Samsung followers searching for a recent revamp of the flagship Galaxy lineup is perhaps underwhelmed by the Samsung Galaxy S25, at the very least at first look. Apart from minuscule design and end updates, the base-model Galaxy S25 seems to be fairly much like the Galaxy S24 — and former generations earlier than that one.
In reality, a few of the solely impactful {hardware} upgrades to the Galaxy S25 — just like the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset and improved connectivity protocols — is perhaps extra a testomony to the breakthroughs Qualcomm has achieved fairly than Samsung. And but, regardless of my disdain for Samsung’s complacency at instances, I’ve totally loved my time with this cellphone.
Samsung’s renewed strategy to software program and its shut relationship with Google are huge explanation why. One UI was once a disjointed Android expertise, and it felt like Google and Samsung companies had been sparring beneath the software program pores and skin. Now, One UI 7 is a standout working system that feels quick and refreshing. Galaxy AI, Google AI, and the flurry of Samsung and Google software program options on the Galaxy S25 really feel like they’re lastly working collectively, not competing on your consideration.
That, plus the tiny type issue, makes me wish to overlook the Galaxy S25’s shortcomings in different areas. There are some egregious omissions right here, just like the digital camera system that hasn’t been upgraded for the reason that Galaxy S22. Gradual charging speeds, the dearth of UWB help, and 128GB base storage are different notable oversights.
All this provides as much as make the Samsung Galaxy S25 my most irritating advice but. Sure, it is excellent, and you can purchase it if you need a small, gentle, and compact Android flagship. However I might be mendacity if I wasn’t anxious about Samsung being rewarded for unhealthy conduct if the Galaxy S25 flies off the cabinets as a result of it definitely might’ve performed extra right here.
Samsung Galaxy S25: Worth and availability
Samsung introduced the Galaxy S25 collection at an Unpacked occasion in California on Jan. 22, 2025. The telephones grew to become obtainable for preorder on that date and formally launched February 7. Nevertheless, preorders from Samsung had been delivered early this 12 months — as early as late January.
There are three storage configurations of the Galaxy S25 obtainable: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. With that being stated, the 128GB variant is not obtainable in Australia, and the 512GB variant is not obtainable in North America. Regardless of rumors of a worth hike, the Galaxy S25 matches the pricing tiers of the Galaxy S24.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 (12GB/128GB): US $799.99 / UK £799 / AU N/A
- Samsung Galaxy S25 (12GB/256GB): US $859.99 / UK £859 / AU$1,399
- Samsung Galaxy S25 (12GB/512GB): US N/A / UK £959 / AU$1,599
The Galaxy S25 is available in Icyblue, Navy, Mint, and Silver Shadow colorways. I reviewed the Icyblue mannequin, which pictures nearer to white however seems to be like a mixture of gentle blue and silver in particular person. There’s additionally a trio of Samsung unique colours: Coralred, Blueblack, and Pinkgold.
You may discover the Galaxy S25 obtainable for buy from Samsung’s on-line retailer, third-party retailers like Finest Purchase or Amazon, and from mobile carriers. Now we have a full information to all the perfect offers on your reference.
Samsung Galaxy S25: Design and show
It is clear from a glance down the spec sheet that the Galaxy S25 has to supply one thing distinctive to make patrons look previous its shortcomings. For instance, the OnePlus 13 is a extra full bundle whereas costing solely $100 extra, which does not bode effectively for Samsung’s base mannequin. The excellent news is that Samsung did create one thing distinctive with the Galaxy S25. It is maybe the final small Android flagship left.
I do know, I do know — it is loopy to say {that a} 6.2-inch smartphone is small. As a fond former iPhone 12 mini consumer, I really feel you. Small cellphone lovers like myself merely must acknowledge that with the departure of the Asus Zenfone (as we knew it), the class is on life help. Until you rely clamshell foldables just like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, the Galaxy S25 is certainly the smallest 2025 flagship you should buy as we speak.
