Our Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S25 does not include many adjustments, however the few which might be listed here are adjustments for the simpler. This is among the maximum robust compact flagships available on the market, and if you wish to have a most sensible gaming enjoy in a smaller bundle, it is simple to suggest. I will’t lend a hand however want for one thing a bit extra thrilling, despite the fact that.
- It is lightning-quick
- Nice gaming efficiency
- Photograph processing is advanced
- Additional RAM and extra garage choices
- Nearly just like the S24
- Charging speeds may well be higher
Samsung’s flagship telephones have arrived for 2025, and as soon as once more, the emblem has educated its focal point on AI smarts moderately than {hardware} upgrades. The brand new Extremely fashion gained the most important adjustments, together with a contemporary new glance and a brand-new digital camera, however at a look, the usual Samsung Galaxy S25 turns out just like its predecessor, and the only prior to that, for that topic.
Fortunately, that’s now not totally true. The state of the art Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite now powers the Samsung Galaxy S25. The RAM has been upgraded to 12GB, and there’s an extra 512GB garage possibility. It’s all excellent information for players. The query is, is the Galaxy S25 price your hard earned money? Or may just you save a bit and seize probably the most older selections from our information to the very best gaming telephones? I sought after to determine, and after dwelling with it for the previous week, listed here are my ideas.
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Worth and availability
The Samsung Galaxy S25 is now to be had to reserve in maximum areas globally. There are 3 variants to choose between, all include 12GB of RAM, however you’ll choose from 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of garage.
The bottom fashion with 128GB garage retails for $799.99 / £799 / €900, and the 256GB model is going for $859.99 / £859 / €960. The 512GB doesn’t appear to have made its technique to the States but, however in the United Kingdom and Europe, you’ll be expecting to pay £959 / €1080. There are many pre-order reductions and contract offers to stay a watch out for, they usually range considerably between areas, so it’s price taking a look round to be sure you get the most productive deal.
Specifications
Listed below are the Samsung Galaxy S25’s specifications:
Efficiency and gaming
The Samsung Galaxy S25 makes use of Qualcomm’s very best chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and that’s the case globally, and not using a Exynos variations in sight. It additionally comes with 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB, which will have to lend a hand with multitasking and gaming efficiency.
Some other large trade is with the garage choices. Ultimate yr, it’s essential to handiest get the S24 with both 128GB or 256GB of garage, a minimum of in Europe. Now, there’s an extra 512GB possibility for the S25, which is excellent to peer, as that’s greater than enough room for the entire very best Android video games. It kind of feels Samsung has in any case learned that liking a smaller telephone doesn’t imply you wish to have any much less garage.
As it’s possible you’ll be expecting, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite at its core, the Galaxy S25 is a significant performer. It’ll care for any identify you’ll throw at it conveniently, and it had no hassle with my same old check, working Genshin Affect at 60fps with most graphical settings for hours. That’s a fairly large deal, as efficiency of this high quality is typically reserved for specialist gaming telephones, now not all-rounders just like the S25.
The body were given hotter than I’d like all the way through longer classes, however the efficiency didn’t appear to drop off an excessive amount of, which is spectacular making an allowance for the compact dimension of this handset. I most probably handiest spotted as a result of I used to be the use of it with out a case; it’ll be a lot more at ease to carry with the ones aluminum aspect rails hid.
There’s a recreation overlay constructed into One UI 7, nevertheless it’s about as elementary as they arrive. You’ll be able to get right of entry to such things as efficiency modes, contact sensitivity, and brightness locking, and you’ll additionally open different apps as floating home windows. It’s helpful stuff, nevertheless it’s a ways in the back of the likes of OnePlus, Honor, and Vivo.
Options and tool
Booting up the S25, the tool adjustments are instantly noticeable. Samsung has been laborious at paintings refining the design of One UI, and its 7th iteration appears extra polished than ever. In my enjoy, it’s essentially the most responsive and speedy-feeling Android-based OS by way of some margin. Swiping round this OS feels lightning short.
As we noticed final yr, Samsung is all-in on Galaxy AI, and also you’ll now in finding AI-powered parts in on the subject of each house of One UI. The worldwide seek bar now helps natural-language enter, so moderately than having to grasp a particular time period or key phrase, you’ll simply sort a query. For instance, you’ll sort “it’s too dim,” and the brightness settings will arise. It’s the type of factor that might be very to hand for much less tech-savvy customers.
Circle to Seek debuted on final yr’s S24 fashions, and this yr, it’s again with additional functions. It may possibly now seek for audio, similar to Shazam, so you’ll determine a music that’s enjoying and even simply hum a song you’re looking for the identify of. It’s truly to hand to have this multi functional position. Alternatively, this replace isn’t unique to Samsung units, and it has already seemed on my Vivo, too.
There’s additionally a brand new device known as AI Make a choice, which is unique to Samsung. This works in a similar fashion in that you choose issues by way of circling them to your display screen, nevertheless it’s extra for advent than internet seek. You’ll be able to use it for easy issues, like creating a GIF or a screenshot, however you’ll additionally take away gadgets from those screenshots, upload to them the use of Caricature to Symbol, or reimagine them totally with Drawing Help. It’s a amusing novelty, however in truth, I will’t consider the use of all of them that a lot; Circle to Seek will stay my go-to.
