Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Deja Vu

Samsung’s compact flagship cellphone is again for one more 12 months, and it’s wanting very, very acquainted. When you thought the S25 Extremely was an underwhelming replace, effectively, buckle in.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 has a brand new chip, extra RAM and a few minor aesthetic tweaks. In any other case, it’s just about similar to the Galaxy S24. As with the remainder of the lineup, the most important developments are software-based, and Samsung is betting huge on AI but once more.

So, it may not be a game-changing improve, however is that this petite performer nonetheless price contemplating? I popped my SIM inside for per week to attempt to discover out.

Design & Construct

• Redesigned digital camera bezels
• Armor Aluminium body
• IP68 rated

The Samsung Galaxy S25 seems nearly similar to the S24. The one main change to the styling is the addition of some thick black bezels across the cameras.

These look identical to the bezels on the Z Fold 6, they usually match the remainder of the S25 lineup, too. They’re purely ornamental, and for me, they primarily function a approach to rapidly differentiate this 12 months’s telephones from its predecessor.

The S25 is obtainable in several colors this 12 months, too. I’ve the Silver Shadow mannequin in for testing, which is a reasonably reserved and professional-looking choice, however if you wish to stand out a bit extra, the Navy and Mint variations make a barely greater assertion.

There’s additionally an choice known as Icyblue, which seems similar to the Silver mannequin, simply lighter, with a really slight blueish tint to the rear panel.

When you order from Samsung.com, you’ll have entry to 3 further unique colors, together with the liveliest of the bunch – Coralred. There’s additionally Blueblack and Pinkgold, which have a extra muted palette. If you wish to stand out, the colourful Coralred is unquestionably the best way to go.

The cellphone is barely slimmer, however we’re solely speaking 0.4mm, which is about the identical thickness as 4 sheets of paper

I wouldn’t usually spend this lengthy speaking about color choices, however to be sincere, there’s not lots else to say right here. The cellphone is barely slimmer, however we’re solely speaking 0.4mm, which is about the identical thickness as 4 sheets of paper. It’s additionally 6g lighter, however for those who can really feel that distinction, you’ve gotten extra delicate arms than I.

In any other case, it’s all the identical because the earlier mannequin. It’s the one partially introduced Galaxy S25 Edge (rumoured to be known as the S25 Slim) which introduces a brand new design choice.

The button format is similar, the form is similar, the end feels the identical and it’s nonetheless IP68 rated. Across the entrance, you get the identical Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 coating as effectively.

I had my fingers crossed that the smaller telephones would profit from the identical anti-reflective coating because the Extremely, however that’s not the case. Oh effectively, possibly subsequent 12 months.

Whereas I wouldn’t name the S25 a small cellphone (they appear to be useless), it’s lots smaller than most flagships and I discovered it refreshing after spending time with the comparatively cumbersome S25 Extremely.

You may barely really feel it in your pocket, and when you have small arms, you’ll discover it far more manageable than most flagship slabs.

Display screen & Audio system

• 6.2-inch LTPO AMOLED show
• Full HD+ decision
• 2600 nits peak brightness
• Stereo audio system

Relating to the show, it’s a well-known story. The specs are similar to final 12 months’s mannequin, so there’s not a lot to get enthusiastic about, but it surely was nice final 12 months and it’s nonetheless simply as spectacular.

The bezel was already extremely slim, and the 2600 nit output is greater than sufficient to compete with direct daylight.

It’s an LTPO panel, so it’ll dynamically shift from 1Hz to 120Hz as wanted. Saving you some battery life whereas making certain movement seems easy and fluid.

The one actual replace is the addition of a software program function known as ProScaler. This was developed in collaboration with Qualcomm and it makes use of AI to upscale on-screen content material for a crisp excessive decision look.

As I famous in my S25 Extremely evaluate, Samsung hasn’t been too clear about when or how this function will get activated, and I’d be mendacity if I stated I seen a distinction.

That stated, the FHD+ panel seems crisp and clear in nearly each situation, so whether or not it may be attributed to the ProScaler or not, you’re in for a visible deal with.

The audio system are additionally unchanged, and once more, that’s tremendous by me.

They’re nonetheless among the many finest, with nice readability and extra bass than most. I really favor these audio system to the S25 Extremely audio system, because the positioning of the drivers makes them much less susceptible to being muffled.