Whereas the iPhone and Pixel continue to grow bigger, the Galaxy S25 is getting smaller. The show on the Galaxy S25 continues to be 6.2 inches, however Samsung shrunk the chassis in each means. It is smaller, thinner, and lighter than the Galaxy S24. If that wasn’t sufficient, the Galaxy S25 can also be extra compact than the Google Pixel 9 and iPhone 16 in each dimension.
To get particular, the Galaxy S25 measures 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm and weighs simply 162 grams. These numbers do not fairly convey how a lot thinner and lighter this cellphone feels in comparison with the competitors. The bottom Pixel 9, as an example, weighs a whopping 198 grams. I already loved the shape issue of the Galaxy S24, and the Galaxy S25 feels higher in each means. Though the Galaxy S25 Edge could also be thinner when it releases, its rumored 6.8-inch display will assist the Galaxy S25 maintain the title of greatest small cellphone by the 12 months.
General, the design of the Galaxy S25 looks like a mixture of the design tendencies we noticed on Galaxy foldables and the Galaxy S24. There are nonetheless the identical flat aluminum aspect rails with rounded corners and chamfered edges, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back and front. In the meantime, the rear digital camera lenses now have DSLR-style covers, matching the Galaxy foldables. Whereas acquainted, I’ve no complaints in regards to the Galaxy S25’s construct — though Gorilla Armor and its anti-reflective properties would’ve been a giant addition.
Although some are fast to level out that the sharper edges of the Galaxy S25’s design will be uncomfortable to carry, I do not assume that is a lot of a problem on the bottom mannequin. It is sufficiently small that you must have the ability to maintain it with one hand while not having to shove the nook into your palm. For the Plus or Extremely fashions, it might be one thing to think about.
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Once I reviewed the Galaxy S24 final 12 months, I stated that the show’s bezels appeared smaller than some other cellphone I’ve examined. That is nonetheless visually obvious with the Galaxy S25, no matter whether or not it is really true. Particularly with a light-colored cellphone, the distinction of the matte aluminum rails and the black show edges make bezels look half the scale — and greater than different flagships.
In comparison with the Galaxy S24, the screen-to-body ratio has solely elevated by 0.2% on the Galaxy S25, so each gadgets will really feel comparable. The similarities most likely have one thing to do with the truth that each telephones seem to have the very same show panel. It is an AMOLED 2X show that goes as much as 120Hz with a variable refresh charge, HDR10+, and a couple of,600 nits of most brightness. The decision is 1080 x 2340 pixels, which means it is solely FHD+. Consequently, the Galaxy S25 does not have the ProScaler for QHD+ that is now obtainable on the Plus and Extremely fashions.
The dearth of upgrades does not change the truth that the Galaxy S25 seems to be beautiful in most circumstances. If I needed to nitpick, the brightness may very well be improved. Different handsets can do significantly better, and out-of-the-box brightness outdoor ought to be larger. Samsung’s adaptive brightness tends to be too conservative, so I might advocate disabling this and flipping on the “additional brightness” choice for those who’re like me and love a vivid display. In fact, this comes on the expense of battery life.
Across the edges, you may discover a quantity rocker and a aspect button used for energy and voice assistant management. The aspect button will be mapped to Gemini for fast entry to agentic help. On the underside, there is a speaker grill, a USB 3.2 Kind-C port that helps DisplayPort Alt Mode, and a bodily SIM card tray. The suitable aspect merely provides a mmWave cutout for enhanced 5G connectivity.
To sum up, do not overlook the Galaxy S25’s type issue. Its thinness and lightness, paired with the ability we’ll get to subsequent, makes it a compelling choice in a sea of huge flagships.
Samsung Galaxy S25: {Hardware} and specs
The {hardware} on the within of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is each the perfect and worst factor about this machine. Let’s begin with the nice. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, which was co-designed by Samsung and Qualcomm. This cell platform relies on the Snapdragon X lineup, the laptop computer and desktop-class processors made utilizing Qualcomm’s customized Oryon cores. In essence, it implies that the Galaxy S25 is essentially the most highly effective Android cellphone in the marketplace.