Now Temporary is some other large addition. It makes use of AI to summarize your day and provide you with key data at a look. By way of default, Now Temporary delivers updates to the notifications coloration all over the day, and there’s additionally a house display screen widget for speedy get right of entry to.
I used to be on this function, however the fact used to be fairly disappointing. My Temporary would virtually at all times simply come with climate data and no matter is in my calendar. It’s helpful data, however not anything in particular new or thrilling. Every now and then, there used to be a random Spotify playlist in there, nevertheless it wasn’t precisely customized to my style. For instance, I at all times were given such things as ‘Sunday Afternoon Combine’ simply because it used to be a Sunday afternoon. This option has doable, however in its present state, it’s very underwhelming.
The telephone has the entire identical AI-powered symbol modifying equipment as final yr, they usually appear to have advanced over the years, too. They’re indubitably extra dependable than Apple’s possible choices. This yr’s large addition is Audio Eraser, which, because the identify suggests, is similar to the an identical function on iPhones and Pixel units.
This option makes use of AI to spot other sound assets for your movies after which provides you with virtual sliders to regulate the quantity of every one. In case you have a video clip with an excessive amount of visitors noise within the background, you’ll build up the quantity of your voice and switch down the extent of visitors. It’s artful stuff, however the outcome sounds a bit too synthetic for my liking, so I’d handiest suggest the use of it in excessive cases.
Design
It’s simple to mistake the Galaxy S25 for the S24, and even the S23, for that topic. The design has slightly modified, and the one primary distinction is the addition of a few thicker black rings across the rear cameras. Those rings don’t do anything else; they’re simply a cultured selection, however I feel they give the impression of being reasonably great. They’re similar to those at the Galaxy Z Fold 6, they usually fit the remainder of the S25 lineup, too.
The S25 is slimmer than its predecessor, nevertheless it’s now not one thing you’ll realize in the true international. Samsung has handiest controlled to shave off 0.4 mm, which is lower than the thickness of the common fingernail. It’s additionally lighter, however once more, we’re handiest taking 6 grams, which isn’t sufficient to make a lot of an affect.
After all, we additionally get some new colour choices. I’ve the Silver Shadow model for checking out, however you’ll additionally choose between Military, Mint, and Icyblue. I think like those colours have a bit extra character than the monochromatic S25 Extremely choices, however they’re nonetheless at the elegant aspect.
If you wish to have one thing a bit extra colourful, you’ll wish to purchase from Samsung.com and select up the unique Coralred possibility. It’s indubitably the standout possibility for many who like to show heads. Additionally unique to Samsung.com are the Blueblack and Pinkgold choices. They’re now not reasonably as loud, however each glance reasonably fetching in their very own proper.
The Galaxy S25 continues to be IP68 rated for mud and water resistance, and it has the similar Gorilla Glass Victus 2 coating at the entrance. Neither the titanium-infused body nor the anti-reflective glass of the Extremely has made an look at the smaller fashions, sadly, so we’d suggest nonetheless choosing up a case.
Show and audio system
The show additionally has the very same specs as final yr’s S24. It’s under no circumstances thrilling, nevertheless it used to be already a really nice show, and it appears simply as spectacular a yr later.
It has slender, symmetrical bezels on each side, and it’s utterly flat, which makes it appear and feel a little like an iPhone. The brightness peaks at 2,600 nits, which doesn’t sound like a lot, nevertheless it’s in truth an excessively shiny show. Producers have a wide variety of wacky tactics to measure brightness, and I think like Samsung is being a bit extra conservative with its figures. In spite of everything, it’s greater than shiny sufficient to permit for taking part in any of the very best cellular video games in direct daylight.
The one factor that’s new here’s a tool function evolved with Qualcomm known as ProScaler. This option makes use of AI to upscale content material for a extra crisp and high-resolution glance. My handiest factor is that I will’t determine when or the way you turn on this option, and if I’m being utterly fair, I haven’t spotted a lot of a distinction.
The Galaxy S25 show at all times appears nice, and whether or not we will be able to characteristic that to the ProScaler or now not, be expecting surprising HDR content material, slick and easy gaming, and colourful, correct colour copy. Samsung is aware of what it’s doing within the show division, and the S25 is as spectacular as ever.
It’s the similar tale with the audio system. I’m now not conscious about any upgrades, however they have been already nice, they usually sound simply as excellent this time round. Actually, I feel they’re higher than the audio system at the S25 Extremely merely because of their positioning. I’m at all times muffling the audio system at the Extremely after I grasp the telephone in panorama, and fortunately, that doesn’t occur at the S25.
Samsung Galaxy S25’s cameras
The digital camera array may be unchanged in this fashion. This implies you get a 50MP f/1.8 major snapper, a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide, and a 10MP f/2.4 3x telephoto. Across the entrance, there’s a 12MP f/2.2 selfie digital camera.
