI Select: Generates GIFs, wallpapers, or search suggestions based on screen content.
- Cross-App Actions: Automates complex tasks, such as finding a restaurant, sharing its location, and creating calendar reminders—all through natural language input.
- Now Bar and Now Brief: Personalized summaries and contextual updates based on daily routines and activities.
- Privacy and Security: Samsung Knox Matrix ensures that sensitive data remains protected on-device using quantum encryption standards.
Comparisons and Early Verdict
Strengths Across the Lineup
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Elite offers the best generational upgrade in recent years.
- AI Features: Personalized and actionable AI improves productivity.
- Durability: Gorilla Glass Armor and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provide excellent protection.
Weaknesses
- Minimal hardware changes: Except for the Ultra’s new ultrawide camera, most upgrades are software-based.
- No revolutionary charging tech: Competitors are offering faster charging and innovative battery technologies.
- S Pen limitations (Ultra): Removal of Bluetooth and accelerometer features reduces its functionality.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy S25 lineup maintains its predecessor’s pricing:
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: €1,450/£1,250.
- Galaxy S25+: €1,150/£1,000.
- Galaxy S25: €900/£800.
These prices ensure competitive positioning, though they may feel high considering the lack of significant hardware upgrades.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S25 series feels more like a refinement than a revolutionary upgrade. The S25 Ultra stands out with its improved ultrawide camera and design tweaks, while the S25+ and S25 offer incremental improvements to their already solid predecessors. With Samsung betting big on AI and software, this year’s Galaxy S25 lineup may appeal more to those seeking a smarter smartphone experience than those looking for groundbreaking hardware.