That is mirrored in benchmark exams, the place the Galaxy S25 got here out on high in Geekbench 6 runs. It decisively beat the Google Pixel 9, a cellphone that makes use of the underpowered Tensor G4 processor. Beforehand, Google had the sting in AI, with 45 tokens per second supported for AI operations on the Pixel 9.
Samsung and Qualcomm utterly flipped the script with the Galaxy S25. It will probably course of as much as 70 tokens per second for AI duties, dethroning the Pixel 9. With efficiency, AI processing, and Galaxy optimization, it seems to be just like the Galaxy S25 is the top-performing base mannequin of any flagship providing in 2025.
| Cellphone | Processor | Geekbench 6 (single/multi-core) |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S25 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | 3,025/9,640 |
| Google Pixel 9 | Google Tensor G4 | 1,572/3,792 |
| iPhone 16 | Apple A18 | 3,417/8,336 |
| OnePlus 13 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | 2,893/9,058 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | 2,228/6,656 |
What does that imply for every day use? It is twofold. First, it’s unlikely that you will discover the velocity distinction between the Galaxy S25 and one other succesful flagship whereas holding them side-by-side. Smartphones have been actually quick for some time now, and we do not want Geekbench 6 scores to understand it.
Second, it is probably that the large efficiency improve of the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset will assist the Galaxy S25’s longevity. Samsung is promising seven years of software program help, and I think the Galaxy S25 may have a neater time reaching that than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered Galaxy S24.
This isn’t the sort of year-over-year efficiency enchancment we often see in smartphone SoCs. It is a once-in-a-decade sort of improve, and that is why I can see the argument for upgrading now to the Galaxy S25 for those who’ve been ready some time.
To check how the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy pushes the battery and cooling system within the Galaxy S25 to its limits, I ran the 3DMark Wild Life Excessive stress check, which is a graphics-heavy check lasting 20 minutes in a steady loop. I surprisingly discovered that the Galaxy S25 did not get scolding sizzling to the contact. It bought heat however did not overheat like different flagships have in recent times.
Nevertheless, the loop rating in the course of the stress check frequently decreased over the course of the 20-minute stress check. The Galaxy S25 hit a peak of 15,336 within the second loop and dipped beneath 11,000 by the thirteenth loop. It completed with a remaining loop of 10,991. What does this all imply? Basically, the Galaxy S25 will decelerate the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor to maintain the cellphone cool. Consequently, its inner temperature solely elevated by 5 levels Celsius in the course of the check and used simply 11% battery.
To be clear, it is a good outcome. You desire a cellphone to know its limits and decelerate earlier than burning itself up and shedding a ton of battery for the sake of some additional frames whereas gaming.
I stated that the {hardware} was additionally the worst factor in regards to the Samsung Galaxy S25, and here is why. There are some omissions which are extraordinarily onerous to justify. For starters, you do not get an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip on the bottom mannequin Galaxy S25 — it’s important to improve to the Galaxy S25 Plus or Extremely for that. It creates a state of affairs the place for those who plan to make use of Samsung’s personal SmartTag trackers or the Google Discover My Gadget community over the lifetime of your smartphone, you should not purchase the Galaxy S25.
Moreover, the Galaxy S25 nonetheless fees painfully gradual. It solely fees at 25W over a cable, which is unacceptable for a flagship in 2025. Wi-fi charging is not that significantly better. It helps the Qi2.1 commonplace, providing 15W wi-fi charging and 4.5W reverse wi-fi charging. It does not have inner magnets, so you may’t use MagSafe equipment and not using a case. I could also be within the minority right here, however I feel slapping a thick MagSafe case on the Galaxy S25 defeats the aim of it being a compact cellphone.
These are just some small missed alternatives that may not matter a lot as we speak however might restrict you down the street for those who plan to maintain this cellphone for 5 or extra years. There’s nonetheless loads of good, just like the processor, Wi-Fi 7 help, and Bluetooth 5.4 help.
| Class | Samsung Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Show | 6.2-inch, Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass |
| OS | One UI 7 (Android 15) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Safety | Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor |
| Connectivity | 5G (sub-6, mmWave), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
| Battery | 4,000mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wi-fi, 4.5W reverse wi-fi |
| Dimensions | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 162g |
The cellphone’s battery capability is 4,000mAh, identical to final 12 months. A much bigger battery can be good, however I can dwell with this capability on this type issue. For most individuals, the Galaxy S25 ought to supply all-day battery life. I persistently bought 6+ hours of screen-on time with a mixture of cellphone calls, video streaming, digital camera utilization, and social media doom-scrolling. That was paired with about 10+ hours of screen-off time between fees.