Specs & Efficiency

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (in all areas)
• 12GB RAM
• 128GB / 256GB / 512GB storage

Lastly, we attain an space with some significant upgrades.

The Galaxy S25 is powered by Qualcomm’s newest flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. And it’s not simply any chip, it’s a particular ‘for Galaxy’ overclocked model made completely for Samsung.

The RAM has additionally been upgraded to a beneficiant 12GB, matching its S25-series siblings. Plus, there’s a further storage choice for this 12 months, so now you can go for 512GB on probably the most compact mannequin.

there’s a further storage choice for this 12 months, so now you can go for 512GB on probably the most compact mannequin.

I’m actually happy to see this, I all the time thought it was foolish that you simply needed to accept decrease specs on the smallest S-series handset. In spite of everything, simply since you favor a smaller cellphone, that doesn’t imply you don’t need prime efficiency or a number of storage.

Many shall be completely satisfied to see the again of the Exynos chipset, too, as the entire lineup makes use of the identical Qualcomm chip, it doesn’t matter what area you’re in.

In benchmarks, the S25 performs simply in addition to you’d count on. It is a supremely highly effective cellphone, and it has no bother working probably the most demanding video games and apps accessible on the Play Retailer.

I discovered that the body will get a bit hotter than I’d like throughout longer gaming periods, however I wouldn’t say it’s a lot worse than the S25 Extremely. On condition that this cellphone has a considerably smaller vapour chamber, that’s fairly an accomplishment.

How a lot of a distinction this efficiency increase will make, in sensible phrases, is dependent upon how you employ your cellphone. Final 12 months’s S24 was already wonderful for gaming, and except you had been working into limitations someplace, the every day expertise is more likely to be fairly comparable.

That stated, this cellphone feels extraordinarily fast always, noticeably faster than plenty of its Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered rivals. I believe that is primarily due to the zippy animation fashion of One UI 7, however possibly that overclock is doing a little work of its personal, too.

Samsung Galaxy S25 benchmarks

Cameras

• 50Mp essential sensor
• 12Mp ultrawide
• 10Mp 3x telephoto
• 12Mp selfie digital camera

The cameras nonetheless haven’t seen any {hardware} adjustments, and also you get the very same set of sensors and lenses that we’ve seen for the previous couple of generations.

You’ll suppose which means the photographs and movies look similar on this mannequin, however that’s not the case. Simply as I noticed with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely, there are refined enhancements throughout the board.

I’m unsure if now we have the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s ISP to thank for these enhancements, or if it’s simply software program tweaks, or possible each however the photographs and movies look barely higher on the S25 than they did on the S24. 

every thing seems extra pure and reasonable, and I discovered that the most important enchancment was with pores and skin tones

The primary change is with color copy, every thing seems extra pure and reasonable, and I discovered that the most important enchancment was with pores and skin tones. Finer particulars like textures appear to resolve higher, too, with out that oversharpened look that was prevalent on older Samsung flagships.

It’s not an enormous change, but it surely’s sufficient to be noticeable.

In any other case, you’ll be able to count on a really acquainted expertise, with the identical advantages and disadvantages because the Galaxy S23 and S24. This cellphone may not get the brand new ultrawide that was added to the S25 Extremely, however when it comes to high quality, I don’t suppose there’s an enormous distinction.

The primary factor to notice is that this ultrawide unit doesn’t have autofocus, so it’s not appropriate for close-ups, whereas the Extremely is superb in that regard.

General, I’m more than happy with the outcomes from the S25. I notably just like the selfie digital camera, which I believe outclasses plenty of its rivals such because the Google Pixel 9 in relation to sharpness, element and color accuracy – regardless of the low megapixel rely.

The rear trio provide you with a lot zoom vary, and the primary and 3x lenses can focus very shut up for macro pictures.

The primary downside to this digital camera system is the quantity of noise in low mild circumstances (that’s true for the S25 Extremely as effectively). The primary sensor isn’t affected too badly, however the ultrawide and 3x telephoto get very noisy when the sunshine is low.

There’s solely a lot you are able to do with these comparatively small sensors, in spite of everything.

Relating to video capturing, the massive change is the brand new Log recording format.

When activated, your movies have a particularly flat and low-contrast look, and it’s designed to offer editors most flexibility when adjusting the colors in software program like Premiere Professional or DaVinci Resolve. It’s the identical function that you simply’ll discover on skilled mirrorless cameras, and it has been current on the previous couple of generations of iPhone, too.

