Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series has officially been unveiled, continuing the company’s legacy of innovation in the smartphone industry. The S25 lineup consists of three models—Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, and the S25—each catering to different user needs while retaining Samsung’s hallmark of quality. This year’s iteration brings a mix of subtle design refinements, software advancements, and some hardware improvements, particularly in the S25 Ultra. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25 Hands-On Review
1. Overview and Key Features
Samsung has adopted an iterative approach with the Galaxy S25 lineup, focusing more on software enhancements and AI-powered features than groundbreaking hardware changes. While the Ultra model receives more noticeable updates, the S25+ and S25 feature only minor hardware improvements, relying heavily on software optimizations for differentiation.
Common Features Across the Lineup
- Chipset: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3nm), delivering notable performance improvements.
- Display: All models feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X screens with a peak brightness of 2600 nits and 120Hz refresh rates.
- Software: Android 15-based One UI 7.0, boasting enhanced AI features and personalization options.
- Durability: IP68 water and dust resistance, reinforced with Corning Gorilla Glass protection.
- AI Integration: A suite of intelligent features, including AI Select, Gallery control, and Cross-app actions.
2. Design and Build
Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out with a 6.9-inch display, slimmed-down bezels (15% reduction), and an overall more pocketable design. The titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor 2 provide enhanced durability, with Samsung claiming 29% better drop and scratch resistance.
Key design highlights include:
- A flatter side frame with oval corners for improved grip.
- Slimmer chassis without sacrificing battery capacity.
- Color options: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Green, Titanium Black, and online-exclusive Jet Black and Jade Green.
Galaxy S25+ and S25
The S25+ and S25 maintain the aesthetic of their predecessors but are now 0.4mm thinner. They use Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and aluminum frames, offering solid durability. The S25+ features a 6.7-inch screen, while the compact S25 sports a 6.2-inch display.
Color options:
- S25+: Navy, Icy Blue, Mint, Silver Shadow.
- S25: Blue Black, Coral Red, Pink Gold.
3. Display and Performance
Galaxy S25 Ultra
The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is a visual treat, offering:
- 1440×3088 resolution.
- 2600 nits peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility under direct sunlight.
- DX anti-reflection treatment for improved legibility.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset ensures stellar performance, clocked slightly higher than the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite. Benchmark tests reveal the Ultra model outperforming most competitors in both single-core and multi-core scenarios.
Galaxy S25+ and S25
Both models inherit high-quality AMOLED screens with 120Hz refresh rates. However, the S25’s display resolution is capped at 1080x2340px, compared to the higher 1440p resolution on the S25+.
4. Cameras
Galaxy S25 Ultra
The S25 Ultra sees minor hardware tweaks in its camera system, with the standout being the new 50MP ultrawide sensor:
- Main camera: 200MP with f/1.7 aperture, multi-directional PDAF, and OIS.
- Telephoto cameras: 50MP (5x zoom) and 10MP (3x zoom) with OIS.
- Ultrawide camera: 50MP, f/1.9, with better low-light performance and 8K video recording at 30fps.
Galaxy S25+ and S25
The camera hardware remains unchanged:
- Main sensor: 50MP with Dual Pixel PDAF and OIS.
- Telephoto camera: 10MP with 3x optical zoom.
- Ultrawide camera: 12MP with no autofocus.
While hardware changes are limited, the ProVisual Engine powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite ISP brings improved low-light video recording and noise reduction.
5. AI and Software (One UI 7.0)
The One UI 7.0 update introduces AI-driven features that enhance user experience:
- AI Select: Contextual screen analysis for tasks like creating GIFs or wallpapers.
- Cross-app Actions: Seamless multitasking across apps, such as finding a restaurant on Google Maps and sharing its location via WhatsApp.
- Now Brief and Now Bar: Personalized daily summaries and lockscreen notifications for schedules, music, and sports updates.
Samsung promises 7 years of software updates, ensuring long-term support and security.
6. Battery and Charging
- S25 Ultra: 5000mAh battery with 45W wired charging (65% in 30 minutes), 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- S25+: 4900mAh battery with the same charging specs.
- S25: 4000mAh battery with 25W wired charging.
Samsung retains its PD3.0 support but falls behind Chinese competitors offering faster charging technologies.
7. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Early Verdict
Pros:
- S25 Ultra: Bigger screen, improved ultrawide camera, and a sleeker design.
- All Models: Excellent displays, robust Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, and long-term software support.
- AI Features: Improved personalization and productivity.
Cons:
- Minimal hardware upgrades for the S25+ and S25.
- S Pen loses Bluetooth functionality on the Ultra.
- Charging speeds lag behind competitors.
Pricing:
- S25 Ultra: Starting at €1,450/£1,250.
- S25+: Starting at €1,150/£1,000.
- S25: Starting at €900/£800.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup continues the brand’s legacy with a focus on refinement and AI innovation. While the S25 Ultra justifies its flagship status with design improvements and camera upgrades, the S25+ and S25 feel more like incremental updates. Whether these devices deliver a compelling enough experience will depend largely on how well Samsung’s AI features perform in real-world usage.