More often than not, the Galaxy S25 lasts all day. Should you’re in a position to briefly high off the battery at varied instances all through the day, you may be golden. I discover this simple to do, merely retaining a cable or wi-fi charging pad at my desk and within the automotive.
Samsung Galaxy S25: Cameras
Samsung reused the rear digital camera system within the Galaxy 25 for the fourth straight smartphone technology. That is proper — the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S22 share digital camera sensors. You get a 50MP, f/1.8 predominant sensor, a 12MP, f/2.2 ultrawide with a 120-degree subject of view, and a 12MP, f/2.2 telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The {hardware} is respectable sufficient, however it’s outdated and performs such as you’d count on of four-year-old lenses.
The one completely constructive factor I can say in regards to the Galaxy S25’s cameras is that they embody a telephoto sensor, which is essential and is not a given on flagships of this measurement. Some telephones, just like the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9, attempt to faux optical zoom utilizing a way referred to as sensor crop. Nothing beats the true factor, and I really like that the Galaxy S25 offers you 3x optical zoom in a 6.2-inch machine.
Paired with the ultrawide lens, the digital camera system makes for various zoom ranges, as proven within the gallery beneath.
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Samsung tries to benefit from the identical digital camera {hardware} with computational pictures enhancements, like ordinary. There’s some proof to recommend that the Galaxy S25 is improved in a number of areas, akin to shutter lag and movement blur. Nevertheless, maintain expectations tame. The Samsung Galaxy S25’s digital camera continues to be no match for a transferring automotive on a nighttime road.
I’ve additionally discovered the Galaxy S25 digital camera to supply colours that look barely uninteresting in comparison with cameras in different flagships. I am glad that Samsung does not take the Pixel strategy, which incorporates over-saturating colours and including fake vibrancy. I do assume iPhone pictures have a greater pure pop of colour, although.
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The front-facing digital camera is just 12MP, however it will get the job performed. Put merely, you are not shopping for the Galaxy S25 for its digital camera system. If that is one thing you actually care about, you don’t have any alternative however to look to the OnePlus 13 or Galaxy S25 Extremely for that.
Samsung Galaxy S25: Software program and AI
I have been a constant critic of Samsung’s software program strategy, particularly One UI, in recent times. It bought to the purpose that I refused to think about Samsung telephones as my every day driver. That is why it ought to say lots that I love One UI 7. I am unsure if it is leaped the Pixel Launcher but, however it’s forward of OxygenOS, Whats up UI, and iOS in my e book. That is one thing I could not even fathom saying earlier than making an attempt One UI 7 on the Galaxy S25.
What makes One UI 7 so nice? It is onerous to pinpoint one function or two — it is extra about how recent and new the working system feels. I favor the break up management panel/notification shade from iOS, and I genuinely just like the bubbly and rounded look of One UI now. The app drawer is best, too. You’ll be able to lastly swap between One UI and different Android skins with out the training curve. Every thing simply is sensible.
One other huge purpose for my newfound One UI 7 love affair is the mixing between Google and Samsung apps and companies. The 2 firms are lastly determining tips on how to work collectively and ship a cohesive software program expertise. It comes right down to the little issues, like how Google Messages is the default and solely messaging app put in on the Galaxy S25. Or how the supercharged Gemini assistant is accessible with the press of a aspect button and may take multi-app actions in your behalf.
In fact, there’s extra to enhance. Samsung ought to work on slicing down on the bloat additional and eliminating pointless third-party apps from inventory One UI. I do not know why my Galaxy S25 ships with LinkedIn and different Microsoft apps, however I hate it.
