Samsung has launched its latest Galaxy S25 series, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25. While the series introduces subtle hardware changes, Samsung’s focus on software, AI-driven features, and performance enhancements is apparent. Here’s a detailed hands-on review of all three models.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: Redefining the Flagship Experience
Key Specifications
- Design and Build:
- Slimmer and lighter with a refined design.
- Features Gorilla Glass Armor 2 for the front and back, with a titanium frame offering better durability.
- IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.
- Display:
- A 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and a peak brightness of 2600 nits.
- Slimmer bezels and a next-gen anti-reflection surface improve sunlight visibility.
- Camera Setup:
- 200 MP main sensor with OIS.
- New 50 MP ultrawide sensor with an f/1.9 aperture.
- Dual telephoto lenses offering 3x (10 MP) and 5x (50 MP) optical zoom.
- 8K video recording at 30fps and enhanced AI processing.
- Processor:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy with overclocked cores and improved NPU for AI tasks.
- Battery and Charging:
- 5000mAh with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.
- Price: Starting at €1,450 / £1,250.
Design and Display
The Ultra now has a 6.9-inch screen, making it slightly larger but narrower due to slimmer bezels. The titanium frame adds durability without adding extra weight, keeping it comfortable to hold. The upgraded Gorilla Glass Armor 2 further enhances durability, promising better protection against drops and scratches.
Camera Performance
The 50 MP ultrawide camera is the most notable upgrade, promising improved low-light performance and sharper details. The AI Audio Eraser is an intriguing addition, allowing users to remove unwanted background noise from videos post-capture.
Camera Samples
- Main Camera: Images are crisp with true-to-life colors.
- Telephoto Lenses: Excellent for long-distance shots, with minimal noise even in low light.
- Ultrawide: A noticeable improvement over the S24 Ultra, offering more detail and better light capture.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, the Ultra delivers unmatched performance. Benchmarks show a substantial leap over the previous Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. One UI 7.0, based on Android 15, introduces AI features like Cross-app Actions and Now Bar, making multitasking seamless. Samsung also promises 7 years of updates, ensuring longevity.
Drawbacks
- S Pen: No longer features Bluetooth connectivity or air gestures, limiting its functionality.
- Minor Hardware Upgrades: Aside from the ultrawide camera and chipset, the hardware feels incremental.
Galaxy S25+ and S25: Polished, Yet Familiar
Galaxy S25+ Specifications
- Display: 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy.
- Camera: 50 MP main, 10 MP telephoto, 12 MP ultrawide.
- Battery: 4900mAh with 45W wired charging.
- Price: Starting at €1,150 / £1,000.
Galaxy S25 Specifications
- Display: 6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy.
- Camera: Same as the S25+.
- Battery: 4000mAh with 25W wired charging.
- Price: Starting at €900 / £800.
Design and Build
Both models retain the design language of the S24 series but are now slightly thinner. They still feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Armor Aluminum frames, which feel premium but lack the durability of the Ultra’s titanium frame.
Camera
The camera hardware remains the same as last year’s models, with a 50 MP main sensor and a 12 MP ultrawide lens without autofocus. However, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s improved ISP, low-light performance and video quality have improved.
Performance
Both devices benefit from the Snapdragon 8 Elite, offering consistent performance across apps and games. The base S25 now includes 12GB RAM in all configurations, ensuring smoother multitasking.
Drawbacks
- Lack of UWB Support: The vanilla S25 still doesn’t support Ultra-Wideband (UWB).
- No Major Hardware Changes: The battery, charging speeds, and cameras remain the same as the previous generation.
Software and AI: The Real Star
One UI 7.0 steals the spotlight with:
- AI Select: Analyze screen content and suggest actions.
- Cross-app Actions: Perform complex tasks like sharing a location or setting reminders with voice commands.
- Now Brief and Now Bar: Personalized daily summaries and real-time contextual information.
Early Verdict
While the Galaxy S25 series brings some welcome refinements, it doesn’t revolutionize the lineup. The Ultra model offers the most significant upgrades, particularly in its design, ultrawide camera, and AI features. However, the S25 and S25+ feel like incremental updates.
Pros
- Stunning displays with improved brightness and clarity.
- Snapdragon 8 Elite offers excellent performance.
- New AI features enhance usability.
Cons
- Minor hardware upgrades across the lineup.
- S25 Ultra loses some S Pen functionality.
- Competitors are advancing faster in charging and battery technologies.
Price
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: €1,450 / £1,250
- Galaxy S25+: €1,150 / £1,000
- Galaxy S25: €900 / £800
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the clear choice for those seeking the best Samsung has to offer. However, if you own an S24 series phone, upgrading may not be essential unless AI features and slight design changes appeal to you.