For probably the most half, this function works in the identical manner because it does on the S25 Extremely, and each can seize Log footage at as much as 8K decision – besting Apple. Nonetheless, there’s one key distinction.

The S25 can’t report Log footage at 4K 120fps, whereas the S25 Extremely can. It’s nonetheless able to 4K 120fps seize, however solely inside the slow-motion mode, so it’s barely much less versatile.

Battery Life & Charging

• 4000mAh battery
• 25W wired charging
• 15W wi-fi charging
• No energy adapter within the field

Care to take a guess what’s modified with the battery and charging this 12 months? Yep. Completely nothing.

You continue to get a 4000mAh cell, and it prices at 25W with a wire and 15W with out. As regular, there’s no charger within the field, only a USB-C cable.

whereas 4000 mAh may sound ridiculously small, it really lasts longer than you may count on.

In equity, the S25 does appear to final barely longer than its predecessor, possible because of the effectivity of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and One UI 7. So whereas 4000mAh may sound ridiculously small, it really lasts longer than you may count on.

On most days, I went to mattress with about 20% capability remaining, and the cellphone by no means did not see me to the top of the day. It’s not astonishing battery life, but it surely’s ample.

It’s the same story with the charging. It’s not painful to dwell with, but it surely’s markedly slower than plenty of the competitors. Nonetheless, for lots of people, from flat to nearly 60% charged in half an hour is livable.

I simply don’t see why we will’t have a minimum of 45W to match the S25’s bigger siblings.

Samsung has upgraded the S25 will Qi2 wi-fi charging but it surely’s not applied how we hoped. The agency can have an official clear case with Qi2-compatible magnets accessible quickly, however there aren’t any magnets constructed into the cellphone itself which is a disgrace.

I’m nonetheless completely satisfied to see it, because it possible means we’ll see some cool first-party magnetic equipment. Nonetheless, third-party circumstances have supplied comparable talents for years, so it’s not precisely game-changing.

Software program & Apps

• Samsung One UI 7
• Primarily based on Android 15
• New Galaxy AI options
• Seven years of help

As you’re effectively conscious by now, Samsung hasn’t actually modified a lot with the Galaxy S25 {hardware}, and that’s as a result of it has been specializing in software program options as an alternative.

The model already had probably the most superior AI options within the enterprise, and this 12 months, it has doubled down to keep up that lead.

One UI 7 has a contemporary new look, and it’s feeling snappier than ever. I don’t suppose another Android machine comes near matching the speedy animation fashion that Samsung supplies, and it’s a delight to work together with.

You’ll now discover AI-powered options built-in into nearly each space of the OS. This contains the worldwide search bar, which helps natural-language enter.

So, for instance, if you wish to get to your Bluetooth settings you’ll be able to search “I need to join my headphones” and the cellphone will perceive what you’re searching for. It’s not the form of change that can have a lot affect on energy customers, however for the much less technically inclined, it’s certain to be very helpful.

The voice assistant is now powered by Google Gemini, and its capabilities have been expanded to permit it to work together with different purposes. So, quite than simply answering questions, Gemini can add issues to your calendar and ship messages – for those who grant it the required permissions.

I discovered that the supported capabilities are nonetheless fairly restricted, but it surely’s a glimpse of issues to come back, and I’ve a sense it’ll be very spectacular within the coming months.

Circle to Search which debuted with the S24-series, is again and higher than ever. It now helps video search, and it could actually additionally act like Shazam, looking for music that’s enjoying and even looking for a tune that you simply’re buzzing.

I really like this function, however as we noticed final 12 months, it received’t keep unique to Samsung, and we’ll see this seem on different Android telephones within the close to future, if it hasn’t already.

What’s unique to Samsung is the brand new AI-powered choose instrument. I used to be a bit puzzled by this at first, because it capabilities very equally to Circle to Search. Each can search the online for content material in your display, choose textual content from photos and even translate content material. The place AI Choose differs, although, is its skill to create issues.

There are generative AI-powered options accessible instantly from the Choose instrument, so you’ll be able to reimagine your screenshot in quite a few inventive kinds, take away objects with the AI eraser and even sketch an AI-enhanced creation on prime.

To be sincere, I can’t see myself utilizing any of those options usually, however they’re accessible if you would like them.