It wasn’t too way back after I really helpful that Android patrons choose a Pixel resulting from Google’s unique perks. Now, the state of affairs feels reversed. The Galaxy S25 will get a lot of Google’s greatest AI options, from Gemini to Circle to Search, and it will get Samsung’s full Galaxy AI suite. It is like the perfect of each worlds.
Not each AI function will probably be price utilizing. The Now Bar, a pill-shaped heart for data, is overhyped by Samsung. Should you’re deep within the Samsung ecosystem or use choose supported companies like Spotify, it’s going to be neat. However I often do not put on a Galaxy wearable and use Apple Music, so my Now Bar simply advised me the climate and inspirational quotes all day. Which, hey, is sweet. Simply not all that helpful.
One factor price calling out is how good Samsung’s picture modifying options have gotten through the years. Object elimination and generative modifying with Galaxy AI is hands-down higher than something Apple or Google supply, as you may see above.
To sum up, if you have not used One UI shortly or have been upset by it prior to now, it is time to give it a second probability.
Samsung Galaxy S25: Competitors
For the time being, the $799 Samsung Galaxy S25’s largest rivals are the Google Pixel 9 and the iPhone 16. You could possibly argue that potential Galaxy S25 patrons most likely aren’t contemplating an iPhone 16 and vice versa, in order that leaves the Pixel 9 — additionally priced at $799.
There are some who will favor Google’s software program or digital camera profile to that of the Galaxy S25, however I’ve a tough time swallowing how a lot greater and heavier the Pixel is with out offering sufficient advantages. The Samsung cellphone is thinner, lighter, and extra compact but additionally quicker and extra succesful.
With the Pixel 9 and iPhone 16 out of the best way, there is not a cellphone that straight competes with the Galaxy S25 when it comes to measurement. Nevertheless, for those who’re searching for an Android flagship for round $800 and may dwell with a much bigger display, take into account the OnePlus 13 for $100 extra. It is solely a smidge slower than the Galaxy S25 whereas providing a greater show, higher digital camera, quicker charging, and extra base storage. That is the cellphone I might purchase if I had been searching for a Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely-esque cellphone at near-base Galaxy S25 costs.
Samsung Galaxy S25: Do you have to purchase it?
You should purchase this if…
- You desire a small cellphone with the newest Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor
- You may have an older Galaxy cellphone, or aren’t anxious about digital camera high quality
- You need the perfect of each worlds with Google AI and Galaxy AI, and like One UI 7
You should not purchase this if…
- You desire a MagSafe-compatible cellphone with out utilizing a case
- You want newer digital camera tech inside your smartphone
- You are keen to make use of a much bigger and dearer competitor, just like the OnePlus 13
After spending time with the Samsung Galaxy S25, two issues are concurrently true. This can be a standout compact flagship, and Samsung additionally might’ve given it extra upgrades. It feels prefer it’s the identical story each time a Galaxy machine is launched. There’s simply sufficient to make the Galaxy S25 a extremely compelling machine and simply as many recycled concepts and parts to make patrons hesitate.
As I discussed earlier than, I am involved that purchasing the Galaxy S25 indicators to Samsung that releasing 4 generations of telephones with the identical digital camera system is appropriate. It is merely not, and it looks like a gross sales hit could be the solely factor that pushes Samsung to innovate extra. The cellphone’s cameras, charging speeds, sturdiness rankings, and connectivity capabilities are simply the fast hits of issues Samsung might’ve simply improved with the Galaxy S25 — however selected to not.
I am additionally conscious that the majority smartphone patrons aren’t making an attempt to make an announcement with their cellphone purchases. Most individuals simply desire a good, highly effective, and dependable machine, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 checks all these containers. It is also maybe the one compact Android flagship left in the marketplace as we speak. That is how I will advocate it regardless of my frustration with how a lot Samsung reused from prior Galaxy generations.
Small however mighty
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 may not really feel essentially the most thrilling, however it’s definitively the perfect small flagship cellphone in 2025. Should you can look previous some deficiencies in comparison with the Plus or Extremely fashions, the Galaxy S25 is a stable purchase at round $800.