Those are lovely underwhelming specs in 2025; even mid-rangers are managing triple 50MP setups, if now not upper. However, as we’ve noticed again and again prior to, the megapixel depend isn’t the whole lot, and low-resolution cameras can ship some astonishingly excellent effects.
To be fair, I used to be anticipating the Galaxy S25 pictures to appear just like the S24 pictures. It’s the similar {hardware}, in the end. Fortunately, despite the fact that, there are delicate enhancements around the board. The principle factor I realized is that the colour accuracy turns out higher, and pores and skin tones appear a lot more life like than on earlier Samsung flagships. The extent of sprucing appears a lot more pure, too. It’s a small trade, nevertheless it makes an affect.
I’m now not certain if this can be a tool trade (which might imply it might additionally practice to the S24) or if it’s all the way down to the brand new ISP at the Snapdragon 8 Elite. In spite of everything, pictures and movies glance a lot more spectacular in this tool. After all, there’s handiest such a lot that symbol processing can do, and the drawbacks of the former fashion are nonetheless provide right here. This telephone didn’t get the upgraded ultrawide digital camera, this means that there’s nonetheless no autofocus, and that makes it a far much less flexible lens.
With the exception of for the principle digital camera, those somewhat small sensors endure in low gentle. You’ll be able to be expecting very noisy and grainy pictures when the lights situation isn’t perfect. Even if switching to the devoted evening mode does a tight task of cleansing issues up.
There’s a large improve for budding filmmakers this yr, and that’s the addition of a right kind LOG recording mode. This implies you’ll seize video that’s extra appropriate for colour grading, similar to you can on a certified cinema digital camera. It even works at 8K decision, which even the iPhone 16 Professional Max can’t fit.
Battery
The battery and charging specs stay unchanged at the Galaxy S25. This implies you handiest get a 4000 mAh cellular and a gradual 25W stressed charging price. Those aren’t precisely flagship-grade figures in 2025, however regardless of that, I discovered the S25 simple to reside with.
A mixture of {hardware} and tool optimization implies that the battery lasts greater than lengthy sufficient for most of the people. I’m a somewhat heavy consumer, and I nonetheless controlled to get to bedtime with round 20% capability last maximum days.
The similar is correct of the charging; 25W would possibly sound woefully gradual, nevertheless it used to be sufficient to take me from full-flat to 60% charged in about part an hour. It’s now not a lot of a trouble. Simply bear in mind that the overall 30% takes for much longer, and it’ll take neatly over an hour to get you from flat to 100% charged.
Samsung now provides legit circumstances with Qi2-compatible magnets in-built, however there aren’t any magnets within the telephone itself. This were given my hopes up, as I anticipated quicker wi-fi charging speeds to return at the side of it. Alas, we nonetheless handiest get 15W wi-fi charging, nevertheless it’s nonetheless higher than not anything.
Will have to you purchase the Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 is among the maximum dull product launches in contemporary reminiscence. It’s mainly the similar telephone we noticed final yr, simply with the brand new Qualcomm chip within. There are a couple of additional sweets, just like the larger RAM capability and the 512GB possibility (in some areas), however another way, the {hardware} is precisely the similar.
That stated, when you’re in search of a flagship tool with a smaller display screen, you’re now not precisely swimming in choices. The S25 is among the maximum robust units on this dimension vary, and players with smaller fingers are certain to love it.
It’s spectacular in other places, too. The cameras appear to accomplish fairly higher than final yr, the tool is filled with novel AI options, and it’s only a pleasure to reside with. It would possibly not have a head-turning spec sheet, however the day by day enjoy of the use of it’s laborious to fault.
The largest factor is its similarity to final yr’s fashion. If you’ll in finding an S24 at a excellent value, it could be the extra good possibility. Each the Exynos and Snapdragon variations are nice for gaming, and lots of the new AI options will arrive at the older fashion by way of firmware updates.
Possible choices
Should you’re now not certain that the Samsung Galaxy S25 is best for you, listed here are a few different compact flagships price making an allowance for
Samsung Galaxy S24
As discussed, the S24 has necessarily the similar {hardware} because the S25; the one actual distinction is that it has an Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 moderately than the brand new 8 Elite. Those chips are nonetheless greater than rapid sufficient for most of the people, and you’ll nonetheless in finding the 2024 flagship by way of maximum shops. So, it’s possible you’ll imagine saving some money and grabbing the older model. For more info, learn our Samsung Galaxy S24 assessment.
iPhone 16 Professional
Should you’re now not married to the theory of an Android telephone, it’s price making an allowance for Apple’s iPhone 16 Professional. It’s virtually precisely the similar dimension because the S25, nevertheless it has extra spectacular cameras and likely benefits for gaming, together with the facility to run Genshin Affect at 120Hz. Alternatively, it’s additionally costlier, and Apple Intelligence continues to be a ways in the back of Samsung’s AI options.
That’s our Samsung Galaxy S25 assessment. For extra on the most recent telephones, make sure to try our RedMagic 10 Professional assessment and Asus ROG Telephone 9 Professional assessment. Or, if you wish to see what fellow tech large Apple has to provide, take a look at our information to the very best gaming iPhones.