One other huge addition is a function known as Now Temporary. This function makes use of AI to offer you a fast abstract of your day forward, together with issues like climate data, calendar occasions, journey notices and extra.

It’s delivered to your notifications routinely all through the day, and will also be discovered through a house display widget and lock display icon.

I assumed this function appeared fairly cool, however as I famous in my S25 Extremely evaluate, my precise expertise was fairly underwhelming. I believe it’s because I’m not totally invested within the Samsung ecosystem.

I bought the climate and my calendar occasions for the day, whereas I’ve seen different reviewers get well being insights, information tales, sports activities scores and extra. There’s potential right here, however I believe it wants higher integration with third-party apps for it to be helpful.

for those who’ve taken a video with an excessive amount of wind noise or loud visitors within the background, this function makes use of AI to filter it out.

You continue to get all the identical AI-powered picture enhancing instruments that we noticed final 12 months, however there’s a brand new function to boost your movies known as Audio Eraser. It’s similar to the Audio Magic Eraser on Google Pixel telephones, in addition to the equal function on the iPhone 16 collection.

Basically, for those who’ve taken a video with an excessive amount of wind noise or loud visitors within the background, this function makes use of AI to filter it out.

It really works pretty effectively, and I used to be impressed with how effectively the software program might separate various kinds of sounds. You’re given tremendous management over the quantity of every sound, so you’ll be able to tune it to your liking. Nonetheless, the audio nonetheless sounds a bit processed and unnatural after making use of this filter, so I’d solely use it in excessive circumstances.

As beforehand, Samsung guarantees seven years of OS and safety updates which is market-leading together with Google.

Value & Availability

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is obtainable to order now in most areas all over the world. The bottom mannequin, with 128GB of storage, will value you £799 within the UK and $799.99 Stateside. The 256GB mannequin retails for £859/$859.99.

Bizarrely, the biggest capability 512GB mannequin doesn’t appear to be accessible within the US, but it surely’ll value you £959 within the UK.

When you’re not trying to purchase outright, there are many contract particulars that may unfold the associated fee. Take a look at our information to one of the best Samsung Galaxy S25 offers to see what’s accessible.

Take a look at our rankings for one of the best telephones to see our prime suggestions.

Do you have to purchase the Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the smallest generational improve in current reminiscence. When it comes to {hardware}, there’s the brand new Qualcomm chip, some extra RAM and a further 512GB storage choice. There are additionally new colors to select from, however in any other case, the cellphone is just about similar to its predecessor.

This implies the most important adjustments are discovered within the software program, which isn’t essentially an issue, however with Samsung’s dedication to long-term software program help, a lot of the new stuff will possible seem on the S24 and earlier fashions, too.

The Galaxy S25 remains to be one of the best compact flagship that Samsung has ever made, however for those who already personal an S24, or an S23 for that matter, there’s not likely a lot purpose to improve. It’s grow to be a really comparable scenario to the iPhone improve conundrum.

I’d solely suggest doing so for those who’re working right into a limitation together with your present cellphone, like if it’s slowing down throughout multitasking or for those who want extra storage. Or maybe, it’s damaged from a fall.

When you’re coming from one other machine, then the Samsung Galaxy S25 is unlikely to disappoint. It could not have probably the most spectacular spec sheet in the marketplace, however the total expertise utilizing the cellphone is second to none. It’s lightning-quick, takes nice photographs and movies, and it feels high quality by and thru.

When you’re into AI options, that is undoubtedly the small-ish flagship of alternative.

Specs

• One UI 7, based mostly on Android 15
• 6.2in, 2340×1080, AMOLED, 120Hz
• In-display fingerprint sensor
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
• 12GB RAM
• 128GB / 256GB / 512GB storage
• Cameras:
  • 50Mp, f/1.8 essential digital camera
  • 12Mp f/2.2 ultra-wide digital camera
  • 10Mp f/2.4 3x telephoto
  • As much as 8K @ 30fps rear video
  • 12Mp front-facing digital camera
• Stereo audio system
• Twin-SIM
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
• Bluetooth 5.3
• 4000mAh battery
• 25W charging (no charger in field)
• 15W wi-fi charging
• 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm
• IP68 licensed
• 162g
• Colors: Navy, Icyblue, Silver Shadow, Mint
• Samsung.com unique colors: Blueblack, Coralred, Pinkgold