Introduction and Key Highlights
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 lineup, comprising the Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25, showcases incremental hardware upgrades and a heavier reliance on software improvements, particularly AI capabilities. While the focus on enhancing the software experience is commendable, the series introduces only a few notable hardware changes.
The S25 Ultra, leading the pack, offers significant upgrades to its ultrawide camera and design. Meanwhile, the S25+ and S25 retain much of the hardware from their predecessors but integrate the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, now standard across all models with no Exynos variant in sight. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of each model.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits peak brightness.
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) with overclocked performance.
- Cameras: 200 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide (new), dual telephoto (50 MP 5x zoom, 10 MP 3x zoom).
- Battery: 5000mAh with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.
- Design: Slimmer (8.2mm) with titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor 2.
Highlights
- Upgraded Design:
- The S25 Ultra features a sleeker, narrower build with a slightly larger 6.9-inch display while maintaining the same footprint as its predecessor. The bezels are thinner by 15%, offering a more immersive screen experience.
- The device uses Gorilla Glass Armor 2, which improves durability by 29% compared to the S24 Ultra.
- Camera Upgrades:
- The new 50 MP ultrawide lens features a wider f/1.9 aperture for enhanced low-light performance and 8K video recording capabilities.
- The 200 MP main camera and dual telephoto lenses remain unchanged but benefit from Samsung’s next-gen ProVisual Engine, offering improved computational photography and low-light video.
- Performance:
- Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, the Ultra delivers a noticeable performance boost with overclocked CPU, GPU, and NPU cores. This chipset ensures efficient multitasking, high-end gaming, and enhanced AI-driven features.
- Battery and S Pen Changes:
- The 5000mAh battery and 45W fast charging are unchanged but reliable.
- Unfortunately, the S Pen loses its Bluetooth connectivity and gesture controls, which might disappoint stylus enthusiasts.
Samsung Galaxy S25+
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits peak brightness.
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm).
- Cameras: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, 10 MP telephoto (3x zoom).
- Battery: 4900mAh with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.
- Design: Slimmer (7.3mm) with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and aluminum frame.
Highlights
- Subtle Design Tweaks:
- The S25+ adopts a thinner (7.3mm) and lighter (190g) form factor but retains Gorilla Glass Victus 2 instead of the more durable Gorilla Glass Armor 2.
- Performance:
- The inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Elite marks a significant upgrade, ensuring a seamless user experience with 12GB RAM as standard.
- Cameras:
- The camera setup remains the same, featuring a 50 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultrawide, and 10 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. However, the new ISP and ProVisual Engine improve image processing and low-light video recording.
- Battery:
- With a slightly smaller 4900mAh battery and 45W fast charging, the S25+ maintains excellent longevity.
Samsung Galaxy S25
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.2″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits peak brightness.
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm).
- Cameras: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, 10 MP telephoto (3x zoom).
- Battery: 4000mAh with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging.
- Design: Compact and lightweight (7.2mm, 162g).
Highlights
- Compact Design:
- The S25 is Samsung’s most compact flagship, ideal for one-handed use. It is thinner and lighter than the S24 but retains Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame.
- Performance Boost:
- Like its siblings, the S25 enjoys the power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, now coupled with 12GB RAM by default.
- Camera and Battery:
- The camera hardware is unchanged, but software improvements enhance overall performance.
- The 4000mAh battery supports 25W wired charging, which feels outdated compared to competitors.
- Entry-Level Limitations:
- The base model lacks Ultra Wideband (UWB) support and still starts with 128GB storage, which may feel limiting for some users.
One UI 7.0 and AI Advancements
Samsung’s new One UI 7.0 introduces significant AI features, emphasizing personalization and convenience:
- AI Assistants: Perform complex tasks like cross-app actions and voice-based gallery searches.
- Natural Language Input: Control system settings and apps using conversational voice commands.
- ProVisual Engine: Delivers better low-light video processing and computational photography.
- Now Brief & Now Bar: Provide daily updates and contextual information on the lock screen.
Early Verdict
The Galaxy S25 series focuses on software innovation, AI capabilities, and refined design rather than groundbreaking hardware changes. The S25 Ultra stands out with its enhanced camera, sleek design, and performance gains, making it the most compelling option. However, the S25+ and S25 feel more like iterative upgrades with modest enhancements.
Pricing
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Starting at €1,450/£1,250.
- Galaxy S25+: Starting at €1,150/£1,000.
- Galaxy S25: Starting at €900/£800.
While these prices remain unchanged from last year, the competition from Chinese manufacturers offering faster charging and more aggressive hardware innovations makes Samsung’s incremental approach less appealing. Nonetheless, Samsung’s extensive software support (7 years of updates) ensures longevity for these devices, solidifying their value over time.
